> ## 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.

# Command Palette

> Finds and runs any command by typing. Press ⌘K, type a few letters, press Return.

## Run a command

<video src="/videos/command-palette-groups.mp4" poster="/videos/command-palette-groups.jpg" aria-label="Return on a group lists its commands, typing searches only inside it, and Escape goes back to the full list" title="Return on a group lists its commands, typing searches only inside it, and Escape goes back to the full list" muted loop playsInline preload="none" />

Press `⌘K` and type part of a name: `tempo` finds **Change Tempo**, `mixer` lists the whole Mixer group. `Return` runs it, `Escape` goes back one step.

## Enter a value

<video src="/videos/command-palette-value.mp4" poster="/videos/command-palette-value.jpg" aria-label="Return moves into Change Tempo's field, 174 is typed, and Return again sets the tempo" title="Return moves into Change Tempo's field, 174 is typed, and Return again sets the tempo" muted loop playsInline preload="none" />

Highlight a command like **Change Tempo** or **Set Volume**. `Return` moves into its field, which holds the current value. Type the new one and press `Return` again.

## Choose a sound by ear

<video src="/videos/command-palette-preview.mp4" poster="/videos/command-palette-preview.jpg" aria-label="Each down arrow swaps the highlighted snare into the track's clips; Return keeps it" title="Each down arrow swaps the highlighted snare into the track's clips; Return keeps it" muted loop playsInline preload="none" />

Lists of sounds play the row you highlight. `↓` plays the next one, `Return` keeps it, `Escape` puts back what you had.

## Switch between instruments, samples and presets

<video src="/videos/command-palette-tabs.mp4" poster="/videos/command-palette-tabs.jpg" aria-label="In New Instrument Track, Tab moves from the Instruments tab to Samples, and the arrows play each sample as they reach it" title="In New Instrument Track, Tab moves from the Instruments tab to Samples, and the arrows play each sample as they reach it" muted loop playsInline preload="none" />

In the instrument lists, `⇥` switches between instruments, samples and presets. What you typed carries over.

## Use it in the Sample Library

<video src="/videos/command-palette-library.mp4" poster="/videos/command-palette-library.jpg" aria-label="With a sample selected in the Sample Library, Command K opens a palette headed Sample Library with that window's commands" title="With a sample selected in the Sample Library, Command K opens a palette headed Sample Library with that window's commands" muted loop playsInline preload="none" />

With the Sample Library in front, `⌘K` lists that window's commands for the selected sample.

## Good to know

* **The palette lists the commands of the window you are in.** From the arrangement that is over 300 commands, so nearly every control in the project window has one. From the [Sample Library](/library/sample-library.md) it is only that window's own list, so a command never acts on a window you are not looking at.
* **Opened empty, it shows Recent and Favorites first**, then **All Commands**. `⌘D` on a highlighted row adds it to Favorites.
* **Any row can have its own key**, even a group or a single sound. Highlight it and press `⌘S`: [Custom Shortcuts](/work-fast/custom-shortcuts.md).
* **A value field turns orange** while the value is out of range. `Escape` leaves it and keeps the old value.
* **A command that cannot be undone asks first**, such as **Delete Comment** or **Delete Plugin Category…**. In that question `Return` cancels, as `Escape` does; the button that goes ahead takes a click.

> **Details**
>
> * Each command shows its group in gray after its name, as in **Change Tempo** *Tempo & Key*. The groups and every command in them: [Palette Commands](/reference/palette-commands.md).
> * `Return` on a group opens it, and typing then searches only that group.
> * The palette learns which command you pick for which search and ranks it higher next time. Command Palette → **Reset Command Palette Ranking** forgets that.
> * A command that cannot run right now stays in the list and says why, for example **No Comments** with how to add one.
> * Rows in a sub-menu, such as one scale under **Change Scale** or one color under **Set Track Color…**, can be highlighted, run and given keys like any command.
> * A sample from an instrument list loads into the built-in [Sampler](/samples/sampler.md). An instrument preset brings its instrument and its effects.
> * An instrument row is silent while you browse. It plays once it is loaded.
> * **New Instrument Track…** always creates a track. Its first row, **Empty Instrument Track**, is the plain `⇧⌘T`.
> * A Sample Library command fired from another window opens the palette on that command and says why it cannot run.
> * In the Sample Library only **Edit Sample or Instrument** (`⌥X`) has a key; the window in front decides what it edits. The library window answers `Space`, `⌫` and `⌘D` on its own.
> * `⌘L` on a highlighted command binds it to a MIDI controller: [MIDI Bindings](/controllers/midi-bindings.md).

> **Lists that play while you browse**
>
> | Command | What you hear |
> | - | - |
> | **Load Sound…** (`⌥S`) on a sample track | The highlighted sample in the track's own clips, in the song |
> | **Load Sound…** (`⌥S`) on an instrument track, **New Instrument Track…** (`⇧⌘T`) | Each sample as the arrow keys reach it |
> | **Stamp MIDI Shapes and Patterns…** (`⌥P`) | Each pattern through the selected instrument track |
> | **Switch Effect Preset…** | Each saved preset on the selected effect, live |
>
> The preview stops when you close the list.

> **Commands that take a value**
>
> **Change Tempo** (20–999 BPM), **Set Volume**, **Set Pan**, **Set Stereo**, **Set Mono-Below**, and in the Sample Library **Add Tag to Sample**. Commands such as **Edit Comment** or **Move Comment** take the text or number first, then the item it applies to.

> **Keys**
>
> | Action | Key |
> | - | - |
> | Open the palette | `⌘K` |
> | Move up / down | `↑` / `↓` |
> | Run, or open a group or sub-menu | `Return` |
> | Next tab in an instrument list | `⇥` |
> | Go back / close | `Escape` |
> | Set a shortcut for the highlighted row | `⌘S` |
> | Add to Favorites | `⌘D` |
> | MIDI-bind the highlighted command | `⌘L` |


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