Track automation

Track automation or sometimes only automation refers to the recording or handling of time-based controlling data in time-based computer applications such as digital audio workstations, video editing software and computer animation software.

Examples

Multitrack audio software

In modern DAWs every parameter that exists can usually be automatized, be it settings for a track's volume, applied filters or a software synthesizer. Example automations in this context include:

The volume of a track can sometimes or constantly change
The panning of a sound might change
A filter sweep

To achieve automation, either the user turns some knobs or faders on a physical controller connected to the computer or the user can set key frames with the mouse, between which the computer interpolates, or the user can draw entire data curves.

Animation software

The user sets some keyframes for i.e. position/rotation/size of an object or the position/angle/focus of a camera, and this movement data can be altered over time.

Video editing software

Blending between 2 clips. The track automation curve affects how one image changes into the other, be it slow/fast with/without acceleration, maybe even back and forth if one uses a Sinus-like wave.