How to create project template in Logic Pro X

In order to save some valuable time, brainpower and nerve sells, you have to exclude something from your workflow or do something differently (more effective). One of those things is project templates.

Usually, when you create content on a regular basis (for example podcasts or vlogs), you do a lot of repeating tasks in your editing software. It’s probably the same signal routing, same EQ, compression, mastering plugin chain and settings. So, why do you do that over and over again? You can save hours and create project templates.

Today we’re going to discover how to do that in a very popular DAW Logic Pro X.

Also read: 5 Tips for easier podcast editing.

Let’s start!

Basically, there are two ways.

1. Create a project template from a blank project.

Go to File > New to open an empty blank project.
Create the number of channels that you usually use. Both audio and midi channels.
Set up all the I/O channel routing.
Insert virtual instruments (if you use them).
Put in channels inserts all required plugins, except too “heavy” plugins. At this point, we need to avoid aggressive CPU usage.
If you have presets for plugins and instruments, load them up! Again, don’t overload the CPU.
If you use vlog / podcast intro, transitions, ad, or whatever, import all of it into the project and place them on its spots.
If you do something specific with your project every session. Set those settings up!
After all the above is done, go to File > Save as Template.
Type the name for your template and click Save button.

Congrats! You have a template. Now every time you gonna create a new piece of content, you just go to File > New from Template.

Moving on!

2. Create a template from an existing project.

Choose the project, that contains everything you need (channels, routing, plugins, gain staging, etc.) Choose the one, that you really like, meaning, it sounds and looks good. In other words, mixed well.
Do the BACKUP of that project. Go to File > Save a Copy As… Choose the folder and save a copy of your project just in case.

Backup a project copy in Logic pro x — Creating a backup in Logic Pro X

Clean it from the content, that you are not going to use every time and delete it.
If a project lacks something important, insert it, import it and set it up.
At this point, you probably have the template that needs to be saved. But one more thing is left. Usually, after importing or recording audio, Logic saves audio in its project folders, which could weight many GB! We need to delete all unused audio before saving the template.
Go to File > Project Management > Clean Up , mark all checkboxes and click OK.