The status of the analysis of e⁺ e^- annihilation using the radiative return technique at BaBar is presented. Cross sections for the processes e⁺ e^- \to {\pi ⁺} {\pi ^-} {\pi ⁰}, {\pi ⁺} {\pi ^-} {\pi ⁺}{\pi ^-}, {\pi ⁺} {\pi ^-} {K⁺} {K^-}, {K⁺} {K^-}{K⁺}{K^-}, 3({\pi ⁺} {\pi ^-}), {\pi ⁰}{\pi ⁰} 2({\pi ⁺} {\pi ^-}), {K⁺}{K^-} 2({\pi ⁺} {\pi ^-}) and p \bar p are measured in the energy range from threshold up to 4.5 GeV. Studies on resonant structures involved in these processes have been performed. We present also new precise measurements of the effective proton form factor and of the ratio of the electric to magnetic proton form factor, |G_E/G_M|. In addition, the J \psi and \psi (2S) branching fractions to all these final states have been measured.

PACS numbers: 13.40.Ks, 13.66.Bc