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: With the Move button selected, you can move individual automation points or the automation curve (sections or the entire curve).
Pencil button: With the Pencil button selected, you can add, move, and delete individual automation points.
Brush button: With the Brush button selected, you can draw an automation curve (a series of automation points) or delete automation points.
Curve button: With the Curve button selected, you can bend the straight lines between automation points.
Multiple Select button: With the Multiple Select button selected, you can select multiple automation points.
This button is only available when the Move 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: With the Stepped Automation button selected, you can create horizontal lines between automation points instead of lines that gradually change values between points.
The button is available when any function button except Move is selected.