{"id":38191,"date":"2025-11-17T17:19:32","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T22:19:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/?p=38191"},"modified":"2026-04-15T12:09:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T16:09:50","slug":"pro-tools-templates-you-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/splice.com\/blog\/pro-tools-templates-you-need\/","title":{"rendered":"Pro Tools templates: How to set them up to streamline your workflow"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Following the launch of the Splice integration with Pro Tools,<\/strong><\/a> we\u2019ve been taking some time to thoroughly dive into some of the most important topics related to AVID\u2019s flagship DAW.<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like working with any other digital audio workstation, it\u2019s not only essential to learn how <\/em>to use it, but how to use it efficiently<\/em>. Whereas shortcuts<\/a> can help you while you work, templates can help you before<\/em> you start working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro Tools templates are the secret to faster sessions, cleaner mixes, and more consistent results. They help maintain a producer’s creative flow and keep technical details out of the way of the music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And with a solid foundation of well-designed templates, notably for different use cases, you\u2019ll achieve a consistency across your projects that\u2019s very useful down the line. They give your madness a method, including if you need to go back and find or update a project after it\u2019s been released.

Think of it this way: If you’ve finally found that vocal chain<\/a> for the vocalists you work with, why set it up manually for each project? If you know what software instruments you always use when sketching out a new song idea, a few minutes of preparation can have them ready for you each time you go inspiration hunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, today, we\u2019ll focus on Pro Tools templates: the best ones out there for you, how to access them in the DAW, and how to edit or create new templates yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Splice is now integrated into Pro Tools\u2014discover how to search, filter, and audition Splice sounds, all synced to your project\u2019s key and tempo.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Must-have Pro Tools templates for music production<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The templates you rely on will depend on the volume of your projects\u2014for example, if you\u2019re only producing for your own project vs. producing for multiple artists. In the case of the latter, you might be dealing with a wider range of personalities, preferences, and styles, all calling for different production methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you create a new template or find one from another producer, be sure to check under New \u2192 Templates<\/strong> on the Pro Tools startup window. There, you might find some stock templates for getting started, and depending on the plan you\u2019ve selected, some templates by top producers or for specific uses like post-production.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The templates options in Pro Tools’ startup window.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Now, let\u2019s break down Pro Tools templates by a few common use cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recording templates for quick setup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We begin where you begin\u2014with recording, the first step of music production. Recording templates in Pro Tools can eliminate setup delays so you can start capturing your ideas immediately. Every speed bump is a risk of losing an idea or disrupting your creative flow, so setting up a template to start your new projects on the right foot is incredibly valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open up a new project in Pro Tools, but don’t select an existing template. I would suggest starting with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. A set number of tracks for each of your most common instruments, as well as a click and master, all color coded and clearly labeled. For myself, it looks something like this:<\/p>\n\n\n

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Not sure how to set up Splice with Pro Tools? It’s an easy few steps!<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

2. The specific I\/O, MIDI, and monitor settings for your devices. This step might indicate that you need two templates\u2014for example, if you interchange between different audio interfaces,<\/a> or if you have more MIDI controllers than can be plugged in at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Plugins for each track. These include basics like a tuner for your guitar and your go-to EQ<\/a> for vocals. There are some great stock plugins within Pro Tools<\/a> that you can choose from, or you can supplement those options with your own favorites. This can also be where you load up your favorite presets for virtual instruments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Aux buses<\/a> for reverb and delay sends. Depending on your approach, you might also set up all of your metering and go-to mastering plugin(s) on the master track (see the next section for why you might or might not do this).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might end up with just one template for your own use. Or, you might instead have multiple templates for each artist you work with, so that during a long day, you can easily pull up a new project for the unique needs of each artist without exerting too much energy on the admin.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Once you’re ready to save your template, go to File \u2192 Save as Template<\/strong> to select a name, category, and location.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

For a ready-made Pro Tools template from one of the pros, Cato Zane has you covered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pro Tools templates and workflow tips with Cato Zane (free template included)<\/a><\/blockquote>