# Racks and patches

> Combine instruments, effects and MIDI tools into a playable setup.

Canonical: https://maruaudio.com/help/racks-and-patches
Documentation index: https://maruaudio.com/help/llms.txt

Use a rack when you want several musical tools to work together, such as a note pattern driving a synth through a delay. The patch is the set of connections between them. Rack editing and export are in early access; browse the [rack collection](https://maruaudio.com/racks) for examples, or ask us about the setup you need.

## Follow the signal

Start with one source and one destination. Instruments need notes or another trigger; effects need audio. MIDI connections carry musical events, while audio connections carry sound.

Add one stage at a time and check where the signal stops if the result is silent. [Playback and MIDI](https://maruaudio.com/help/playback-and-midi.md) covers input, output and monitoring checks.

## Save the whole setup

A useful saved rack includes the chosen modules, their settings, connections and required assets. A preset for one effect does not capture every part of that arrangement.

Reopen the setup and confirm that its sounds and connections return. [Projects and library](https://maruaudio.com/help/projects-and-library.md) explains the difference between editable work and an exported result.

## Share or integrate a rack

Browse the [rack collection](https://maruaudio.com/racks) for available examples and use the sharing options offered by the current editor. A playable link, an audio render and a reusable rack project serve different audiences.

For a website, start with [embedding audio](https://maruaudio.com/help/embed-audio-on-your-website.md). Embedding several independent players does not connect their audio into a rack; an integrated rack needs a host that manages those connections.

## Plan other destinations

An existing module's format support does not automatically establish export support for an entire rack. A composed product also needs compatible routing, state, assets and performance in the destination.

Rack editing and broader delivery are evolving. [Contact Maru](https://maruaudio.com/contact) for an early-access rack or integration project, with the modules, connections and target environment you need. See [exports](https://maruaudio.com/help/exporting-your-work.md) for the available deliverable types.