I'm a long time user of Sonar Home Studio, recently upgraded to Artist. There are a lot of features I like, but here's what I lament: the lack of a systematic, methodical approach to learning this new interface. The videos are terrific, although really aimed at users of the X, Studio and Producer versions, so I have to weed out what doesn't actually pertain to Artist....not easy to do given my lack of prior familiarity with the product. With SHS, there was a substantial onboard help file, and I'd get Scott McGarrigus's Sonar book to teach me what to do with the technical info. Well, I'm an old print media sort, so I like a book to leaf through and highlight pertinent passages. I'm not really looking for an answer here, it's just a matter of spending more time with the DAW and watching videos and making mistakes to learn from. I'm just airing my opinion.
Mark

It comes with a manual and an up to date help file. Both are readable via a computer. The manual can be printed out but its over 2000 pages. One thing I have found helpful is printing out only parts I'm interested in. Over time I may have most if not all of the manual printed out. 
 
I too miss the printed manual but in this day and age its an expensive addition. I rather have the program at a reduced price.  

john, I stand corrected. After digging a bit deeper I found what you're talking about. All the technical info I should need. Thanks for pointing the way.

The interface is largly the same (minus the pro channel stuff).
 
Check out these videos:  It was created for x2, but most all of it applies to the artist interface.  This should be a good start.  Then you can look deeper for the updated features added later elsewhere.
 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKRYWdEpbc5PgUgvrNuSvVyfv5qkll0qj
 
1. Audio Interface Setup - 7:24
2. Audio Interface Options - 8:20
3. MIDI Device Setup - 8:58
4. MIDI Clock & Sync - 10:19
5. Control Surface Setup - 14:20
6. File Options - 10:08
7. Plugin Manager - 6:44
8. Instrument Definitions - 10:09
9. GUI & Track Overview - 14:48
10. The Browser - 8:58
11. Multidock & Control Bar - 11:41
12. Inspector & Control View - 7:02
13. Piano Roll View & Screensets - 10:05
14. Project, Track & Bus Templates - 14:02
15. Exploring the Track - 14:35
16. Exploring the Track (Pt.2) - 14:50
17. Exploring the Track (Pt.3) - 13:55
18. Exploring the Track (Pt.4) - 7:52
19. MIDI Synths - 13:03
20. MIDI Synths (Pt.2) - 5:47
21. Session Drummer & Drum Maps - 12:13
22. Audio Routing - 13:06 
23. Working with Video - 4:02
24. Audio & MIDI Basics - 23:26
25. MIDI Advanced - 10:46
26. The Matrix - 16:15
27. Step Sequencer - 12:03
28. Editing Basics - 11:47
29. Editing Basics (Pt.2) - 11:45
30. Editing Basics (Pt.3) - 16:17
31. Editing MIDI - 11:22
32. Editing MIDI (Pt.2) - 8:50
33. Staff View - 6:22
34. Comping and V-Vocal - 17:22 - (V-Vocal not in X3)
35. Groove Loops (Clips) - 12:32
36. Working with Tempo - 10:24
37. Working with Audiosnap - 8:47
38. Working with Audiosnap (Pt.2) - 8:26
39. Working with Audiosnap (Pt.3) - 9:34
40. Working with Audiosnap (Pt.4) - 6:23
41. Console View - 9:32
42. Clean Up & Bouncing - 8:25
43. Control Groups & Gain Control - 10:24
44. Pro Channel & Side Chains - 12:56
45. Working with FX & FX Bins - 11:31
46. Working with FX Chains - 10:30
47. Working with Automation - 7:58
48. Working with Automation (Pt.2) - 10:53
49. Working with Automation (Pt.3) - 13:04
50. Exporting - 8:05

There's a course at Groove 3 called "SONAR Explained". Basic stuff, but done with the current version of SONAR Artist. There's also a second, associated course called "SONAR Advanced" that was made with SONAR Platinum (prior to Patch points and Aux tracks.
 
The Explained course points out a couple of differences (additions) to Professional and Platinum (like the ProChannel, for example). The course itself is pretty good.
 
https://www.groove3.com/c...orials/SONAR-Explained

If you're interested in the Groove 3 course, I just received the following email from them:
 
Hello John,

Groove3 is pleased to announce its annual NAMM Sale! Right now through January 24th, 2016 you can save 33% off all download products and our amazing All-Access Pass.
 
It’s a great time to stock up on video downloads about your favorite DAWs, plug-ins and more, or just go for the all inclusive All-Access Pass in both 30 Day (renews at discounted price too) and 1 Year options! The AAP gives you instant access to EVERY video on Groove3, plus any that get added during your membership. New videos are released every week.
 
Discount Code: NAMM33
 
Click here to automatically add the discount code and see your savings while you shop.
 
Thank You

Thanks again for being a Groove3 customer, we love serving your pro audio needs!

I'm also hopeful that the new approach to onscreen help (detailed in "coming soon" page) will help you navigate through the most important features. I'm really looking forward to upcoming UI enhancements.
As for Groove 3, I can attest to its value as a new user of Sonar, actually an OLD user who came back to the fold recently.

I've had discussions with the folks at Cakewalk about making SONAR more accessible. They are aware of this need, and are exploring various options (as am I). They'd love for me to do some more videos like the Advanced Workshop ones, but on a more basic level. It's something I'd really like to do, but there's this little company in Tennessee that keeps me very busy...

Anderton
I've had discussions with the folks at Cakewalk about making SONAR more accessible. They are aware of this need, and are exploring various options (as am I). They'd love for me to do some more videos like the Advanced Workshop ones, but on a more basic level. It's something I'd really like to do, but there's this little [ed: emphasis added] company in Tennessee that keeps me very busy...

Little? You mean the guys who made this for me?

OK, so my SG may be little, but it's mighty!

Thanks ,fellas. My wife will know where to find me for a long time to come. This is a lot of info. But I retire later this year, then I'll have the time