Pattern tools

The various pattern tools let you draw automation envelopes that have a specific shape.

For additional draw settings, see Specifying note durations.

To select a pattern tool

Do one of the following:

Click the desired pattern tool button in the Control Bar.

Press T to display the Tools HUD, then select the desired pattern tool.

Press F9.

Note: The F9 shortcut key cycles through all Draw tools (Freehand/Line/Sine/Triangle/Square/Saw/Random). If another Draw tool is selected, press F9 again until the desired pattern tool is selected.

Sine tool

The Sine Pattern tool lets you edit automation envelopes by drawing sine shapes.

Triangle tool

The Triangle Pattern tool lets you edit automation envelopes by drawing triangle shapes.

Square tool

The Square Pattern tool lets you edit automation envelopes by drawing square shapes.

Saw tool

The Saw Pattern tool lets you edit automation envelopes by drawing sawtooth shapes.

Random tool

The Random Pattern tool lets you edit automation envelopes by drawing random shapes.

Note: The pattern tools do not work on audio clips, MIDI clips, PRV notes or AudioSnap transients.

For information about drawing shapes, see To draw automation shapes.

Using the Pattern tools on automation

Figure 138. Pattern tool hotspots on automation.

Table 99. Using Pattern tools on automation 

Hotspot	Default action	+SHIFT
A	Draw automation shapes	Insert nodes at the Snap to Grid value without changing the value of the envelope segments (limited to the track the gesture is started on)

Note: To draw automation shapes, set the Snap to Grid resolution to the desired length of each pattern cycle, then perform the following steps in one gesture: 1. Click to set the center position of the shape. 2. Drag up/down to set the vertical range of the shape. 3. Drag left/right to set the duration of the shape.

 

See also:

Tools

Smart tool

Select tool

Move tool

Edit tool

Timing tool

Split tool

Freehand tool

Line tool

Erase tool

Mute tool

Scrub tool

Zoom tool