How To Use Automation Clips - FL Studio 20 Essentials

Automation lets you control parameters inside FL Studio software automatically, such as faders, pans, reverb amounts, or any other parameter.

Instead of manually pushing a fader, you can assign an automation clip to control it automatically throughout your song.

• Volume faders • Pan controls • Mute buttons • Plugin effects parameters

The automation clip follows the exact value of the parameter it controls, creating dynamic changes over time.

• Highlight the section of your song where you want automation • Select the parameter you want to automate • Right-click and choose 'Create automation clip'

The automation clip appears as a flat line in the playlist and channel rack automation folder, matching the current parameter value.

Right-click on the automation clip to create points, then drag them to adjust values—the parameter will follow automatically.

Name and color your automation clips for clarity, and group them with their associated tracks using the J key.

• Right-click to create points anywhere on the clip • Click and drag points to move them • Hold Alt for fluid movement in all directions • Hold Ctrl to move only vertically • Hold Shift to move only horizontally

• Smooth points for gradual transitions • Double curve points for shaped automation • Hold points that move sharply up and down • Pulses and waves for advanced control

Set the fader to your desired value, right-click it to 'Copy value,' then paste that value directly into your automation point for precision.

These techniques work for any FL Studio parameter including EQ mix amounts and any parameter within plugins.

Left-click and wiggle the plugin parameter you want to automate so FL Studio recognizes which control you're targeting.

Right-click the parameter in the master control section and select 'Create automation clip' to add automation for that specific parameter.

Demonstrated with Serum synth reverb parameter, automating the mix level to increase reverb gradually over time.

This method works for any third-party plugin parameter, giving you the same control as native FL Studio parameters.

Copy automation from one track to another to apply the same dynamic changes to multiple channels, like increasing both drum and bass volume together.

• Double-click the automation clip to open it • Click the wrench icon in the toolbar • Select 'Copy state' to copy the entire automation pattern

• Double-click the target automation clip • Click the wrench icon • Select 'Paste state' to apply the identical automation

The automation pattern is pasted identically to the new track, maintaining the same timing and curve shape.

Set minimum and maximum values for automation clips to control the range of parameter change, enabling subtle or extreme adjustments.

By default, the bottom of the clip represents minus infinity and the top represents the maximum value of the parameter.

• Double-click the automation clip to access minimum and maximum value fields • Adjust these values to constrain automation movement within your chosen range • Example: set minimum to -10 dB and maximum to +2 dB for vocal volume automation

Critical for detailed work like vocal automation where small changes of 0.5 dB or 1 dB provide precise, subtle control.

• Go to the channel rack automation folder • Right-click and delete unwanted automation clips • Go to Current Project > Patterns > Initialize Controls to completely remove it from your project

Color-code and name automation clips as you create them to keep your project organized and easy to navigate.

Don't limit automation to just faders and reverbs—automate any parameter in your project for creative and dynamic arrangements.

Automation is a powerful tool for adding movement and control to your music; experiment freely and explore all available parameters.