Design principles
Keyboard-First
All functions via keyboard. Play instruments, trigger samples, navigate, edit, mix.
In-the-Box Focus
Optimized for computer-based production.
Simplicity
Focused feature set.
Fast Workflow
Minimal clicks, instant feedback.
No Stock Plugins
Audio Unit integration instead of bundled plugins.
Native Performance
Swift and Metal tuned for modern Macs, with Apple Silicon recommended for best performance.
Features
Command Palette
200+ commands with fuzzy search and customizable shortcuts.
Focus Mode
Edit clips inline — audio waveforms and MIDI piano roll expand in place.
Plugin Strip
See and control your entire effects chain at a glance, with Gain Match and metering.
Automation
Automate mixer controls and plugin parameters with editable curves.
Groove & Swing
38 groove presets that shift the grid, snapping, and playback — globally or per track.
Sidechain
Three modes — Audio, MIDI, and Trigger Impulse. Zero latency.
Ducking
Duck any track from another’s events with a hand-drawn shape. No plugin, no latency.
Stem Separation
Split audio into vocals, drums, bass, and more — all processed locally.
Project Versioning
Save snapshots with audio previews. Compare before restoring.
Musical Typing
Play MIDI from the computer keyboard. Scale, Piano, Drums or Follow layout.
App Audio Capture
Record the audio output of any running app on your Mac.
System requirements
- macOS 26 or later
- Apple Silicon or Intel Mac with a Metal-capable GPU
- Recommended: Apple Silicon (M1 or later)
First launch
The first time Gridshift opens, a short setup walks through three pages:- Plugins: scan the Audio Units installed on your Mac.
- Samples: import a folder of samples and MIDI files, and choose whether to turn on Smart Search. It starts ticked. The one-time model download (about 170 MB) begins when you continue and keeps running in the background after the setup closes.
- iCloud and iPhone: choose whether to sync your projects, which starts ticked, and whether to sync your samples, which does not. The iOS Companion shows your projects from the first and plays your samples from the second. A link opens the TestFlight invite for the app.
Settings → Library that you can change later. The setup appears once. Skipping it ends it for good.
Light and dark mode
Gridshift follows the macOS appearance, like any other Mac app, and has no light or dark setting of its own. Choose Light, Dark, or Auto inSystem Settings → Appearance, and Gridshift switches with the rest of the system.
Quick links
Core Concepts
Learn the interface
Features
Explore features
Shortcuts
Learn shortcuts