# Welcome

Find information and video tutorials about how to use ChordButter.

{% hint style="info" %}
Get started with › [Combine Chords](/songwriting/combine-chords) or browse topics from the sidebar.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
Download ChordButter for iOS, iPad, or Mac here › <https://chordbutter.com/>
{% endhint %}

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8ldNhXWpyNI>" %}


# Keyboard Shortcuts

If you have a connected keyboard or are using the app on macOS you can use some handy key command

### General hotkeys

| **⌘ N**   | Start a new song                                              |
| --------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **⌘ O**   | Open existing song                                            |
| **⌘ S**   | <p>Save changes <br><em>Note: Changes are auto-saved</em></p> |
| **⌘ E**   | Export song                                                   |
| **⌘ ,**   | App preferences                                               |
| **⌘ ⇧ ,** | MIDI-Out preferences                                          |
| **I**     | Display inline instrument                                     |

### Playback

| **Space** | Start & Stop playback                    |
| --------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| **C**     | Toggle section loop *(Studio view only)* |

### Edit

| **⌘ Z**   | Undo  |
| --------- | ----- |
| **⌘ ⇧ Z** | Redo  |
| **⌘ C**   | Copy  |
| **⌘ V**   | Paste |

### Song View

| **1-7** | Select chord when chord selector is visible                            |
| ------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ←→↑↓    | Navigate through bars                                                  |
| **⇧ E** | <p>Edit chord<br><em>When a chord is selected</em></p>                 |
| **⇧ S** | <p>Split chord <br><em>When a chord is selected</em></p>               |
| **⇧**   | <p>Display duration handlers <br><em>When a chord is selected</em></p> |


# Combine Chords

Learn how to start a new song and explore how to combine chords.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?index=1&list=PL-wTebylmUS4Ezjz2OGTYkaa7xeusIxd1&v=148_cD1tPRQ>" fullWidth="true" %}
Enter fullscreen for better visibility on your phone
{% endembed %}


# Write Melodies

Learn how write a melody, find matching chords and harmonize

{% embed url="<https://youtube.com/shorts/ZRp24BHDDQ8>" %}


# Song Generator

Looking for inspiration or a starting point for your song? Learn how to use ChordButter’s powerful song generator.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?index=2&list=PL-wTebylmUS4Ezjz2OGTYkaa7xeusIxd1&v=kGzrA-aE7aU>" fullWidth="true" %}
Enter fullscreen for better visibility on your phone
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# Edit A Chord

Learn how to enhance your song by adding chord extensions, inversions, and bass notes with ChordButter.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?index=3&list=PL-wTebylmUS4Ezjz2OGTYkaa7xeusIxd1&v=mjwUixyXuK4>" fullWidth="true" %}
Enter fullscreen for better visibility on your phone
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# Chord Suggestions

Learn how to use ChordButter’s "Suggestions" feature for chord inspiration.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?index=4&list=PL-wTebylmUS4Ezjz2OGTYkaa7xeusIxd1&v=q5Rlro5NW2g>" fullWidth="true" %}
Enter fullscreen for better visibility on your phone
{% endembed %}


# Song View Interface

Learn how to adjust the duration of chords, split bars, and insert new lines and sections in ChordButter.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?index=5&list=PL-wTebylmUS4Ezjz2OGTYkaa7xeusIxd1&v=03HhX254bjQ>" fullWidth="true" %}
Enter fullscreen for better visibility on your phone
{% endembed %}


# Compose Out Of Key

Enhance your sound and make your compositions more interesting by incorporating chords from other keys.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?index=8&list=PL-wTebylmUS4Ezjz2OGTYkaa7xeusIxd1&v=UKI19aU2C8w>" fullWidth="true" %}
Enter fullscreen for better visibility on your phone
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# Add Drums & Other Tracks

Explore how to elevate your song arrangement by adding drums, bass, and other elements.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?index=6&list=PL-wTebylmUS4Ezjz2OGTYkaa7xeusIxd1&v=NxXBUddghZA>" fullWidth="true" %}
Enter fullscreen for better visibility on your phone
{% endembed %}


# Style The Song

Learn how to shape chords, drums, and bass for each section of your song within ChordButter.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?index=7&list=PL-wTebylmUS4Ezjz2OGTYkaa7xeusIxd1&v=WJlGpDz1nZA>" fullWidth="true" %}
Enter fullscreen for better visibility on your phone
{% endembed %}


# Lyrics Editor

Learn how to use the integrated lyrics notepad in ChordButter.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?index=9&list=PL-wTebylmUS4Ezjz2OGTYkaa7xeusIxd1&v=mc3JYqNR-tc>" fullWidth="true" %}
Enter fullscreen for better visibility on your phone
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# MIDI Export

This pages explains how to export MIDI files from ChordButter

{% hint style="info" %}
*What's this about?* \
\
ChordButter can create MIDI files that contain the MIDI tracks of your song. You can also export single tracks like chords, drums, and bass.\
\
*Note: You can also* [*open the MIDI-OUT output*](/midi/midi-out) *and send live signals from ChordButter*
{% endhint %}

{% embed url="<https://youtube.com/shorts/8E5HpveEQ_Q?si=r-DxSDL1O1Dl2Dez>" %}
Enter fullscreen for better visibility on your phone
{% endembed %}

## Export Files

1. Locate the "Share" icon on the top right corner of the ChordButter app\
   \
   ![](/files/BgVEj7YBl5qVz8SmZKfs)\
   〰️<br>
2. Drag & Drop, save, or share the desired file to a device. Note that some files (like drums or bass) are only available if the song has added those tracks in the "Studio" section.
   1. "Song MIDI" › Is a multi-track file and includes all tracks from the "Studio" section&#x20;
   2. "Chords, Melody, Drums, Bass" › Are single track files only containing the content of the specific track\
      \
      ![](/files/2WhVaoooSAXujeceyyT4)\
      〰️<br>
3. Insert file in other audio apps (like your DAW)


# MIDI-OUT

This page explains how you can set up and configure MIDI output so that you can receive MIDI signals in other audio apps or your DAW when using ChordButter.

{% hint style="info" %}
*What's this about?* \
\
When sending live MIDI signals you can use sounds from other audio apps like your digital audio workstation (DAW) and record the MIDI that is produced via ChordButter directly.\
\
*Note: You can also* [*export MIDI files*](/midi/midi-export) *from ChordButter*
{% endhint %}

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJhbEBsQG2w>" fullWidth="true" %}
Enter fullscreen for better visibility on your phone
{% endembed %}

&#x20;[#open-output-in-chordbutter](#open-output-in-chordbutter "mention")

[#connect-iphone-or-ipad-via-bluetooth](#connect-iphone-or-ipad-via-bluetooth "mention")

[#connect-iphone-or-ipad-via-cable](#connect-iphone-or-ipad-via-cable "mention")

[#setup-audio-apps-to-receive-midi](#setup-audio-apps-to-receive-midi "mention")

## ➡️ Open Output in ChordButter

1. Open the sidebar menu
2. Click on "MIDI-OUT"
3. Open (or close) the output

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/0yeLZOGm0nfuFAwkaZoH" alt="" width="321"><figcaption><p>Step 1</p></figcaption></figure></div>

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/e0MIU5Fd08nTzzxWCzxQ" alt="" width="321"><figcaption><p>Step 2</p></figcaption></figure></div>

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/aV15Eie9gAseqJKPQ2t5" alt="" width="321"><figcaption><p>Step 3</p></figcaption></figure></div>

##

## ➡️ Connect iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth

You can connect your mobile device via Bluetooth to other devices like your Mac and send MIDI signals via Bluetooth when the output is opened. For this, you'll need a third-party app that utilizes a Bluetooth connection. I recommend [BLE-MIDI](https://apps.apple.com/app/id1108321791).

### Set up a MIDI Connection with your Mac&#x20;

1. Get a third-party app that can utilize a MIDI Bluetooth connection (like [BLE-MIDI](https://apps.apple.com/app/id1108321791))\
   〰️
2. Announce a MIDI Bluetooth service from your Mac
   1. Open "Audio-MIDI-Setup" on your Mac
   2. Navigate to "MIDI Studio › Open Bluetooth Navigation..."
   3. Click on "Advertise"\
      \
      ![](/files/8MjJJqufIYH6gEbSzbTm)\
      〰️
3. Connect to this service in the third-party app. \
   \
   › *Note that connecting sometimes fails and can be pretty hair-raising. Restarting devices sometimes helps. You can also connect to your Mac* [*via cable*](#connect-iphone-or-ipad-via-cable)*.*\
   〰️
4. Follow the steps from [#open-output-in-chordbutter](#open-output-in-chordbutter "mention")\
   〰️
5. Set Destination (optional): Select Bluetooth (Name of the service you are connected to) as "Destination" within ChordButter\
   &#x20;\
   ![](/files/oq3fzEWFmpXKRzJuh9Bo)

{% hint style="info" %}
**Destinations** might have a delay in displaying. Sometimes it helps to restart the app.
{% endhint %}

## ➡️ Connect iPhone or iPad via Cable

1. Connect your device via cable to your Mac\
   〰️
2. Open "Audio-MIDI-Setup" on your Mac
   1. Navigate to "Window › Show Audio Devices" (if not visible yet)
   2. Locate your device in the sidebar
   3. Click on the "Enable" button below your device\
      \
      ![](/files/GrWYgkUbxcDAP08Bgksb)\
      〰️
3. Set Destination in ChordButter:  Set "IDAM MIDI Host" as "Destination" (Name of destination might change in the future)\
   \
   › *If you don't see the destination -> Restart ChordButter*

## ➡️ Setup Audio Apps to Receive MIDI

Most apps receive MIDI signals by default without the need to set up anything specific. In a DAW you will need to create a "Software instrument (MIDI)" track that is receiving and playing the MIDI signals.

#### Example: Logic Pro X

1. In your digital audio workstation (DAW), create a separate track for each instrument provided by ChordButter, which includes Chords, Drums, and Bass. However, you have the option to create fewer tracks if desired, such as a single track exclusively for chords.\
   〰️
2. Set the MIDI channel accordingly to channels in ChordButter and be sure the output for the instrument is opened in ChordButter. \
   \
   *Default channels:*<br>
   1. Channel 1 › Chords
   2. Channel 2 › Melody
   3. Channel 3 › Drums
   4. Channel 4 › Bass
   5. Channel 5 › Piano Roll / Fretboard (expandable, interactive)\
      \
      〰️
3. Activate the monitor, so that you can hear the tracks. \
   〰️
4. Start the playback or click on a chord in ChordButter.  You should now be able to hear sounds from your digital audio workstation (DAW).\
   〰️
5. Optionally mute tracks in the "Studio" within ChordButter to not hear two instruments (ChordButter & DAW)

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/f9QInHmdsuEEV1avh6cn" alt="" width="489"><figcaption><p>Create tracks in your DAW</p></figcaption></figure></div>

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/LgsFkTLlWH0jSewDUNL9" alt="" width="489"><figcaption><p>Open output in ChordButter and set channels accordingly in your DAW</p></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="info" %}
You may have to set a specific "Destination" within ChordButter in some cases.
{% endhint %}


# Restore Purchases

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After installing the app on a new device, your purchases might not be automatically unlocked. Within the app, you can restore purchases to regain access to the PRO version. Make sure you’re using the **same Apple ID** that was originally used to purchase the PRO access.
{% endhint %}

#### Navigate to the sidebar menu

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/vxLxIUgVsXTuORfXXxeL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

#### Tap on "Upgrade to Pro" at the bottom

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/GcJBUIeEIzf146RMblW8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

#### Tap on "Restore"

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/cDTVMicgdvh3jk54mG4M" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>