Custom layouts

Mobile MIDI's four built-in surfaces (pads, keys, XY, faders) cover most use cases, but if you want, say, two small XY pads and a row of faders all on one screen, build a custom layout.

Creating a layout

Go to the Touch tab.
Tap the + icon in the app bar.
The layout editor opens — an empty grid.

The editor

A top toolbar lets you add controls:

Pad — single or multi-pad grids.
Fader — vertical CC slider.
XY — 2D touchpad.
Keyboard — piano keys.
Label — static text for organizing your layout.

Drag any control on the grid to position it. Resize by dragging its edges. Tap a control to select it; selected controls show a delete icon and a settings icon.

Configuring a control

Tap the settings icon on a selected control to edit:

Number of pads / keys / fader CCs.
Base note or CC number.
MIDI channel.
Label text.

Saving

Save your layout with a name (e.g., "Live Set A").
Saved layouts appear as chips in the template selector alongside Pads / Keys / XY / Faders.
Tap a layout chip to switch to it for performing.

Multiple layouts

You can save as many layouts as you want. Each one gets its own chip. Reorder chips by editing your layouts in the order you want.

Editing an existing layout

Select the layout chip.
Tap the edit icon in the app bar.
The editor reopens with your layout loaded.
Make changes, save — the original is updated.

Deleting a layout

Open the layout.
Tap edit.
Tap the delete (trash) icon.
Confirm.

Performance mode

When you're not editing, a saved layout enters performance mode — all controls are live, no toolbars, no selection borders. Clean and distraction-free for live play.

Tips

Start with a built-in template and add/remove controls from there rather than designing from scratch.
Large controls are easier to hit in low light or when you're looking at your computer instead of the phone.
Save variations of your favorite layout (e.g., one with 4 big pads, one with 16 small pads) and switch between them with the chip selector.