Sony Vegas 6 Manual

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4.Select the Reverse check box if you want the subclip to be played backward when you add it to your 
project.
5.Click OK to create the subclip. You can then create events from subclip via the Project Media window.
Selecting a subclip in its parent media
This feature is available only in the full version of Vegas software.
1.Right-click a subclip in the Project Media window and choose Open in Trimmer from the shortcut menu.
2.Click the Select Parent Media button  in the Trimmer window. The subclips original media file is 
opened in the Trimmer, and the portion of the media that represents the subclip is selected. 
Removing red eye from stills
This feature is available only in Vegas Movie Studio and Vegas Movie Studio Platinum software.
1.Right-click a still image on the timeline (or in the Project Media window) and choose Red Eye Reduction 
from the shortcut menu.
2.Click and drag to create a selection around the red portion of the eye.
3.Click the  or  buttons to change the magnification of the image, or roll the mouse wheel forward or 
backward to zoom around the cursor position. 
4.Drag to position the selection box over the portion of the eye you want to correct.
5.Drag the borders of the selection box to adjust its size. Vegas automatically adjusts the portion of the 
image in the selection box to remove red eye.
Tip: Right-click a selection box and choose Delete from the 
shortcut menu to remove it.
6.Readjust the selection box as needed, and repeat this procedure for each red eye in the image.
Note: If an image is used multiple times in your project, 
removing the red eyes once will affect all instances of the 
image. 
						

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Using the Edit Details window
This feature is available only in the full version of Vegas software.
The Edit Details window displays a database for all of the media in your project. It shows information about 
how the files are being used and allows you to modify many of those properties. You may sort, add or change 
information, rearrange columns, and edit items in the project.
This window provides an alternate method for working with events, audio CD track list items, command 
markers, markers, and regions after they are placed in your project. 
You can dock the Edit Details window in the window docking area or float it on the workspace. For more 
information, see Window docking area and floating window docks on page 24.
Viewing the Edit Details window
To view the Edit Details window, choose Edit Details from the View menu or press . The Show drop-
down list allows you to view categorized project information. You can edit most entries by double-clicking 
them or by right-clicking them to display a shortcut menu.
Audio CD track list
The Audio CD track list category displays information about the track and index markers placed on the CD 
layout bar. This information is used to burn audio CDs. For more information, see Understanding tracks and 
indices on page 351.
Commands
The Commands category displays information about commands that are placed along the project’s timeline. 
This category displays four columns: the command’s position along the timeline, the command type, its 
parameters, and any comments that were entered when the command marker was placed in your project. 
Right-click a command entry to display a shortcut menu. For more information, see Working with command 
markers on page 119.
Alt +4
Use the scroll bar to view other 
Right-click an
entry to display
a shortcut menu,
or double-click
an entry to edit it.
columns in the window. 
						

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Events
The Events category displays information about all of the events in your project. You may sort any of the 
information by clicking a column’s header. The number of columns in the 
Events category requires that you 
use the scroll bar to view them all. 
The following table explains each column in the Events category and describes its function.
Markers
The Markers category displays information about markers on the project’s timeline. This category displays 
two columns: the marker’s position on the timeline and the marker’s name. For more information, see Wo r k i n g  
with markers on page 116.
Regions
The Regions category displays information about regions on the project’s timeline. This category displays 
four columns: the region’s start position, end position, length, and name. For more information, see Wor ki ng 
with regions on page 117.
Selected Events
The Selected Events category is visually identical to the Events category except that the Edit Details window 
only displays information about events that are selected in your project.
ColumnDescriptionEdit function
Tr a c kDisplays the track number where 
the event is located.Move the event to a different location by entering a different track 
number (pg. 60).
StartDisplays when on the timeline the 
event starts playback.Enter a different value to cause the event to begin playback sooner or 
later in the project (pg. 60).
EndDisplays when on the timeline the 
event ends playback.Enter a different value to cause the event to end playback sooner or 
later in the project (pg. 60).
LengthDisplays the total length of the 
event.Enter a different value to increase or decrease the event’s playback 
time.
Number of TakesDisplays the amount of recorded 
takes contained in the event.Cannot be edited (display only).
Active Take NameDisplays the event’s current take 
name.Enter a different name for the current take (pg. 131).
Take StartDisplays the offset into the source 
media file when the placed event 
begins playback.Enter a different value to cause the take to playback sooner or later 
from the source media file.
Timecode InDisplays the media file timecode at 
the start of the event.Display only (cannot be edited).
Timecode OutDisplays the media file timecode at 
the end of the event.Display only (cannot be edited).
File PathDisplays the path of the event’s 
media file.Enter a new media file reference path for the event to use.
Tape NameDisplays the name of the source 
media tape name.Change the tape name here or in the properties dialog for the media 
file (pg. 239).
SelectDisplays whether the event is 
selected in the project.Toggle the event’s selection by clicking the check box. A check mark in 
the box indicates that the event is selected (pg. 96).
MuteDisplays whether the event is 
muted.Toggle the event’s mute switch by clicking the check box. A check 
mark in the box indicates that the event is muted (pg. 171).
LoopDisplays whether the event is 
looped for playback.Toggle the event’s loop switch by clicking the check box. A check mark 
in the box indicates that the event is looped for playback (pg. 171).
LockDisplays whether the event is 
locked.Toggle the event’s lock switch by clicking the check box. A check mark 
in the box indicates that the event is locked (pg. 171).
NormalizeDisplays whether the event is 
normalized.Toggle the event’s normalize switch by clicking the check box. A check 
mark in the box indicates that the event is normalized (pg. 172).
Snap OffsetDisplays when in the event the snap 
offset is positioned.Enter a different value to change the snap offset position in the event 
(pg. 126). 
						

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Customizing the Edit Details window
You may arrange and delete columns from each category and save the changes to a personal template. One 
template is available from which you may create your own display options.
1.From the Show drop-down list, choose the category that you want to customize.
2.Drag a column’s header to the new position. The cursor changes to a column icon () as you move the 
column. If you want to remove the column from the display, drag the icon off the Edit Details window. 
Release the mouse to drop the column in its new position.
3.The Te m p l a t e drop-down name changes to “Untitled.” Enter a new name in the Te m p l a t e drop-down.
4.Click the Save button () on the Edit Details window to save the custom display.
Tip: You can delete a custom display by selecting it from the 
template drop-down list and clicking the Delete button (). 
						

							CHP. 6WORKING WITH TRACKS
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Working with Tracks
Tracks contain the media events on the timeline of a project. There are two types of tracks in a Vegas® 
project: video and audio. Each type of track has its own features and controls. While tracks can be organized 
and mixed in any order, track hierarchy can be important in determining the final output for video. Because 
tracks are containers for events, effects that are applied to a track apply to every event in that track.
Managing tracks
Once you have added a track to your project, you may perform basic editing tasks on it such as duplicating, 
deleting, and renaming.
Inserting an empty track
Tracks are created for you when you drag events to empty spaces in the timeline. You can also add empty 
(eventless) tracks to a project. You can record into these tracks or use them as placeholders for specific media 
that you will add later. For example, you may want to create an empty track and then record a voiceover 
directly into a project.
1.Right-click in the track view or the track list to display a shortcut menu.
2.Choose Insert Audio Track or Insert Video Track.
You may also add an empty track from the Insert menu by choosing Audio Track or Video Track. An empty 
track is added at the bottom of the track list.
Duplicating a track
You can duplicate a track in your project including all of the events contained on it. When you duplicate a 
track, the duplicate is placed directly below the original track. You can duplicate one track or select multiple 
tracks to duplicate.
1.Click the track that you want to duplicate. To select multiple tracks, click each one while pressing  
to select adjacent tracks or 
 to select nonadjacent tracks.
2.Right-click and choose Duplicate Track from the shortcut menu.
Shift
Ctrl
6 
						

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Deleting a track
You can delete a track from your project and all of the events contained on it. You can delete one track or 
select multiple tracks to delete.
1.Select the track that you want to delete. To select multiple tracks, click each one while pressing  to 
select a range of adjacent tracks or 
 to select discontinuous tracks.
2.From the Edit menu, choose Delete.
Tip: You can also delete a track by selecting it and pressing 
.
Naming or renaming a track
Every track in your project has a scribble strip where you can type a name for the track. The track name may 
be up to 255 characters long. If the scribble strip is not visible, you may need to increase the height or width 
of the track by dragging the track’s edge to reveal it. For more information, see Changing track height on page 
143. 
1.Double-click the scribble strip. Any existing name is highlighted on the 
strip. 
2.Type the new track name.
3.Press  to save the track’s name.
Organizing tracks
Vegas software is flexible in how tracks can be organized. You can arrange and resize tracks to fit your 
particular needs.
Reordering tracks
When you create tracks, they are arranged in the order that they were added. It is a simple process to reorder 
tracks to fit your needs. You may reorder one or more tracks at a time.
Note: Track hierarchy can be critical in video compositing. 
For more information, see Compositing on page 248.
1.In the track list, place the mouse pointer on the track that you want to move.
2.Drag the track to the new position in the track list.
Tip: When moving a track, you may want to place the mouse 
pointer on the track number when dragging. This helps avoid 
accidental modifications to other track list controls.
Shift
Ctrl
Delete
Double-click and type track name
Enter 
						

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143
Changing track color
When you add a track, it is automatically assigned a color. This color is easily changed. This feature is useful 
if you want to use color to organize similar tracks. 
1.In the track list, right-click a track to display a shortcut menu.
2.From the shortcut menu, choose Track Display Color, and choose a color from the submenu.
To change the available colors, use the Display Tab in the 
Preferences dialog.
Changing track height
You can control track height by dragging the bottom edge of a track in the track list. You can also change 
track height by clicking the buttons on the track list. 
You can also use several different keyboard shortcuts to change all track heights at once:
 Press  or  to change the height of all tracks in your project at once.
 Press  to minimize all tracks. Press the key again to restore the tracks to their previous height.
 Press  to make all tracks the default height.
Resizing a track
You can resize a track by dragging its bottom or right border. Place the mouse pointer at the bottom of the 
track. The cursor turns into an up/down arrow (
). Drag up or down and release the mouse to set the 
desired track size. You can resize the width of the track list in a similar way.
ActionButtonResulting Track height
Minimize/
Restore 
Track Height
Restored Track Height
Maximize/
Restore 
Track Height
Ctrl+Shift +Ctrl+Shift +
`
Ctrl+`
Drag to change track height... ...or to change track list width. 
						

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WORKING WITH TRACKSCHP. 6
Using the track list
Each track in your project has its own controls, faders, and sliders that are contained in the track list on the 
left side of the track. You can work with these controls to affect the events on the track.
The controls in the track list can function as trim controls or automation controls for track volume, panning, 
assignable effects send, and bus send levels. Adjusting the trim control affects the level of the entire track.
When a track does not use envelopes (or when the track automation mode is set to Off), the trim level is 
added to the track fader. For example, setting the track volume fader to +3 dB and the trim control to -3 dB 
produces a gain of 0 dB.
When a track uses envelopes, the trim level is added to the envelope so your envelope is preserved, but with 
a boost or cut applied. For example, setting the trim control to -3 dB has the same effect as decreasing every 
envelope point by 3 dB.
To adjust trim levels, click the Automation Settings button  and verify Show Automation Controls is not 
selected. When 
Show Automation Controls is selected, the volume fader and multipurpose slider adjust 
automation settings.
Note: The Automation Settings button is not available in 
Vegas Movie Studio and Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 
software. In these versions of the software, the Volume and 
Pan controls in the track header always function as trim 
controls for track volume or panning envelopes.
Using the volume fader (audio only)
The fader in the track header can function as a trim control that adjusts the overall volume of the track, or it 
can adjust track volume automation settings. For more information, see Volume or pan automation (audio only) 
on page 156.
The trim level is added to the volume automation settings so your envelope is preserved, but with a boost or 
cut applied. For example, setting the trim control to -3 dB has the same effect as decreasing every envelope 
point by 3 dB.
1.Click the Automation Settings button  and verify Show Automation Controls is not selected.
Note: The Automation Settings button is not available in 
Vegas Movie Studio and Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 
software. In these versions of the software, the Volume 
control in the track header always functions as a trim control 
for track volume envelopes.
2.Drag the Vo l fader to control how loud a track is in the mix. If multiple tracks are selected, all selected 
tracks are adjusted. 
As you drag the fader, the volume level displays to the left of the fader. Double-click the fader to set it to 
0.0 dB, or double-click the current volume value to enter a specific number.
Double-click the fader
to set to 0.0 dB. Drag to change volume. Double-click the current level toenter a value. 
						

							CHP. 6WORKING WITH TRACKS
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Tip: Press  while dragging or use the mouse wheel for 
finer control of the fader. You can also move the fader by 
using the right or left arrow keys.
Volume envelopes allow you to automate track volume changes. For more information, see Vo lu m e  o r  pa n  
automation (audio only) on page 156.
Using the multipurpose slider (audio only)
This slider controls several features, including panning, bus 
send levels, and assignable effects send levels. The options for 
the multipurpose slider depend on what your project contains 
(e.g., busses, assignable effects, etc.). You can select what the 
slider controls by clicking the slider label. Each item’s slider 
position is independent from the others.
Tip: If you do not see this slider on a track, increase the track 
height. For more information, see Resizing a track on page 
143.
You can move the slider by pressing 
+the right or left 
arrow keys.
Adjusting stereo panning
The multipurpose slider in the track header can function as a trim control that adjusts the overall panning of 
the track, or it can adjust track panning automation settings. For more information, see Adjusting volume or 
pan automation settings on page 157.
The trim level is added to the pan automation settings so your envelope is preserved, but with a boost or cut 
applied. For example, setting the trim control to -9% left has the same effect as moving every envelope point 
9% to the left.
1.Click the Automation Settings button  and verify Show Automation Controls is not selected.
Note: The Automation Settings button is not available in 
Vegas Movie Studio and Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 
software. In these versions of the software, the Pan control in 
the track header always functions as a trim control for track 
panning envelopes.
2.Drag the Pan slider to control the position of a track in the stereo field. If multiple tracks are selected, all 
selected tracks are adjusted. 
Ctrl
Click the slider
a control label to select
Shift 
						

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WORKING WITH TRACKSCHP. 6
You can further control the panning by right-clicking the multipurpose slider and selecting an option from 
the shortcut menu:
The Add Channels panning model is most useful for panning 
stereo source material. This model makes the stereo image 
appear to move as a unit between the speakers. As the fader is 
moved from the center to a side, more and more of the signal 
from the opposite side is folded into the side you are panning 
towards, until at the extreme, both channels are fed at full 
intensity into a single channel. This panning model uses a 
linear panning curve.
The Balance panning model is most useful for adjusting the relative signal levels of the right and left 
channels in stereo source material. In this model, moving from the center to a side, the opposite side starts 
at a base dB level (either 0 dB, -3 dB, or -6 dB) and decays to no signal level. The signal in the side you 
are panning towards starts at the base dB level (either 0 dB, -3 dB, or -6 dB) and increases to 0 dB. This 
panning model uses a linear panning curve.
The Constant Power panning model is most useful for panning mono source material. As you move the 
fader from side to side, this model creates the illusion of the source moving around the listener from one 
side to the other in a semi-circle. This model uses a constant-power panning curve.
You can add a pan envelope to automate panning changes. For more information, see Composite level 
automation (video only) on page 161.
Assigning audio tracks to assignable effects chains
This feature is available only in the full version of Vegas software.
Assignable effects chains are made up of one or more plug-ins that are used to add audio effects to a track’s 
signal. You can adjust the level of a track that is sent to an assignable effects chain using the multipurpose 
slider in the track list. The multipurpose slider can function as a trim control that adjusts the overall 
assignable effects send level for the track, or it can adjust assignable effects automation settings. For more 
information, see Adjusting assignable effects automation levels on page 158. 
1.Click the Automation Settings button  and verify Show Automation 
Controls
 is not selected. 
2.Click the label on the multipurpose slider to display a drop-down list.
3.Choose the assignable effects chain that the track will use.
4.Drag the slider to adjust the level of the track sent to the assignable effects 
chain.
Note: Assignable effect sends are post-volume by default. 
To change to pre-volume, right-click the multipurpose slider 
and choose Pre Volume from the shortcut menu.