🟧The interface

Timeline Interface

If you’ve used music or video software before, the concept of a timeline will feel familiar: it’s a horizontal grid where time moves from left to right, and you can place clips along it to define what plays when.

If you're new to timelines, think of it like a musical score or a stage cue sheet - each block is a piece of that content triggered at a specific moment. It’s a structured way to design how your laser show unfolds over time.

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Timeline Bar Controls

Enable Button

Before you can interact with the timeline, it must be enabled. Click the ENABLE toggle (orange when active) to activate the timeline for editing and playback.

Timeline Name

The current timeline’s name is shown next to the enable button (default is “Timeline”). Click it to rename - useful when managing multiple songs or segments.

Timeline List (Three Bars Icon)

Click this to open the timeline list. From here, you can switch between timelines or add/remove them from your show.

Lock Button

Protect your timeline from accidental changes. When enabled, editing is disabled until unlocked.

Add Clips Button

Adds all currently selected clips from your clip deck into the timeline at the current playhead position. Great for building up a timeline from a live performance or a prepared selection.

Insert Audio File

Opens a file dialog to choose an audio file to insert at the start of the timeline. Supported formats: WAV, MP3, OGG, FLAC. Useful for syncing your timeline to music.

Default Clip Duration

Sets the default length (in bars) for new clips added to the timeline using drag or the + button. Speeds up your workflow when building sequences.

Volume

Adjusts the playback volume of all audio clips on the timeline. Does not affect laser output.

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Transport and Playback

Transport Controls

Standard transport buttons to navigate

• Forward / back (moves one bar at a time)

• Stop / Rewind to start

• Play / pause

• Record

Bar / Beat / Step Display

Shows the current timeline position in bars:beats:frames format. Updates in real time as playback progresses.

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Sync and Timing

Tempo Map Button

Enables tempo mapping. When on, a new row appears at the top of the timeline where you can right-click to add tempo changes. Ideal for tracks that change tempo or include tempo ramps.

Timecode Panel

Opens the timecode settings panel. Here you can configure Liberation to sync to LTC, MIDI Clock, or Ableton Link for perfect alignment with external systems.

SNAP Toggle

When enabled, clips and edits snap to the grid. This makes precise alignment easy. Disable for free placement.

Snap Size

Sets the grid resolution - bars, beats, or steps. Useful when doing fine-tuned edits or fast realignments.

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View and Playback Behavior

Auto Scroll (Skater Icon)

When enabled, the timeline will automatically scroll to follow the playhead during playback.

Scrub Mode (Light Bulb Icon)

When enabled, lasers are live while you move the playhead manually. Helpful for previewing specific frames, but use with care, especially with powerful projectors.

Loop Playback

Loops the timeline from the beginning to the set timeline length. Good for working on specific sections or running background visuals.

Timeline Length

Sets the total length of the timeline in bars. Drag to adjust, or double-click to enter a number directly.