VCS 2024 File Management, Don Gillespie

In this session, Don discusses effective file management in xLights. Key points include:
1. **Creating Show Folders**:
- Set up a primary folder for your show (e.g., VCS). Inside, create subfolders for sequences, images, videos, and music to stay organized. xLights automatically generates essential folders like backups.
2. **Naming Props**:
- Use clear and specific names (e.g., MegaTree) for easy troubleshooting and sequence management.
3. **Saving Sequences**:
- Save sequences into the designated sequence folder to prevent clutter.
4. **Organizing Media Files**:
- Store images, videos, and shaders in their respective subfolders for easier access. Videos should be in MP4 format.
5. **Separate Show Folders for Different Events**:
- Create individual folders for events like Halloween and Christmas. Duplicate relevant files between folders when necessary.
6. **Cloud Storage and Backups**:
- Use cloud services like Dropbox or an external hard drive for backups.
7. **Purchased Sequences**:
- Keep purchased or borrowed sequences in a separate folder to avoid rendering issues.
8. **Temporary vs. Permanent Folders**:
- Use “Change permanently” to make a folder your default show folder, and “Change temporarily” to work in another folder temporarily.
9. **Handling Different Years**:
- Organize sequences by year with subfolders like “Sequences 2024,” but this is optional.
Lastly, Don encourages using the xLights Zoom room for help when needed.