View source for FL Studio

{{short description|Digital audio workstation}}
{{Redirect-distinguish|FruityLoops|Froot Loops}}
{{primary sources|date=September 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox software
| name = Image-Line
| title = FL Studio
| logo = FL_Studio_11_just_logo.png
| logo caption = The original logo depicted a [[strawberry]], while the current logo (above) is a cross between a [[mango]] and a strawberry.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.image-line.com/action/knowledgebase?ans=586|title=What fruit is the FL Studio logo?|access-date=Nov 17, 2025|archive-date=Nov 17, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251117161124/https://support.image-line.com/action/knowledgebase?ans=586|url-status=live}}</ref>
| logo size = 
| logo alt = 
| screenshot = 
| caption = FL Studio 20
| screenshot size = 
| screenshot alt = 
| collapsible = 
| author = Didier Dambrin
| developer = [[Image-Line Software]]
| released = {{Start date and age|1998|04|26}} (as FruityLoops)
| discontinued = 
| latest release version = 2025.1.2
| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2025|07|28}}<ref>{{cite web|title=History {{!}} FL Studio|url=https://www.image-line.com/history/|website=image-line.com|publisher=[[Image-Line Software]]|access-date=2025-08-08|archive-date=June 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605000545/https://www.image-line.com/history/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| latest preview version = 
| latest preview date = 
| programming language = [[Delphi programming language|Delphi]], [[Assembly language]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/23/17384580/music-production-software-fruity-loops-20-mac-compatible|title=Music production software FL Studio is now available for Mac|last=Deahl|first=Dani|date=2018-05-23|website=[[The Verge]]|language=en|access-date=2020-04-28|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109010057/https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/23/17384580/music-production-software-fruity-loops-20-mac-compatible|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.embarcadero.com/case-study/image-line-software-case-study|title=Image-Line Software Case Study|website=[[Embarcadero Technologies]]|language=en-gb|access-date=2020-04-28}}</ref>
| operating system = [[macOS]], [[Windows]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]]
| size = 
| language = English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese
| language count = 
| language footnote = 
| genre = [[Digital audio workstation]]
| license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]]
| alexa = 
| website = {{URL|image-line.com}}
| standard = 
| AsOf = 
}}

'''FL Studio''' (known as '''FruityLoops''' before 2003)<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://flstudio.image-line.com/documents/history.php?entry_id=1286984399&title=10|title=History|work=FL Studio|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026044232/http://flstudio.image-line.com/documents/history.php?entry_id=1286984399&title=10|archive-date=2011-10-26|access-date=2015-12-13}}</ref> is a [[digital audio workstation]] (DAW) developed by the Belgian company [[Image-Line]]. It features a [[graphical user interface]] with a pattern-based<ref>{{cite web|title=Working with Patterns in FL Studio 20|url=https://musictech.com/tutorials/working-with-patterns-in-fl-studio-20/|date=2018-09-05|website=MusicTech|language=en-GB|access-date=2025-07-21|archive-date=September 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910084552/https://musictech.com/tutorials/working-with-patterns-in-fl-studio-20/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[music sequencer]]. It is available in four different editions (including FL Mobile) for [[Microsoft Windows]] and [[macOS]].<ref name="what" />

After their initial purchase, lifetime updates of the software are free to registered users.<ref name="flstudio" /><ref name="ovguide" /> Image-Line also develops [[FL Studio Mobile]] for [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]], [[macOS]], and [[Universal Windows Platform]] devices.<ref name="mobile" />

FL Studio can be used as either a [[Virtual Studio Technology]] (VST) or [[Audio Units|Audio Unit]] (AU) instrument in other audio workstation programs, and as a [[ReWire (software protocol)|ReWire]] client. Image-Line offers its own VST and AU instruments and audio applications. FL Studio has been used by many notable [[hip hop music|hip hop]] and [[electronic dance music|EDM]] producers, including [[Seven Lions]],<ref>{{cite web
 |last=Bonavoglia
 |first=Brian
 |title=Seven Lions: Decade of Dreams
 |website=DJ Life
 |date=2022-10-20
 |url=https://djlifemag.com/2022/10/seven-lions-decade-of-dreams/
 |access-date=2025-09-19
 |quote=I use FL Studio, Dynaudio BM5A monitors and ADAM Audio A8X monitors.
}}</ref> [[9th Wonder]], [[Cardo (record producer)|Cardo]], [[Basshunter]], [[Metro Boomin]], [[Hit-Boy]], [[Porter Robinson]], [[Alan Walker]], [[Madeon]], [[Soulja Boy]], [[Southside (record producer)|Southside]], [[Martin Garrix]], [[Avicii]], [[Imanbek]], [[Lex Luger (record producer)|Lex Luger]], [[Deadmau5]], [[The Living Tombstone]] and [[Pi'erre Bourne]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=The Unlikely Rise of FL Studio, The Internet's Favorite Production Software|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/fl-studio-soulja-boy-porter-robinson-madeon-feature/|last=Weiss|first=Dan|date=2016-10-12|website=Vice|language=en|access-date=2020-05-12|archive-date=May 12, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250512205056/https://www.vice.com/en/article/fl-studio-soulja-boy-porter-robinson-madeon-feature/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Power Users|url=https://www.image-line.com/flstudio/powerusers.php|website=www.image-line.com|access-date=2020-05-12|archive-date=2019-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402204415/https://www.image-line.com/flstudio/powerusers.php|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Read |first=Chris |title=Pi'erre Bourne Takes on the Rhythm Roulette Challenge |url=https://www.whosampled.com/news/2022/09/14/pierre-bourne-takes-on-the-rhythm-roulette-challenge/ |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=www.whosampled.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rt3uAWwyyI |title=Rhythm Roulette: Pi'erre Bourne {{!}} Mass Appeal |date=2022-09-14 |last=Mass Appeal |access-date=2025-03-12 |via=YouTube |archive-date=January 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250109025815/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rt3uAWwyyI |url-status=live }}</ref> The previous default tempo of FL Studio (140 BPM) has been credited as being the reason [[Grime music|grime]] music is generally produced around 140 BPM.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGlynn |first=Declan |date=2020-04-20 |title=How FL Studio changed electronic music forever |url=https://djmag.com/longreads/how-fl-studio-changed-electronic-music-forever |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425105001/https://djmag.com/longreads/how-fl-studio-changed-electronic-music-forever |archive-date=2020-04-25 |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=[[DJ Mag]] |quote=While Ableton Live and Logic Pro’s default bpm is 120, FL Studio originally opted for a rapid 140bpm, something that immediately resulted in a different approach to four-four nature of other genres.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Finamore |first=Emma |date=2018-09-12 |title=Behind the beats: How UK producers created grime |url=https://www.psneurope.com/business/uk-music-producer-grime |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105090851/https://www.psneurope.com/business/uk-music-producer-grime |archive-date=2019-11-05 |website=PSN Europe |quote=Grime’s instantly recognisable ‘magic number’ of 140 bpm finds its origins here too, as the preset tempo in FruityLoops. ‘Godfather of Grime’ Wiley has said this standard tempo in the programme meant he created most of his earliest tracks at 140 bpm, and as one of the genre’s first success stories – other producers followed his lead.}}</ref>

==History==
On {{start date and age|1997|12|18|paren=y}}, [[Image-Line Software]] partially released the first version of FruityLoops (1.0.0), developed by Didier Dambrin.<ref>{{Cite web|title=FL Studio 1.0|url=https://www.image-line.com/flstudio/history.php?entry_id=1286984399&title=fl-studio-10|website=www.image-line.com|language=en|access-date=2020-05-12|author=FL Studio|archive-date=March 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330211541/https://www.image-line.com/flstudio/history.php?entry_id=1286984399&title=fl-studio-10|url-status=live}}</ref>

In early {{start year and age|1998|paren=y}}, Image-Line officially launched FruityLoops, when it was still a four-channel<ref name="techmag"/> [[MIDI]] [[drum machine]].<ref name="Lex Luger (producer)"/> Dambrin became Chief Software Architect for the program,<ref name="ovguide">{{cite news|title=FL Studio Video|url=http://www.ovguide.com/fl-studio-9202a8c04000641f80000000001e8c37|publisher=OVGuide|access-date=2011-05-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317061959/http://www.ovguide.com/fl-studio-9202a8c04000641f80000000001e8c37|archive-date=2012-03-17|url-status=dead}}</ref> and it quickly underwent a series of large upgrades that made it into a popular and complex [[digital audio workstation]].{{citation needed|date=July 2025}}

In mid-{{start year and age|2003|paren=y}}, Image-Line renamed FruityLoops to FL Studio, after the company's attempt to obtain a US trademark prompted concerns from [[Kellogg's]]<ref name="McGlynn">{{Cite web|last=McGlynn|first=Declan|title=How FL Studio changed electronic music forever|url=https://djmag.com/longreads/how-fl-studio-changed-electronic-music-forever|date=2020-04-20|website=DJMag.com|access-date=2020-05-12|archive-date=April 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425105001/https://djmag.com/longreads/how-fl-studio-changed-electronic-music-forever|url-status=live}}</ref> and to improve the software's marketability.<ref name=":0" />{{failed verification|date=February 2024}} [[Software piracy]] was a concern for the company in its early years, and it took nearly 5 years for the company to turn a profit from users purchasing legitimate licenses.<ref name=":1" />

On {{start date and age|2018|05|22|paren=y}}, a [[macOS]]-compatible version of FL Studio was released.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Music production software FL Studio is now available for Mac|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/23/17384580/music-production-software-fruity-loops-20-mac-compatible|last=Deahl|first=Dani|date=2018-05-23|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=2020-05-12|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109010057/https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/23/17384580/music-production-software-fruity-loops-20-mac-compatible|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Overview==

=== Editions ===
FL Studio comes in several editions with different levels of functionality. The free trial version includes all of the program's features, all plugins, and allows users to render project audio to [[WAV]], [[MIDI]], [[MP3]], [[FLAC]] and [[Ogg|OGG]].<ref name="what" /> Projects saved while in demo mode, however, can only be opened once FL Studio and its plugins have been registered. Also, instrument presets cannot be saved and the audio output of some instruments is cut out momentarily every few minutes until the program and its plugins have been registered.<ref name="FL Studio 12.5 BETA 3" />

==== Fruity Edition ====
The Fruity Edition allows users to access the playlist, piano roll, and event automation features, which allow complex and lengthy arranging and sequencing. There is also VST/ReWire support so that FL Studio can be an instrument in other hosts such as [[Cubase]], [[Sonic Solutions]], and [[Logic Studio|Logic]]. As of version 21.0.3, this edition includes 84 instruments and effects; it does not support audio recording and the use of audio clips.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Studio |first=F. L. |title=Compare Features and Pricing - Editions |url=https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio/compare-editions/ |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=FL Studio |language=en-US |archive-date=March 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210328174439/https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio/compare-editions/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Producer Edition ====
The Producer Edition includes all of the features of the Fruity Edition, as well as full audio recording for internal and external audio and post-production tools. It allows hand-drawing point and curve based [[spline (mathematics)|splines]] (referred to as "automation clips"). Plugins include Edison, Slicex (loop slicer and re-arranger), [[Sytrus]], Maximus, Vocodex and Synthmaker. It also allows waveform viewing of audio clips and the ability to add cue points.<ref name="editions">{{cite news|title=Editions|website=image-line.com|publisher=[[Image-Line Software]]|url=http://www.image-line.com/flstudio-feature-comparison/|access-date=2015-04-26}}</ref>

==== Signature Bundle ====
This edition includes the Producer Edition plus a series of plugins such as the Fruity Video Player, DirectWave Sampler, Harmless, NewTone, Pitcher, Gross Beat, and the Hardcore Guitar Effects Suite.<ref name="editions" />

==== All Plugins Edition ====
The All Plugins Edition includes the Signature Bundle and extra plugins, particularly synthesizers.

==== FL Studio Mobile ====
On June 21, 2011, Image-Line released [[FL Studio Mobile]] for iOS and in April 2013 for Android. Both support the ability to create multi-track projects on mobile devices including [[iPod Touch]]es, [[iPhone]]s, [[iPad]]s,<ref name="mobile" /> Android 2.3.3, and higher smartphones and tablets.

==== Groove/GMM ====
Groove, a standalone [[Groovebox]]-style application optimized for touch-based music creation, was released for the Windows 8 store on September 2, 2013, as FL Studio Groove.<ref name="FL Studio Groove App" /> It was later released on mobile devices as Groove Machine Mobile and temporarily available as a plugin in FL Studio. As of now, it is no longer available for purchase.

==== FL Cloud ====
FL Cloud is a sub-brand launched by Image Line on October 26, 2023, encompassing online products and services for music production, with tools for mastering, music distribution, and accessing a curated selection of audio samples. Its features include:

* '''Sounds:''' Similar to FL Studio FLEX, FL Cloud allows seamless integration of audio samples directly within FL Studio. Content can be downloaded directly into the FL Studio project, eliminating the need for external libraries or manual file management. There are free and subscription options. The subscription option provides access to a wider range of sounds compared to the free version. Alternatively users can purchase non-expiring Download Credits to access the same sample library as available while subscribed.
* '''Mastering:''' FL Cloud offers both free and paid options for professional-grade mastering. The free tier provides basic tools, while the paid subscription unlocks advanced features and additional mastering effects.
* '''Music Distribution:''' Included with the subscription offering, music distribution allows users to directly upload their music to major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
* '''External Plugins:''' FL Cloud now includes 65+ plugins from UVI, Native Instruments, Minimal Audio, Baby Audio, and more. 10 Plugins are available for free, and 20 with the Plus tier.

<ref>{{Cite web |title=FL Cloud |url=https://www.image-line.com/fl-cloud, |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=www.image-line.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

===System requirements===
FL Studio processes audio using an internal 32-bit [[floating point]] engine. It supports [[sampling rate]]s up to 192&nbsp;kHz using either [[Windows Driver Model|WDM]]- or [[Audio Stream Input/Output|ASIO]]-enabled drivers.<ref name="ovguide"/>

[[Windows 7]]/[[Windows 8|8]]/[[Windows 10|10]]/[[Windows 11|11]] or later ([[32-bit]] or [[64-bit]] versions), MacOS Version 10.13.6 (High Sierra) or later.<ref name="flstudio" />

* Disk space: 4 GB
* RAM: 4 GB
* CPU: Intel and Ryzen only, ARM not supported.

''Note: The more powerful the CPU, the more instruments and effects you can run.''

===Program features===
*Version 9.0 introduced support for [[multi-core processor|multi-core]] effects processing and improved support for multi-core instrument processing.<ref>{{Citation|last=FL STUDIO by Image-line|title=FL Studio 9 Introductory video|date=2009-09-18|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kAdFZQwY2c| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211110/4kAdFZQwY2c| archive-date=2021-11-10 | url-status=live|access-date=2018-01-12}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*Version 10.0, released on March 29, 2011, included a new project browser, fixed some bugs, and smoothed envelope points. It also introduced Patcher, a modular workflow environment capable of chaining together an unlimited number of instruments and effects.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.image-line.com/newsletters/newsletterblog.php?entry_id=1328614634&title=fl-studio-10-is-here|title=FL Studio 10 is here!|access-date=2018-01-12|archive-date=July 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721122745/https://www.image-line.com/newsletters/newsletterblog.php?entry_id=1328614634&title=fl-studio-10-is-here|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Version 11.0, released on April 19, 2013, included multi-touch support, improved tempo automation, new plugins such as BassDrum, GMS, Effector, Patcher, and new piano roll features (VFX Key Mapper, VFX Color Mapper).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.image-line.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1366332120&title=fl-studio-11-out-now|title=FL Studio 11 Out Now!|access-date=2018-01-12}}</ref>
*Version 12.0, released on April 22, 2015, added a new vectorial UI, updated plugins, multi-touch support, a redesigned mixer, improved 32 and 64 bit plugin support and improved file management.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.image-line.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1429029712&title=announcing-fl-studio-12|title=Announcing FL Studio 12|date=22 April 2015|access-date=1 July 2016|archive-date=April 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425032102/http://www.image-line.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1429029712&title=announcing-fl-studio-12|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Version 20.0, released on May 22, 2018, skipped versions 13 to 19 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the program. It introduced native macOS support, multiple time-signatures, MIDI conversion to audio, unlimited playlist arrangements, improved plugin delay compensation, the return of the step sequencer graph editor, In-situ rendering ("freezing"), and other improvements.<ref>{{Cite web|title=FL STUDIO 20 Released!|url=https://www.image-line.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1525689307&title=fl-studio-20-released|website=www.image-line.com|date=7 May 2018|language=en|access-date=2020-05-12|archive-date=November 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123162433/https://www.image-line.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1525689307&title=fl-studio-20-released|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Version 21.0, released December 6, 2022, introduced integrated fade in/out level control and cross fades for audio clips, new visual themes, changes to the browser feature, and new audio effect plugins for each edition of FL Studio.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |last2= |first2= |date=2022-12-07 |title=FL STUDIO 21 Released {{!}} What's New? |url=https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-news/fl-studio-21-released/ |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=FL Studio |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FL Studio 21 is out now, offering faster and more precise audio editing |url=https://musictech.com/news/gear/image-line-fl-studio-21-precise-audio-editing/ |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=MusicTech |language=en-GB |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416133546/https://musictech.com/news/gear/image-line-fl-studio-21-precise-audio-editing/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*Version 21.2, released October 26, 2023, observed the addition of a stem separator tool in FL Studio, which can be used to separate any audio track into the vocal, melody, bass and drum components. Version 21.2 also saw the addition of AI Mastering tools, music distribution through DistroKid, a partner of FL Studio, and a new sample library, as a part of the FL Cloud subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |last2= |first2= |date=2023-10-26 |title=FL STUDIO 21.2 {{!}} What's New? |url=https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-news/fl-studio-21-2-whats-new/ |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=FL Studio |language=en-US |archive-date=March 21, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321053451/https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-news/fl-studio-21-2-whats-new/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-27 |title=FL Studio 21.2 with stem separation and AI mastering is now available |url=https://djmag.com/tech/fl-studio-212-stem-separation-and-ai-mastering-now-available |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=DJ Mag |language=en |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531111052/https://djmag.com/tech/fl-studio-212-stem-separation-and-ai-mastering-now-available |url-status=live }}</ref>
*Version 2024, released July 1, 2024, included the addition of new AI tools, new effects plugins for the Producer and Signature Bundle edition, a new instrumental plugin for the All Plugins Edition, and additions to the FL Cloud subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |last2= |first2= |date=2024-07-01 |title=FL STUDIO 2024 {{!}} What's New? |url=https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-news/fl-studio-2024-whats-new/ |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=FL Studio |language=en-US |archive-date=February 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250206175024/https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-news/fl-studio-2024-whats-new/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FL Studio 2024 welcomes new plugins, AI tools and expands FL Cloud library |url=https://musictech.com/news/music/fl-studio-2024-welcomes-new-plugins-ai-tools-and-expands-fl-cloud-library/ |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=MusicTech |language=en-GB |archive-date=April 28, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250428233457/https://musictech.com/news/music/fl-studio-2024-welcomes-new-plugins-ai-tools-and-expands-fl-cloud-library/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The mixer interface allows for any number of channel configurations. This allows mixing in 2.1, [[5.1 surround sound|5.1]], or [[7.1 surround sound]], as long as the output hardware interface has an equivalent number of outputs. The mixer also supports audio-in, enabling FL Studio to [[multitrack recording|record multitrack audio]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.image-line.com/support/flstudio_online_manual/html/mixer.htm|title=Mixer Explained|website=www.image-line.com|access-date=2018-01-12|archive-date=January 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113093129/https://www.image-line.com/support/flstudio_online_manual/html/mixer.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=April 2020}}

FL Studio supports [[audio time stretching and pitch scaling]], [[beat slicing]], [[chopping (sampling technique)|chopping]], and editing of audio, and as of version 25 it can record up to 500 simultaneous audio tracks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forum.image-line.com/viewtopic.php?t=332537|title=FL Studio 25 BETA 1 - Image-Line|website=forum.image-line.com|access-date=2025-03-13|archive-date=May 2, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250502134613/https://forum.image-line.com/viewtopic.php?t=332537|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=March 2025}} Other key features include a digital piano roll. Audio can be imported or exported as [[WAV]], [[MP3]], [[Ogg|OGG]], [[FLAC]], [[MIDI]], [[ZIP (file format)|ZIP]], or the native project format with an .FLP [[filename extension]].<ref name="ovguide"/>

The trial allows users to save projects, but does not allow reopening them. Tracks may be exported to any of the available file formats.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.image-line.com/support/flstudio_online_manual/html/app_feature.htm|title=Version Features|website=www.image-line.com|access-date=2018-01-12}}</ref>

=={{anchor|Plugins}}Plug-ins==
FL Studio comes with a variety of plugins and generators ([[software synthesizer]]s) written in the program's own native plugin architecture. FL Studio also has support for third-party VST and DirectX plugins.<ref name="jumpstarter"/> The API has a built in [[Driver wrapper|wrapper]] for full VST, VST2, VST3, [[DirectSound|DX]], and ReWire compatibility. There has also been support for the [[CLever Audio Plug-in|CLAP]] plugin format since FL Studio 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-01 |title=FL STUDIO 2024 {{!}} What's New? |url=https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-news/fl-studio-2024-whats-new/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220074251/https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-news/fl-studio-2024-whats-new/ |archive-date=2024-12-20 |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=Image Line |language=en-US}}</ref>

Although FL Studio's own plugins are set to be available only in their native format in the future, some of them also function independently as standalone programs and can be purchased in VST format for use with other DAWs.

===Virtual effects===
FL Studio is bundled with a variety of [[audio signal processing|sound processing effects]], including common audio effects such as [[chorus effect|chorus]], [[Dynamic range compression|compression]], [[Distortion (music)|distortion]], [[Delay (audio effect)|delay]], [[Flanging|flanger]], [[Phaser (effect)|phaser]], [[Reverberation|reverb]], gate, [[equalization (audio)|equalization]], [[vocoder|vocoding]], maximization, and [[Limiter|limiting]].

==== Gross Beat ====
Gross Beat is an audio effect plugin that is included with the Signature Bundle of FL Studio. Gross Beat performs real-time audio stream playback, pitch, position, and volume manipulation. Gross Beat includes multiple envelope mapping controls, which can alter time/pitch and volume. Gross Beat can be used to provide beat-synced glitches, stutters, repetitions, scratches, and gating effects. This plugin was used for some Sparta Remixes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gross Beat |url=https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-learning/fl-studio-online-manual/html/plugins/Gross%20Beat.htm |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=www.image-line.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Au-Yeung |first=Joshua |title=The Music Producer's Ultimate Guide to FL Studio 21 : From Beginner to Pro. Second edition. |publisher=Packt Publishing Ltd |year=2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=logo' s Sparta TGS95 Creations Remix |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBb-OlhoEPU |website=YouTube |access-date=2025-04-27}}</ref>

===Synthesizers===

FL Studio's install contains the entirety of native software synthesizers, internally labeled as "generators". Depending on the edition of the program, some will be locked in trial mode until the synth itself or a software upgrade is purchased.

==== Harmor ====
[[Harmor]] is Image-Line's flagship synthesizer. Initially released in late 2011 as a successor to Harmless, it was envisioned as a way to work with [[additive synthesis]] through an interface typical of subtractive synthesizers. It also includes many functions previously found within individual FL Studio utilities such as the ability to produce sounds from pictures fed into the synth (known as ''image resynthesis'').

==== Sytrus ====
[[Sytrus]] is an FM synthesizer with an internal effects module and additional wavetable capabilities. Its architecture can let it interface directly with patches from [[Yamaha DX7]] units, allowing it to import original SYSEX data.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sytrus - Instrument |url=https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-learning/fl-studio-online-manual/html/plugins/Sytrus.htm |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=www.image-line.com |archive-date=June 13, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250613193500/https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-learning/fl-studio-online-manual/html/plugins/Sytrus.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Sakura ====
Sakura is a virtual modeling synthesizer that is included with the All Plugins Edition of FL Studio.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Sakura |url=https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio/plugins/sakura/ |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=FL Studio |language=en-US |archive-date=March 12, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312110352/https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio/plugins/sakura/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Sakura utilizes virtual modeling, an 8-stage modulator, and a variety of acoustics and effects, such as delay, chorus, and reverb to create stringed sounds. Virtual modeling in Sakura includes a 5-stage process referred to as the hanami-go method, including Touch, Vibration, String Interaction, Resonance, and Acoustics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sakura Instrument |url=https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-learning/fl-studio-online-manual/html/plugins/Sakura.htm#SakuraModulation |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=www.image-line.com}}</ref>

==== Morphine ====
Morphine is an additive synthesizer and resynthesizer that is included with the All Plugins Edition of FL Studio.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Morphine |url=https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio/plugins/morphine/ |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=FL Studio |language=en-US |archive-date=March 12, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312123923/https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio/plugins/morphine/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Morphine Synthesizer |url=https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-learning/fl-studio-online-manual/html/plugins/Morphine.htm |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=www.image-line.com |archive-date=July 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250726012356/https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-learning/fl-studio-online-manual/html/plugins/Morphine.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Morphine uses a 4 Voice Generator with 128 harmonics per voice to achieve additive synthesis. Morphine includes the ability to generate samples from snapshots of the synthesized harmonics, known as Breakpoints, which can be used to create any sound.<ref name=":3" />

==== Sawer ====
Sawer is an analog modeling synthesizer that is included with the All Plugins Edition of FL Studio.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Sawer |url=https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio/plugins/sawer/ |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=FL Studio |language=en-US |archive-date=March 12, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250312132003/https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio/plugins/sawer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Sawer utilizes a saw shape oscillator for subtractive synthesis, as well as a sub-oscillator with level, phase, detune, and octave shift controls, sync and ring modulation, multiple audio effects, such as chorus, phaser, delay, and reverb, and a multimode arpeggiator.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sawer |url=https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-learning/fl-studio-online-manual/html/plugins/Sawer.htm |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=www.image-line.com |archive-date=June 13, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250613225709/https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-learning/fl-studio-online-manual/html/plugins/Sawer.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Sawer pays homage to the 1980s analog synthesizer [[Polivoks]], which was manufactured and marketed in the Soviet Union during the late 20th century.

== Dedicated hardware ==
As with other DAW developers, Image-Line has collaborated with hardware manufacturers on two occasions, resulting in the release of products branded and compatible with FL Studio.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=MIDI Controllers |url=https://www.image-line.com/midi-controllers/ |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=FL Studio |language=en-US |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927132905/https://www.image-line.com/midi-controllers/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The first was the [[Akai Professional]] ''FIRE'', a MIDI controller with touch and pressure-sensitive buttons modelled after the software's channel rack pattern editor. Released in 2018, it can be used as a pattern editor, keyboard, drumpad, [[Peak meter|multi-colour peak visualizer]] and performance controller. A distinctive feature of the Akai FIRE is that up to 4 units can be connected to a single instance of FL Studio, chained together or with a different mode set for each. It is sold in two variants, one coming without extra software (aimed at existing FL Studio users), and one bundled with an exclusive version of the ''Fruity'' edition called the ''Fruity Fire Edition''.

The latter of these involvements is currently the [[Novation Digital Music Systems|Novation]] ''FL Key'' line of controllers. It consists of two redesigned MIDI Keyboards – dubbed the ''FL Key Mini'' and the ''FL Key 37'', the latter being larger in keybed and size – originally from Novation's own Launchkey line, modified to have a grey case and an FL Studio-themed RGB lighting palette. They later released the ''FL Key 61'', a larger version with the same features.

Despite some initial traction regarding the Akai ''FIRE''<nowiki/>'s unusual velocity implementation, both units have gone on to receive broadly positive reception from the professional press.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Truss |first=Si |date=2019-02-04 |title=Akai Professional Fire review |url=https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/akai-professional-fire |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=MusicRadar |language=en |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927132905/https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/akai-professional-fire |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Hollin |title=Novation FLkey 37 & FLkey Mini review: Excellent controllers for FL Studio with deep project integration |url=https://musictech.com/reviews/controllers/novation-flkey-37-flkey-mini-review/ |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=MusicTech |language=en-GB |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927132907/https://musictech.com/reviews/controllers/novation-flkey-37-flkey-mini-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception==
FL Studio has been praised for its simplicity, power, and ease of use.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How FL Studio changed electronic music forever|url=https://djmag.com/longreads/how-fl-studio-changed-electronic-music-forever|date=2020-04-20|website=DJMag.com|access-date=2020-05-12|archive-date=April 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425105001/https://djmag.com/longreads/how-fl-studio-changed-electronic-music-forever|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=How to Use FL Studio {{!}} Sweetwater|url=https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/how-to-use-fl-studio/|date=2020-04-23|website=inSync|language=en|access-date=2020-05-12|archive-date=April 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425000033/https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/how-to-use-fl-studio/|url-status=live}}</ref> In particular, its piano roll feature has been held in high regard for how easy it is for novice music producers to begin drawing notes and creating melodies.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-04 |title=What Is FL Studio? - The Ultimate Beginner's Guide |url=https://mixelite.com/blog/what-is-fl-studio-the-ultimate-beginners-guide/ |access-date=2025-04-24 |language=en-US |archive-date=June 17, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250617085937/https://mixelite.com/blog/what-is-fl-studio-the-ultimate-beginners-guide/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Jamie Lendino of ''PCMag'' wrote that "While [FL Studio is] still clearly geared for [[electronic music]] production 'in the box,' as opposed to recording live musicians playing acoustic instruments, you can record or create just about any kind of audio project with it."<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Image-Line FL Studio Review|url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/image-line-fl-studio?test_uuid=06kBLZk02lnicdKVknWK9FI&test_variant=b|website=PCMAG|language=en|access-date=2020-05-12|archive-date=May 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527100833/https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/image-line-fl-studio?test_uuid=06kBLZk02lnicdKVknWK9FI&test_variant=b|url-status=live}}</ref> Criticisms include a difficult audio recording system.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Image-Line FL Studio 20 review|url=https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/image-line-fl-studio-20|last=August 2018|first=Si Truss 19|website=MusicRadar|date=19 August 2018|language=en|access-date=2020-05-12|archive-date=March 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318234811/https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/image-line-fl-studio-20|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Walden|first=John|title=Image Line FL Studio 20.8|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/image-line-fl-studio-208|website=Sound On Sound|date=March 2021|access-date=May 12, 2020}}</ref>

==Similar products==
* [[Ableton Live]] – [[Ableton]]
* [[Logic Pro]] – [[Apple Inc.|Apple]]
* [[Cubase]] – [[Steinberg]]
* [[Reason (software)|Reason]] – [[Reason Studios]]
* [[Studio One (software)|Studio One]] – [[PreSonus]]
* [[Bitwig Studio]] – Bitwig GmbH
* [[REAPER]] – [[Cockos]]
* [[Pro Tools]] – [[Avid Technology]]
* [[GarageBand]] – [[Apple Inc.|Apple]]
* [[LMMS]]
* [[Adobe Audition|Audition]] - [[Adobe Inc.]]

==See also==

* [[Comparison of digital audio editors]]

==References==
<references>
<!-- UNUSED REF <ref name="mania">{{cite web
| title       = Interview with Taco Zip, Max Tannone and DJAK47
| url         = http://www.beastiemania.com/interview/interviewremixers.php
| publisher   = Beastie Mania
| date        = December 2009
| access-date  = 2010-08-27
}}</ref> -->

<!-- UNUSED REF <ref name="xlr">{{cite web
 |title       = In the Studio: 9th Wonder
 |url         = http://www.xlr8r.com/features/2008/05/9th-wonder-studio
 |publisher   = XLR8R
 |date        = 2008-05-29
 |access-date  = 2010-05-12
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110701120307/http://www.xlr8r.com/features/2008/05/9th-wonder-studio
 |archive-date = 2011-07-01
}}</ref> -->

<ref name="flstudio">{{cite news
 |title        = FL Studio Overview
 |url          = http://www.image-line.com/documents/flstudio.html
 |publisher    = [[Image-Line Software]]
 |website      = image-line.com
 |access-date  = 2011-05-28
 |archive-date = June 16, 2011
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110616190534/http://www.image-line.com/documents/flstudio.html
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref>

<ref name="what">{{cite news
 |title        = What is FL Studio?
 |url          = http://flstudio.image-line.com/documents/what.html
 |publisher    = [[Image-Line Software]]
 |website      = image-line.com
 |access-date  = 2011-05-28
 |archive-date = June 26, 2011
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110626015548/http://flstudio.image-line.com/documents/what.html
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref>

<!-- UNUSED REF <ref name="afrojack">{{cite news
| title       = Interview: Afrojack
| url         = http://www.thefreshbeat.com/index.php/fresh-features/interviews/665-interview-afrojack
| newspaper   = The Fresh Beat
| access-date  = 2011-05-28
| url-status     = dead
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110705192420/http://www.thefreshbeat.com/index.php/fresh-features/interviews/665-interview-afrojack
| archive-date = July 5, 2011
}}</ref> -->

<ref name="mobile">{{cite news
 |title        = FL Studio Mobile
 |url          = http://www.image-line.com/documents/flstudiomobile.html
 |publisher    = [[Image-Line Software]]
 |website      = image-line.com
 |access-date  = 2011-05-28
 |archive-date = June 22, 2011
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110622080259/http://www.image-line.com/documents/flstudiomobile.html
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref>

<ref name="techmag">{{cite news
 |title       = Review: Image-Line FL Studio 8
 |first       = Joe
 |last        = Silva
 |url         = http://www.musictechmag.co.uk/mtm/reviews/fl-studio-8
 |magazine    = Music Tech Magazine
 |access-date  = 2011-05-28
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://archive.today/20130421031700/http://www.musictechmag.co.uk/mtm/reviews/fl-studio-8
 |archive-date = 2013-04-21
}}</ref>

<ref name="Lex Luger (producer)">{{cite news
 |title        = Review: Producer Lex Luger Talks About Working With Rick Ross & Waka Flocka
 |url          = http://www.complex.com/music/2010/07/b-m-f-producer-lex-luger-talks-about-working-with-rick-ross-waka-flocka
 |date         = 2010-06-12
 |access-date  = 2020-04-22
 |first1       = Insanul
 |last1        = Ahmed
 |quote        = All I needed is Fruity Loops, my laptop, and my headphones, and I'm going in.
 |archive-date = 2012-09-25
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20120925140829/http://www.complex.com/music/2010/07/b-m-f-producer-lex-luger-talks-about-working-with-rick-ross-waka-flocka
 |url-status   = dead
}}</ref>

<!-- <ref name="historyyo">{{cite news
| title       = Edition History
| url         = http://www.image-line.com/flstudio/history.php
| publisher   = [[Image-Line Software]] | website = image-line.com
| access-date  = 2011-05-28
}}</ref> THIS REFERENCE IS NOT CURRENTLY BEING USED IN THE ARTICLE -->

<ref name="jumpstarter">{{cite news
 |title        = Image-Line FL Studio 9: Creative Jump-Starter Like No Other
 |first        = Peter
 |last         = Kirn
 |url          = https://www.keyboardmag.com/gear/image-line-fl-studio-9-creative-jump-starter-like-no-other
 |newspaper    = [[Keyboard Magazine]]
 |publisher    = [[Future Publishing]]
 |date         = 31 March 2010
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110512130127/http://www.keyboardmag.com/article/image-line-fl-studio/March-2010/110711
 |archive-date = 2011-05-12
 |url-status     = dead
}}</ref>

<ref name="FL Studio Groove App">{{cite news
 |title        = FL Studio Groove App
 |url          = http://www.image-line.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1378164032&title=fl-studio-groove-app
 |publisher    = [[Image-Line Software]]
 |website      = image-line.com
 |access-date  = 2013-09-02
 |archive-date = October 6, 2013
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20131006075104/http://www.image-line.com/documents/news.php?entry_id=1378164032&title=fl-studio-groove-app
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref>

<ref name="FL Studio 12.5 BETA 3">{{cite news
 |title        = Limitations in demo version
 |url          = https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-learning/fl-studio-online-manual/html/basics_new.htm
 |publisher    = [[Image-Line Software]]
 |website      = image-line.com
 |access-date  = 2014-02-12
 |archive-date = October 20, 2021
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20211020140939/https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio-learning/fl-studio-online-manual/html/basics_new.htm
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref>
</references>

==External links==
{{Commons category|FL Studio}}
* {{Official website|image-line.com/flstudio/}}

{{Audio editors}}
{{Digital audio workstations}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fl Studio}}
[[Category:1997 software]]
[[Category:Digital audio workstation software]]
[[Category:Electronic music software]]
[[Category:Music looping]]
[[Category:Music production software]]
[[Category:Soundtrack creation software]]
[[Category:Windows multimedia software]]
[[Category:Pascal (programming language) software]]
[[Category:YouTube channels launched in 2007]]