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If you use a projector for presentations or movie nights, you need this app

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I'm about to start a new project for the stage, so I was looking for an app that not only allows easy playback of videos through a projector, but also doesn't show my MacOS screen, gives me full control over the video clips and makes it as easy as possible for the person running the show.

I tried to create some magic with MacOS, but every time a video clip ended, either Quick Time Player or the desktop popped up – not ideal. My search for professional software finally ended with QLab.

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QLab is specifically designed to play sound, video and light and show control cues for all types of situations. It may be overkill for a movie night, but with the holidays fast approaching, you may want to impress your family and friends with a seamless, professional video presentation. QLab won't let you down.

The only downside to using QLab is that it is only available for MacOS. For me (and most consumers), the free version is sufficient, but the paid version, which costs $119, offers features such as Network, MIDI, MIDI File, Pause, Devamp, Target, Arm & Disarm, Script Timecode and Timecode trigger cues. The paid version also expands audio support with 128 output channels, 24 audio channels per audio file, effects, crossfades and microphone cues.

How to use QLab to project videos

QLab does have a slight learning curve, but I'll show how to use it. The QLab workflow essentially goes like this:

  1. Set your trigger (what activates the videos).
  2. Add your video files (one at a time).
  3. Connect your MacBook or iMac to the projection source.
  4. Press your shutter button to start the magic.

What you need: All you need is a macOS device, the QLab app and your video files.

Once you have installed it on your Mac, open QLab. Open the setting by clicking the gear icon at the bottom right of the main window.

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When you open QLab for the first time, you should automatically find yourself in a new, empty workspace. If not, click File > New Workspace. You can create as many workspaces as you want. For example, you might have one workspace for Halloween, one for Thanksgiving, and one for Christmas.

Next, click the “Controls” tab in the left navigation pane. The GO trigger is displayed at the top. Click the text area and then click the key or keyboard shortcut you want to use as a trigger (which will start playing the next file in the queue). Then click “Done”.

The QLab main window.

QLab is easy to use once you understand the workflow.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

In the main window, first click on the small movie icon under the “Notes” text area to add a new entry to the cue sheet. Once you've added the entry, you can give it a name, add notes, and then either drag and drop the file from Finder or double-click the Target text box and locate the file you want to add.

The QLab Settings window.

You can get by with just configuring the Controls section first.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

Add additional files to the cue sheet. You can add as many as required for your event. If you see an X next to a note, it means you didn't add the required details. Once you've added everything you need, the red X will disappear and the cue is ready.

The QLab Cue Sheet window.

Create your cue sheet so that it contains all the files you need.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

You may have already set your hotkey trigger for the app as a whole, but you can customize the trigger for each workspace. You can also set further options for any of the following:

  • Don't continue
  • Continue automatically
  • Follow automatically

If you are playing multiple movies just for one party, select “Auto Continue.” Once you trigger the first cue, each cue will automatically play (in sequential order) until the end. If this is part of a presentation, be sure to select “Do Not Continue” so you have control over the flow.

Once you've added all your cues, you can click the “Show” button in the bottom left corner to switch to the show controls, where you don't have to worry about accidentally making changes to the cue sheet by Press your hotkey trigger and start the show.

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With QLab, you only see a black screen between cues, so you don't have to worry about your desktop or open apps appearing on the screen.

And that's how easy it is with QLab to organize a movie night for the holidays or even a presentation. This app is one of the best I've tried for this purpose. I hope it helps a little to ease your frustration.

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