Check whether your audio recording program can serve as a host program for the Auto-Tune plug-in. Any audio recording program that supports plug-ins will work with Auto-Tune. Some common host programs include Pro-tools, Cubase, Logic and Acid.
Install and authorize Auto-Tune according to the documentation provided with the software. Be sure to check the documentation for your host program to determine if there are any special instructions related to where to install plug-ins.
Choose the signal that you want to process through Auto-Tune. With most host programs, you will follow the same procedure that you use to process signals through any other plug-in, like reverb or flangers. Simply insert Auto-Tune in the effects chain for the signal you want to process.
Set Auto-Tune correction mode to "Automatic Mode." Do this by clicking on the button labeled "Auto," near the top of the Auto-Tune window. In automatic mode, Auto-Tune will do its best to automatically correct the pitch of the signal you are processing. After you gain some experience, you can use the "Graphical Mode" in which you can meticulously use the plug-in to affect every nuance of pitch by using a graphical editor. In graphical mode you can choose to only correct certain features, and leave the rest of the signal unprocessed, thereby leading to a more natural sound.
Set the key for your song. Click on the letter underneath the "Key" label in the Auto-Tune window. Select the key that your song is in.
Choose the voice type that is closest to the signal that you are trying to process. Click on the words beneath the label "Input Type" in the upper left corner of the Auto-Tune window. For example, if you are processing a high, female voice, choose "Soprano." If you are processing a low, male voice, choose "Bass."
Set the "Retune Speed" to 20 as a starting point. Move the speed control by moving your mouse over the picture of the re-tune speed knob. You will want to experiment with the speed control because if your signal changes rapidly, the re-tune speed will need to be fast to keep up. On a slower song, you might want to choose a slower speed to let longer notes preserve nuances such as vibrato.
Leave the other controls at their default values for now.
Play the signal you are processing and listen to the results.The results may be perfect; or, more likely, you will want to experiment by tweaking the different parameters. It takes practice, but once you get the hang of what each control does, you will be a pro in no time.