Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to the most common questions about using SongDrive.
Getting Started
Q: How do I sign up for SongDrive?
A: SongDrive uses magic link authentication. Simply enter your email address on the login page, click "Send Magic Link", and check your email for the login link. Click the link to sign in and your account will be automatically created.
Q: What's the difference between online and offline mode?
A:
- Online mode: Your files are stored in the cloud and accessible from any device. You can collaborate with others and access your projects anywhere.
- Offline mode: Files are stored locally on your device only. Perfect for trying SongDrive or working without internet, but projects can't be shared with others.
Q: Can I switch from offline to online mode later?
A: Yes, but you'll need to manually upload your offline projects to online workspaces. The desktop app can help with this process through its sync features.
File Management
Q: What audio formats does SongDrive support?
A: SongDrive supports most common audio formats including:
- Audio: MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A/AAC, OGG, AIFF
- Video: MP4, MOV, AVI, WebM
- Project files: Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase, Studio One, FL Studio, Reaper, and others
- Other: MIDI files, text files, PDFs, images
Q: Is there a file size limit?
A: File size limits depend on your account type and storage plan. Free accounts typically have lower limits, while paid accounts support larger files. The desktop app generally handles larger files better than the web browser version.
Q: Can I upload entire folders?
A: Yes, the desktop app supports folder/directory uploads. Simply drag a folder or select multiple files during the upload process. SongDrive will maintain the folder structure and upload all compatible files.
Q: How do I organize my files?
A: Use SongDrive's hierarchy system:
- Workspaces for different types of work (e.g., "My Band", "Client Projects")
- Projects for specific songs or albums
- Sub-projects for different phases (Demo, Recording, Mixing)
- Attributes for custom metadata and tags
Audio Playback & Comments
Q: Why can't I hear audio playback?
A: Check these common issues:
- Browser audio permissions are enabled
- Device volume is turned up
- Audio format is supported
- Internet connection is stable (for remote files)
- Try refreshing the page or restarting the app
Q: How do I add comments to specific parts of a song?
A: There are several ways:
- Click on the waveform at the position you want to comment
- Play the audio and pause where you want to comment, then use the comment form
- Type timestamps manually in the comment (e.g., "1:30", "2:45")
Q: Can I export or save comments?
A: Comments are automatically saved to your project. While there's no built-in export feature, you can copy and paste comment text manually. Future versions may include comment export functionality.
Q: Why don't I see a waveform for my audio file?
A: Waveform generation takes time, especially for large files. If you just uploaded the file, wait a few minutes and refresh the page. If the waveform still doesn't appear, try re-uploading the file or check if it's a supported audio format.
Collaboration
Q: How do I invite someone to my project?
A: There are several ways to share projects:
- Workspace invitation: Add them to the entire workspace via workspace settings
- Project sharing: Use the share button on a specific project
- Share link: Generate a link that others can use to access the project
- QR code: Create a QR code for mobile sharing
Q: Can I control what collaborators can do?
A: Yes, SongDrive has different permission levels:
- Admin: Full access, can invite others and manage settings
- Editor: Can upload files, create projects, and comment
- Viewer: Can only view content and add comments
Q: How do I know when someone adds a comment?
A: You'll receive notifications when:
- Someone adds a comment to your projects
- Someone mentions you with @username
- New files are uploaded to shared projects
- Other significant project activity occurs
Q: Can multiple people work on the same project simultaneously?
A: Yes, SongDrive supports real-time collaboration. Multiple users can view, comment, and upload files to the same project at the same time. Changes sync automatically across all users.
Desktop App
Q: What's the difference between the desktop app and web browser version?
A: The desktop app offers additional features:
- Local file sync: Work with files stored on your computer
- DAW integration: Open project files directly with your digital audio workstation
- Offline capability: Work without internet connection
- Better performance: Faster file handling and playback
- File system integration: Direct access to local files and folders
Q: How do I sync files between my computer and the cloud?
A: The desktop app automatically detects file changes and shows sync status. Use the sync buttons in the project view to:
- Upload local changes to the cloud
- Download remote updates to your computer
- Refresh to check for sync differences
Q: Can I use my existing DAW projects with SongDrive?
A: Yes! You can upload any project files to SongDrive. The desktop app can even open project files directly with their associated applications. Use the "Make Launcher File" feature to designate the main project file.
Technical Issues
Q: SongDrive is running slowly. How can I improve performance?
A: Try these optimization steps:
- Clear browser cache (web version) or restart app (desktop)
- Check internet connection speed and stability
- Close other browser tabs or applications
- Use smaller file sizes when possible
- Work with local files (desktop app) for better performance
Q: My files won't upload. What should I do?
A: Common solutions:
- Check file size limits for your account type
- Verify internet connection is stable
- Ensure file format is supported
- Try uploading smaller files first to test
- Clear browser cache and try again
- Use the desktop app for large files
Q: I can't see my project/workspace. Where did it go?
A: Check these possibilities:
- Verify you're signed in with the correct account
- Switch workspaces using the workspace selector
- Check if project was moved to a different workspace
- Look for permission changes if it was a shared workspace
- Contact the workspace admin if it was shared
Q: How do I backup my projects?
A: SongDrive provides automatic cloud backup for online projects. Additionally:
- Download projects manually for local backup
- Use the desktop app to maintain local copies
- Export important files regularly
- Keep original files in a separate backup system
Account & Billing
Q: Is SongDrive free to use?
A: SongDrive typically offers a free tier with basic features and storage. Paid plans provide additional storage, advanced features, and enhanced support. Check the pricing page for current plan details.
Q: How do I upgrade my account?
A: Account upgrades are typically available through:
- Account settings in the user menu
- Billing section of your profile
- Upgrade prompts when you hit plan limits
- Contact support for enterprise options
Q: Can I cancel my subscription?
A: Yes, subscriptions can typically be cancelled through your account settings. Your access will continue until the end of your billing period, after which you'll revert to the free plan.
Q: What happens to my files if I downgrade or cancel?
A: This depends on the specific plan changes:
- Files remain accessible but new uploads may be limited
- Storage limits apply - you may need to delete files to stay within limits
- Collaboration features may be reduced
- Download your files before downgrading to ensure access
Mobile App
Q: Is there a mobile app for SongDrive?
A: Yes, SongDrive offers mobile apps for iOS and Android. The mobile app provides core functionality including audio playback, commenting, and project browsing.
Q: Can I upload files from my phone?
A: Yes, the mobile app supports file uploads from your device's storage, including photos, audio recordings, and other files stored on your phone.
Q: Does the mobile app work offline?
A: The mobile app requires an internet connection for most features. However, recently accessed files may be available for playback offline.
Security & Privacy
Q: How secure is my data in SongDrive?
A: SongDrive uses industry-standard security practices including:
- Encrypted data transmission
- Secure cloud storage
- Regular security audits
- Access controls and permissions
Q: Who can see my projects?
A: Project visibility depends on your settings:
- Personal workspaces: Only you can access
- Local workspaces: Only available on your device
- Shared workspaces: Only invited members can access
- Public links: Anyone with the link can access (if you create them)
Q: Can I delete my account and data?
A: Yes, you can typically delete your account through account settings. This will permanently remove your data from SongDrive's servers. Make sure to download any files you want to keep before deletion.
Getting Help
Q: How do I contact support?
A: Support is available through:
- Help documentation (these guides)
- In-app support (if available)
- Email support (check your account page for contact info)
- Community forums (if available)
- Live chat (on supported plans)
Q: Where can I request new features?
A: Feature requests can typically be submitted through:
- Feedback forms in the application
- Community forums or feature request boards
- Support channels for paying customers
- User feedback surveys sent periodically
Q: How do I report a bug?
A: To report bugs effectively:
- Describe the problem clearly
- Include steps to reproduce the issue
- Mention your browser/device and operating system
- Include screenshots if helpful
- Submit through support channels or in-app reporting
Q: Is there a user community?
A: Many SongDrive deployments have user communities through:
- Forums or discussion boards
- Discord or Slack channels
- Social media groups
- Local user meetups in some areas
Check your specific SongDrive instance for available community resources.
Still need help? If you can't find the answer to your question here, check the Troubleshooting Guide or contact support through your SongDrive account.