automation graphs

i make a tracc, insert an effect, and i want to automate it. Do i have to record automation by moving the faders before the "graph" appears? is it possible just to click a "show effects paramters as "graphs"?? thanks alot!

Automation 101 

There is a lot to automation but this will get you started: - drag the bottom of the track header area to make the track deeper, so you can see what's going on, Big pic: - click on the Envelopes button (marked TR, probably) and select the parameter you want to display, by clicking the empty box, it will change to [x] - a horizontal line representing the parameter will appear on the track. Big pic: You can edit in values yourself - click on the envelope (you'll see an arrow cursor) to insert a point - drag a point (you'll see a 4-pointed arrow) to move it Big pic: Or you can record the movements on the VSTi knobs: - right-click the Envelopes button and select the Write mode Big pic: - click Play and adjust the VST knob as desired - you'll se the points appearing on the envelope - click Stop when done Big pic: To use the Envelope to ocntorl the VST parameter - right-click the Envelopes button and select the Read mode - click Play and off you go. Big pic: You can edit one or more Envelope points: - select them; click cand drag a marquee ("rubber rectangle") around them - right-click and choose the operation from the menu Big pic: ... and, of course, you can use your MIDI Controller to control the parameter too and record the MIDI controller knob/slider movements ... but that's another story. HTH

Automation using your MIDI Controller 

OK, here it is: - click the Envelopes button - click [Learn] for the VST parameter - twiddle the knob/slider on your MIDI Controller - click Ok and close the Envelopes window Big pic: Now you can record the MIDI Controller knob/slider movements as you play the track - remember to set the Automation mode to Write or Latch

thanks alot!!!! great!!