Waveform elements display the volume-based waveform for audio. A waveform element might be used to visualize a podcast host’s conversation, or it might display a Garage Band-style track editor. Apple's native waveform elements are quite customizable, so you can make the perfect waveform for your app's style.

Audio files are not elements and must be added as a waveform input to be visible in a project. That said, regardless of whether an audio file is a waveform input, it can always live in the project’s library and be controlled using audio actions.

Waveform elements require an input source on which to base their shape. This input can be an audio file or the users' device's microphone.

Audio files can be any length, so you can upload a short file, like a sound effect, or a song or conversation. Be mindful that large file sizes might impact performance.

Waveform elements can visualize an audio input in two ways, Static or Live.

By default, the Mode is Static, which shows the full audio file’s waveform at once. The waveform will not change as the audio plays.

When the Mode is set to Live, the waveform will change in real time as the audio file plays. Keep in mind that this means the waveform will appear flat in macOS as it’s not actively playing. You can control the waveform using a Waveform / Toggle Live action.

When on, you’ll see the following properties, too:

The Listen on Start property lets you choose whether the audio file will play automatically when in view. When this switch is off, you'll need to use an audio action to play the file.

The Spectrum property lets you choose how the waveform is spread across the element. Selecting Full will use the entire width of the waveform element; Center will keep the waveform in the center of the element by flatting the line on either end; Mirrored will do the inverse of Center, mirroring the waveform on both sides of the element, while staying pretty flat in the middle.

The Alignment property lets you align the waveform’s peaks and troughs at the top, center, or bottom. Center-aligned waveforms are symmetrical on the top and bottom.

The Style property lets you customize how your waveform element will appear. The style can be Default, Bar, or Curve, each with additional properties.

Note: all units are PTs.

The Default style displays a classic waveform, with sharp peaks and troughs based on the audio volume at a given moment.

The Fill property lets you select the color of your Default waveform.

The Bar style resembles a bar chart, with bars of varying heights visualizing the audio.

The Bar Width property lets you set the width for each bar within your waveform. The wider the Bar Width, the fewer bars will be displayed, making your waveform less precise.

The Bar Min Height property lets you select the height of the audio file’s lowest trough (the minimum volume).

The Spacing property lets you choose the amount of space between each bar in the waveform.

The Corner Radius switch lets you choose if the bars are rounded or rectangular.

The Stroke Width property lets you add a border to the waveform and select its width.

The Fill and Stroke properties let you select the color of your waveform's fill and stroke (border), respectively.

The Curved style is similar to the Default style, but it has more area within the peaks and troughs that can be customized.

The Curve Width property lets you control how precise the waveform appears. The lower the number, the more similar the waveform looks to the Default style. The higher the number, the more blob-like the audio form appears.

The Stroke Width property lets you add a border to the waveform and select its width.

The Fill and Stroke properties let you select the color of your waveform’s fill and stroke, respectively.