Specifications
Chapter 28: Automation 467
For better performance, consider selecting a
smaller value for MIDI controls that need higher
resolution (such as MIDI volume), and a larger
value for controls that may not require a high
resolution (such as Pan).
Editing Automation
Pro Tools provides several ways to edit automa-
tion data for any track in your session. You can
edit automation data graphically, by adjusting
breakpoints on the automation playlist of a
track. You can also cut, copy, and paste automa-
tion data in the same manner as audio and MIDI
data.
Graphical Editing of Automation
Data
Automation data takes the form of a line graph
with editable breakpoints. By dragging these
breakpoints, you can modify the automation
data directly in the Edit window. When you
drag an automation breakpoint up or down, the
change in value is numerically or textually indi-
cated. Dragging an automation breakpoint to
the left or right adjusts the timing of the auto-
mation event.
Using the Grabber
The Grabber lets you create new breakpoints by
clicking on the graph line, or adjust existing
breakpoints by dragging them. Alt-click (Win-
dows) or Option-click (Macintosh) breakpoints
with the Grabber to remove them.
Using the Pencil Tool
The Pencil tool lets you create new breakpoints
by clicking once on the graph line. Alt-click
(Windows) or Option-click (Macintosh) break-
points with the Pencil tool to remove them.
Using the Trimmer
The Trimmer lets you adjust all selected break-
points up or down by dragging anywhere within
that selection.
Editing Automation Types
Each automatable control has its own automa-
tion playlist, that can be displayed by choosing
it from the Track View Selector. “Viewing Auto-
mation” on page 458.
Editing Volume Automation
Drag a breakpoint up or down to change the vol-
ume (dB value). Drag a breakpoint to the left or
right to adjust the timing of the volume change.
Using the Grabber to create a new breakpoint
Using the Pencil to delete a breakpoint
Using the Trimmer to move breakpoints
Track volume automation