xLights for Beginners: Your First Sequence
A friendly walkthrough of your first end-to-end sequence in xLights — model setup, effects, timing tracks, and export.
The AmazingLightShows Team · 6/22/2026 · 15 min read
Start by installing xLights on a machine you'll actually sequence from — a desktop or laptop with enough RAM to handle previewing your full show length. Sequencing on your show computer is doable but painful.
Add models for every prop you own. Even placeholder models help you visualize timing before you buy anything else. Get comfortable with model grouping — you'll use it constantly.
For your first sequence, pick a song under three minutes and build a timing track manually. Effects first, transitions second. Preview constantly.
Export as .fseq for controller-based playback or run directly from xLights for testing. Congratulations — you have a show.