Autoscroll

Autoscroll is a feature on Online Sequencer that automatically scrolls the music playback window as the playhead progresses. It provides a convenient way to follow along with the composition.

Autoscroll Settings

To adjust the autoscroll settings, locate the autoscroll controls at the bottom of the sequencer interface. By default, the autoscroll setting is set to smooth scroll, where the music playback window smoothly scrolls once the playhead reaches the end of the screen. This gradual scrolling motion provides a seamless transition as the composition plays. There are three autoscroll settings available: smooth scroll, fast scroll, and off.

1. Smooth Scroll: With smooth scroll enabled, the music playback window smoothly scrolls once the playhead reaches the end of the screen. The scrolling motion is gradual, providing a seamless transition as the composition plays.
2. Fast Scroll: Fast scroll snaps the music playback window to the next part as the playhead advances. This setting allows for quick navigation through the composition, instantly displaying the upcoming sections without any scrolling animation.
3. Off: The "Off" setting disables autoscroll. When autoscroll is turned off, the music playback window remains stationary, and no automatic scrolling occurs. This option is useful for manual scrolling or when focusing on a specific section without distractions.

Markers and autoscroll

Markers can also be used to automate autoscroll. By adding markers to the sequence, you can define specific points where the autoscroll behavior changes. For example, you can set a marker to switch from smooth scroll to fast scroll at a certain measure. This provides greater control and customization options for the autoscroll feature.

For more information on using markers and automating autoscroll, refer to the markers page.

Trivia

The default autoscroll setting on Online Sequencer has evolved over time. Initially, in 2013, smooth autoscroll was the default choice. However, in 2015, the default setting was changed to fast autoscroll to address performance issues, specifically lag. Then, in 2023, Online Sequencer underwent a significant update by adopting WebGL technology, which offloads the visual rendering load from the CPU. As a result, the default autoscroll setting was reverted back to smooth autoscroll, providing users with a more seamless experience. The smooth autoscroll was updated later that same year, only to bring the old one back.