Automation drawing tools in Logic Pro for iPad

Sometimes it is easier and more musical to write automation in real time by performing movements of onscreen controls while the project is playing. However, drawing automation can be faster and more precise. You draw the automation curve using touchscreen gestures with your finger or Apple Pencil. It also lets you easily experiment with movements that are difficult to perform in real time.

Creating or editing automation graphically requires the following steps:

Switch to Automation view. See Show automation.
Choose the parameter you want to automate. See Automation parameters.
Select the drawing mode. See Adjust automation.
Start drawing on the screen with various gestures using your fingers or Apple Pencil. See Add automation points.

Drawing tools

Similar to selecting a drawing tool, in Logic Pro, you tap a function button to select an edit mode that determines what happens when you tap or drag on the screen.

Move button: Lets you move individual automation points or the automation curve (sections or the entire curve).
Pencil button: Lets you add, move, and delete individual automation points.
Brush button: Lets you draw an automation curve (a series of automation points) or delete automation points.
Curve button: Lets you bend the straight lines between automation points.
Multiple Select button: Lets you select multiple automation points.
The current function button will turn off as long as this button is selected.
Copy Mode button: The Copy Mode button changes the move gesture to a copy gesture.
The Copy Mode button is only available when the Move button is selected.
Stepped Automation button: Lets you create horizontal lines between automation points instead of lines that gradually change values between points.
The Stepped Automation button is only available when the Pencil button or Brush button is selected.

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Logic Pro User Guide for iPad

Automation drawing tools in Logic Pro for iPad

Drawing tools