Show track automation curves

Before you can add automation points to a track’s automation curves, you need to show the track’s curves. Automation curves are displayed on top of audio and MIDI regions across the track, running the length of the project. Automation is represented by colored curves and points.

Figure. Showing automation turned on in the Tracks area.

After you show the track’s curves, you can choose which parameter you want to work with—Volume fader, Pan knob, or any parameters for added effects or available Smart Controls. You can work with multiple parameters on the same track.

The master track has automation curves that let you automate volume and pan for the overall project. You can also automate effects settings for the master track using the master automation curves. To view and edit automation curves for the overall project, you need to show the master track.

Show automation curves for a track

  1. Do one of the following:

    • Choose Mix > Show Automation (or press A).

    • Click the Automation button Automation button in the Tracks area menu bar.

    An Automation button Automation button and an Automation Parameter pop-up menu appear in each track header. You can choose the parameter you want to automate—Volume fader, Pan knob, or any parameters for added effects or available Smart Controls—from the Automation Parameter pop-up menu.

    Figure. Showing the Track Automation button and the Automation Parameter pop-up menu in a track header.
  2. Click the Track Automation button Automation button in the track header.

    Any existing automation is displayed on the track.

Turn automation curves on or off for individual tracks

  • Click the Track Automation button Track Automation button in the track header.

When you turn off automation curves, they aren’t deleted, just hidden.

Choose the parameter you want to automate

  • Choose a parameter from the Automation Parameter pop-up menu in the track header.

    Figure. Showing the open Automation Parameter pop-up menu.

Volume and pan are shown in the pop-up menu, along with parameters for added effects and any available Smart Controls.