FL Studio Web (formerly Fruity Loops) is now usable in your DAW with full compatibility and native plugins: now in beta.
Digital audio workstations (DAWs) have come a long way. From the first digital audio tape recorders in 1977 to today, where we can use Logic Pro on the iPad.
Thanks to increasingly powerful systems, anyone can now produce music with professional tools, even on a basic computer or tablet. Image Line has now made it even easier for everyone, especially beginners, to use a DAW. They have put FL Studio in a web browser.
FL Studio Web
Not only has DAW technology in general come a long way, but so has the former Fruity Loops, now FL Studio. Starting as a Windows-exclusive DAW, it later added macOS support.
Then came stripped-down iOS version experiments, and now it’s available in a web browser. It’s still in public beta with a limited user base, but it’s now available in your browser. That’s a big step.
FL Studio Web is the full FL Studio experience in the browser, with full compatibility and native plugins, according to the developers. The idea is compelling: you can start projects in your browser on the go and complete them in FL Studio desktop software.
A great advantage is that you don’t need to install any additional software to use the web version. According to CDM, it will also be compatible on Linux and processor architectures (ARM/x64).
This likely means it will also be available on tablets like the iPad. Okay, it won’t be a standalone iOS app with AUv3 plugin compatibility, etc. However, bringing FL Studio to the iPad could be a step forward.
Low Barrier To Enter
It will most likely use the FL Cloud infrastructure to manage files and tasks, including session storage. This also makes it easy to access ongoing online tutorials or collaborate with other musicians, since you can use it online.
A key feature of FL Studio Web is its very low barrier to entry. This eliminates the need for software installation. Instead, a simple registration on the website opens the door for your future tracks. And of course, a connection to the internet.
At present, it is unclear whether this offer is limited to FL Studio users or available to everyone. It is also unknown whether it is free or only available with an FL Studio license.
This is an exciting step FL Studio is taking, and one I will continue to monitor.
The official website is now online. However, there’s a waitlist for the FL Studio Web public beta. You can sign up with your existing Image-Line account.
More information here: Image Line
Web browser DAWs are pointless until they’ll support VST/AUv3 plugins