MainStage Modes: Layout, Edit, and Perform

MainStage has three main modes you will use when working with KeyboardTEK programming: Layout, Edit, and Perform.

Each mode has a different purpose. Understanding the difference will make setup and troubleshooting much easier.

Table of Contents

Layout Mode

Edit Mode

Perform Mode

Which Mode Should I Use?

Why You May Not Hear Sound in Layout Mode

Common Mode-Related Problems

Layout Mode

Use Layout mode to connect your physical hardware to the on-screen controls in MainStage.

This is where you assign:

  • Your MIDI keyboard
  • Sustain pedal
  • Expression or volume pedal
  • Patch-change pedal
  • Next button
  • Previous button
  • Panic button
  • Other knobs, faders, buttons, or controls

In Layout mode, you are telling MainStage which physical device or control should operate each on-screen control.

For example, you might click the on-screen keyboard, turn on Assign, and then play notes on your physical keyboard so MainStage learns which keyboard you are using.

You may not hear sound while working in Layout mode. That is normal. Layout mode is for assigning hardware, not for performing the show.

Edit Mode

Use Edit mode to select patches, test sounds, and review how the concert is built.

This is where you can:

  • Select patches from the Patch List
  • Test whether sounds are working
  • Review channel strips
  • Check mappings
  • Confirm sustain, expression, Next, Previous, and Panic behavior
  • Import patches or updates when instructed
  • Troubleshoot missing sounds or incorrect settings

For most KeyboardTEK troubleshooting, Edit mode is the best place to test whether a patch is working.

If you are checking whether you hear sound, select a patch in Edit mode and play your keyboard.

Perform Mode

Use Perform mode for rehearsal and performance.

Perform mode is designed for live use. It gives you a cleaner, more focused performance screen and makes the on-screen controls easier to see while playing.

Once your keyboard, pedals, audio output, and controls are assigned and tested, switch to Perform mode when you are ready to rehearse or play the show.

You should not use Layout mode during performance unless you are actively fixing an assignment problem.

Which Mode Should I Use?

Use this quick guide:

  • Layout mode: Assign your physical keyboard, pedals, and controls.
  • Edit mode: Test patches, check sounds, review mappings, and troubleshoot.
  • Perform mode: Rehearse or perform the show.

A common setup flow is:

  1. Open the MainStage concert.
  2. Go to Layout mode and assign your keyboard and pedals.
  3. Go to Edit mode and test sounds and patch changes.
  4. Go to Perform mode for rehearsal or performance.

Why You May Not Hear Sound in Layout Mode

If you are assigning your keyboard in Layout mode and do not hear sound, that does not necessarily mean something is wrong.

Layout mode is used to confirm that MainStage is receiving MIDI from your keyboard or controller. You should see the on-screen keyboard or control respond, but you may not hear the patch sounds in that mode.

To test sound:

  1. Finish assigning your keyboard or control.
  2. Turn Assign off.
  3. Go to Edit mode.
  4. Select a patch.
  5. Play your keyboard.

If you still do not hear sound in Edit mode, check your audio output settings and audio interface connections.

I assigned my keyboard, but I still do not hear sound

After assigning the keyboard in Layout mode, switch to Edit mode and select a patch. Layout mode is not the best place to test sound.

My keyboard moves on screen, but the sounds do not play

MainStage may be receiving MIDI, but the audio output may not be configured correctly. Check MainStage > Settings > Audio and confirm that your audio interface is selected.

My pedals or buttons are not working

Go back to Layout mode and confirm that the correct on-screen control is assigned to the correct physical pedal or button. Then return to Edit mode to test the behavior.

I changed a setting and now something is not working

If you changed assignments, mappings, patches, or channel strips, the concert may behave differently than expected. If you are unsure what changed, contact KeyboardTEK Support before continuing to edit the file.

Related Articles