When using DAW software, what does pressing the play button do?

Pressing the play button in DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software initiates playback from the current position of the playhead. The playhead indicates where the audio or MIDI data will start to play when you press this button. This function is essential for reviewing compositions, ensuring that all elements of the track are synchronized correctly, and assessing the overall sound. When you hit play, the DAW will start processing the audio and any effects applied, allowing users to hear their work in action.

The other options represent actions unrelated to starting playback. Exporting a project typically involves rendering audio files from the session for sharing or distribution, saving the session preserves all current work done in the DAW, and adjusting the tempo changes the speed at which the project plays but does not initiate playback itself.