default track length

when i go to start messing around with reaper, usually i want to start with a beat or something, but by default reaper wants to start at 3 minutes long and the midi file i went to create is enormous. i want to know how to start new reaper tracks at the size of 16 beats or so, that way its easier to start making a beat. any ideas?

Open an empty project, zoom in to 4 bars of length, and save the project as a default project. It will always open at that zoom level.

wait, how do you save a project as a default?

1) File > Project Settings > Audio Settings tab > Save as default project settings (button at the lower right) 2) File > Save As ... than from preferences > project > use the following as a template Project template saves all the project settings, while "default project settings" button does not. Don't remember which settings exactly, but I just use the template. e Oh and use ASIO for lower latencies :D