An automation lane is a graphical representation of a parameter or control that has been automated in a digital audio workstation (DAW) or other music production software. This can include parameters like volume, pan, EQ, effects settings, and other parameters that can be adjusted over time.

Automation lanes allow producers and engineers to create precise, dynamic changes to a track or mix over time by specifying how a parameter should change at specific points throughout the song. For example, an automation lane for volume might show a gradual increase in volume over the course of a chorus or a sudden drop in volume for a brief section of a song.

Automation lanes can be displayed in a variety of ways, depending on the specific software being used. Some DAWs display automation as a separate track or layer, while others display it as a graphical overlay on top of the original track. Regardless of the specific display method, automation lanes allow producers and engineers to fine-tune the details of their mix and create a more polished and dynamic final product.