Pro Tools: How To Reset The Trash & Preferences For Optimal Performance

Are you tired of Pro Tools not functioning properly or plug-ins not showing up?

Trashing Pro Tools preferences might just be the solution.

However, manually deleting them is long, not even going to sugar coat it…

In this article, we'll guide you through step-by-step on how to reset your trash and preferences for optimal performance in Pro Tools.

We'll also discuss why it's important to clean up those junk files and back up your current preference settings before making any changes.

By the end of this article, you'll have gained enough knowledge to efficiently reset your Pro Tools trash and preferences for a smooth audio producing experience.

So let's get started!

Pro Tools Trash Preferences TL;DR

Trashing Pro Tools preferences can reset the software and fix issues with plug-ins not showing up.
There are two ways to trash preferences: manually or using a dedicated app like PT Prefs or Trasher 3.
To manually trash preferences on a Mac, delete specific files in Finder.
On Windows, navigate to Avid > Pro Tools and delete all files except for Plug-Ins folder.
Alternatively, use apps that can back up your preferences for later restoration if needed.

Don't Have It Yet? Download Avid Pro Tools

Avid Pro Tools
What We Like

Industry-standard DAW
Powerful multitrack editingOptimized for multimedia projects
Handles multi-channel audio and surround sound formats well
Cleanest audio editing workflow
Low-cost Artist version available
Efficient and optimized to accelerate workflows
What We Don't Like

It can be resource-intensive and difficult to run on older or less powerful computers.
It is a subscription-based product, which may not be ideal for everyone.
There have been reports of random crashes and excessive system usage.
It requires an iLok license manager.

Avid Pro Tools Ultimate
What We Like

Ultimate offers full track and I/O counts.
Immersive/spatial audio mixing tools
Advanced features for music and audio post productions.
Includes advanced video editing tools similar to software such as Premier.
Highly customizable application and UI
Wide audio format compatibility.
Powerful multitrack editing.
Optimization for multimedia projects.
Strong software support.
What We Don't Like

One of the cons of Avid Pro Tools Ultimate is its price. It isn't suitable for a student or somebody on a budget.

How To Reset The Trash In Pro Tools

Step 1: The Trash Folder in Pro Tools

The trash folder in Pro Tools is where all deleted files are stored. These files can take up valuable disk space, slowing down your computer's performance.

You can find the trash folder by navigating to Window > Show Workspace Browser > Project > Trashes.

Step 2: Moving Files to the Trash Folder

To move a file or multiple files to the trash folder, simply select them and hit delete on your keyboard.

Alternatively, you can right-click on the file(s) and select “Move To Trash.”

It's essential that you review what you're deleting before sending it off to the trash folder as there may be some unwanted items that need removing from projects such as plugins no longer being used.

Step 3: Emptying The Trash Folder

Once you have moved all unwanted items into the trashes section of PT workspace browser (by selecting ‘Move To Trash') , then go ahead & empty them permanently by selecting ‘EmptyTrash' . This will free up space on your hard drive allowing for faster processing times.

How To Reset Preferences In Pro Tools

Preferences are user-defined settings that determine how various aspects of software work.

Over time these settings become obsolete leading may lead leads cause problems with working operations like DAW software like Pro Tools.

Therefore resetting preferences becomes crucial when experience plugin load issues or other functionality-related errors within pro tools

Back Up Your Current Preferences:

Backups allow users who wish preserve their preference settings so they won't lose customizations made over time inside protools.

This simple step involves making a copy of current preference folders thus offering flexibility if any major crashes occur after performing resets.

Restoring Default Preference Settings in Windows :

If you're on Windows- Navigate through

C:Users[your username]/AppData/Roaming/AvidProTools

Locate an Avid named sub-folder containing all necessary preference related files/Folders –Delete everything except Plug-ins.

Now proceed with restarting the Protools application which will hence rebuild its default setup configurations automatically.

Restoring Default Preference Settings on Mac Operating Systems (OSX):

If using macOS platform – Close [pro-tools] app –> locate & click Go button whilst holding down Cmd+Shift keys + press G key

After opening Finder window – Type ~/Library/Preferences/Avid into search box shown at top right corner -> Click ‘Go’ button

Simply Delete entire contents of this directory excluding Plug-ins subfolder ->re-launch PT tool again

In conclusion, routinely cleaning out junk from our computer systems including DAW programs such as Pro Tools has numerous benefits beyond just freeing storage spaces; often resulting better speed stability towards having quality recording sessions.

I hope this guide helps keep your audio workstation running smoothly!

About Author

Arielle P

Songwriter | Music Producer | Engineer.

With a background in music production and a strong passion for education, Arielle is dedicated to helping emerging artists navigate the music industry. She has worked with a diverse range of artists, from indie rock bands to well-known hip-hop and grime artists. Arielle's unique approach to teaching focuses on empowering artists to take control of their brand, ensuring they retain creative ownership throughout their journey. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting with new sounds in her home studio and sharing her insights through music production tutorials and workshops.

📧 Email Arielle