How to Create and Edit Automation in Ableton Live
A guide to recording and hand-drawing automation for dynamic changes in your Ableton Live projects.
Automation · intermediate level
Steps
Reveal Automation Lanes
In Arrangement View, click the 'A' key (or the 'Automation Mode' button in the header) to toggle automation lanes. This will show available parameters for automation on each track.
Select a Parameter to Automate
On any track, use the dropdown menus within the displayed automation lane to select the device and then the specific parameter you wish to automate (e.g., 'Mixer' > 'Volume', or a parameter from an instrument or effect).
Record Automation Live
Ensure the global 'Automation Arm' button (a small square with an 'A') is enabled in the transport bar. Click the global 'Record' button. As the project plays, move the desired knob or fader on your device or controller. This will record your movements into the automation lane.
Draw Automation Manually
Disable the 'Automation Mode' button ('A') to exit automation recording. With the automation lane visible, select the 'Draw Mode' tool (the pencil icon in the control bar, or press 'B'). Click and drag to draw automation points and curves directly in the lane. Double-click to add points, drag points to move them, and drag lines between points to create curves. Hold 'Alt' (Option) while dragging a segment to create a curved segment.
Edit Automation Points
In pencil mode, you can quickly draw. In selection mode (press 'B' again or click the arrow icon), you can select individual points or groups of points. Drag to move them, or delete them with the 'Delete' key. Use Cmd/Ctrl + click to add control points when not in draw mode.
Disable/Delete Automation
To temporarily bypass automation for a parameter, right-click on the parameter in the Device View and select 'Clear Automation'. To delete an entire automation lane, right-click the lane header and select 'Clear All Envelopes'.