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How to use automation control in DaVinci Resolve Fairlight

DaVinci Resolve Fairlight automation records changes to volume, pan, effects, and other parameters over time. This guide covers touch, latch, and write modes plus graphical automation curve editing.

How does automation work in DaVinci Resolve Fairlight?

Click the Automation icon in the Fairlight toolbar to display automation controls. Arm the parameters you want to automate — volume fader, pan position, or any effect parameter — by clicking the Enable button in the toolbar. During playback, move the fader or control, and Fairlight records the changes. Active faders turn red during recording and green when the automation is written. Use the Preview button to try out new automation without writing it, then turn off Preview to commit.

For more DaVinci Resolve tips, read our guide on DaVinci Resolve AI Tools for Colorists and Editors.

Improve your audio workflow with How to adjust clip level, pan, and pitch in DaVinci Resolve Fairlight.

What are the different automation modes in Fairlight?

Touch mode writes automation data only while you are actively moving a control. When you release it, the parameter returns to its previously written automation. This is the safest mode for making small adjustments to existing automation.

Latch mode starts writing automation when you move a control and continues writing the last value even after you release it. The parameter stays at the set level until you make another change. Use Latch mode when you want to set a new level for an entire section.

Write mode overwrites all existing automation on the armed parameters. It writes continuously from the moment playback starts. Use Write mode when you want to completely replace existing automation data.

How do you edit automation curves graphically in the timeline?

Track headers feature a dropdown menu for displaying different parameter curves directly in the timeline. Select the parameter you want to edit — volume, pan, or any effect parameter. The automation curve appears overlaid on the track. Click on the curve to add control points, drag points to adjust values, or reshape the curve between points.

View main bus and auxiliary bus automation curves in the timeline as well. This lets you edit bus-level automation without switching to the mixer view. Automation data from individual tracks and busses can be edited in the same timeline view.