18.8 Automation Modes
Automation mode can be set as already shown from inside the Envelopes/Automation window or by right-clicking on the track envelopes/automation button.
Kind: concept (user-guide-section) Chapter: 18 Automation – Envelopes and More Source: REAPER User Guide v7.70
Automation mode can be set as already shown from inside the Envelopes/Automation window or by right-clicking on the track envelopes/automation button. In fact, there are a number of ways that this can be done:
- Select the required mode from the Envelopes window.
- Right-click on the Envelopes/Automation button and select the required mode from the context menu.
- In the TCP, right click over any automation lane and select the required mode from the context menu.
- From the main menu, choose Track, Track automation mode (or right-click over the track number and select this from the context menu).
Automation Mode Description
Trim/Read
Existing envelopes are applied, but on-screen controls do not move. Fader movements are not recorded. For example, adjusting a track’s Volume fader in this mode will raise or lower the volume for the whole track relative to the envelope.
Read
Applies envelopes and moves controls for armed items, but does not write or remember any changes that you make to them**.**
Touch
Similar to Latch, but stops making changes to points when you stop adjusting them. If using a MIDI controller, however, Touch mode might function as Latch mode.
Latch
Writes and remembers any changes that you make to settings, and creates new points on existing track envelopes. Changes commence when you first adjust a setting, and continue to be remembered until playback stops.
Latch Preview
This mode enables you to try out changes to parameter values (e.g. volume level or pan position) without actually writing them to envelopes. When you are happy with your parameter settings you can then use an action to write them to your envelope(s). This option will be considered in a section of its own, after this section.
Write
Writes and remembers current settings as edit points, along with any changes that you make to settings for armed items during playback. In this mode, previously written envelopes for armed items will be over written. REAPER's Automation preferences include an option to automatically switch to another mode immediately after recording automation in Write mode. By default, it will switch to Trim/Read.
In Latch, Touch or Write mode an envelope can also be armed by clicking on the Arm Record button in its automation lane (where one exists). Remember also after using Write, Latch or Touch mode to change to Read or Trim/Read mode, to prevent further automation from being accidentally recorded. A number of actions are available in the Actions List for smart editing existing envelopes in latch, touch or write mode. These let you copy the value of an envelope at the current cursor point all the way to the start or end of a project or to a time selection. To see a full list of these actions, enter auto write into the Actions List filter box. Some of these will be examined in the next section, Latch Preview Mode. Here is an example. This track has a volume envelope, currently in trim/read mode. Note the cursor position. Suppose we want to set a later part to this same volume level. In the second picture, we have selected write mode and made as a time selection part of the envelope to change. We then, from the actions list we run the action
Automation: Write current values for all writing
envelopes to time selection. The envelope in this section is now set to the desired level.
