Timeline
Arrange effect layers in time.
Timeline
The Timeline is where you arrange your show. Layers stack effects, and time flows left to right.
Interface
Time ruler
The top ruler shows beat numbers, bar markers (every 4 beats), and the time cursor at the current playback position.
Layer stack
Layers are arranged vertically. Higher layers override lower ones, each layer can have its own effect, and layer opacity controls how layers combine.
Working with layers
Adding layers
Click the Add new layer button to add a new layer. An effect selector opens to choose which effect the layer uses.
Layer properties
Each layer shows:
- Name - Click to select the layer
- Solo - Momentary button (hold to solo, release to un-solo)
- Opacity Override - Momentary button (hold to override opacity to full)
- Lock - Lock icon to prevent editing (persistent toggle)
- Opacity - Numeric input to set layer opacity (0 to 1)
- Fill/Clear - Buttons to fill or clear the beat pattern
Reordering layers
Drag layers up or down to change their order. Higher layers appear on top.
Deleting layers
Select a layer and press Backspace, or right-click and choose Delete layer.
Time indicator
The red vertical line shows the current playback position, updating in real-time.
Beat patterns
Each layer has a beat activation pattern that controls when the layer is active within each bar. Click individual beat blocks to toggle them, or drag across beats to activate or deactivate a range. Use the Fill button to activate all beats and the Clear button to deactivate all beats. Dragging from an inactive beat activates the range; dragging from an active beat deactivates it.
Layer effects
Each layer is assigned an effect. When adding a layer, the effect selector opens to choose the effect the layer renders. Select a layer to edit its effect in the Node Editor.
Keyboard shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| N | Add layer |
| Backspace | Delete selected layer |
| Cmd + D | Duplicate layer |
| S | Toggle solo |
| L | Toggle lock |
| Up | Select previous layer |
| Down | Select next layer |
Related panels
- Layer Settings - Layer properties
- Beat Matcher - Tempo control