Quick Start Guide

Quick Start Guide

This guide walks you through installing xLights and creating your first sequence.

1. Download and Install

1. Go to xlights.org/releases
2. Download the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
3. Run the installer and follow the prompts

2. Set Your Show Folder

The show folder is where xLights stores your sequences, layouts, and controller configuration.

1. Launch xLights
2. Go to File > Select Show Folder
3. Create or choose a folder (e.g. Documents/MyXmasShow)
4. Click OK — xLights will create its configuration files there

Keep your show folder somewhere you back up regularly.

3. Define Your Controllers

1. Click the Controllers tab
2. Click Add to add a controller (E1.31, DMX, etc.)
3. Enter the controller IP address and channel count
4. Click Save

See Controllers-Tab for full details.

4. Build Your Layout

1. Click the Layout tab
2. Click Add Model to add your first prop (matrix, arch, star, etc.)
3. Position it in the preview window
4. Assign it to your controller channels

See Layout-Tab for full details.

5. Create a Sequence

1. Go to File > New Sequence (Ctrl+N)
2. Select your audio file
3. Set the frame rate (default 20ms / 50fps is standard)
4. Click OK

6. Add Effects

1. In the Sequencer tab, click and drag on a model row to select a time range
2. Double-click an effect in the effects toolbar
3. Adjust colours and settings on the right panel
4. Press Space to preview

See Sequencer-Tab for full details.

7. Render and Preview

• Press F5 (Render All) then Space to play your sequence with the full house preview

8. Upload to Controller

1. Go to Tools > FPP Connect (or your controller upload tool)
2. Select your sequence and click Upload

See FPP-Connect for a full walkthrough of the dialog and upload options.

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See Also

• Controllers-Tab
• Layout-Tab
• Sequencer-Tab
• Keyboard-Shortcuts