Frequently asked questions
Everything about making, saving and sharing beats.
What is f8dr?
f8dr is a browser-based beat maker. You draw notes onto a grid of sounds, it loops in real time, and you can share what you make. No install required — it runs in any modern browser, and installs as an app on phones.
Do I need an account?
No — you can start making a beat right away. You only need an account to save beats, publish them, record your own sounds, or set up a profile. Sign-in is a one-time email code (or Google) — no password.
How do I make a beat?
Tap cells on the grid to place notes — each row is a sound, each column a step in time. Draw across a column to make sounds hit together, drag to paint a run, and hit play. Add more sounds from the picker, and set the loop length with the trim handles on the ruler.
How do I save and share a beat?
Hit Save & Share (sign in first). That saves it to your account and copies a share link. Toggle a beat Public to list it on the Explore feed and your profile; otherwise it stays private and only reachable by its link.
What is version history?
Every save is snapshotted. Open History to see past versions of a beat with thumbnails — tap one to preview it on the board, and Restore to roll back. Restoring is itself undoable, so you can always jump back and forth.
What are community instruments?
Anyone can record or upload their own sounds, group them into an instrument, and publish it to the community under a CC0 (public-domain) license. Others can Installit into their own library and use it freely. Your profile shows how many people have installed each instrument you've shared.
Can I use my own sounds?
Yes — record from your mic or upload audio files, then drop them onto the grid like any other sound. You can keep them private or publish them to the community.
Can I use the beats I make commercially?
Beats you create are yours. Community instruments are shared as CC0, so sounds from them carry no attribution requirement. The built-in soundbank is licensed for use within f8dr; if you plan to redistribute raw samples outside a beat, reach out first.
Is there a mobile app?
f8dr works in the mobile browser and can be added to your home screen as an app (PWA). Native app builds are in the works.
How do I set my handle, bio or avatar?
Open your profile from the account menu, then Edit profile to pick a handle and bio, or Draw avatar to make a little pixel avatar. New accounts get a friendly handle automatically.
Is it free?
Yes — f8dr is free to use.
Still stuck? Email support@f8dr.com.