Shortcuts Can Make You a Faster, Smarter Audio Editor
- Sam Ufret
- Mar 13, 2024
- 2 min read
If you're editing your own voiceover work at home, one of the easiest ways to level up your workflow is by learning and using keyboard shortcuts.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or new to audio editing, shortcuts save you time, reduce stress, and let you focus more on the creative side of your performance.
I use ProTools every day here at Lotas Productions, but the same concept applies no matter which DAW you're in. Whether it is Audacity, Twisted Wave, Adobe Audition, Reaper, Logic, or anything else, learning your basic keyboard shortcuts is a game changer.
Why Shortcuts Matter
Editing is super repetitive. Clicking through menus or searching for simple tools over and over takes time and mental energy. When you can quickly hit a couple of keys to zoom, cut, copy, paste, or fade, you speed up the technical part of editing so you can stay focused on making the read sound great.
I always tell voice actors: the less friction you have in your workflow, the more energy you have to bring to your performance and the creative choices you make.
A Few Shortcuts That Can Help
Every DAW has its own shortcuts, but here are some basic actions that will help you out:
Cutting or splitting clips (usually something like Command+E or Control+E)
Zoom in and out of the timeline (often Command+] and Command+[ or similar)
Fade in and fade out (ProTools has Command+F, most DAWs offer something similar)
Undo (Command+Z or Control+Z is your best friend)
Save often (Command+S or Control+S, get into the habit)
Even just learning these five will save you a surprising amount of time in a session!
More keyboard shortcuts for popular audio editing programs:
Final Tips
Pick a few shortcuts at a time and practice them until they become second nature. You do not have to learn them all at once. The goal is to create a flow where your hands know what to do and you can focus on listening and performing.
The more comfortable you are behind your DAW, the more creative and confident you will feel in your work. And trust me, clients notice when your files are clean and well edited.
Want more audio editing tips from the team at Lotas? Stay tuned for more blog posts or reach out if you have questions. We are always happy to help voice talent get the most out of their home studio setup.
