Quick Start Guide

Get up and running with SongDrive in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Access SongDrive

Web Browser

1. Navigate to your SongDrive instance in any modern web browser
2. You'll see the welcome screen with login options

Desktop App

1. Download and install the SongDrive desktop application
2. Launch the application from your Applications folder or Start menu

Mobile App

1. Download the SongDrive mobile app from your device's app store
2. Open the app on your mobile device

Step 2: Sign In

You have two options for accessing SongDrive:

Option 1: Online Mode (Recommended)

1. Click "Sign in" on the welcome screen
2. Enter your email address
3. Click "Send Magic Link"
4. Check your email and click the magic link to sign in
5. You'll be automatically redirected to your workspace

Option 2: Offline Demo Mode

1. Click "Try Offline Demo" on the welcome screen
2. This creates a local-only workspace perfect for trying out SongDrive
3. Note: Offline projects stay on your device and can't be shared

Step 3: Your First Workspace

After signing in, SongDrive automatically creates your first workspace named after your email (e.g., "john@example.com's Workspace").

What you'll see:

• Recently Listened - Audio files you've played recently
• Browse Workspaces - Access to all your workspaces (initially just one)
• Create New Workspace button for additional workspaces

Step 4: Upload Your First File

1. Click the "Upload New File" button
2. Choose to create a new project or select an existing one
3. For your first upload, select "Create new project"
4. Enter a project name (e.g., "My First Song")
5. Click "Choose File" and select an audio file from your computer
6. Click "Submit" to upload

Supported file types:

• Audio: MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A, OGG
• Video: MP4, MOV, AVI (for music videos)
• Project files: Various DAW project formats

Step 5: Explore Your Uploaded File

After uploading, you'll be taken to the file view where you can:

Play Audio

• Click the play button to start playback
• See the waveform visualization below the audio controls
• Use the waveform to navigate to specific parts of the track

Add Comments

1. Click anywhere on the waveform to add a timestamped comment
2. Type your comment in the form that appears
3. Use timestamps like "1:30" in your comments for easy navigation
4. Click "Submit" to save your comment

Example comments:

• "Great guitar tone at 0:45"
• "Needs more bass in the 2:15 section"
• "Perfect vocals from 1:00 - 1:30"

Step 6: Organize with Projects

Navigate back to your workspace to see your project:

1. Click the workspace name in the breadcrumb navigation
2. You'll see your project listed with the uploaded file count
3. Click on the project name to see all files in that project
4. Use the "Upload New File" button to add more files to the project

Next Steps

Now that you have the basics down, explore these features:

• Create additional workspaces for different types of work
• Invite collaborators to share and get feedback
• Add custom attributes to organize your projects
• Learn keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow

Tips for Success

1. Organize by project: Keep related files together in projects
2. Use descriptive names: Clear project and file names make collaboration easier
3. Add timestamps to comments: Use "1:30" format for easy navigation
4. Star important items: Use the star feature to mark favorite projects and files
5. Regular backups: If using offline mode, regularly export your projects

Having trouble? Check our FAQ for help.