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place_clip_in_arrangement

Place an empty MIDI clip at a specified timeline position in the Arrangement View. Set track index, start position in beats, and clip length to prepare for adding MIDI notes.

Instructions

Create a MIDI clip directly in the Arrangement View at a specific timeline position. Requires Ableton Live 10.1+ and a MIDI track.

position_beats: start position in beats from the song start (e.g. 0.0 = bar 1, 4.0 = bar 2 in 4/4). length_beats: clip length in beats (e.g. 4.0 = 1 bar in 4/4, 16.0 = 4 bars). name: optional clip name.

After creating, use add_notes to populate it with MIDI content.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
track_indexYes
position_beatsYes
length_beatsNo
nameNo

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description must carry the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It does not mention whether the tool overwrites an existing clip at the given position, or any side effects like data destruction. The description assumes the user knows the behavior, which is insufficient.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is concise with four sentences, covering purpose, requirements, parameter explanations, and a follow-up hint. It could be more structured, but it is efficient and front-loaded.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool has 4 parameters, no annotations, and an existing output schema, the description partially covers the purpose and some parameters but lacks explanation for track_index and behavioral aspects like overwriting. The output schema is not mentioned, but since it exists, the description need not detail return values. Overall, it meets minimum viability but has clear gaps.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The description explains position_beats and length_beats with examples, and mentions name as optional. However, it fails to describe track_index, which is a required parameter. With 0% schema description coverage, this is a notable gap, but the explanation for the other parameters adds value.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the verb 'Create' and the resource 'MIDI clip' with a specific location 'in the Arrangement View at a specific timeline position'. It distinguishes from siblings like create_clip by specifying the view and position.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides context for when to use the tool by specifying requirements (Ableton Live 10.1+, MIDI track) and suggests a follow-up action (use add_notes). However, it does not include explicit when-not-to-use or alternatives.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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