# Playing

> Play a Toy with the mouse, touch, computer keyboard or MIDI, and set your audio device.

Source: https://docs.tune.toys/manual/playing/ (updated 2026-11-01)

## Starting audio

Choose **Play** (or interact with a Frame). The first gesture unlocks audio; later Toys start immediately. **Stop** releases any held notes.

## Controls

- Drag knobs and sliders, or focus them and use the arrow keys.
- Hold a momentary button to play; tap a trigger pad for one event.
- The piano responds to pointer, touch and keyboard.
- With a MIDI keyboard connected, the **MIDI monitor** (Sound controls) shows what arrives. See [MIDI](https://docs.tune.toys/concepts/midi/) for mapping.

## Monitor level and device

Open **Settings → Audio** to choose an output device, check the sample rate and set the monitor level. Previews always use a reduced level.

## Performance tips

- Close extra tabs that use audio.
- Prefer fewer simultaneous voices on slower devices.
- If you hear crackling, raise the browser's audio buffer or lower the voice count. See [Troubleshooting](https://docs.tune.toys/manual/troubleshooting/).