FL Studio 2025 introduced Loop Starter, a game-changing feature that helps producers create music faster than ever. If you're struggling with writer's block or want to jumpstart your beatmaking workflow, this complete beginner's guide will show you exactly how to use Loop Starter to generate instant, genre-based loop stacks.
What Is FL Studio Loop Starter?
Loop Starter is an AI-powered creative tool in FL Studio 2025.2 that generates instant, genre-based loop stacks with matching samples, drums, and melodies. Instead of starting from a blank project, Loop Starter gives you a professional-sounding foundation in seconds, making it perfect for beginners and experienced producers alike.
Key Features:
- ✅ Instant genre-based loops across multiple styles
- ✅ Automatic pattern generation with matching BPM
- ✅ Lock and reroll system to customize sounds
- ✅ Key selector for musical compatibility (added in FL Studio 2025.2)
- ✅ Integration with FL Cloud sample library
- ✅ One-click MIDI generation for all channels
- ✅ Available in all FL Studio editions (Fruity, Producer, Signature, All Plugins)
Official FL Studio tutorial on Loop Starter by Synthet
1. How to Access Loop Starter in FL Studio
There are two ways to open Loop Starter:
Method 1: From the Welcome Screen
- Launch FL Studio 2025 or 2025.2
- On the Welcome Screen, click "Launch Loop Starter"
- Choose your genre and start creating
Method 2: From the Channel Rack
- Open your project (new or existing)
- Go to the Channel Rack (F6)
- Click the Loop Starter icon (dice symbol) at the top
- Select your genre from the dropdown menu
You can toggle Loop Starter mode on/off anytime using the dice icon in the Channel Rack.
2. Available Genres in Loop Starter
As of FL Studio 2025.2, Loop Starter includes these genres:
Original Genres (FL Studio 2025):
- Hip Hop: Trap beats, 808s, hi-hats
- Techno: Four-on-the-floor drums, synth patterns
- Drill: Dark 808s, sliding bass
- House: Groovy drums, uplifting melodies
- Lo-Fi: Chill beats, vinyl texture
- Dubstep: Heavy bass, wobbles
New Genres (FL Studio 2025.2 Update):
- Afrobeats: Rhythmic percussion, melodic patterns
- Boom Bap: Classic hip hop drums
- Phonk: Memphis-style production
- Funk: Groovy bass and guitars
- Reggaeton: Latin rhythms
- Trance: Uplifting synths, energetic beats
Note: Genres are optimized for specific BPM ranges. Hip Hop typically loads at 140-160 BPM, while Techno starts at 120-130 BPM.
3. Step-by-Step Tutorial: Using Loop Starter
Step 1: Choose Your Genre
Click the Genre dropdown and select your style. FL Studio will instantly load matching loops from the FL Cloud library.
Comprehensive Loop Starter workflow tutorial
Step 2: Select Your Key (FL Studio 2025.2+)
The new Key Selector ensures all loops are musically compatible:
- Click the Key dropdown in the top menu
- Choose your project key (C Major, A Minor, etc.)
- All generated loops will match this key
Why This Matters: Matching keys prevents dissonant sounds when adding loops to existing projects.
Step 3: Customize Your Loops
Loop Starter gives you several ways to customize sounds:
The Dice System:
- Global Dice (top icon): Reroll ALL sounds at once
- Individual Dice (per channel): Reroll one specific sound
- Lock Icons: Freeze sounds you like while rerolling others
Example Workflow: Love the kick drum? Lock it with the lock icon. Click the global dice to reroll everything else. The kick stays, but you get fresh hi-hats, bass, and melodies.
Step 4: Generate MIDI Patterns
Loop Starter loads audio loops by default, but you can generate MIDI patterns:
- For Individual Channels: Right-click any sample in Loop Starter and select "Generate Steps". FL Studio creates a rhythmic MIDI pattern matching the genre.
- For All Channels: Click the global dice icon and select "Generate Steps for All Channels". All loops get instant MIDI patterns.
4. Advanced Loop Starter Tips
- Adjust Pattern Length: Control how many bars your loop plays. Change the default 64 steps (4 bars) to 32 steps (2 bars) in the Pattern Length setting for shorter loops.
- Change Project Tempo: Toggle "Change Project Tempo" on/off. ON sets BPM to match the genre; OFF keeps your current project BPM.
- Switch Views: Click the toggle button to switch between Step Sequencer (grid view for drums) and Piano Roll (note view for melodies).
- Mid-Project Use: Open an existing project, click the Loop Starter icon in the Channel Rack, and choose a complementary genre to add new layers.
- Load Your Own Samples: Drag and drop custom samples directly onto Loop Starter channels to personalize your loops. If you want to chop these samples up later, check out our guide on Fruity Slicer 2 vs Slicex.
Use Loop Starter for inspiration when stuck on a bridge or breakdown section!
5. Loop Starter vs. Starting from Scratch
| Feature | Loop Starter | Starting from Scratch |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Instant loops | Time-consuming |
| Inspiration | Built-in creativity | Requires ideas |
| Genre-Matching | Automatic | Manual selection |
| Key Compatibility | Key selector | Manual checking |
| Learning Curve | Beginner-friendly | Advanced knowledge needed |
| Customization | Lock/reroll system | Full control |
| Best For | Quick ideas, overcoming writer's block | Unique, original production |
6. Common Loop Starter Questions
Can I use Loop Starter commercially?
Yes! All loops generated from FL Cloud through Loop Starter are royalty-free and can be used in commercial releases. If you're looking to turn those tracks into income, read our guide on how to make money producing music.
Does Loop Starter work offline?
Loop Starter requires an internet connection to access the FL Cloud library initially, but samples are cached locally once loaded.
Can I customize Loop Starter genres?
Currently, genres are predefined by Image-Line, but the community is requesting custom genre support.
What FL Studio version do I need?
FL Studio 2025: Original Loop Starter with 6 genres.
FL Studio 2025.2: Added 6 new genres + Key Selector.
Building a complete track using Loop Starter
Final Thoughts: Is Loop Starter Worth Using?
Loop Starter is a powerful starting point, not a replacement for your creativity. Use it to overcome blank canvas syndrome, learn production techniques, and generate ideas faster than ever.
Ready to try it? Update to FL Studio 2025.2 (free lifetime update for existing users) via the Image-Line website and start creating instant loop stacks. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced producer looking for fresh inspiration, Loop Starter is your secret weapon for faster music production.
