start documenation for the plugin-sidebar

_manual/11_working-with-plugins/04_plugin-sidebar.html

@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+---
+layout: default
+title: Plugin Sidebar
+---
+
+<p>
+  Since Version 4.5, Ardour has a plugin-sidebar on the top-left side of the
+	Mixer Window.
+	Like other elements in that sidebar it has variable height and can be hidden
+	by dragging it to zero-height. If it is not visible, grab the top-handle
+	and drag it down.
+</p>
+
+<img src="/files/a4/a4_plugin_sidebar.png" alt="Plugin Sidebar"/>
+
+<h2>Features</h2>
+<p>
+  The Plugin sidebar provides easy access to common operations.
+	All interaction is done with the mouse and Drag/Drop.
+</p>
+<ul>
+	<li>The sidebar lists "favorite" plugins only.</li>
+	<li>Plugins can be dragged from the sidebar to any track or bus, which will add the plugin to that track/bus at the given position.</li>
+	<li>The list includes user-presets for the plugins. Dragging a preset to a given track/bus will load that preset after adding the plugin.</li>
+	<li>Double-click on a plugin or preset adds the given plugin to all selected tracks/busses pre-fader. Other insert positions are available from the context menu (right click).</li>
+</ul>
+<p>
+  The sidebar also allows to manage presets and favorites.
+</p>
+<ul>
+	<li>Dragging a plugin from a track into the sidebar will add it to the "favorites" and optionally create a new preset from the current settings.</li>
+	<li>The context-menu allows to delete presets or remove the plugin from the "favorite" list.</li>
+	<li>Plugins in the list can be re-ordered using drag/drop. The custom order is saved.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<p>
+	Note, when favorites are added with the <a href="/working-with-plugins/plugin-manager">plugin-manager</a>, they are appended at the bottom of the list.
+</p>