> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.gridshift.studio/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Load Instruments and Effects

> Puts an Audio Unit instrument on an instrument track and effects after it. Press ⌥S to load an instrument, a sample or a preset, and ⌥E to add an effect.

## Load an instrument

<video src="/videos/inspector-instrument.mp4" poster="/videos/inspector-instrument.jpg" aria-label="Option S lists instruments, samples and presets; Option X opens the plugin in its own window" title="Option S lists instruments, samples and presets; Option X opens the plugin in its own window" muted loop playsInline preload="none" />

Select an instrument track, press `⌥S` (**Load Sound…**) and pick an instrument, a sample or an [instrument preset](/sounds/instrument-presets.md). Click the card, or press `⌥X`, to open the plugin in its own window.

## Add an effect

<video src="/videos/plugin-strip-add.mp4" poster="/videos/plugin-strip-add.jpg" aria-label="Option E, a few letters and Return add the effect; the new card lands in the strip" title="Option E, a few letters and Return add the effect; the new card lands in the strip" muted loop playsInline preload="none" />

Press `⌥E` (Command Palette → **Add Effect…**), type a few letters of the plugin's name and press `Return`. The new card lands after the selected card, or at the end of the chain.

## Good to know

* **On an instrument track `⌥S` has a searchable tab for each kind: instruments, samples and presets.** `⇥` switches tabs, and what you typed carries over. A sample loads into the built-in [Sampler](/samples/sampler.md); an [instrument preset](/sounds/instrument-presets.md) brings its instrument and its effects.
* **An instrument from the Instruments tab loads onto the selected instrument track if it has none.** Otherwise it gets a new instrument track. Its window opens.
* **`⌥E` puts the effect after the selected card**, or at the end of the chain when no card is selected.
* **Saved [effect presets](/sounds/effect-presets.md) sit under their plugin** in the `⌥E` list. The Sample Library inserts one too, with **Insert on Selected Track**.
* **Notes can be shaped before the instrument.** Arpeggiators and chord generators go in front of it: [MIDI Effects](/sounds/midi-effects.md).

> **Details**
>
> * **`⇧⌘T` (New Instrument Track…) makes the track and opens the same list.** One `⌘Z` removes the new track too. See [Tracks](/tracks/tracks.md).
> * **Every track except an automation track takes effects.** Automation tracks have no Plugin Strip.
> * **The lists are sorted into [plugin categories](/sounds/plugin-categories.md)**, with **Favorites** on top and uncategorized plugins under **Other**. You set both in `Settings ▸ Plugins`.
> * **Plugins are scanned on first launch.** After installing new ones, click **Scan for New** in `Settings ▸ Plugins`, or run Command Palette → **Scan for New Plugins**.

> **Keys**
>
> | Action | Shortcut |
> | - | - |
> | Load Sound… | `⌥S` |
> | New Instrument Track… | `⇧⌘T` |
> | Add Effect… | `⌥E` |
> | Edit Sample or Instrument | `⌥X` |
> | Next tab in the `⌥S` list | `⇥` |


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