Preferences
FloSync's preferences allow you to customize sync behavior and other settings. This guide covers all available options and when you might want to adjust them.
Accessing Preferences
macOS:
- Menu: FloSync > Preferences
- Keyboard: ⌘,
Windows:
- Menu: File > Settings
- Keyboard: Ctrl+,
Sync Tolerance Settings
Sync tolerance controls how aggressively FloSync keeps playback aligned. In most cases, the defaults are the best starting point.
Local Sync Tolerance
What it controls: Synchronization between multiple screens connected to the same computer (used in Mirrored and Spanned modes during Go Live).
When to adjust:
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Screens are visibly misaligned | Tighten tolerance |
| Playback feels jumpy | Relax tolerance |
| High-performance system | You can usually run tighter settings |
| Older hardware | You may get smoother playback with more lenient settings |
Network Sync Tolerance
What it controls: Synchronization between computers connected over the network (server/client mode).
When to adjust:
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Screens are visibly drifting | Tighten tolerance |
| Frequent corrections cause stutter | Relax tolerance |
| Stable wired network | Defaults are usually ideal |
| Busy or unstable network | More lenient settings can improve smoothness |
Note: Network sync settles in quickly after clients connect. In most deployments, the default settings provide smooth, stable results.
Understanding Tolerance Values
What It Means
Tolerance is the maximum acceptable difference between:
- Local sync: The primary screen and secondary screens
- Network sync: The server's position and the client's position
If drift persists beyond this window, FloSync applies a correction.
Tighter vs. More Lenient Tolerance
Tighter tolerance:
- Closer visual alignment
- More frequent corrections
- Best for side-by-side screens where differences are easy to spot
More lenient tolerance:
- Smoother playback with fewer corrections
- Helpful on older hardware or unstable networks
- Often fine when viewers are not seeing multiple screens at once
About Defaults
FloSync defaults are tuned for most real-world setups. Use them first, then adjust only if you see visible drift or unnecessary corrections.
Recommended Settings by Use Case
Video Wall (Spanned Mode)
Start with defaults. If screens are visibly misaligned, tighten tolerance gradually.
Retail Digital Signage (Mirrored Mode)
Defaults are usually best. Relax tolerance only if you see frequent corrections.
Conference Room (Mirrored Mode)
Defaults typically provide strong results for side-by-side displays.
Large Event Installation (Network Sync)
Use defaults first, then tune based on network quality and observed behavior.
Art Installation (Any Mode)
If visual continuity is critical, tighten local tolerance and validate with a test run.
Startup Settings
FloSync can automatically launch when you log in to your computer and optionally start playing content immediately.
Launch at Login
What it controls: Whether FloSync starts automatically when you log in to your computer.
Default: Off
How to enable:
- Open Preferences (⌘, on macOS, Ctrl+, on Windows)
- Scroll to the Startup section
- Toggle Launch FloSync at login on
- Click Save
Platform notes:
- macOS 13+: Uses the system's Login Items feature (visible in System Settings > General > Login Items)
- macOS 12 and earlier: Creates a LaunchAgent in
~/Library/LaunchAgents/ - Windows: Adds a registry entry to start FloSync on login
Auto Go Live
What it controls: Whether FloSync automatically starts playing content when the app launches.
Default: Off
Options:
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Off | FloSync opens to the composer - no automatic playback |
| Fullscreen | Automatically goes live with fullscreen windows on all displays |
| Controller | Automatically goes live in controller mode (server only - plays in composer preview) |
How it works:
- When FloSync launches with Auto Go Live enabled, a short countdown dialog appears
- You can click Cancel to stop the countdown and stay in the composer
- If the countdown completes, FloSync goes live using your configured schedule
- For Interval mode: Starts from scene 1 and cycles through scenes
- For Time-of-Day mode: Plays the scene for the current time
Controller mode requirements:
- FloSync must be running as a server for Controller mode to work
- If you have Controller mode selected but connect as a client, you'll be prompted to change the setting
- Controller mode is ideal for operating remote video walls from a laptop
Tip: Auto Go Live is perfect for digital signage that needs to start playing immediately after a power outage or system restart.
Video Looping
FloSync offers two looping modes. Choose the one that works best for your setup.
Looping Mode
What it controls: How videos loop during Go Live.
Default: Seamless
Options:
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard | Videos loop normally. You may notice a brief flicker at the loop point on some videos. |
| Seamless | Eliminates loop gaps completely for perfectly smooth playback. Supports audio. |
How to choose:
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Smooth loops matter (signage, video walls, VJ) | Seamless (default) |
| Maximum compatibility, simplest setup | Standard |
Note: When using Seamless mode, FloSync prepares your videos for smooth playback when you Go Live. You'll see an "Optimizing Video" progress indicator while this completes.
Tip for network sync: Seamless looping also improves synchronization between computers. If you're using multiple PCs and notice sync corrections at loop points, switching to Seamless mode can help.
MIDI Settings
The MIDI section in Preferences lets you enable MIDI controller support and select your device. When enabled, you can map interval scenes to controller pads for direct scene triggering during live performances.
How to enable: Toggle Enable MIDI Controller on, select your device from the dropdown, and click Save.
For complete setup instructions, supported controllers, LED feedback details, and scene mapping, see the MIDI guide.
Danger Zone
Reset Everything
To clear all content and start fresh while keeping your preferences:
- Go to File > Reset Everything
- Confirm in the dialog that appears
This clears schedule scenes, content assignments, and canvas extension settings. Your sync tolerance preferences are preserved.
Full Reset (Including Preferences)
The Preferences screen includes a "Danger Zone" section where you can perform a complete reset:
- Open Preferences
- Scroll to the Danger Zone section
- Click Reset All Data & Quit
- Confirm in the dialog
This will delete all data including schedules, video assignments, canvas configurations, and preferences. FloSync will quit after the reset.