Troubleshooting and FAQ

The common problems and their fixes. If yours isn't here, email info@rhythmwriter.app with your device and browser, and what you expected to happen.

Sound

Playback shows the grid moving but there's no sound

• iPhone or iPad on iOS 16.3 or earlier: the ring/silent switch mutes web audio. Flip it to ring, or update iOS.
• Check the device volume and that the browser tab isn't muted.
• Some browsers block sound until you've tapped the page. Stop and press ▶ again.

Pressing play stops my music app

On iPhone and iPad, Rhythm Writer takes over the audio while it plays, the way a music app does, so that it can be heard with the silent switch on. Resume the other app after you stop. To play along with a recording, play the recording from a second device.

Playback is out of time with the music I'm playing along to

Bluetooth headphones and speakers add a delay. Use the device speaker or wired headphones.

The groove plays at the wrong speed

Check the ♩= box on the grid's second toolbar row. A number there overrides the song tempo for that section. Clear it to follow the song.

Songs

My songs are gone

• Different browser or device? Songs saved in the browser only exist in that browser on that device. Open the one you wrote them in.
• Cleared browsing data? That deletes songs saved in the browser. Import your most recent exports. See Where your songs are saved.
• The hint says "reconnect folder"? Click it and allow access. The songs are still in the folder.

"choose a folder" doesn't appear

Saving to a folder needs Chrome or Edge on a computer. Other browsers, and phones and tablets, save in the browser. Use Export for backups.

Hits disappeared after I changed the grid

Switching to a coarser resolution, removing a bar, or changing the time signature drops hits that no longer fit. Press Ctrl+Z, or ↶, to get them back.

License

"That key is for a different product" or "belongs to a different store"

The key isn't a Rhythm Writer key. Copy it again from the receipt email, without spaces before or after.

The key has reached its activation limit

It's active on three devices or browsers already. Deactivate it on one you don't use (how), or email us to reset it.

It says my license expired

The yearly renewal didn't go through, often because a card expired. Update it from your receipt email or Lemon Squeezy's order page, then reload the app. Your songs are all still there.

Printing

The page is cut off or tiny

Set the print dialog's paper to Letter, scale to 100% or "Default", and the orientation to match the Portrait or Landscape button you chose on the worksheet.

A4 paper

The worksheet is laid out for US Letter. On A4 paper, choose Fit to page or Fit to printable area in the print dialog so the right edge isn't trimmed.

Questions

Do I need an account?

No. Your songs stay on your device and the license is a key, not a login.

Does it work offline?

Yes, once it has been opened with a connection. See Phones, tablets and installing the app.

Can I import from Guitar Pro, MuseScore, MIDI or Drum Chart Builder?

Not yet. Rhythm Writer imports its own song files. Charting from the recording is usually faster than you'd think: write one bar of each groove and set the repeat count.

Is there an iPad app in the App Store?

No, and you don't need one. Add Rhythm Writer to the home screen and it opens and works like an app.