How to Get Started with Pro Tools

pro tools

Everything you need to know to pick the right version, install it, and start making music.

Pro Tools has been called the "industry standard" for decades — and for good reason. It’s the DAW used in high-end studios, post-production houses, and Grammy-winning albums. But if you’re just starting out, setting up Pro Tools can feel… well, a little chaotic.

Between subscriptions, perpetual licenses, iLok accounts, Avid Link, and installation steps — it’s easy to feel lost before you even hit record.

Don’t worry. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get started with Pro Tools, from choosing the right version to activating your license and launching your first session.

Step 1: Subscription vs. Perpetual — Which Pro Tools License Should You Get?

First, decide how you want to pay for Pro Tools.

✅ Subscription (Monthly or Annual)

Lower upfront cost
Includes all updates during your subscription
Great for short-term projects, students, or flexible workflows

✅ Perpetual License

One-time payment
You own your current version forever
Optional upgrade plans if you want future updates
Best if you want to avoid subscriptions

Recommendation: Start with a monthly subscription if you’re testing the waters. You can always upgrade later.

Step 2: Choose the Right Version of Pro Tools

Avid offers multiple tiers. Here’s a breakdown:

Version	Best For	Key Limits/Features
Pro Tools Intro	Beginners, hobbyists	8 tracks, basic plugins, FREE
Pro Tools Artist	Independent creators, students	32 audio tracks, 100+ plugins, $9.99/mo
Pro Tools Studio	Music producers, engineers	Surround mixing, 512 tracks, $29.99/mo
Pro Tools Ultimate	Film/TV post-production, large studios	Advanced automation, HDX hardware, $99.99/mo

Recommendation: Start with Pro Tools Artist unless you know you need surround sound or more than 32 audio tracks.

Step 3: Create Your Avid Account

Head to avid.com and click Sign In > Create an Account.
You’ll use this for:

Downloading Pro Tools
Managing licenses
Connecting your iLok account

Save your login info — you’ll use it often.

Pro Tools Key Commands: 27 Essential Shortcuts to Speed Up Your Workflow

⭐️ Start by downloading all of my FREE Music Production Guides ⭐️ It took me years to learn this stuff!

Step 4: Create Your iLok Account

Pro Tools uses iLok to authorize your software license.

Go to ilok.com and click Create Account.

You’ll use this to:

Store your Pro Tools license
Choose your authorization method (Cloud or USB)
Link your license to your computer

What Is An iLok And When Do I Need One?

Step 5: Choose Your Authorization Method: iLok Cloud vs USB Dongle

You have two options for activating Pro Tools:

☁️ iLok Cloud

No hardware required
Must stay connected to the internet
Simple for laptop producers or people always online

🔑 iLok USB Dongle

Physical USB key (sold separately)
Works offline once license is loaded
Preferred in pro studios, portable rigs, or secure setups

Recommendation:
Start with iLok Cloud unless you’re touring or need to work offline often.

Step 6: Link Your iLok Account to Your Avid Account

Once you’ve made both accounts, link them:

Sign in at avid.com
Go to your Avid Master Account
Under iLok ID, enter your iLok username

Now, when you redeem a Pro Tools license, it’ll know where to send it.

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Step 7: Install Pro Tools and the Avid Link App

Sign into your Avid account
Download Pro Tools and Avid Link
Install both apps on your computer

Avid Link is your control center. It handles:

Software updates
License management
Marketplace and community features

Once installed, open Avid Link, log in with your Avid ID, and activate your software.

Step 8: Open Pro Tools and Authorize Your License

When you launch Pro Tools for the first time:

It’ll check for your license via iLok Cloud or USB
Once found, the software will open
You’re now ready to create your first session

Pro Tip: Use the App!
It's much easeier to see what's happening by downloading and opening the iLok License Manager app rather than going to the website each time.

Sign in, download the latest version, and make sure your license is active and assigned to the right device.

Bonus: First-Time Tips for Using Pro Tools

Start with the Dashboard to create a new session
Choose a Sample Rate (44.1kHz or 48kHz is fine to start)
Use the Playback Engine to set your interface
Save your session with a clear folder structure (keep things organized from Day 1)

Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Stay Consistent

Pro Tools may feel intimidating at first — but once it’s set up, it becomes a powerful, stable foundation for recording, editing, mixing, and producing at a professional level.

Here’s your Pro Tools starter checklist:
✅ Choose your version
✅ Create Avid and iLok accounts
✅ Link them
✅ Install Pro Tools and Avid Link
✅ Install the iLok License Manager app
✅ Authorize your license
✅ Launch and start creating

🎧 Download some free practice multitracks from this site.
And then follow my FREE guide “The 4 Main Elements in Any Mix” to get started mixing now.