How to Export Multitrack in Logic Pro

Logic Pro X is now just Logic Pro, and the current version is Logic Pro for Mac 12. The export commands are still in the File menu, but the dialog has changed since the X days, so older tutorials show options that are no longer there. The table follows the current Apple guide. These files are what a mixing engineer opens in their own DAW, without your project or your plug-ins.

Option names from Apple’s Logic Pro User Guide for Mac (Logic Pro for Mac 12.3), “Export tracks as audio files”. The levels and file spec are what our engineers ask for on every project.

Before you export: prepare the project

Ten minutes here saves a round of re-exports. The longer checklist is in how to prepare a multitrack session before mixing.

1. Save a copy. File > Save As, add “for mixing” to the name, and work in the copy.
2. Name every track. “Kick”, “Bass_DI”, “Gtr_1”, “Lead_Verse”. Put the Track Name element in the filename Pattern, and a track called “Audio 7” becomes “Audio 7.wav”.
3. Bypass the master chain. Switch off the limiter, compressor and EQ on the Stereo Out while you check levels, so you hear the tracks the way the engineer will get them.
4. Decide on effects. Bypass EQ, compression and reverb you added only to make the rough mix listenable. If an effect is part of the sound, send the track twice: “Gtr_1_Dry” and “Gtr_1_Wet”.
5. Check editing and tuning. The files are exported as they play. If the vocal still needs work, tune it first (see Auto-Tune in Logic Pro), or ask for vocal tuning and timing editing with the order.
6. Check levels. Play the loudest section and watch the track meters. Nothing should clip. Peaks somewhere around -6 dBFS leave plenty of room.

How to export all tracks in Logic Pro, step by step

1. Choose File > Export > All Tracks as Audio Files. This covers every audio, software instrument and Drummer track, one file per track. You don’t need to select anything first.
2. Save Format: WAVE. Bit Depth: 24-bit.
3. Multi-Output Software Instruments: One File per Channel Strip if you use a multi-output drum instrument. Otherwise leave the default.
4. Bypass Effect Plug-ins off, Include Audio Tail on, Include Volume/Pan Automation on, Include Tempo Information on.
5. Normalize: Off.
6. Pattern: drag the Track Name element into the Pattern field. The example under it shows what the files will be called.
7. Location: make a new folder named after the song and tempo, for example “MySong_90BPM”, and click Save.

Need every file the same length?

Select all the tracks you want, then use the selected-tracks export in the same File > Export submenu. Apple’s guide shows it as “1 Track as Audio File” for one track. This version has a Range option: trim silence at the end, export only the cycle range, or extend silence to the project end. Choose extend to the project end and set the project end a couple of seconds after the last tail. Every file then runs to the same point. If you only need one section, set the cycle range over it and choose the cycle-range option.

What Logic doesn’t export on its own

• Aux and bus effects. The export covers audio, software instrument and Drummer tracks. A reverb or delay on an aux isn’t printed into its own file. If it’s part of the sound, create an audio track with that bus as its input, record it, and send it as an extra file.
• Stereo Out processing. Your rough mix sound depends on the master chain, so send a separate stereo bounce of the rough mix (File > Bounce > Project or Section) as a reference.
• MIDI regions. Software instrument tracks are exported as audio, which is what you want. Check that every instrument plays before you export.

Common Logic Pro export mistakes

• Normalize left on. Each file is raised or lowered by its own amount, and the balance you made is gone.
• Bypass Effect Plug-ins ticked by accident. Amp sims and sound-design effects disappear with everything else.
• Cut-off tails. Include Audio Tail was off, so the last reverb stops dead.
• Files called “Audio 1”, “Audio 2”. Name the tracks before you export, and use Track Name in the Pattern.

Check the export and send it

Open a new empty project, drag all the files in at bar 1, and play a few sections. Everything should be in sync and sound like your rough mix minus the master processing. Then zip the folder and upload it with your order, along with the stereo rough mix and a short note with the tempo, key and any tempo changes.

The same job in other DAWs: GarageBand, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Pro Tools, Cubase and REAPER. Not sure what counts as a stem? See what stems are in music.

Files exported? Hand them to an engineer: our mixing service starts at $113 per song, and mixing and mastering in one order at $133, 2–3 days per song with 6 revision rounds. Full prices are in our price list.