Quick Start Guide
New to Musio?
This quick start guide will give you a brief overview of the basics so you can hit the ground running.
![Manual icon representing Musio the Musio Quick Start tutorial.](https://k3m5y7w7.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/open-book-icon.png)
![Musio's catalog interface displaying a selection of virtual instruments including African Marimba, Ancient Bones, Apocalyptica - Dark Cello, Cinema Flutes by Gina Luciani, Celeste and Prepared Piano by Randy Kerber, Solo Violin by Taylor Davis, Acoustic Cello and Solo Cello by Tina Guo, Voces8 vocal ensemble, and CineBrass Core and Deep Horns sections.](https://k3m5y7w7.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fuller_catalog.png)
Understanding the Catalog tab
The Catalog tab displays all available instrument collections in Musio. To browse, toggle between Full Catalog for a complete list of collections, or Explore to view curated groups of similar collections.
Use the search bar at the top of this screen to find collections and instruments based on keywords like “piano” or “synth”.
Navigating the Instrument tab
The Instrument tab displays loaded instruments and any adjustable effects or parameters specific to that instrument.
When no instrument is loaded, this screen will be empty.
![The Instrument tab in the Musio interface showing the African Marimba instrument loaded with controls for expression and effects like reverb, displayed alongside a keyboard layout](https://k3m5y7w7.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fuller_inst.png)
![the Downloads tab in Musio software showing the progress of multiple instruments being downloaded](https://k3m5y7w7.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/downloads_view.png)
Managing the Downloads tab
The Downloads tab gives you an overview of any downloads you initiate while using Musio. You can download multiple instruments at a time, and check the status of each from this view.
The downloads tab only displays instruments downloaded during that session and will be cleared with every restart or new instance.
You can also choose to pause, resume, cancel, or clear out your download activity using the red transport icons in the upper right corner of this screen.
![Graphic showing icons for pausing, resuming, canceling, or clearing active downloads in Musio software, with corresponding actions labeled below each icon.](https://k3m5y7w7.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/dl_icons.png)
Loading an Instrument
To load an instrument, select a catalog from the Catalog tab. This displays a list of the catalog’s instruments, each with some options.
You can download an instrument using the Download icon, or directly load it onto your Musio instrument rack by pressing the Load button. If the instrument hasn’t been downloaded yet, pressing Load will automatically download it.
![An instrument from the Catalog tab, which displays various instruments like 'Wood Blocks', with options to download or directly load the instrument into the Musio instrument rack.](https://k3m5y7w7.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/w_background.png)
- You can preview the sound of each instrument by clicking the catalog artwork beside its name before loading.
- Use the Download button to store the instrument locally. Downloaded instruments will load almost instantly when accessed.
- Click the Load button to load an instrument into the instrument rack. Once loaded, the instrument is available and ready to play.
![The 'download all' icon, positioned at the upper-right corner of the interface.](https://k3m5y7w7.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/dl_all.png)
Using the "Download All" Button
Most collections contain at least 10-20 instruments. Use the Download All button to simultaneously download all available instruments in one click. Quite a time saver!