You start in Edit Mode and drag any combination of knobs, faders, buttons, drum pads, a full keyboard, or even a Theremin-style XY pad onto the canvas. Resize, arrange, and configure every control with its own MIDI CC, channel, value range, sensitivity, latch/momentary behavior, or velocity response. The clever Multiply tool lets you clone rows of faders or buttons with auto-incrementing CC numbers in seconds, saving huge amounts of time. A standout feature is the expressive Theremin pad with Free Mode (continuous pitch bend), Chromatic Mode, and ten scale modes including Major Pentatonic, Blues, and Dorian — you can change root note and octave on the fly without stopping playback.
Switch to Perform Mode and the entire editing interface disappears, giving you a clean, distraction-free performance surface. Lock layouts to prevent accidental changes during a gig, and use the built-in MIDI panic button to kill stuck notes instantly. The app supports Core-MIDI for direct connections and Wi-Fi via Network MIDI, making it easy to control Mac-based DAWs or hardware. It’s strictly iPad-only (no iPhone or Mac version), which keeps the interface perfectly scaled for larger touchscreens. You can save unlimited layouts and switch between them instantly.
For iPad music production, Midi Layout shines when you need a tailored surface for specific instruments or live sets. Whether you want a simple set of faders for mixing or a complex grid of pads and knobs for a hardware synth rig, the app lets you build it once and use it forever. The lack of a Mac version means configuration stays on the iPad, but the clean workflow and instant recall more than make up for it. At just $1.99 with no in-app purchases, it’s an absolute bargain for anyone who has ever wished their MIDI controller could be exactly what they need in the moment.
Not as feature reach as Touch OSC, but also way less expensive.
Key features include:
- Drag-and-drop canvas with knobs, faders, buttons, drum pads, keyboard, and Theremin XY pad
- Full MIDI CC, channel, range, sensitivity, and behavior configuration per control
- Multiply tool for instant row cloning with auto-incrementing CC numbers
- Theremin pad with Free, Chromatic, and ten scale modes (root/octave changes on the fly)
- Perform Mode with layout locking and MIDI panic button
- Save and instantly switch unlimited custom layouts
- Core-MIDI and Wi-Fi Network MIDI support
- iPad-only with optimized large-screen interface
App price: $1.99. No in-app purchases.
Original release: March 2026 | Latest update: March 2026
