> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://manual.minimal.audio/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://manual.minimal.audio/lucid-manual/quick-start.md).

# Quick Start

### Overview

If you've used a granular effect before, many of Lucid's core concepts and workflows will feel familiar. Beyond that, Lucid adds scale-locking and timeline sync to keep every grain in key and in time, turning any sound into musical textures, harmonies, and rhythms. Of course, you can access this all right away from Lucid's preset library.

### Initial Setup

Drop Lucid on any audio track and it will immediately begin granulating the incoming signal in real time. Be sure to set Lucid's scale, next to the keyboard display, to match your project. This keeps all pitch detection and shifting locked to your scale.

{% hint style="info" %}
Scale-locking works best on sources that play one note at a time, like vocals and leads. On chords or non-tonal material, no single pitch can be detected, so Lucid assumes the scale's root note and shifts accordingly. Set the scale to match your project either way — the tracking is just most precise on single-note sources.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/weqlxyOY3kfv3ewj7brx" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### Using Presets

After setting Lucid's scale, follow these steps to start exploring presets and make them your own.

<figure><img src="/files/t716FX8xYR0kgkcDO51v" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

1. **Load a preset.** Click the preset name in the center of the **Top Bar** to open the browser. Open **Minimal Picks** (a collection of our favorites) and load a preset.
2. **Adjust the Macros.** Move the XY pad in Lucid's bottom panel to shift both macros at once and shape the preset to your source. Additional animation can be added here using **Animator Depth** and other controls if desired.
3. **Blend the result.** Use the **Dry/Wet** slider to mix the processed signal with your original input.

### Designing Presets

Here are common first steps for creating your own presets in Lucid.

<figure><img src="/files/jvwsB9hSyrJ7JswDwg0N" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

1. **Adjust Rate and Size.** Use **Grain Rate** to set how often grains fire and **Grain Size** to set each grain's length, shaping rhythm and texture. Combining different settings lets you create everything from smooth, natural layers to rhythmic gating effects.
2. **Set Stretch.** Use **Stretch** to warp the captured loop in time with your project, from natural time expansion to fully frozen textures. Stretch can be triggered in different ways to the left of its knob, or use **Scrub** to move through the loop manually. Both stay locked to your timeline. Add **Spray** to randomize where each grain begins.
3. **Adjust the Pitch.** With your scale set, every grain is tuned in real time, so you can transpose and modulate freely without falling out of key. Turn **Grain Pitch** to transpose, keeping the default **Scale** mode for musical results or switching to **Free** for freeform transposition. Turn any sound into shimmering chords and melodic sequences.
4. **Add Grain Effects.** At the bottom of the **Granular View**, the **Grain Effects** tabs add a per-grain filter, delay, and stereo imager. Each evolves independently with every grain, going far beyond what a normal effects chain can do.

Read on to learn about Lucid's full feature set and sound-shaping capabilities.


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