10 QuickShow Shortcuts Every Lasershow Designer Should Know

Building Pro Laser Sets with Lasershow Designer QuickShowCreating professional-quality laser shows requires a blend of technical knowledge, artistic vision, and efficient workflow. Lasershow Designer QuickShow (often called QuickShow) is a powerful tool that streamlines the process of designing dynamic, synchronized laser content. This article walks through planning, setup, design techniques, safety, and performance tips to help you build polished, reliable pro laser sets.

Why QuickShow for pro laser sets

QuickShow is widely used because it balances ease-of-use with advanced features:

• Fast cue-based workflow lets you build shows quickly and perform live changes.
• Real-time visuals and previews allow immediate feedback for creative decisions.
• Good hardware compatibility supports many ILDA-compatible laser systems.
• Extensive effects library and modifiers provides a broad palette for designers.

Pre-production: planning your set

1. Define the event scope

   • Venue size and layout (indoor/outdoor, beam distances).
   • Audience placement and sightlines.
   • Power and rigging limitations.

2. Create a concept and mood board

   • Choose a visual theme (ethereal, kinetic, geometric, retro, etc.).
   • Collect color palettes, reference videos, and musical references.
   • Decide on energy curve across the set: build-ups, peaks, rests.

3. Safety and legal checks

   • Verify local laser safety regulations and required permits.
   • Determine Laser Class requirements and use of trained operators.
   • Identify safe projection zones and beam termination points.
   • Plan Emergency Stop (E-Stop) and show interlocks.

Hardware and system setup

1. Laser hardware selection

   • Match laser power and aperture to venue: small rooms vs arenas need different power and divergence.
   • Prefer scanners with good linearity and speed (e.g., 30–60 kpps for complex graphics).

2. PC and connectivity

   • Use a stable, low-latency machine; SSD for media and fast CPU/GPU.
   • Ensure compatible breakout hardware (ILDA, DMX/Art-Net, or Ethernet control interfaces).
   • Keep cable routing neat and allow for grounding to avoid noise.

3. Calibration and alignment

   • Align projectors to safe aiming points; test beam paths at low power.
   • Calibrate color balancing and geometric correction inside QuickShow or via hardware.
   • Use test patterns to check linearity and edge behavior of scanners.

QuickShow project structure and workflow

1. Set up a show file

   • Start with a new show and set the proper frame rate and coordinate system.
   • Configure output channels and assign laser devices.

2. Build playlists and cues

   • Use Playlists to order scenes and cues for song sections.
   • Label cues clearly (e.g., “Intro_Build_01”, “Chorus_Peak”).

3. Organize content libraries

   • Group effects by type (beams, tunnels, logos, graphics).
   • Save frequently used modifiers as presets (spin rates, color fades).

4. Use cue layers and crossfades

   • Stack cues on layers to combine beams, text, and graphics.
   • Use crossfades to smoothly transition energy and motion.

Design techniques for professional results

1. Dynamics and energy control

   • Shape show energy to the music: low-energy verses, high-energy drops.
   • Use intensity scaling and motion complexity — don’t keep everything maximal.

2. Motion and form balance

   • Mix fast beam work (strobes, quick patterns) with slower forms (tunnels, 3D grids).
   • Employ symmetry and asymmetry to direct audience focus.

3. Color and palette use

   • Use bold primary colors for visibility; combine with whites for highlights.
   • Animate color transitions to create perceived motion without changing geometry.

4. Depth and perspective tricks

   • Use layered tunnels and vanishing points to simulate depth.
   • Combine slight geometric distortion and motion blur-like effects for realism.

5. Typography and branding

   • Convert logos to clean vector LAS/ILD files; simplify complex shapes.
   • Keep text on-screen long enough to be legible; avoid fine serifs at small sizes.

6. Synchronization with music

   • Map cues to musical markers (beats, bars, fills).
   • Use tempo-synced LFOs and modulators for rhythmic effects.

Advanced features and tricks in QuickShow

1. Using modifiers extensively

   • Chain modifiers (rotate, spin, weave) to create complex behavior without rebuilding shapes.
   • Automate modifier parameters for evolving looks over a cue.

2. Live control and MIDI/OSC integration

   • Map MIDI controllers or OSC to live parameters (intensity, pan, trigger cues).
   • Reserve a few “manual” layers for improvisation during live shows.

3. Pixel and mapping techniques

   • Use pixel-mapped effects for surfaces and structured arrays.
   • Combine ILDA output and pixel-mapped outputs carefully to avoid timing mismatches.

4. Multi-projector blending

   • Use geometric correction and blending to produce seamless large-image projections.
   • Calibrate overlap zones and reduce intensity there to avoid hotspots.

Safety and redundancy during performance

1. Run pre-show checks

   • Verify cue continuity and E-Stop functionality.
   • Run through the entire show with reduced power and a safety officer if required.

2. Monitoring and interlocks

   • Use beam detectors and zone interlocks for audience protection.
   • Keep a visible E-Stop and ensure trained staff know procedures.

3. Backups and fallbacks

   • Have a backup show file with conservative power settings.
   • Prepare static fallback visuals in case of hardware failure.

Testing, review, and iteration

1. Tech rehearsals

   • Conduct full tech rehearsals in venue conditions, including sightline checks.
   • Record rehearsals (camera and audience perspective) to review intensity and legibility.

2. Collect feedback

   • Ask event producers and safety officers for notes on timing and effect usage.
   • Iterate on pacing, brightness, and cue lengths.

3. Final polish

   • Fine-tune transitions, normalize color across devices, and remove jitter.
   • Lock final cues and export show backup to multiple media.

Example show outline (club DJ set, ~60 minutes)

• Intro (0–5 min): soft color fades, slow tunnels, logo reveal.
• Build (5–20 min): gradually increase motion complexity, introduce beatsynced strobe beams.
• Peak 1 (20–30 min): high-energy beams, fast modifiers, strong color contrasts.
• Mid-set rest (30–40 min): reduced intensity, ambient shapes, slow color shifts.
• Peak 2 (40–55 min): biggest energy, layered graphics, synced fills.
• Outro (55–60 min): wind-down, logo, and slow fade-out.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Overuse of maximum intensity: reduces contrast and safety margin — vary intensity.
• Excessive detail for small venues: simple forms read better to the audience.
• Neglecting safety checks: always verify interlocks and operator readiness.
• Relying solely on complex automation: keep live control options available.

Resources and next steps

• Build a personal library of presets and cues.
• Practice translating musical structure into cue architecture.
• Stay updated on scanner tech and local regulations.

Creating pro laser sets in QuickShow is about combining artistic choices with disciplined planning and safety. With structured playlists, thoughtful use of modifiers, and rigorous testing, you can deliver shows that look spectacular and run reliably.