xtc/docs/CREATIVE_WORKFLOWS.md

# Creative workflow additions (Phases 90–99)

These features prioritize fast musical experiments and retain the existing
control-thread preparation and project undo model. They introduce no dependency
or project-format change. Each phase is qualified separately in ROADMAP.md.

## Selected track inserts

**Track → Show selected track inserts** (Ctrl+5) opens the sequencer or active
mixer selection directly. Bus inserts are unsupported; no selection leaves the
workspace unchanged. **View → Track inserts** still opens the rack independently.
Ctrl+4 remains the piano-roll command, resolving the earlier shortcut collision.

## Duplicate an effect

Select a slot, then **Rack actions → Duplicate effect**. The copy appears directly
after it, retaining controls, automation, wet amount and bypass. It is an
independent instance with fresh processing history. Eight-slot capacity and
plugin preparation errors preserve the old chain; Undo removes the copy.

## Copy a chain between tracks

**Rack actions → Copy chain** stores an independent metadata snapshot. Select
another track and use **Paste chain (replace)** to replace its complete chain,
including output gain. Copying neither loads modules nor changes undo history;
pasting prepares the candidate and is undoable. The clipboard is internal to
this session and clears on successful New/Open. Preparation errors keep both
the destination and clipboard intact.

## Compare effect configurations

**Rack actions → Compare** captures or recalls A and B. Each slot is bound to the
track where it was captured; Recall is available only on that track. Capturing
copies metadata without affecting undo or loading modules. Recall prepares a
fresh chain and is undoable; histories and opaque plugin states are excluded.
The two comparison slots clear on successful New/Open. Comparisons stop
transport when recalled, following the existing safe insert-edit workflow.