----
-layout: default
-title: Waveform display
----
-
-<p>
- The display of <dfn>waveforms</dfn> (or, more correctly, <dfn>peak
- envelopes</dfn>, since the actual waveform is only visible at the highest
- zoom levels) is configurable via the <kbd
- class="menu">Edit > Preferences > Editor</kbd> dialog, to support
- different usecases and user preferences. The following options are
- available:
-</p>
-<dl class="wide-table">
- <dt>Show waveforms in regions</dt>
- <dd>By default, Ardour draws waveforms within audio regions. Disable this
- option to hide them.</dd>
- <dt>Waveform scale</dt>
- <dd>
- <dl>
- <dt>Linear</dt>
- <dd>This is the traditional <dfn>linear</dfn> (1:1) display of the
- peak envelope, or, at higher zoom levels, the individual samples.</dd>
- <dt>Logarithmic</dt>
- <dd>Alternatively, you can use a <dfn>logarithmic</dfn> display of the
- peak envelope. This will give you a better idea of program loudness (it is similar
- to dBs) and plot soft passages more clearly, which is useful for soft
- recordings or small track height.</dd>
- </dl>
- </dd>
- <dt>Waveform shape</dt>
- <dd>
- <dl>
- <dt>Traditional</dt>
- <dd>The <dfn>zero</dfn> line appears in the middle of the display and waveforms
- appear as positive and negative peaks above <em>and</em> below.</dd>
- <dt>Rectified</dt>
- <dd>The zero line appears at the bottom of the display and waveforms appear
- as absolute peaks <em>above</em> the line only.</dd>
- </dl>
- </dd>
-</dl>
-