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

Zoom out horizontally, depending on your range of adjustments and screen/monitor size.
When snap is on--will jump to positions. Turn snap off--more gradual/finer positions. 
Holding the Shift-key while mousing allows other abilities (like steady up-down movements) and such.

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
 
 

Doktor Avalanche
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..

Deleting both nodes before adding a new one would remove the envelope, so I think you must be mistaken on that; an envelope needs at least one node to define it. It seems to me there are few cases where you wouldn't want to define a fixed starting point at the beginning of the project/clip, so an initial node makes perfect sense. But I have to agree that auto-inserting an ending node makes less sense, and I often find myself deleting that one, too.

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.

When you add an envelope, the start and end nodes are placed at the beginning and end of a selected region. If no region is selected, Sonar places the start at zero and the end at the last event in the track. The value assigned to the nodes is the current value of whatever the envelope is for.

The end node ensures that the level of the envelope is constant within the selected region, as the default curve is "linear", not "jump to". Also, the dotted line indicates a "jump to" evelope curve. This makes it easy to add a fade: select the region, add the envelope, move the first or last node to create a fade.

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. 

Apologies for not explaining this correctly, I was almost right but in the wrong order.
 
Here near he beginning I've added two nodes a little later, and deleted the default first and last node.
I assume the vol follows the dotted lines... Thanks...
 

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.

Yes I misled Brundlefly sorry...
 
Thanks all your tips...
 

bitflipper
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. 

Great tip!
 
I assume there is no way to change the node positions with (say) arrow keys or other shortcut keys? Thx