Help Center
Everything you need to master RENDERWAVE
Getting Started
- 1
Pick a shader in Creator View
Browse the shader library and select one that fits your vibe. Use the search or filter by category.
- 2
Adjust parameters with sliders
Tweak colors, speeds, intensities, and shapes. Every shader has unique parameters to explore.
- 3
Use Step Sequencer for motion
Automate parameter changes over time. Create evolving visuals without touching anything.
- 4
Save as preset
Lock in your creation. Presets save all parameters and can be recalled instantly.
- 5
Switch to Performance View
Minimal UI, maximum impact. Designed for live shows where speed matters.
- 6
Add effects and overlays
Layer post-processing effects like bloom, feedback, or CRT. Add text and logo overlays.
- 7
Configure output
Set resolution, enable Syphon for external apps, or send to a second display.
Interface Overview
Performance View
- - Fast triggering with minimal latency
- - Preset grid for instant recall
- - Minimal UI optimized for live shows
Creator View
- - Full parameter panel with sliders
- - Real-time preview of changes
- - Step sequencer for automation
Shader Browser
- - Search by name or keyword
- - Filter by category or tag
- - Mark favorites for quick access
Settings
- - Resolution and quality options
- - Audio input configuration
- - Output and Syphon settings
- - License management
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| ESC | Panic / blackout (double-tap exits fullscreen) |
| Space | Play / pause animation |
| Arrow Keys | Previous / next shader |
| Tab | Toggle parameters panel |
| Cmd + E | Effects Panel |
| Cmd + B | Shader Browser |
| Cmd + F | Fullscreen |
| Cmd + , | Settings |
| 0 - 9 | Quick preset recall |
Effects Library
23 post-processing effects to transform your visuals.
Bloom
Threshold, Knee, Intensity
Adds glow to bright areas. Creates that dreamy, overexposed look.
Feedback
Blend/Displaced, Decay, Zoom
Trails and echoes. Mix previous frames for psychedelic motion blur.
CRT
Scanlines, Curvature
Retro CRT monitor aesthetic with scanlines and barrel distortion.
Color Grade
Lift, Gamma, Gain
Professional color correction. Adjust shadows, midtones, and highlights.
Edge Detection
Sobel Outline
Highlights edges for a sketch or wireframe look.
Pixelation
Block Size
Retro pixel art style. Control the pixel block size.
Halftone
Dot Patterns
Print-style dot patterns. Classic comic book aesthetic.
Voronoi Mosaic
Cell Size, Jitter
Organic cell patterns. Stained glass effect.
Cinematic Post
Vignette, Grain, Letterbox
Film-like finishing. Adds vignette, grain, and letterboxing.
Strobe
Beat Sync, Blackout
Rapid flashing synchronized to audio. Use responsibly.
Transform
Scale, Rotation
Scale and rotate the entire output. Animate for spinning effects.
Mirror
Axis, Offset
Reflect visuals across horizontal or vertical axis.
Kaleidoscope
Segments
Radial symmetry effect. Control the number of segments.
RGB Split
Offset, Mix
Chromatic aberration. Separates color channels for glitchy look.
Audio Reactivity
Connecting Audio Device
Select your audio input in Settings > Audio. RENDERWAVE supports any Core Audio device including audio interfaces, microphones, and system audio loopback.
Frequency Bands
- Bass - Low frequencies (kick, sub)
- Mid - Vocals, synths, guitars
- Treble - Hi-hats, cymbals, air
- Overall - Combined level
Beat Detection
Automatic beat detection analyzes transients to trigger effects on the beat. Adjust sensitivity in audio settings.
Mapping Parameters to Audio
Right-click any parameter slider and select "Map to Audio". Choose which frequency band controls the parameter and set the range.
MIDI Control
Supported Controllers
- - Any class-compliant MIDI controller
- - Novation Launchpad (all versions)
- - Akai APC series
- - Ableton Push
- - Generic MIDI keyboards and knob controllers
Features
- - Hot-plug detection (connect anytime)
- - Launchpad LED feedback
- - MIDI learn for any parameter
- - Note and CC mapping
- - Velocity sensitivity
Parameter Mapping
Right-click any parameter and select "MIDI Learn". Move a knob or press a button on your controller to create the mapping. Mappings are saved with your project.
Output Configuration
Resolution Options
- 1080p - 1920x1080 (default)
- 1440p - 2560x1440
- 8K - 7680x4320 (Paid plans only)
- MetalFX - AI upscaling for performance
Display Modes
- Fill - Crops to fill entire screen
- Fit - Letterbox to maintain aspect
- Stretch - Distorts to fit screen
- HDR - Extended dynamic range (if supported)
External Display
Connect a second monitor and select it in Settings > Output. RENDERWAVE will automatically detect connected displays.
Syphon Output
Send visuals to other apps like Resolume, MadMapper, or OBS via Syphon. Enable in Settings > Output > Syphon Server.
Presets & Bookmarks
Saving Presets
Presets capture the current shader, all parameter values, effects, and overlays. Save with Cmd+S or via the menu.
Quick Recall
Press number keys 0-9 to instantly load the first 10 presets. Perfect for live performance switching.
Performance Bookmarks
Mark specific presets as performance bookmarks. These appear in a separate grid in Performance View for fast access.
Organizing Favorites
Star shaders and presets to add them to your favorites. Filter by favorites in the browser for quick access to your go-to visuals.
Troubleshooting
Black screen / no visuals
1. Press ESC to reset the current shader.
2. Check if a shader is selected in the browser.
3. Verify the output display is active in Settings.
4. Try restarting RENDERWAVE.
5. Update macOS and graphics drivers.
Performance issues / low frame rate
1. Lower the output resolution in Settings.
2. Disable unused effects in the effects panel.
3. Enable MetalFX upscaling for better performance.
4. Close other GPU-intensive applications.
5. Check Activity Monitor for CPU/GPU usage.
Audio not detected
1. Check Settings > Audio and select the correct input device.
2. Verify the audio device is working in System Preferences > Sound.
3. Grant microphone permissions to RENDERWAVE if prompted.
4. Try unplugging and reconnecting your audio interface.
5. Restart RENDERWAVE after connecting new audio devices.
MIDI controller not connecting
1. Ensure the MIDI controller is powered on and connected via USB.
2. Check Audio MIDI Setup (in Applications > Utilities) to verify the device is recognized.
3. Try a different USB port or cable.
4. Close other applications that might be using the MIDI device.
5. Restart RENDERWAVE with the controller connected.
License not activating
1. Check your internet connection.
2. Verify your subscription is active in your dashboard.
3. Release old machines from the app or dashboard if you hit the machine limit.
4. Sign out and sign back in to refresh your license.
5. Contact support if the issue persists.
Still Need Help?
Our team is here to help you get the most out of RENDERWAVE.
[email protected]We typically respond within 24 hours