> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.samplevault.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quick Actions

> A floating command palette that lets you search samples, launch features, and control playback from anywhere on your system

## Overview

Quick Actions is a floating command palette you can summon from anywhere on your computer — even while you're inside your DAW. Press a single keyboard shortcut and a compact window appears, letting you instantly search your sample library, jump into a conversation with the AI Assistant, or open your results in the Sample Browser without having to change and manage windows.

## Opening Quick Actions

Press **Ctrl/Command+Shift+Space** (the default shortcut) at any time, even when Sample Vault is not the active window. The palette appears centered on your screen, always on top of other windows.

To close it, press **Escape** or click anywhere outside the palette.

<Tip>
  You can change the shortcut to anything that fits your workflow. Go to
  **Settings → Keyboard Shortcuts** and set a custom Quick Actions shortcut.
</Tip>

## Searching for Samples

Typing in the palette immediately searches your local sample library and shows live results. The first result plays automatically so you can audition sounds without clicking anything.

### Sample Result Controls

Each result in the **Samples** section shows a compact player with:

* **Play/pause button** — toggle playback for that specific sample
* **Copy button** — copy the file to your clipboard, ready to paste into your DAW
* **Filename** — with key, BPM, and loop/one-shot badges on the right
* **Drag handle** — drag a sample directly into your DAW timeline; the palette hides itself automatically when a drag begins
* **Playback progress bar** — a subtle background fill that tracks playback position

### Navigating Results

| Action               | Effect                                                           |
| -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **↑ / ↓ arrow keys** | Move between results; the highlighted sample plays automatically |
| **Enter**            | Copy the selected sample to clipboard                            |
| **Ctrl+Enter**       | Shuffle — jumps to a random result and plays it                  |
| **Escape**           | Clear the search text (press again to close the palette)         |
| **Mouse hover**      | Switch back to pointer navigation                                |

## Filter Syntax

The Quick Actions search bar uses the same token grammar as the Sample Browser — `#120` for tempo, `@Cmin` for key, `!loop` for type, `%dark` for tags, `$techno` for genre, `&adam` for creator, `+cymatics` for sample pack, `*` for favorites, plus 16 sound-profile ranges like `atk:30-80`. Recognised tokens are highlighted with color-coded badges inside the input field.

See [Search Syntax](/core-features/search-syntax) for the full token reference and dropdown navigation.

## Actions

Below the sample results you'll always see an **Actions** section. Actions let you route your current input to other features in Sample Vault.

### Ask Assistant

> *Appears when you have typed something*

Opens a new AI Assistant conversation with your current input pre-filled as the first message. Use this when you want to have a full conversation — for example, asking for creative suggestions, requesting samples with a detailed description, or getting music theory advice.

**Example**: Type `suggest chord progressions for a dark trap beat` and select **Ask Assistant** to jump straight into the chat.

### Open in Sample Browser

> *Always visible*

Opens the Sample Browser with any filter tokens you typed already applied as filters. The plain text portion drives the search there — matching by name and by how samples sound. Use this to move from Quick Actions into the full browsing experience without losing your filters.

**Example**: Type `#128 @A !loop $house` and select **Open in Sample Browser** to see all matching samples in the browser with those filters active.

## Audio Controls

At the bottom of the palette, a slim status bar shows the same audio controls available in the main app:

* **Ableton Link** — shows connected peers and lets you start/stop Link sync (desktop only)
* **Transpose** — toggle key transpose and adjust semitone offset
* **BPM Sync** — toggle tempo locking and edit the target BPM

These controls persist across palette sessions, so your BPM and transpose settings are always accessible.

## Configuring the Shortcut

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    In the main app, navigate to **Settings → Keyboard Shortcuts**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click the Quick Actions field">
    Click inside the Quick Actions shortcut input to focus it
  </Step>

  <Step title="Press your keys">
    Hold the modifier keys (Ctrl, Shift, Alt, etc.) and press your desired key.
    The combination is captured and saved automatically.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  If the shortcut does not respond, check that no other application has claimed
  the same key combination. Use at least two modifier keys (e.g. Ctrl+Shift+...)
  to reduce the chance of conflicts.
</Note>

## Tips

<Tip>
  **Audition samples without clicking.** Arrow-key through results to play them
  one after another — ideal for quickly finding the right kick or snare without
  lifting your hands from the keyboard.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Drag straight into your DAW.** Grab the drag handle on the left of any
  sample result and drop it directly onto a track. The palette closes itself as
  soon as the drag starts so it doesn't block your DAW.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Combine filters and natural language.** Tokens like `#120 @C !loop` narrow
  the sample pool while any remaining text does a keyword search within those
  results. You get the precision of filters with the flexibility of text search
  at the same time.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Ctrl+Enter to shuffle.** When you want inspiration rather than a specific
  sound, press Ctrl+Enter to jump to a random result and play it immediately.
</Tip>