As a Reaper user, I love folder tracks, and consider them nearly essential. They help organize the project and keep everything in full view that you want to work on, while hiding the things you don't. I don't know how other DAWs implement track folders, but there is more than just a visual aspect to folders in Reaper. When you put tracks into a folder the output of all the tracks is routed to the folder track and combined as if you were using them with a buss. In essence, the folder track is a buss. It's a quick and easy way to, for example, create a drum buss, or combine background vocals etc. The folder track has all of the capabilities of any other track in that you can add FX, route it anywhere, use automation and create automation items. Folders can be nested.
And yes, there is the visual aspect. In the editor there are three views.
1. Full size with an indentation to indicate the tracks that are in the folder
2. A smaller size view of the tracks in the folder that still shows waveforms, but with a smaller size for visual clarity and organization.
3. A closed view. The folder track remains full size, the tracks in the folder are closed and appear below the folder track with a thick line below it indicated each track in the folder that is not being shown
In the Mixer view, the folders open and close, much like you describe. Click to open and all of the tracks are shown. Click to close and all but the folder track disappear. The folder track has indicators to tell you it is a folder and whether it is open or closed.
Like most DAWs, all individual tracks, whether in a folder or not, can be hidden or shows in both the editor and mixer, and can be routed pretty much anywhere.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jscomposer
I just wanted to use that phrase.  So please read...
I don't expect Avid to implement track folders, at least not how other DAWs do it. Avid's gotta Avid, right? So, is there a way they could implement track folders via the current groups function? Like, just add a mod key for clicking on a group name or even on a track within a group, and it collapses the tracks? We can already specify how a bunch of related tracks are affected by editing, soloing, etc. Anything else I'm missing regarding track folders, that couldn't be worked into PT's groups scheme? |