FAQ
Before you buy
Why use SFX Stacks instead of just folders and filenames?
Folders and filenames work until your library gets large enough that finding the right sound becomes slow and inconsistent. SFX Stacks helps you search with plain words, preview results quickly, compare nearby options, and export the usable part without digging through folders manually.
What makes SFX Stacks different from other sound library tools?
SFX Stacks is built for fast local SFX workflow. You can use AI to search with plain words or with metadata, use one sound to find similar ones, preview inside the app, and export only the part you need.
Who is SFX Stacks for?
SFX Stacks is built for sound designers, game audio professionals, editors, and other users who work with large local sound libraries.
Do I need to rename, tag, or reorganize my files first?
No. SFX Stacks is designed to work with your existing library. You do not need to rename files, add tags, or reorganize folders before using it.
Local use and setup
Does SFX Stacks upload my audio?
No. SFX Stacks works with your local files and does not upload your audio for search.
Where are the scan results and index stored?
They are stored locally on your machine.
Does SFX Stacks work offline?
SFX Stacks is designed for local use and works offline for up to 30 days. After that, it needs an internet connection to refresh the license session.
Which operating systems are supported?
SFX Stacks currently supports:
- Windows 10/11
- macOS (Apple Silicon)
What happens on first launch?
On first launch, SFX Stacks downloads the required packages and model. This is a one-time setup and can be a few gigabytes in total.
How long does scanning take?
That depends on the size of your library, the number of files, and the speed of your drive. Smaller libraries finish sooner. Larger libraries take longer because SFX Stacks needs to index files and prepare search data.
Can I use SFX Stacks while my library is still scanning?
Yes. You can start searching before the full scan finishes. Results improve as more files are scanned.
AI and privacy
Is the AI in SFX Stacks local or cloud-based?
SFX Stacks uses local AI for search. Your audio stays on your machine and is not uploaded for search.
Does SFX Stacks use my files or searches to train AI models?
No. SFX Stacks does not use your files or searches to train AI models.
Does SFX Stacks generate sounds or audio?
No. SFX Stacks does not generate audio. It helps you search, preview, compare, and export sounds from your existing local library.
Why does SFX Stacks use AI at all?
It makes sound search more flexible. Instead of relying only on filenames, folders, or tags, you can describe the kind of sound you need and find relevant results faster.
Search and workflow
How do I search in SFX Stacks?
SFX Stacks supports two search modes:
- Semantic search for plain-word queries like
heavy metal door slam - Metadata search for narrowing results by known tags or file information
Why is semantic search useful?
Semantic search helps when you know the kind of sound you want, but not the exact filename or folder. Instead of guessing how a library was named, you can describe the sound in plain words and find relevant results faster.
When should I use metadata search instead?
Use metadata search when you want to narrow results by known tags, categories, file information, or other metadata.
What is similarity search good for?
Similarity search is useful when you find a sound that is close but not quite right. You can use that sound as a reference and quickly explore similar options without starting over.
Can I preview sounds inside the app?
Yes. You can preview search results directly in SFX Stacks without leaving the app.
Can I export only part of a sound?
Yes. You can export the full file or only the section you want. You can adjust the exported section before export.
Does SFX Stacks modify my original files?
No. SFX Stacks reads your files and metadata to build a local index. Your original source files stay unchanged.
What if the search results are not very good?
Search results usually improve as more files are scanned. It also helps to try different wording, use metadata search when you know the tags you want, or use similarity search when you find a result that is close.
Formats and compatibility
What audio formats does SFX Stacks support?
SFX Stacks currently supports the following audio formats:
.wav.flac.aif.aiff.ogg
Licensing
Is SFX Stacks a subscription?
No. SFX Stacks is sold as a one-time desktop app license. See the Buy page for current pricing and license details.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. SFX Stacks includes a 14-day trial with all features available.
Do I need an account to try it?
No. You can install and start the trial without creating an account.
Help
Where can I get help if something is not working?
If you run into a problem, see:
If you still need help, contact support through the Support page.