Getting Started with FXCanvas
Welcome to FXCanvas! This guide will help you get up and running with real-time visual effects for your live performances, DJ sets, and creative projects.
What is FXCanvas?
FXCanvas is a real-time visual effects application designed for live performance. It generates dynamic, beat-synchronized visuals that can be output to displays, projectors, or streaming software via NDI.
Key capabilities:
- Shader-based effects — GPU-accelerated visual sources and effects
- Beat synchronization — Sync visuals to music via tap tempo, Pioneer DJ gear, or Ableton Link
- Color palettes — Dynamic color schemes that animate with the beat
- Multiple outputs — Send visuals via NDI, Spout, Syphon, or direct to displays
- DMX output — Drive real lighting fixtures over Art-Net or sACN
- Cue system — Save and recall complete visual states during performance
- Flexible layout — Map your visuals to any screen arrangement
Quick Start
Step 1: Choose a Source
Sources are the starting point for your visuals. FXCanvas comes with several built-in shader sources like Plasma, Scanner, Spiral, Wave, and Pulse.
- Open the Source Presets panel
- Select a source to load it
- Adjust parameters in the Source Parameters panel
- Watch the Output Preview to see your changes in real-time
Step 2: Set Your Tempo
For beat-synchronized effects, set up BPM sync in the BPM Sync panel:
- Use Internal mode and tap the tempo manually
- Or connect to Pioneer DJ equipment for automatic sync
- Or join an Ableton Link session with other apps
See the BPM Sync Guide for detailed setup instructions.
Step 3: Add Effects
Layer effects on top of your source using the Effects Chain panel:
- Mirror — Create symmetrical reflections
- Kaleidoscope — Multiply and rotate the image
- Blur — Add softness and glow
Step 4: Configure Output
Set up your output destination:
- Enable NDI, Spout, or Display output in Edit → Settings → Output
- Configure resolution in Output Settings
- Use the Output Mapping panel to match your display setup
Main Interface Overview
The FXCanvas interface is organized into panels that you can arrange to suit your workflow:
| Panel | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Source Presets | Browse and select visual sources |
| Source Parameters | Adjust parameters for the active source |
| Effects Chain | Add and configure effects applied to your source |
| Palettes | Select and manage color palettes |
| BPM Sync | Control tempo synchronization |
| Output Preview | See what's being sent to your outputs |
| Cues | Save and recall performance states |
Feature Guides
Learn more about specific features:
- BPM Sync — Synchronize visuals with music tempo
- Sources — Working with shader-based visual sources
- Video Inputs — Live video from webcams, NDI, Spout/Syphon, and DeckLink
- Video Playback — Play back video and image files from your drive
- Effects — Using the effects chain to transform your visuals
- Palettes — Creating and editing color palettes
- Outputs — Configuring NDI output and multi-display setups
- DMX Output & Mapping — Driving real lighting fixtures from your visuals
- DMX Input — Controlling palettes from a lighting console
- Shows and Cues — Organizing performances with shows and cues
Reference
- Keyboard Shortcuts — Speed up your workflow with keyboard commands
- UI Icons — Icon reference for the interface
Tips for New Users
- Start simple — A single source with good tempo sync often looks better than complex layered effects
- Save presets — When you find looks you like, save them as presets for quick recall
- Learn the shortcuts — Keyboard shortcuts make live performance much smoother
- Test before performing — Always verify your setup works before a live show
Getting Help
If you run into issues:
- Check the feature guides for detailed information
- Review the Settings window for configuration options
- Look for tooltips by hovering over interface elements
Next Steps
Ready to dive deeper? Explore these guides based on what you want to learn:
| Goal | Guide |
|---|---|
| Sync to music | BPM Sync Guide |
| Create visuals | Sources and Effects |
| Customize colors | Palettes Guide |
| Perform live | Shows and Cues |
| Speed up workflow | Keyboard Shortcuts |