Reaper Actions

Using the Actions List in Reaper

One of the most powerful tools that Reaper provides is the Actions List. The following is a brief rundown on how to edit preset actions to your personal preferences and how to build custom actions.

Basic Action Editor Use

Click the Action menu then Show action list (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Reaper - Actions - Show action list.

Different sections in Reaper have different Actions Lists (ie: the Main Actions List is different from the MIDI Editor Actions List). The Actions List will appear for whatever section window is on top. However, in the top right corner, there is a drop down menu titled Section. Here you can switch between lists, no matter what window you are currently in (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Reaper - Actions - Section drop down menu.

In the top left corner, there is a dialogue box titled Filter. This allows you to filter out an individual action within the list (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Reaper - Actions - Filter text box.

In the top center, there is a button titled “Find shortcut”. This allows you to enter a quick key to find an action within the list (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Reaper - Actions - Find Shortcut button.

You can add or delete shortcuts by selecting an action, and using the Add/Delete buttons in the bottom left hand corner. Everyone who uses a DAW has specific quick key set up that they are used to. Using these parameters, you can customize Reaper’s commands to work in the way that best suits your needs (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Reaper - Actions - Shortcuts for selected action area.

Creating a Custom Action

Click the Action menu then Show action list. In the Actions window click the New button (Figure 6).

Figure 6: Reaper - Actions - New button.

This will open the Create Custom Action window (Figure 7).

Figure 7: Reaper - Create Custom Action window.

In this window, you can choose multiple actions from the actions list and combine them, by dragging them to the empty box on the right, to create Custom Actions. If you find yourself thinking, “I really wish I could do “X, Y, and Z.” you probably can.

These can be as simple as our "Play from beginning of selection" action, which combines only two basic actions, or as complex as our "Insert Countoff" action, which combines nearly thirty separate actions.

Once you’re done dragging your basic actions to the custom action box, give you action a name in the upper right hand corner and select "OK".

New Custom Actions will appear at the very top of the Actions list. We recommend selecting your new action, and test it, using the “Run” button at the bottom right. Especially with more complex actions, it may take a few iterations to get right.

Once your custom action works to your satisfaction, select it and use the "Add" button in the “Shortcuts for selected action” section. This will bring up a dialogue box that will allow you to enter the desired quick key to control this action.

Note: If you happen to create a really cool, innovative, or helpful custom action, please post it on our forums and share it with the RBN Creators community!