Getting StartedFirst StepsBible ProjectionTemplatesAnimated backgroundsSongs & PlaylistsPlaylistMediaLower-ThirdDisplay StageRemote ControlVoice TranscriptionAI AssistantMulti-Output & NDICloud & TeamsDesktop AppSettings

Desktop App

Installation

The lixPresentr desktop application installs in a few minutes on Windows and macOS.

Windows

System Requirements

  • Windows 10+ (64-bit)
  • 4 GB RAM minimum
  • 200 MB disk space
  • Secondary display recommended (projector, TV, or monitor)

Installation Steps

  1. Download the .exe file from lixpresentr.app.
  2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. The app installs in the user folder (no admin rights required).

Windows SmartScreen — On first launch, Windows may display a SmartScreen warning. Click "More info" then "Run anyway". This is normal for newly signed applications.

macOS

System Requirements

  • Mac with Apple Silicon chip (M1 or newer)
  • 4 GB RAM minimum
  • 300 MB disk space
  • Secondary display recommended (projector, TV, or monitor)

Installation Steps

  1. Download the .dmg file from lixpresentr.app.
  2. Open the .dmg file, then drag lixPresentr into the Applications folder.
  3. Launch lixPresentr from the Applications folder (or via Spotlight).

macOS blocks the first launch — this is normal. A message like "lixPresentr cannot be opened" may appear because the app is not yet notarized by Apple. Here is how to allow it:

  1. Open the menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security.
  2. Scroll down to the Security section.
  3. A message says "lixPresentr.app was blocked…" — click "Open Anyway".
  4. Enter your administrator password (or use Touch ID).
  5. Confirm by clicking Open.

This is only needed once per installed version.

Automatic Updates

On Windows, the application automatically checks for updates at startup. When a new version is available, a notification prompts you to install it. The update happens in the background and the application restarts.

On macOS, a notification lets you know when a new version is available: the Download button opens the .dmg file, which you install by replacing the app in Applications (see the steps above).

License Activation

Pro license activation is done in 5 steps:

  1. Open Settings > License in the app.
  2. Note your Machine ID (unique identifier for your computer).
  3. Sign in at lixpresentr.app and go to your dashboard.
  4. Enter the Machine ID and generate a license key.
  5. Paste the key in the app and click Activate.

Tip: The Machine ID is stable: it does not change between restarts. You only need to activate the license once per computer.

Multi-Screen Setup

Projecting on a secondary screen is the core feature of lixPresentr. Follow these steps to set up your installation:

  1. Connect a secondary display (projector, TV, or monitor) to your computer.
  2. Extended mode — In Windows display settings, select "Extend these displays" (not "Duplicate"). This is essential so the operator and projection are independent.
  3. lixPresentr automatically detects connected displays.
  4. Click "Open projection" in the control bar at the bottom of the operator screen.
  5. The projection window opens in fullscreen on the secondary display.

Important: Do not use Mirror/Duplicate mode. The operator must see the control interface while the audience sees only the projection.

Display Stage

The Display Stage is a confidence monitor for the preacher. It lets them see what is projected without turning to face the main screen.

  • Shows the currently projected verse.
  • Shows upcoming lyrics (for songs).
  • Built-in clock for time management.
  • Per-element timer, messages from the booth, auto-fitted text.
  • Since version 1.1.24, a stage monitor is an output like any other: Settings → Projection → Outputs, “Display Stage” source, with its own screen and template. Several stage monitors are possible (speaker, singers). Requires one extra screen per monitor.

See the Display Stage documentation →

Offline Mode

The desktop app is designed to work without an internet connection. Bible data is stored locally in a SQLite database.

Works offline

  • Bible verse projection
  • Navigation through books, chapters, and verses
  • Songs and playlists
  • Projection templates
  • Local media library
  • Slide editor

Requires internet

  • Voice transcription (Soniox)
  • Mobile remote control
  • Cloud sync
  • Application updates

Important: Even without internet, all essential projection features work. A connection is only needed for cloud services (transcription, remote control, sync).

Troubleshooting

Projection window flickers or disappears (Aero Peek)

Windows has a feature called Aero Peek that makes windows transparent when you hover over the taskbar. This can momentarily hide the projection window during your service.

Solution — Disable Aero Peek:

  1. Open the Run dialog with Win + R
  2. Type sysdm.cpl then press Enter
  3. Go to the "Advanced" tab
  4. In the "Performance" section, click "Settings…"
  5. In the "Visual Effects" tab, uncheck "Enable Peek"
  6. Click "Apply" then "OK"

Note: This does not affect your computer's performance. It only disables the window preview when hovering over the taskbar.

Animated (shader) backgrounds are frozen

If your slides' animated backgrounds do not move at all — like a plain still image — the most common cause is the Windows accessibility setting that asks apps to reduce animations. Up to version 1.1.19, lixPresentr honored this setting and froze shader backgrounds to a still frame.

Solution:

  1. Update lixPresentr (1.1.20 or newer): animated backgrounds now keep animating by default, regardless of the Windows setting.
  2. Or turn animations back on in Windows: Settings → Accessibility → Visual effects → "Animation effects", then restart lixPresentr.

Note: Since version 1.1.20, a "Respect reduced motion" setting (Settings → Projection) restores the old behavior if you prefer still backgrounds on that machine. The same applies on macOS with "Reduce motion".