Snapshots

A Snapshot captures the full state of the entire project at the moment it’s taken — every parameter value, modulation assignment, effect order, and chain selection, across all tracks. Restoring a snapshot returns everything to exactly that state.

Arkestra has 32 snapshot slots.

Not for live performance

Project Snapshots restore asynchronously — there is a noticeable delay while Arkestra applies state across all tracks. They are not designed for instant scene switching during a set. For live recall, use Chain Snapshots → or Scenes → instead.

Think of Project Snapshots as time travel checkpoints — a way to save an interesting configuration while you’re building a project so you can return to it later if you go too far in a different direction.

Capturing a snapshot

The Snapshots bar (labeled “SNAPS”) is always visible on the left side of the editor. Click the + button to capture the current project state into the next available slot. The slot is filled with a thumbnail and timestamp.

Restoring a snapshot

Click any occupied slot to restore it. Arkestra applies the stored state asynchronously. The master fader is preserved across restores (it’s not overwritten).

MIDI trigger

Right-click any snapshot slot → MIDI Learn — move a pad or button on your hardware to assign it. The snapshot restores on every Note On from that control.

Overwriting a slot

Right-click an occupied slot → Overwrite with Current State to replace it with the current project state.

Clearing a slot

Right-click → Delete Snapshot to empty a slot.

Snapshots vs Chain Snapshots

Project Snapshots capture everything across all tracks. Chain Snapshots → are narrower — they store and recall effect parameters for a single chain, with crossfade transitions and beat-synced autoplay.

Snapshots vs Scenes

	Snapshots	Scenes
What’s stored	Everything	Chain index, fader, running state
Slots	32	Unlimited
Restore speed	Async	Instant
Use for	Full preset recall	Live section switching

Tips

• Capture a snapshot before making experimental changes — it’s your undo point for big edits
• Capture one when you stumble on something that looks great, even if you plan to keep tweaking
• Snapshots are stored inside the .vfx project file, so they travel with the project