Pro Tools for Mac

Start recording for free today

Pro Tools First is a complimentary audio workstation for macOS and Windows that lets you record, mix and polish tracks right from a laptop or desktop. It provides a compact, desktop-ready toolkit so musicians and creators can make music without a big investment.

Where it sits in the Pro Tools family

This edition is an entry-level version of AVID’s Pro Tools ecosystem — a stepping stone toward the full Pro Tools and Pro Tools HD suites. While it lacks some advanced capabilities found in paid releases, it delivers enough functionality to produce professional-sounding demos and helps new users learn the Pro Tools workflow before upgrading.

Notable capabilities

• Compatible with both Windows and macOS systems
• Includes more than 20 built-in effects and utility plug-ins
• Lets you start from blank sessions or choose from ready-made templates
• Supports MIDI instruments, audio recording and loop-based construction
• Designed as a free introductory option to the broader Pro Tools lineup
• Features a streamlined, beginner-friendly interface

Quick launch for beginners

If you’re new to DAWs, Pro Tools First makes it simple to begin immediately — no instrument required. Choose a session template or build your own, use MIDI instruments or drag-and-drop loops from its sound library, and apply the included plug-ins to shape your tone. It’s built to remove friction so you can focus on creating music.