In order to use the Function Keys (F1, F2, F3, etc.) to control Logic Pro, go to the Mac OSX System Preferences and check the box for ‘Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys’ in Keyboard preferences. The fn key will then need to held when using the Function Keys for their regular Mac OSX functions, and the function keys will be available to assign Logic Pro Key Commands.
Before changing any Key Commands, save a back-up of your current set, so you can go back to them later if necessary. To open the Key Commands window choose Logic Pro > Preferences > Key Commands ( or Option-K). In the upper left corner of the Key Commands window choose Options > Export Key Commands…
Give your Key Commands a name, and click Save.
Here we go, to bring up a Key Command in the list, enter the name, or partial name of the Key Command in the Find Field, in the upper right corner of the Key Commands window.
To assign a Key Command, click on the Key Command in the list so it is selected, then click on the Learn by Key Label button to activate it, then press the desired key, or key combination, then click the Learn by Key Label button again to deactivate it.
When doing a lot of MIDI recording, it’s great to have the Capture as Recording feature handy, to capture magic moments that might happen while we’re not in record, (of course this only works with MIDI and not Audio.) I suggest assigning the ‘Capture as Recording’ Key Command to Function Key F1.
Also very handy is the ‘Set Rounded Locators and Cycle Play’ Key Command, for quickly looping and playing a certain region. I suggest assigning this Key Command to F2.
To use the Set Rounded Locators and Cycle Play Key Command, once it is assigned, click on a Region in the Arrange Area that you’d like to loop, and hit Function Key F2.
Try setting these assignments for the other Function Keys:
Set Locators and Play F3
Split Regions/Events by rounded Playhead F4
Split Regions/Events by Playhead Position F5
Split Regions/Events by Locators/Marquee F6
Set Nudge Value to Sample F7
Set Nudge Value to Tick F8
Set Nudge Value to Beat F9
Set Nudge Value to Bar F10
Nudge Region/Event Position Left by Nudge F11
Nudge Region/Event Position Right by Nudge F12
To delete a Key Command, click on the Key Command in the list so it is selected, click the Learn by Key Label button to activate it, press the delete key, then click the Learn by Key Label button again to deactivate it.
A future Logic Pro Lessons article will cover other Key Commands, and their uses in making workflow faster, recording and editing easier.
