> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.atlas-control.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.atlas-control.app/tutorials/my-first-atlas-session-for-ds100/organising-our-audio-objects.md).

# Organising Our Audio Objects

### Assigning Colours & Names

One of the simplest things we can do to assist us to recognise objects within the workspace is to assign them colours and short form names.&#x20;

{% hint style="success" %}
If we imported from our DS100 or R1/Arraycalc file we will already have the names imported from the file/device. In terms of workflow this is the least labour intensive as it allows the naming of the object once within the initial R1/Arraycalc file and then using them throughout our workflow.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

Atlas allows us to assign a short 4 character name to each object or group. These will then be displayed in the programmer and overview to aid identification.

### Changing Object Name - Applicable if we did NOT import our names from the R1/Arraycalc File.&#x20;

To change the short form name of within our workspace; Select the "Objects" tab within the show settings and select "Spatial ID1"

Select the text field box and type the name by which we wish to identify "Spatial ID 1"&#x20;

Repeat this step for all objects.&#x20;

### Changing Short Form Name&#x20;

To change the short form name of within our workspace; Select the "Objects" tab within the show settings and select "Character 1"

{% hint style="success" %}
By default Atlas will have assigned the first 4 characters of the long name to be the short name and be displaying this greyed out below the long name.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

To rename "Character 1"; Click in the greyed out box and type the new short form name "Ch-1"

{% hint style="info" %}
The icon will change to show you how the short form name will display.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/RrwS8TBhAnBmW3dcsDH8" alt=""><figcaption><p>Show Settings - Object showing changed short form name replaced with Ch-1</p></figcaption></figure>

Repeat this step for all the objects with appropriate short form names.&#x20;

***

### Changing Colours

Select "Character 1" thru "Character 4" by clicking on the objects whilst holding down the ⌘ key.&#x20;

We can now change the colour of these 4 selected objects by clicking on the "Object Colour" selector and choosing a colour from the colour selector that has appeared.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/cs5sAU91YQSW87OVusWl" alt=""><figcaption><p>Show Settings - Objects showing multiple objects selected and colour identifier changed.</p></figcaption></figure>

Repeat this step for each object. Colours can be chosen for individual objects or for collections of objects based upon user preference.&#x20;

Close the colour picker by selecting the close window icon.&#x20;

***

### Creating Sets

We can also arrange collections of objects into [sets. ](/show-settings/objects/sets-alias.md)

Select the objects named "Character 1", "Character 2", "Character 3" & "Character 4" using the multi select method from the last step.&#x20;

In the "Sets" window click on the "+" icon to create a new set.  Click on the newly created set labelled "New Set". This has now assigned those objects to that set.&#x20;

To rename the set; Right-Click on the set - "New Set" and select "Rename" from the pop-up menu that appears.  Rename the set "Main Cast" and hit enter to commit the change.&#x20;

{% hint style="success" %}
Sets provide a great way of selecting a collection of objects when programming as well as allowing us to view only the objects we want within the programmer and overview windows.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

Repeat this step for all the objects by creating and assigning sets using the following titles:

* Main Cast
* Chorus
* Band
* Playback
* Reverb

{% hint style="info" %}
Objects can belong to multiple sets so users can arrange by any selection they require. (For example: By type of sound source or by cast members in a given scene(s)).
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/am30RNN3s2TQzeYCBHQn" alt=""><figcaption><p>Show Settings - Objects showing objects coloured and assigned to sets. </p></figcaption></figure>

***

### Groups

Collections of objects that we wish to move as one can be assigned to "Groups". Unlike sets groups are programmed collectively with position offsets.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
Any child of a group can be programmed independently so assignment to a group doesn't limit the individual object within programming or overview.
{% endhint %}

### Creating Our Groups

{% hint style="success" %}
Sometime it is desirable to be above to move multi format audio sources. A group will allow us to move the stereo playback objects as one.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

Select both of the objects associated with playback Left and Right using the multi select method from above.&#x20;

At the bottom of the window select the button "Make Group" button. This will now make a [group](/show-settings/objects/groups.md) of objects within our workspace.&#x20;

The newly created group will appear at the top of the Object List.

Name the newly created group "Playback" and assign a short form name.&#x20;

Select the newly created group and, following the same procedures as above, assign the group a full name, short form name, colour and assign it to the set "Playback".

<figure><img src="/files/uaKDS10yXbbuolSFyO7o" alt=""><figcaption><p>Show Settings - Objects assigned to a group, named, coloured and placed in the "Playback" set. </p></figcaption></figure>

Next click on the "Group Config" tab; this will now allow us to configure our group.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
By default our Stage Close space will be selected as the default space. We can select a different space to view and layout our groups from the dropdown menu at the top.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

Highlight the group icon called "Playback" and select a position in the centre of the stage to determine the centre point of our stereo group.&#x20;

Next highlight the object "Playback Left" and position this where our nominal left source would sit within a stereo system. Repeat this procedure for the object "Playback Right".&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/MCDqxMDxMmDMNyfoujoy" alt=""><figcaption><p>Show Settings - Object groups configured in a stereo configuration. </p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
Groups are not limited to two objects and can be used to group components of instruments, chorus's and other objects that are used together.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

Lets repeat the steps above but this time for the drum objects within our workspace.&#x20;

Select all of the objects associated with our drums using the multi select method from above.&#x20;

At the bottom of the window select the button "Make Group" button. This will now make a [group](/show-settings/objects/groups.md) of objects within our workspace.&#x20;

The newly created group will appear at the top of the Object List.

Name the newly created group "Drums" and assign a short form name.&#x20;

Select the newly created group and, following the same procedures as above, assign the group a full name, short form name, colour and assign it to the set "Band".

<figure><img src="/files/MuFGnF61f6mEMq1anyqA" alt=""><figcaption><p>Show Settings - Objects assigned to a group, named, coloured and placed in the "Band" set. </p></figcaption></figure>

Next click on the "Group Config" tab; this will now allow us to configure our group.&#x20;

Highlight the group icon called "Drums" and select a position to determine the centre of the drum group.&#x20;

Sequentially highlight the objects associated with the group "Drums" and position accordingly.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/BPNT7cN0g7crX5riLR6u" alt=""><figcaption><p>Show Settings - Objects associated with drum group positioned within the stage picture.</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Object positions within groups can be taken from live positions. Spreads can be offset and changed relatively to each other.&#x20;

More information can be found in [Group](/show-settings/objects/groups/group-configuration.md)[ Configuration. ](/show-settings/objects/groups/group-configuration.md)
{% endhint %}

Close the "Show Settings.&#x20;

Go to "File" and select "Save As"

Title your file and save following standard OS X procedures.&#x20;

***

Now we have organised our objects we can move onto [Creating Our First Cue. ](/tutorials/my-first-atlas-session-for-ds100/creating-our-first-cue-s.md)
