Preparing Your Show or Exporting Your Project

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Preparing Your Sequences

In HeavyM, Sequences are the objects that allow you to divide your mapping into several parts, somewhat like scenes or even slides! They are managed in the Sequences module, within the Sequencer.

In this article, you’ll discover what you can accomplish, how to organize them, and how to manage their playback.

What is a Sequence?

A Sequence is an object that contains shapes stored in a Map and organized into Groups with their effects. You can also apply efeitos, a transition, and include an audio file to it.

You can create as many sequences as you want, and in each sequence, you can modify all these different elements, allowing you to create a list of predefined scenes that you can switch between easily.

Edited vs. Played

A sequence is represented as a tile in the module grid. It can be in three different states:

• Edited: The edited sequence is the one with the Edit button activated. This sequence is displayed and editable in the Canvas, and its settings are shown in the sequence settings panel. Only one sequence can be edited at a time, and there must always be one. To make a sequence editable, simply click its Edit button.

Played: The played sequence is the one whose tile is yellow, with a black dot in the top-right corner. This sequence is the one currently displayed in the output (whether a projection is open or just a Spout/Syphon/NDI render). Only one sequence can be played at a time, and there can also be none.

To play a sequence, simply click on its tile (it will also become the Edited sequence). If you click on an empty cell, no sequence will be played, and the render will be empty.

Edited & Played at the Same Time: The same sequence can be both the Edited e Played sequence simultaneously. In this case, the sequence appears fully yellow in the grid and is displayed in both the projection and the Canvas.

Note: Quando o Played sequence and the Edited sequence are different, a warning appears above the sequencer to indicate which sequence is currently being edited in the Canvas. Since the preview of its render in the Canvas is disabled in this case, it might be confusing.

Sequence Settings

The content of the Edited sequence can be modified in the Canvas, but a sequence also has several properties that you can find in the associated panel on the right side of the module:

• Name: The name of the sequence, unique and displayed in bold on its tile.
• Comment: A small note you can add, displayed on the sequence tile below its name.
• Color: The color of the tile representing the sequence in the grid. There are 7 possible colors. This does not affect the render.

• Maps: Shapes are contained within Maps. You can have as many as you want and select which one to use in each sequence.
• Transition In: A sequence can have a unique transition. You can choose one for each sequence from a wide catalog (use the “…” button) and set its duration in seconds. The transition is triggered every time the sequence playback starts. Most transitions even have parameters you can adjust directly from the settings panel!
• Audio: You can add an audio file to each sequence. The track plays when the sequence starts and stops when playback is halted or the sequence changes. The track restarts every time the sequence is replayed.
• Shaders: In addition to the content in a sequence, you can add post-processing effects on top (similar to filters). They work just like shaders on the players.

Managing Sequences

Adding Sequences

To add a sequence, simply click the + icon in an empty cell on the grid.

You can also use the right-click menu to Copy/Cut/Paste/Duplicate an existing sequence or use Insert to add a new sequence in a new column before or after.

Note: When you add a sequence using the + button, it becomes immediately editable but is not played, allowing you to add sequences during a performance without interrupting playback. To add a sequence that is Edited + Played, double-click the + button.

Organizing Sequences

Sequences can be arranged however you like—simply drag them into other cells to move them. You can add or remove rows/columns from the right-click menu on the grid to change the matrix size.

You can even add pages of sequences. Each page represents a new matrix view of sequences. To add a page, click the + button in the module’s title bar. You can then switch views by clicking to select a page or using the arrows to navigate.

Note: A sequence is unique and can only exist on one page at a time. To move a sequence to another page, cut and paste it.

Automating Sequence Playback with Autopilot

As mentioned earlier, to play a sequence, you can simply click on it in the grid, and it will be displayed in the output, or use the Previous e Next buttons to navigate through the list of sequences on the page. Another manual option is to use Controles to trigger playback.

However, during a timed show or even during a live performance, you might want to play a sequence of scenes without manual intervention.

In such cases, there are two options: use the Timeline module to schedule a sequence of actions, or use the Autopilot mode, a simple playback option that can be easily enabled directly within the Sequences module.

How Does Autopilot Work?

When enabled, Autopilot goes through the list of sequences on a page, switching the played sequence one by one, based on parameters you can adjust in the settings accessible from the module’s title bar:

• Trigger next: This determines the sequencing step that Autopilot uses to switch from one sequence to the next. The same delay is applied to all sequence changes. If you want to customize the duration between each sequence, refer to the Módulo de Timeline.
  • Duration: Autopilot switches to the next sequence after a fixed duration, measured in time or beats.
  • Fonte: Autopilot moves to the next sequence when the first/last Source played in the current sequence finishes. A Source is considered finished when the last media it contains reaches its end for the first time (regardless of the defined Loop mode).Note: If no Source is playing in the current sequence, Autopilot will never switch to the next. The same applies if a media is set to infinite looping in the middle of a Source Playlist, as the end of the last media is never reached.
• Direction: This determines which sequence in the list is next (empty cells are ignored).
  • Left to Right: Autopilot plays the sequences on the page from left to right, row by row.
  • Random: The next sequence is chosen randomly from those on the same page.
• Loop: This determines whether Autopilot continues playing from the first sequence after completing all sequences on the page or stays on the last one. (This option can only be disabled when using the “Left to Right” direction.)
• Scroll follows playback: When this option is enabled, scrolling automatically adjusts to always keep the Played sequence in view (if it is on the current page). This also works if the sequence change is performed manually while Autopilot is OFF.

Using Autopilot

To enable Autopilot, simply toggle the associated switch in the module’s title bar.

There are two possibilities:

• No sequence is playing when Autopilot is activated: The first sequence (row 1, column 1) of the currently selected page becomes the played sequence, and Autopilot will cycle through the sequence list on that same page.
• A sequence is already playing when Autopilot is activated: The activation is seamless; the currently playing sequence continues to play, and Autopilot simply starts its timer from that point. Once a loop is complete, it moves to the next sequence on the page.

To deactivate Autopilot, simply toggle the button off.

Playback will simply stay on the same sequence until you manually change it.

Note: Quando Autopilot is active, you can still manually change sequences. In this case, the timer resets, and playback continues from the selected sequence. If you select an empty cell, Autopilot will remain in a loop on Blackout until you select a new sequence.

Scheduling a Timeline

O Timeline is a module within the Sequencer that allows you to schedule a sequence of actions along a timeline. Playback and sequence transitions can therefore be automated.

The waveform of an audio file can be used to synchronize action triggers with sound.

To learn how to use the Timeline or simply explore its features in action, you can refer to the following article, which provides a step-by-step walkthrough of a use case. Alternatively, continue reading this guide if you prefer a detailed overview of all the Timeline components.

Tracks

O Timeline is divided into several components. At the center are three tracks, stacked on top of each other and aligned with the same timeline:

• At the top, the time track, where the playhead moves and time is displayed.
• In the middle, the Cue track, where the labels for “cues” are located—small flags that allow you to program automatic actions when the playhead reaches them. Their behavior is detailed later in this article.
• At the bottom, the audio track, where the audio waveform is displayed if a sound file has been imported into the Timeline.

This central part of the Timeline is horizontally scrollable (using the scrollbar, a middle-click drag, or by holding [Shift] while scrolling vertically) and zoomable with a simple vertical scroll or via dedicated buttons (see the next section).

Playback Controls

On the left, the playback controls allow you to start or move the playhead forward.

O Play/Pause button has 3 states:

Indicates that the timeline is neither playing nor paused: the playhead does not move, and if it is manually repositioned, the cues it passes over are not triggered. If you click the button, the Timeline starts playing.

Indicates that the timeline is playing: the playhead moves along the defined timeline and triggers the cues it passes over. If you click the button, the Timeline pauses.

Indicates that the timeline is paused: the playhead does not move, and the Timeline is on hold. The global opacity of the render adjusts according to the setting defined in the Timeline parameters (see below). If you click the button, the Timeline starts playing.

Stop: Completely stops the timeline, places the playhead at 00:00:00.000, resets the Play/Pause button to the stop state, and switches the render to Blackout (no sequence is playing).

Previous/Next Cue: Moves the playhead to the nearest cue before/after its current position. If the Timeline was stopped, the playhead is simply moved and remains stationary. Otherwise, playback resumes, and if the previous/next cue has a “Play” type action, it is triggered.

Playhead Position: Indicates the position of the playhead on the timeline track. The playhead can be moved manually by entering a new position in this dedicated field, dragging it along the timeline track, clicking on a position in one of the three tracks, or using the keyboard arrows (in 1ms steps).

Toolbar

On the right, the toolbar provides access to Timeline tools and settings:

• Adjust Height: Allows you to expand/reduce the height of the Timeline. It can either have a fixed minimum size, take up half of the total height of the Sequencer, or occupy the entire height if the Sequences module is hidden.

• Settings:
  • Timeline Length: Determines the duration of one loop of the Timeline. When the playhead reaches the end, it returns to the beginning. Note: If the Timeline length is shortened, all cues positioned beyond the new maximum are moved to the end.
  • Override Master Opacity When Paused: This setting allows you to define a temporary value that overrides the global render opacity when the Timeline is paused.
  • Audio File and Associated Button: Displays the name of the audio file imported into the Timeline (if one exists) and provides options to delete or replace it.
  • Scroll Follows Playhead: When this option is enabled, the view automatically adjusts to always keep the playhead visible.
• Add a Cue: Allows you to add a cue at the playhead’s position by selecting an action from the dropdown menu. The actions are detailed in an upcoming section.

• Add an Audio File: Allows you to select an audio file from your computer. The file will be added to the Timeline with its waveform, starting at 00:00:00.000.

• Zoom: Allows you to zoom in or out on the Timeline. The minimum zoom is reached when the entire length of the Timeline fits within the view. You can also zoom using the mouse wheel.

Using Cues to Schedule Actions

What is a Cue?

A cue is an object in the Timeline that sends a trigger signal for an action related to Sequence playback. It appears as a small flag positioned at a specific time on the Timeline and is activated when the playhead reaches its position during playback.

Adding a Cue

There are several ways to add a cue. You can:

• Drag a sequence directly onto the Cue track to add a “Play” cue associated with a specific time.

• Use the associated button in the Timeline toolbar, which provides access to all available actions and allows you to place a cue at the playhead’s position.

• Right-click on the Cue track and choose an action to add a specific cue at a precise time.
• Double-click on the Cue track to add a “None” cue, which serves only as a marker at a specific time.
• Copy/Cut/Paste an existing cue by selecting it and using the right-click menu or common keyboard shortcuts. Copies are placed at the playhead’s position.

Selecting a Cue

When a cue is added, it is automatically selected. Otherwise, simply click on a cue’s label to select it or click on an empty space in the audio track or Cue track to deselect it.

Note: Only one cue can be selected at a time.

Editing a Cue

When a cue is selected, its settings appear in the dedicated panel on the right. Here is a list of cue parameters and the possible actions:

• Name: The name of the cue, displayed on its label.
• Color: The color of the cue in the Timeline (7 options available).
• Timestamp: The position of the cue on the Timeline. If multiple cues share the exact same position, only one will be triggered.
• Action:
  • Play: A dropdown menu that provides access to the list of existing sequences and a “Blackout” option. The “Play” action triggers the playback of the selected sequence, as if you clicked on it in the Sequences module, making it the active sequence. This action does not affect the progress of the playhead.Note: If the “Blackout” option is selected, the action is equivalent to clicking on an empty cell in the Sequences module (no sequence is played).

• Pause: Stops the playhead at the cue’s position and puts the Timeline in a paused state. The render of the current sequence (or blackout) is not interrupted, but a temporary global render opacity value can be set from the Timeline settings.

• Stop: Stops the playhead and resets it to 00:00:00.000. The Timeline enters the stopped state, and the render switches to Blackout (no sequence is played).

• Jump to: A dropdown menu that provides access to the list of existing cues and a “Start” option. The “Jump to” action allows you to jump directly to the selected cue, as if you double-clicked on it. This action moves the playhead, which then continues progressing from the given point (the “Start” option refers to the 00:00:00.000 position).
• Note: If the target cue triggered by the jump has a “Play” action, that action will also be executed.

• Nenhum: Does not trigger any action and does not affect the progression of the playhead; it can simply serve as a reference.

Note: If an object targeted by a cue action is deleted, the cue automatically becomes a simple marker until the object is restored or the action is manually changed.

Deleting a Cue

To delete a cue, simply click on its label and use [Delete/Backspace] ou Right-click -> Delete.

Exporting to a Video File

The video export feature allows you to render a project as a single video file. This article provides information on how to perform the export and what to expect.

How to Export a Project as a Video

To export a project as a video file, use the menu File → Export as a Video…. An information window will appear, asking you to confirm the start of the rendering process.

Once the export begins, you will be informed of its progress, as shown in the screenshot below (the percentage displayed corresponds to the rendering progress of the current sequence).

When the rendering is complete, a new window will notify you and provide access to the folder where the video file is located. All exports are saved in the same folder:

• “Documents/HeavyM/Export” on Windows.
• “User/Library/Application Support/HeavyM/Export” on Mac.

Note: You can cancel the export at any time from the progress window. Clicking the “Cancel” button stops the export and deletes the incomplete video file.

What Exactly Is Exported?

Here are some key points about what the video file contains:

• The entire canvas output is recorded as a single part. Ensure that the canvas width and height are not odd numbers, as this could cause the export to fail.
• The entire Timeline is exported, but only “Play” cues are considered, meaning the actions of “Pause,” “Stop,” and “Jump to” cues are ignored.
• If there is no “Play” cue at the start of the Timeline, black is displayed in the export until a “Play” cue triggers a sequence, as if a “Play – Blackout” cue was placed at 00:00. This ensures that the timings are preserved and the export duration always matches the Timeline length.
• The “Playback” and “Loop” modes of Sources are respected. If a Source is set to restart when a specific sequence is played (with the “Restart with seq” option), this will occur in the export.
• If the project includes “Live” streams (NDI, Webcam, etc.) in certain sequences, the export records what is sent to the software at the moment those sequences are rendered.
• The Timeline audio is included in the export.

What Are the File Export Settings?

The resulting video file has the following characteristics:

• Resolução:  Matches the Canvas resolution.
• Duration: Matches the Timeline length.
• Format: .mov
• Codec: H264
• Frame rate: 30 FPS
• Bitrate: Adjusted based on the Canvas resolution to maintain a constant bitrate per pixel.
• Audio: If there is an audio file on the Timeline, it is included in the export.

To continue

Performing as an Artist

This guide was written by HeavyM, a company specializing in video mapping since 2013.

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