Black Magik Studios Documentation

Sigil

Sigil Overview

Start here for Sigil's pattern-based workflow and main interface.

Sigil Overview

Sigil is a pattern-based MIDI composition tool with AI-assisted song generation. You build music by arranging notes across tracks and bars, shape each track with instruments and effects, and let the AI fill in or continue ideas when you want help.

The core workflow is: set the musical rules, build tracks, sketch structure in the overview, edit notes in the piano roll, generate with AI where useful, then refine and export.

Pattern-based workflow

Sigil uses the Song Overview as the arrangement grid.

  • Rows are tracks, such as synth, bass, drums, or piano.
  • Columns are bars in the song.
  • Each filled cell contains a pattern, which is a short chunk of MIDI notes.
  • Patterns can be unique or reused across multiple bars.
  • Reusing patterns makes it easy to repeat a chord progression, duplicate a drum loop, or build an arrangement from musical blocks.

Clicking a cell selects the pattern shown in the piano roll below. Empty cells open a blank pattern ready for note entry.

First session checklist

  1. Open File > New Blank Project, or choose a template from File > Templates.
  2. Use the Project tab to set tempo, key, scale, time signature, and song length.
  3. Use the Instruments tab to add tracks, name them clearly, and choose General MIDI instruments or drum kits.
  4. Click a cell in the Song Overview to select a pattern.
  5. Draw notes in the Piano Roll.
  6. Press Space to play or stop.
  7. Use the Generation tab when you want the AI to create, fill, or continue music.
  8. Save with Ctrl+S and export from the transport bar when finished.

Main areas

Area Purpose
Song Overview Arrangement grid where tracks and bars are organized.
Piano Roll Note editor for the selected pattern.
Velocity Lane Per-note loudness and accent editing.
Transport Bar Play, stop, loop, undo, save, export, and quick edit controls.
Project Tab Key, scale, tempo, bars, loop, pitch range, groove, and note defaults.
Instruments Tab Track setup, instruments, mixer controls, soundfonts, and effects.
Generation Tab AI generation controls for creating or extending MIDI.
Notepad Tab Rich-text project notes for lyrics, arrangement plans, and reminders.

Good habits

  • Start with a short loop, usually 4 or 8 bars, so you can iterate quickly.
  • Name tracks clearly before generating; the AI uses track identity and instrument setup as context.
  • Save a copy before large generation experiments.
  • Use the Notepad for arrangement plans, sound direction, lyrics, and cleanup tasks.
  • Treat AI output as a strong starting point, then clean it up manually in the piano roll.