Automation is a crucial component in any professional production workflow. In the video world, this concept is referred to as keyframing. Essentially, automation involves changing the value of a parameter over time, allowing for dynamic adjustments without manual intervention. For example, in audio production, you might automate the volume to gradually increase during a song or automate panning to move a sound from left to right. This process enhances precision and creativity, ensuring consistent and polished results in your projects.  ## Read Automation Read automation is a way of entering automation ahead of time. It doesn't rely on moving knobs or physically mapped fader controllers live but rather involves drawing automation shapes using the smart or pencil tool. When this mode is enabled, the automation mode selector will be set to "Read." ![[21. Nakul/_attachments/image.png|296x278]] ## Choose Parameter to Automate Via Track View Selector Within the Track View Selector, you can change the track views displayed on the track. Select "Volume," and the track view selector will now show the automation for the volume parameter. This allows you to visualize and edit volume changes directly on the track, making it easier to manage dynamic adjustments. ![[Read Automation - choose parameter to automate via track view selector.mp4]] Once you have selected a parameter to automate, you can modify the graph. While the pencil tool is an option, I prefer to stay within the Smart Tool. To create breakpoints, hold down the command key and click on the graph. Create at least two breakpoints; this allows you to manipulate one of the end points by dragging it up or down. To delete a breakpoint, hold down the option key and click on the breakpoint, which will make it disappear. ![[Read Automation - creating breakpoints.mp4]] You can also select a region within the timeline and use the downward-facing trim tool to shrink or stretch the automation on a clip. This method avoids the need to create multiple breakpoints and works well for many tasks, providing a more efficient way to adjust automation. ![[Read Automation - downward trim tool.mp4]]