> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sampler.meiji.industries/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Modes And States

> Understand the tabs, rows, panes, editors, and transient states that change what your keys do.

# Modes and states

If a shortcut behaves differently than you expected, the answer is usually state.

Meiji Sampler is fast because the keyboard is doing different jobs in different contexts. This page explains those contexts.

## Top-level tabs

Meiji Sampler has four top-level tabs:

| Tab        | Purpose                                                    |
| ---------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| `Create`   | main sampler workflow: browser, pads, loops, scenes, mixer |
| `Perform`  | PerformFX live effects, fixed slots, and FX Params         |
| `MIDI`     | MIDI mappings and event monitoring                         |
| `Settings` | project, audio, addons, and general configuration          |

## Create tab rows

Inside `Create`, the workflow is split into three rows:

| Row    | Purpose                               |
| ------ | ------------------------------------- |
| Pads   | play and manage assigned sounds       |
| Loops  | record and edit loop slots            |
| Scenes | arrange and cue combinations of loops |

## Focus panes

Inside `Create`, focus can also move between panes:

| Focus pane | Meaning                   |
| ---------- | ------------------------- |
| Browser    | file/source navigation    |
| Details    | focused inspection panel  |
| Mixer      | channel and level control |

The selected row and focused pane combine to determine what a key does. `Space` in the browser previews a sample. `Space` on the scenes row cues a scene. Same key, different state.

## Common state transitions

* assigning a sample moves sound from the browser into a playable pad
* recording changes a loop slot from empty to active content
* entering scene editor changes number keys from triggering scenes to toggling loop membership
* entering the mixer makes navigation keys adjust sound-shaping controls instead of browsing files

## Editors and focused task views

Meiji Sampler also has short-lived editors and focused task views for things like:

* channel detail
* chop mode
* trim view
* sequence editor
* scene editor

These views are not just visual overlays. They are new input states with their own key behavior.

## Modal states

Other transient states include:

* help
* search
* source selection
* quantize
* bounce/export
* splice browse
* MIDI learn and mapping flows
* PerformFX FX Params/profile editing

Settings is not a modal. It is its own top-level tab with a sidebar/content layout.

## Why this matters

If the app feels like a shortcut changed behavior unexpectedly, the cause is usually one of these:

* you changed tabs
* you changed rows
* focus moved to a different pane
* an editor or focused task view is open
* a modal is open

## Fast mental model

When you are unsure where you are, ask:

1. Which top-level tab is active?
2. Which row is selected?
3. Which pane or editor has focus?
4. Is a modal open?

## Related pages

* [Keyboard Shortcuts](/reference/keyboard-shortcuts)
* [Settings Reference](/reference/settings)
* [MIDI Implementation](/reference/midi-implementation)
* [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting/index)