By default, an automation curve between two automation points is a straight line that results in gradually changing parameter values from one point to the next one.
Any controls that represent switches (for example, Mute button, Solo button, On/Off button, or sustain pedal) create automation curves, known as Stepped Automation. From any automation point to the next, the automation curve remains a straight horizontal line, not changing its value until that following automation point, where it jumps to that new value, creating a step (a vertical line).
You can create stepped automation curves for any automation parameter using the Stepped Automation button .
Tap the Automation View button in the Tracks area menu bar (for track automation) or the Editors area menu bar (for region automation), or press A on your external keyboard.
Tap the Pencil button or the Brush button .
Tap the Stepped Automation button to select it, or press and hold the Option key on your external keyboard.
Tap the Pencil button or Brush button and create new automation points; any new automation point will be connected to the following automation point with a stepped automation curve.
Tip: Touch and hold the Stepped Automation button or press and hold the Option key on your external keyboard to engage momentary mode (the button is selected). Draw the automation, and when you release the button or the key, the Stepped Automation button is deselected.
Note: The automation curve of a track or region can be a mixture of both gradual lines and stepped lines.
You can have one or multiple segments of an existing automation curve alternate between stepped automation and gradually changing automation (straight or curved lines). See Bend automation curves.
Tap the Automation View button in the Tracks area menu bar (for track automation) or the Editors area menu bar (for region automation), or press A on your external keyboard.
Tap the Curve button , then tap the Stepped Automation button to select both buttons.
Touch and hold the background of the automation lane, then drag over the area of the automation curve you want to select.
Tap the selected automation curve to switch between stepped automation and gradually changing automation.