Envelope skillz

Let's say I'm looking at the volume envelope. I add a couple of nodes by double clicking on it. I then move one of the nodes with my mouse, but I never seem to be very accurate at getting it to the right spot. Is there a way of more accurately dragging with the mouse or perhaps using keys?

Another thing... Why isn't a new envelope dotted by default? I always end up deleting the first and last nodes automatically placed before I do anything..

Thanks

You only need a single click to add a node to an envelope, provided you either have the relevant envelope selected in the edit filter or you're working directly in the automation lane.
 
Check out this useful video https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jfdJFl5PJ6Q
 
 

If I delete first and last node. Then add a single node in the middle somewhere doesn't the volume (or whatever) stay exactly the same (where node is placed) throughout the track? It just follows the dotted line. In which case the node at the beginning is irrelevant unless you are doing something right at the start ? Thx.

Envelopes are defined by nodes, so you can't have an envelope without at least two nodes. It makes sense, then, that SONAR would automatically insert two nodes when you create an envelope, and it also makes sense that they'd be at the start and end of the song.
 
That said, I, too usually end up deleting those default nodes.
 
Plus it's always annoyed me that I can't set the default transition type. I use jumps more than any other, and it would be a great convenience to make that the default.
 
As for improving accuracy, I usually right-click on a node and type in the value in its Properties dialog. I like volume changes to be in whole decibel values. 

Doktor Avalanche
If I delete first and last node. Then add a single node in the middle somewhere doesn't the volume (or whatever) stay exactly the same (where node is placed) throughout the track?

Yes, one node is enough to define a fixed level, but I think you'll find that if you delete both of the default nodes right off the bat, the envelope will disappear, and you'll have to start over.

You can use nudge (numkeys) on selected nodes to move them in time, but I don't think there's an equivalent for up/down that will nudge them within the track. Nudge Up/Down will move them from track to track.