Windows
When Ardour starts without a session, there is just a single window visible
which we call the editor. However, the program has many more windows that
can be displayed for various purposes:
All Ardour windows have their WMCLASS property set to 'ardour', so that you
can configure your window manager to handle them in a certain way if you
wish to.
Editor Window
This is the primary Ardour window. It contains the main menubar, plus
several tear-off windows, and the editor itself.
Transport Bar Window
This window provides complete control over all of Ardour's transport
functionality. it is initially attached to the editor window, but can be
torn off and kept as an independent window if you prefer.
Mixer Window
This window will be displayed automatically whenever a Session is loaded,
and provides a representation of the Session that is modelled on a mixing
console. Each track and bus has its own Mixer Strip, and there are also
various lists for things like Mix Groups.
A more precise way to think about the difference between the editor and the
mixer is that the editor is primarily for controlling the time flow of the
Session, whereas the mixer is primarily for controlling the signal flow.
Location and Marker Display Window
This window is used to display, edit and set various Locations and markers
within a Session.
Options Editor Window
This window is used to set the many global and per-session options for
Ardour.
Track/Bus Inspector Window
This optional window provides a single point of control for configuring all
I/O and processing for every track and bus. It doesn't provide anything not
offered by other windows, but it does group several things together in one
place. You may prefer to use or not use this window.
Big Clock Window
This optional window provides a display of the playhead position in a large
font, readable from some distance. it can be useful when using Ardour to
record yourself and you need or want to keep track of time.