I'm having a hard time getting used to the X2 interface. I recently switched from Sonar 8.5 to X2. The interface is much more clean in X2. I'm just trying to get used to a few things. I find that I used to be able to get by with 2 tools. Pretty much all I needed to switch to was the cut tool. Now I have to switch from the edit tool, the select tool, the split tool and the move tool. This seems to slow down my work flow. Anyone have ideas on how to speed up work flow?

The smart tool is the key to the X series.  It is context sensitive.
 
I'll try to dig out some videos or othe links to help you.
 
I found the new interface threw me completely at first, but now find that my workflow has improved a lot.
 
 

jb101's right. Practice with the Smart Tool (the one labelled with the star) by moving it over various types of data. Throw some automation in a project, make a MIDI track and add some MIDI in the PRV and you should get a good feel for how it adapts to whatever type of data it is editing.

Don't feel bad! I remember ,as most of us in this forum, how big a mushroom cloud formed when X1 came along. X1 and X2 have a pretty steep learning curve. This forum is now chock full of very experienced and sometimes even happy Sonar users. That jump from 8.5 to X1 was a very hard time for a lot of us. Just hang in there! Don't hesitate to ask questions here! And search the Sonar University and YouTube sites for info. Even the older X1 videos have info that is relevant to X2 as well. I have been using Cakewalk products since Pro Audio 9 and there are still hidden features that I don't know about. I bought a copy of the Sonar Power book for X2 recently and it even had been upgraded for X2a! At any rate, we hope to hear from you and look forward to helping you as much as we can.

I just switched from Sonar 8.5 to X2 last week.  I was surprised to find that after a few hours working with X2, I found it difficult to use the more-limited interface in 8.5.  It's very convenient to have all the windows present and accounted for; switching back and forth between the console and track views is much quicker.  I miss a few things from 8.5., but I'm getting over it fast.

Sidroe
I bought a copy of the Sonar Power book for X2 recently and it even had been upgraded for X2a! At any rate, we hope to hear from you and look forward to helping you as much as we can.

Hey Sidney... thanks very much! I hope you're enjoying the book. Yes, SONAR X2 Power! is up-to-date with coverage of X2a as well as all the info that wasn't covered in the X1 book, like all the features/changes in X1a, b, c, d and Expanded. The new book is chock full of info!
 
Scott

--
Scott R. Garrigus - http://garrigus.com - SONAR X2 Power! - http://garrigus.com/?SonarX2Power
* Author of the Cakewalk Sonar and Sony Sound Forge Power book series: http://garrigus.com/?PowerBooks
* Author of the Cakewalk Sonar ProAudioTutor video tutorial series: http://garrigus.com/?ProAudioTutor
* Publisher of the DigiFreq free music technology newsletter: http://digifreq.com/?DigiFreq
* Publisher of the NewTechReview free consumer technology newsletter: http://newtechreview.com/?NewTechReview

Triscuit - you'll get familiar with it for sure and then you'll zip along.

I picked up speed both from the software of X2 being designed so that it really helps efficiency and reduces steps, and also from watching as many tutorials as possible. The free tutorials on CakeTV are helpful and short. I get a lot (repeat viewings) out of the hour plus CakeTV Live recorded webinars. Those are excellent and free here on Cakewalk site. There's stuff on YouTube as well. The paid for ones ( in the Cakewalk Store) are excellent - especially from Groove3, but Karl's is great and Craig Anderton's is a very nice to have.

Triscuit,
 
it is different, but not rocket science.  Most of the 8.5 tools are there, they have just been shuffled around.  Simple tasks are very easy to get used to - the more complex ones harder.  It isn't like moving from Sonar 7 to 8, but the ergonomics do make sense.
 
Only start new projects.  You'll love the ProChannel effects before long if you have producer.  And if you don't have the optical comp, get it as soon as you can.  And yea, the smart tool is usually smart.
 
Give yourself time, and spend the time to set up the interface the way that makes sense to you.
 
@

Using the Smart tool, hold down Alt + Click to split. The select and move tools are already there as part of the smart tool but functions vary depending whereabouts on the clip you are.
 
For example there's a differences in selection behaviour between the header area and body area of clips or if they are minimised it's top half/bottom half. The easiest way to get used to it is use it.
 
Slip editing and fade are all at clip ends but in different positions on the clip, stretch is using ctrl key plus drag on clip ends. I'm sure after a while you'll find the smart tool just that smart. There's barely any need to swap tools now regardless of view or function required. The only other tool I use fairly regularly is the mute tool.
 
HTH

I would have to agree with all who say use it to get better acquainted with the new stuff. I have been along for the whole ride. From 8.5 to X2a and I am just now getting to where I have it setup the way I want and know how to use it the way I need. Each part took me time to get right. Be patient but persistent.