Section 02

Launch apps and files in order

Staggering launches can reduce conflicts when a show Mac starts several demanding applications and projects.

Build a sequence

1. Open Launch Sequence. It starts with one empty cue card.
2. Choose Choose an app or file… inside the card and select an application, project or document.
3. Set Delay before launch from 0 to 3600 seconds. Add further cards with Add app or file.
4. Use each card’s switch to include or skip it. Remove a card with its trash button.
5. Choose Run sequence to test. Stop cancels remaining cues but does not close apps already opened.

How ordering and delays work

Cards automatically sort by shortest delay first; equal-delay cards keep their existing relative order. Each delay is a wait before that particular item. After Show Central sends an open request, the next cue’s wait begins. For example, delays of 5 and 10 seconds mean the first item opens after 5 seconds and the second about 10 seconds after the first open request completes—not at 10 seconds from the start.

Opening a file is not the same as its application being fully ready. Leave extra time for large Ableton sets, plug-in scanning, network connections and audio-device initialization.

Not automatic at login: The Launch Show Central at login checkbox opens Show Central after login; it does not start the launch sequence. Start the sequence from the window or menu bar.

If a cue fails

Empty or disabled cards are skipped. A missing path or failed open request stops the remaining sequence. If a file has moved, select it again in its card. Cue paths and delays are saved in the active configuration and the automatic last-session snapshot.