Use MIDI Draw

Use MIDI Draw

MIDI Draw works much like track automation, with a couple of key differences. MIDI Draw is restricted to MIDI regions. It uses MIDI controller values, rather than the internal meta events used by the track automation system. MIDI controller values are represented as curves between automation points.

You can edit automation points and curves in a similar way to track automation. You can record MIDI controller events in real time on MIDI tracks or use MIDI Draw to create and edit controller events in the Tracks area, Piano Roll Editor, and Score Editor.

MIDI Draw is only available in the Score Editor when Show Advanced Tools is selected in the Advanced preferences pane.

You can also use the Step Editor, which is built specifically for MIDI controller editing, providing more precision and flexibility than the available MIDI Draw options.

Turn MIDI Draw on

Do one of the following:

  • In the Tracks area: Choose View > MIDI Draw from the Tracks area menu bar, then choose an event type.

    Figure. Showing MIDI Draw in the Tracks area.

  • In the Piano Roll or Score Editor: Click the MIDI Draw button.

    Figure. Showing MIDI Draw in the Piano Roll Editor.

    A MIDI Draw area is displayed below the editing area. You can choose event types from the MIDI Draw pop-up menu to the left of the MIDI Draw area.

Turn MIDI Draw off

  • Choose View > MIDI Draw > Off from the Tracks area menu bar.

Set the MIDI channel

  • Choose View > MIDI Draw > Channel from the Tracks area menu bar, then select a channel number.

Define other MIDI controllers

  1. Choose View > MIDI Draw > Other from the Tracks area menu bar.

  2. Select the controller number and the MIDI channel in the MIDI Draw window.

Set the MIDI Draw parameters automatically

  • Choose View > MIDI Draw > Autodefine from the Tracks area menu bar.

Autodefine mode sets the MIDI Draw parameters automatically, making the first event in the region visible.