New in pro tools 8 is the ability to open a session with all the plug-ins inactive!  This is great for opening sessions quickly to grab a region or check something, without having to load all the plug-ins. This ALSO works in the import session data window which is AMAZING!  If you have a large session the last thing you want to do is have the neverending “de-activating” and “re-activating” plug-ins dialogue come up.  This lets you bring in tracks quickly without activating plug-ins, but still maintaining all essential automation etc.  What a time saver!

To use this shortcut, in the “open session” window, or the “import session data” window shift+click on the “open” button and the session will open with all plug-ins inactive.