BLOG

Tutorials, guides, and updates from the BeamTracer team

BROWSE

Find articles for your workflow

TOPIC

Choose an app to see its topics.

SUBSCRIBE

97 articles across BeamTracer

How Do I Freeze an Oscilloscope Display Without Stopping the Audio?
October 23, 2026

How Do I Freeze an Oscilloscope Display Without Stopping the Audio?

Hold the picture while audio keeps playing in OSC-1, update the frozen trace one frame at a time, and save a PNG of the displayed figure.

freeze oscilloscope displayoscilloscope frame steposcilloscope screenshot
How Do I Add an Animated Glitch Effect to Laser Artwork?
October 23, 2026

How Do I Add an Animated Glitch Effect to Laser Artwork?

Break up an SVG with BeamTracer's Glitch modifier. Compare intensity, rate and dropout, export an ILDA animation, and replay the actual file in Cinema.

laser glitch effectglitch SVG animationILDA animationlaser artwork
How Do I Make Organic Particle Visuals That Stay Readable?
October 23, 2026

How Do I Make Organic Particle Visuals That Stay Readable?

Build a flowing particle sphere in BeamTracer. Compare particle lifespan, edge turbulence and Organic amount with animated native examples.

organic particlesaudio reactive particlesparticle lifespanparticle flow
How Do I Keep My Image's Colors in a Laser Animation?
October 22, 2026

How Do I Keep My Image's Colors in a Laser Animation?

Preserve your artwork's colors, recolor one region or apply a single laser palette color. Follow the settings and replay the exported ILDA animation.

laser artwork colorsimage to lasermulticolor ILDAlaser animation
How Do I Make a 3D Research-Scan Visual in My Browser?
October 22, 2026

How Do I Make a 3D Research-Scan Visual in My Browser?

Build a scientific HUD look with Model Pulse: animated jellyfish particles, tracked specimen labels, moving widgets and close-up camera views in BeamTracer.

Model Pulseresearch scanscientific HUD3D particlesspecimen
How Do I Add Phosphor Trails to an Oscilloscope Video?
October 22, 2026

How Do I Add Phosphor Trails to an Oscilloscope Video?

Give moving oscilloscope art glowing trails in OSC-1. Compare persistence settings, try Amber CRT, and save the result with the native video recorder.

oscilloscope trailsphosphor persistenceAmber CRToscilloscope video
How Do I Make Laser Text Write Itself One Stroke at a Time?
October 21, 2026

How Do I Make Laser Text Write Itself One Stroke at a Time?

Animate laser lettering in your browser with HANDWRITING and WRITE. Control stroke order, stagger the reveal, add neon color, and download the animation as ILDA.

laser text animationwriting effectILDA animationsingle stroke lettering
How Do I Morph Between Shapes on an Oscilloscope?
October 21, 2026

How Do I Morph Between Shapes on an Oscilloscope?

Morph a circle into a triangle, a heart or a star in OSC-1. Use the Morph Sequencer's shape slots, sweep POSITION, and record the changing XY trace as WebM.

oscilloscope artshape morphingXY oscilloscopeMorph Sequencer
How Do I Make Smoke Follow a Moving Video?
October 21, 2026

How Do I Make Smoke Follow a Moving Video?

Make smoke rise from a moving portrait in BeamTracer Performer. Compare outline and motion emission, add wind, and leave drifting trails behind gestures.

video smoke effectsmoke trailsvideo effectsPerformer
How Do I Check an ILDA File Before Connecting a Laser?
October 20, 2026

How Do I Check an ILDA File Before Connecting a Laser?

Check ILDA file structure and point demand in BeamTracer. Compare frame rates and device profiles, read File Health, and preview the artwork in 3D Cinema.

ILDA file checkerILDA viewerlaser point ratefile health
How Do I Draw a Square Instead of a Circle on an XY Oscilloscope?
October 20, 2026

How Do I Draw a Square Instead of a Circle on an XY Oscilloscope?

Compare sine and square waves in BeamTracer OSC-1. See the two channel waveforms, change phase, and record the resulting XY picture with its actual sound.

XY oscilloscopesquare wavesine waveoscilloscope art
How Do I Turn a Video into Particles in My Browser?
October 20, 2026

How Do I Turn a Video into Particles in My Browser?

Turn a video into a moving particle cloud in BeamTracer Performer. Isolate a person, stir the points with your hands, or let particles stream off the picture.

video to particlesparticle effectpoint cloudhand tracking
How Do I Make an Animated Video Grid with Stretch and Bounce?
October 19, 2026

How Do I Make an Animated Video Grid with Stretch and Bounce?

Make an animated video grid in your browser. Keep a face intact or segment its features, stretch the picture, and add flowing recomposition or spring movement.

animated video gridvideo collageconstruction gridPerformer
How Do I Measure Stereo Phase on an Oscilloscope?
October 19, 2026

How Do I Measure Stereo Phase on an Oscilloscope?

Compare left and right channel phase in BeamTracer OSC-1. Use SCOPE and MEAS, test circle, line and ellipse presets, and record the XY drawing with sound.

stereo phaseoscilloscopeXY audiophase difference
How Do I Loop an ILDA Animation to the Beat?
October 19, 2026

How Do I Loop an ILDA Animation to the Beat?

Time an ILDA animation in BeamTracer with FPS, Beat Sync and Music BPM. Compare one-beat and one-bar loops, inspect the frame range, and preview it in Cinema.

ILDA animationbeat synclaser animationILDA playback
How Do I Prepare an ILDA Animation for an SD-Card Laser?
October 18, 2026

How Do I Prepare an ILDA Animation for an SD-Card Laser?

Prepare an ILDA animation with BeamTracer's SD Card export preset. Check format, point limits and lost shapes, then reopen the downloaded file before copying it.

ILDA SD cardlaser animationFormat 0laser files
How Do I Export an Oscilloscope Video with a Transparent Background?
October 18, 2026

How Do I Export an Oscilloscope Video with a Transparent Background?

Record an OSC-1 trace as transparent WebM for video overlays. See Background Opacity, the live recording settings, and why Render Video keeps a black background.

transparent oscilloscopeWebM alphavideo overlayOSC-1
How Do I Make an ASCII Hand Window Without TouchDesigner?
October 18, 2026

How Do I Make an ASCII Hand Window Without TouchDesigner?

Make a TouchDesigner-style hand window in your browser with BeamTracer. Add colorful ASCII, tracked hand bones and Kanji characters. Follow the exact settings.

ASCII videoASCII graphicsvideo effectsPerformer
How Do I Make Audio-Reactive Visuals Without TouchDesigner?
October 17, 2026

How Do I Make Audio-Reactive Visuals Without TouchDesigner?

Try simpler BeamTracer routes to the particle clouds, audio-reactive particles and hand-controlled video seen in popular TouchDesigner tutorials.

audio reactive visualsTouchDesigner alternativeorganic particleshand trackingfluid effectsASCII video
Why Does Mono Audio Draw a Diagonal Line in OSC-1?
October 17, 2026

Why Does Mono Audio Draw a Diagonal Line in OSC-1?

See why matching left and right signals draw a diagonal in OSC-1. Compare phase, unequal levels and a missing channel with animated demos and native sound.

mono oscilloscopediagonal linestereo XYphase
How Do I Simplify an SVG Before Exporting a Laser File?
October 17, 2026

How Do I Simplify an SVG Before Exporting a Laser File?

Reduce redundant SVG samples in BeamTracer, compare point budgets and inspect the exported ILDA file. Watch Simplify, density and Cinema demonstrations.

simplify SVG for laserlaser point budgetSVG to ILDA
How Do I Animate a Static SVG for a Laser?
October 16, 2026

How Do I Animate a Static SVG for a Laser?

Animate an SVG in BeamTracer with Write or Neon Ink, adjust its reveal and hold time, then export ILDA frames and inspect the same artwork in 3D Cinema.

animate SVG for laserNeon InkSVG to ILDA animation
How Do I Stop a Waveform from Rolling in OSC-1?
October 16, 2026

How Do I Stop a Waveform from Rolling in OSC-1?

Hold a rolling OSC-1 Sweep waveform still. Choose the right channel, set an edge trigger, and compare AUTO, TRIG, rising and falling with animated examples.

oscilloscope triggerrolling waveformOSC-1 Sweep
How Do I Trigger Fireball Visuals with Music?
October 16, 2026

How Do I Trigger Fireball Visuals with Music?

Make BeamTracer Explosions follow your music. Adjust its trigger threshold and cooldown, compare short and long bursts, and export the result as MP4 or WebM.

beat reactive fireballExplosions visualizeraudio trigger
How Do I Record Oscilloscope Art as a Video with Sound?
October 15, 2026

How Do I Record Oscilloscope Art as a Video with Sound?

Record BeamTracer OSC-1's live picture and audio as a WebM. Choose the video shape, capture a changing figure, and learn when to use Render Video for MP4.

record oscilloscope videooscilloscope video with soundOSC-1 recording
How Do I Make a Rotating Spirograph Laser Animation?
October 15, 2026

How Do I Make a Rotating Spirograph Laser Animation?

Build a rotating Spirograph in BeamTracer Laser, compare instant drawing with a gradual reveal, and preview the exported ILDA animation in Cinema view.

spirograph laser animationrotating laser patternAnimation Studio
How Do I Share a Custom Winamp-Style Visualizer Look?
October 15, 2026

How Do I Share a Custom Winamp-Style Visualizer Look?

Share a custom BeamTracer visualizer look as a link. Keep your edited colors and audio reactions, reopen the look, and understand why music stays separate.

share visualizer presetWinamp-style visualizersVector Echoes
How Do I Make Bass, Mids and Highs Control Different Visual Effects?
October 14, 2026

How Do I Make Bass, Mids and Highs Control Different Visual Effects?

Give bass, mids and highs different jobs in BeamTracer. Map Neon Orb's breathing, wave height and line glow, then tune each response while your music plays.

audio reactive visualsbass mid high modulationNeon Orb
How Do I Connect a Helios Laser DAC Directly from Chrome?
October 14, 2026

How Do I Connect a Helios Laser DAC Directly from Chrome?

Connect a Helios laser DAC to BeamTracer in Chrome or Edge. Learn the USB picker, practice with the simulator, and check what to do before starting real output.

Helios laser DACWebUSBbrowser laser software
Why Do Lines Connect Separate Shapes in Oscilloscope Drawings?
October 14, 2026

Why Do Lines Connect Separate Shapes in Oscilloscope Drawings?

Understand connecting lines in oscilloscope drawings. Compare the same OSC-1 artwork with different starting corners, then inspect its exported stereo XY audio.

oscilloscope drawingXY audiotravel lines
How Do I Turn an After Effects Animation into an ILDA Laser File?
October 13, 2026

How Do I Turn an After Effects Animation into an ILDA Laser File?

Prepare After Effects vector animation for BeamTracer. Export Lottie, check imported shapes and colors, then save an ILDA file and inspect it in Cinema preview.

After Effects to ILDALottieSVGlaser animation
How Do I Make an Animated Album Cover for Apple Music?
October 13, 2026

How Do I Make an Animated Album Cover for Apple Music?

Make a flowing waveform react to your song over your album cover in BeamTracer Studio, export a silent video, and prepare the files for Apple Music delivery.

Apple Music album motionanimated album coverStudiosilent video
How Do I Control Music Visualizers with MIDI in Chrome?
October 13, 2026

How Do I Control Music Visualizers with MIDI in Chrome?

Control live BeamTracer visuals with MIDI in Chrome. Connect a controller, learn knobs and pads, switch presets, and understand what MIDI clock controls.

MIDI music visualizerAPC mini MK2Web MIDI
How do I inspect an ILDA file before connecting a projector?
October 12, 2026

How do I inspect an ILDA file before connecting a projector?

Inspect an ILDA file in BeamTracer before connecting a projector. Check File Health, compare scanner simulation, and view the same artwork in Cinema mode.

How do I put Performer presets in order for a live set?
October 12, 2026

How do I put Performer presets in order for a live set?

Arrange BeamTracer Performer presets for a live set. Save a custom order, rehearse changes with a recorded track, and check MIDI selection before the show.

How do I save an editable oscilloscope drawing in OSC-1?
October 12, 2026

How do I save an editable oscilloscope drawing in OSC-1?

Save an editable oscilloscope drawing in BeamTracer OSC-1. Reopen strokes, keep unfinished lines and trace speed, and choose drawing or project files.

Halloween Laser Ideas: Turn Free Lottie and SVG Art into ILDA Files
October 8, 2026

Halloween Laser Ideas: Turn Free Lottie and SVG Art into ILDA Files

Make Halloween laser artwork from free Lottie animations, SVG pumpkins, and clip art. Preview the result in BeamTracer and learn the free ILDA export limits.

Halloween laser ideasfree ILDA filesHalloween LottieSVG to ILDAclip art
How Do You Make Lissajous Figures in a Browser?
October 8, 2026

How Do You Make Lissajous Figures in a Browser?

Make Lissajous figures in BeamTracer OSC-1 with frequency ratios, phase and amplitude. Save a static SVG or ILDA frame, or record the figure with its sound.

Lissajous figuresoscilloscopeX/Y audio
How Do I Run Live Music Visuals During a DJ Set?
October 8, 2026

How Do I Run Live Music Visuals During a DJ Set?

Set up live DJ visuals in BeamTracer: choose an audio input, rehearse Performer presets, mirror the stage to a clean window and understand video export limits.

DJ visualslive music visualizerPerformer
Which Fonts Work Best for Laser Text?
October 8, 2026

Which Fonts Work Best for Laser Text?

Compare Font Outline, Center Trace and Hershey single-stroke lettering in BeamTracer. Inspect readable laser text in ILDA Viewer and save an ILDA animation.

laser textlaser fontsHershey fonts
How Do You Draw Animated Text on an Oscilloscope?
October 7, 2026

How Do You Draw Animated Text on an Oscilloscope?

Draw animated text on an oscilloscope in BeamTracer OSC-1: animate lettering with WRITE or TRACER, preview laser output, and choose a compatible DAC for a real projector.

text on oscilloscopeanimated oscilloscope textsingle stroke letteringOSC-1
How Do You Make Hand-Tracking Video Effects in BeamTracer?
October 7, 2026

How Do You Make Hand-Tracking Video Effects in BeamTracer?

Make a color window between your hands in BeamTracer, add tracking lines and masks, then choose recording or rendering for a live camera or uploaded video.

hand tracking video effectshand tracking visualizervideo masksBeamTracer Performer
Which ILDA Format Should You Export: 0, 1, 4 or 5?
October 7, 2026

Which ILDA Format Should You Export: 0, 1, 4 or 5?

Choose an ILDA export format in BeamTracer by comparing 2D and 3D coordinates, indexed and true color, then convert a file for your intended laser player.

ILDA formatILDA format 0ILDA format 5laser file conversionindexed color
How Does Oscilloscope Music Work? Hear the Drawing
October 2, 2026

How Does Oscilloscope Music Work? Hear the Drawing

Explore oscilloscope music in BeamTracer Scope. Hear how phase, pitch, summed tones, and square-wave offsets change an X/Y drawing, then take the artwork to Laser.

oscilloscope musicXY oscilloscopestereo phasesound synthesisoscilloscope art
How to Add John Whitney-Inspired Animations to Your Music Video
October 2, 2026

How to Add John Whitney-Inspired Animations to Your Music Video

Load your song in BeamTracer Studio, switch the visualizer to JOHN WHITNEY, put your own video behind it, and export the finished music video as an MP4.

john whitney animationsmusic videovisualizer studiovideo backdroptutorial
What Harmony Looks Like: Hear the Shape of Music
October 2, 2026

What Harmony Looks Like: Hear the Shape of Music

Hear and see musical intervals in BeamTracer Scope. Explore Lissajous curves, just and equal tuning, phase, harmonics, beats, and four-note chord projections.

music theory visualizationoscilloscope musicLissajous curvesharmonyjust intonationequal temperament
DaVinci Resolve Countdown Timer: No Fusion Needed
October 1, 2026

DaVinci Resolve Countdown Timer: No Fusion Needed

Resolve can count down with a Fusion expression or a burn-in trick. For a clean M:SS clock, render the countdown in BeamTracer Studio and import the MP4.

davinci resolvecountdown timervideo editingfusiontutorial
Premiere Pro Countdown Timer: No Plugin Needed
October 1, 2026

Premiere Pro Countdown Timer: No Plugin Needed

Premiere's Counting Leader is a film leader, and the Timecode effect is gone in 26.0. Render an M:SS countdown in BeamTracer Studio and import the MP4.

premiere procountdown timervideo editingadobe premieretutorial
Trace Live Video on an Oscilloscope (and Send It to a Laser)
October 1, 2026

Trace Live Video on an Oscilloscope (and Send It to a Laser)

Trace a camera or screen live on an XY oscilloscope in OSC-1, then send the same outlines to a laser. Plus which of three video-to-laser routes fits your job.

video to oscilloscopecamera to laserlive video laserOSC-1video to laserXY oscilloscope
Can You Turn Geometric Animation into Laser Graphics?
September 27, 2026

Can You Turn Geometric Animation into Laser Graphics?

Turn geometric animation into laser graphics with BeamTracer Video to Laser. Compare video projection, traced contours, ILDA export, and live sources.

video to lasergeometric animationJohn WhitneyILDA exportlaser graphicsvideo projection
How to Make Winamp-Style Visuals React to Your Music
September 27, 2026

How to Make Winamp-Style Visuals React to Your Music

Make Winamp-style visuals follow your music in BeamTracer: map Bass to Spread, use an LFO for color, shape Spectral flux, and export an MP4 or WebM.

audio reactive visualizermusic visualizer modulationwinamp styleLFOmusic video
Winamp-Style Visualizers Today: Browser, Mac and Classic Options
September 27, 2026

Winamp-Style Visualizers Today: Browser, Mac and Classic Options

Choose between Webamp’s classic player experience and BeamTracer’s editable visuals and video export. A practical Mac browser comparison, with desktop options clearly separated.

winamp visualizer macmilkdrop onlinewinamp alternativesbrowser visualizer
Is There a Visualizer Inspired by John Whitney’s Animations?
September 26, 2026

Is There a Visualizer Inspired by John Whitney’s Animations?

Explore a John Whitney-inspired visualizer in your browser: moving dots, dancing lines, geometric patterns, music reaction, and video export in BeamTracer.

John Whitney animationsJohn Whitney visualizerdifferential motiongeometric animationvisual music
Send Your Laser Look as an MP4
September 26, 2026

Send Your Laser Look as an MP4

Make a laser show preview video with no projector: export your look from BeamTracer Animation Studio as a 1080p or 4K MP4 to send a client or post online.

laser show preview videolaser simulator videoMP4Animation StudioExport for Projection Mappinglaser show software
PNG or JPG Logo to ILDA (When You Don't Have an SVG)
September 26, 2026

PNG or JPG Logo to ILDA (When You Don't Have an SVG)

Convert a PNG or JPG logo to an ILDA laser file with no SVG: trace it in BT Laser Studio's Image to Laser, clean up a JPG, pick the point count and download.

PNG to ILDAJPG to laserimage to ILDAbitmap traceImage to LaserILDA
Laser Banding Explained: Why Laser Beams Look Wavy or Broken on Camera
September 25, 2026

Laser Banding Explained: Why Laser Beams Look Wavy or Broken on Camera

Laser banding explained: why laser beams look wavy, bent or broken on camera but not to the eye, the redraw-rate math, and how to match it to your camera in BeamTracer.

laser bandingrolling shutterfilming laserslaser flicker on camerapoint rateframe rateILDA ViewerLaserCubeHelios
Audio-Reactive Laser Show: Export a Beat-Synced ILDA File
September 23, 2026

Audio-Reactive Laser Show: Export a Beat-Synced ILDA File

Make an audio-reactive laser show: tie a shape to your track's bass in BeamTracer Animation Studio, export an ILDA file, and check it in the ILDA Viewer.

audio reactive laserbeat synced laser showILDAAnimation StudioILDA Viewerlaser show software
Audio-Reactive Laser Logo: Make Your Logo Pulse to Music
September 23, 2026

Audio-Reactive Laser Logo: Make Your Logo Pulse to Music

Make an audio-reactive laser logo: split your SVG into parts in BeamTracer Animation Studio, give each part its own reaction to the track, and export ILDA.

audio reactive laser logolaser logo animationILDAAnimation StudioSplit to PathsILDA Viewer
LaserCube Audio-Reactive Without Loopback Software
September 23, 2026

LaserCube Audio-Reactive Without Loopback Software

Make a Wicked Lasers LaserCube react to music from a browser tab, a file or a mic: OSC-1 in Chrome or Edge, no virtual audio cable, with a free simulator first.

LaserCubeWicked LasersLaserCube audio reactivetab audioOSC-1galvo simulation
LaserCube Point Rate: What the 35K Limit Means
September 23, 2026

LaserCube Point Rate: What the 35K Limit Means

The Wicked Lasers LaserCube Ultra Mk2 tops out at 35,000 points per second. What a higher setting does, the low-rate floor, and how to check a file first.

LaserCubeWicked Laserspoint ratekppsscanner speedILDA Viewer
LaserCube Setup with BeamTracer: LAN Client to First Light
September 23, 2026

LaserCube Setup with BeamTracer: LAN Client to First Light

Set up a Wicked Lasers LaserCube for BeamTracer: Ethernet, LAN client mode, quit LaserOS, FIND NETWORK DACS in the Bridge, then ARM and START a first frame.

LaserCubeWicked LasersLaserCube setupLAN clientBeamTracer BridgeILDA Viewer
LaserOS Alternatives: Other Ways to Drive a LaserCube
September 23, 2026

LaserOS Alternatives: Other Ways to Drive a LaserCube

LaserOS alternatives for a Wicked Lasers LaserCube, from each vendor's own pages: Modulaser, Liberation, LaserShowGen, MadLaser, CloudLase and BeamTracer.

LaserCubeWicked LasersLaserOS alternativelaser show softwareModulaserLiberationLaserShowGenMadLaserCloudLase
Lottie to Laser: Turn a Lottie Animation into an ILDA Show
September 23, 2026

Lottie to Laser: Turn a Lottie Animation into an ILDA Show

Turn a Lottie animation into a laser show: drop the .json or .lottie file into BeamTracer, keep its colors, export ILDA, and prepare the file so it draws cleanly.

LottieLottie to laserLottie to ILDAdotLottieAfter EffectsAnimation StudioOSC-1ILDA
Oscilloscope Music on a Laser Projector: How to Play It
September 23, 2026

Oscilloscope Music on a Laser Projector: How to Play It

Play oscilloscope music on a laser projector: stream OSC-1 to a Helios, Ether Dream or LaserCube, preview the scanners free, and see what changes from a CRT.

oscilloscope musicoscilloscope to laserlaser projectorOSC-1Heliosgalvo simulationILDA
Laser Blanking Explained: How to Fix Ghost Lines Between Letters
September 21, 2026

Laser Blanking Explained: How to Fix Ghost Lines Between Letters

Laser blanking explained: why ILDA files show ghost lines between letters, how to check a file in the free ILDA Viewer, and how to fix blanking or color delay.

laser blankingILDAghost linescolor delayILDA Viewertroubleshooting
What Happened to Winamp — and Is It Coming Back?
September 17, 2026

What Happened to Winamp — and Is It Coming Back?

Winamp still exists and plans a Deezer-powered player for 2027. Follow the dated history, MilkDrop's future, and today's Winamp-style visualizers.

winampmilkdropavshistoryvisualizer
Winamp-Style Visualizer for Spotify and YouTube, in a Tab
September 17, 2026

Winamp-Style Visualizer for Spotify and YouTube, in a Tab

Use Spotify or YouTube tab audio with BeamTracer's Winamp-style visualizers in Chrome or Edge. More than 20 visualizers, no install or virtual cable for tab capture.

winampmilkdropvisualizerretronostalgia
Music Frequencies Explained: See Bass, Mids and Highs Live
September 7, 2026

Music Frequencies Explained: See Bass, Mids and Highs Live

Every band from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, where each instrument sits, and how to see bass, mids and highs on a free browser visualizer. Read EQ colors like a DJ.

music frequenciesfrequency spectrumaudio visualizerFFTspectrum analyzerEQ colored waveformbass mids highsaudio analysis
How to Make a Spotify Canvas (And Why Yours Got Rejected)
August 23, 2026

How to Make a Spotify Canvas (And Why Yours Got Rejected)

A Spotify Canvas is 9:16, 3 to 8 seconds, and silent. Make one from your own track in the browser — and fix why yours got rejected or isn't showing up.

spotify canvasspotify for artistscanvas specsmusic visualizerstudioreleasebedroom producer
Album Art Music Visualizer: Stop Retyping Your MP3 Tags
August 22, 2026

Album Art Music Visualizer: Stop Retyping Your MP3 Tags

Most visualizer tools make you retype your title and re-upload your cover art. Your MP3 already carries all of it — here's how Studio reads the tags for you.

album artmusic visualizerID3 tagsmetadatastudiobedroom producer
How to Read a Loudness Meter: LUFS in Plain Language
August 22, 2026

How to Read a Loudness Meter: LUFS in Plain Language

What LUFS actually measures, why it replaced RMS, and what momentary, short-term, integrated, true peak and LRA mean — explained on a free browser meter.

LUFSloudness metermasteringtrue peakLRAaudio analysis
Level Livestream Audio in the Browser: No Second PC
August 22, 2026

Level Livestream Audio in the Browser: No Second PC

The classic livestream loudness workflow needs a second machine and a capture app. Here's the same LUFS speech leveling done free, in one browser tab.

livestreamLUFSpodcastaudio levelsloudness meterstreaming
PSR, PLR and LRA Explained: How Dynamic Is Your Master?
August 22, 2026

PSR, PLR and LRA Explained: How Dynamic Is Your Master?

Learn what PSR, PLR and LRA measure, how to interpret low PSR readings, and when to use live playback or whole-file analysis in BeamTracer.

PSRPLRLRAdynamic rangemasteringloudness warLUFS
Spotify Loudness Normalization: What −14 LUFS Really Does
August 22, 2026

Spotify Loudness Normalization: What −14 LUFS Really Does

Spotify normalizes to −14 LUFS, but the boost is capped by true peak and turning down never clips. The real behavior, and how to preview it before upload.

SpotifyLUFSloudness normalizationmasteringstreamingtrue peak
Streaming Loudness Targets: Every Platform, Sourced
August 22, 2026

Streaming Loudness Targets: Every Platform, Sourced

Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Tidal and the rest: every platform's real playback numbers with a source class on each — plus a live loudness calculator.

LUFSloudness normalizationstreamingSpotifymasteringtrue peakdataset
How to Make a Music Visualizer From an MP3
August 20, 2026

How to Make a Music Visualizer From an MP3

Turn an MP3 into a music visualizer in BeamTracer Studio. Try more than 150 modes live, change colors while the track plays, then render an MP4 or WebM.

music visualizerstudiomp3bedroom producertutorial
Workout Timer Overlay for Long Videos: Many Sets, One Take
August 19, 2026

Workout Timer Overlay for Long Videos: Many Sets, One Take

Put a named interval timer with sets, recoveries and a whole-workout clock over a 5- or 30-minute training video — authored in a browser, previewed live.

workout timerinterval timerfitness videoHIIT timer overlayvideo editingtutorial
How to Make a Lyric Video Without Typing a Single Timestamp
August 18, 2026

How to Make a Lyric Video Without Typing a Single Timestamp

Lyric videos are usually timed line by line by hand. Studio can listen to the track and place the lines for you — here's the whole job on a real song.

lyric videomusic visualizerLRCsynced lyricsstudio
How to Add a Timer in CapCut: Countdown Options
August 16, 2026

How to Add a Timer in CapCut: Countdown Options

Add a countdown in CapCut with text clips, a sticker, or a recorded clock. For an M:SS timer, make a countdown video in BeamTracer Studio and import the MP4.

capcutcountdown timervideo editingshortstutorial
How to Add a Countdown Timer to a Workout Video (HIIT)
August 16, 2026

How to Add a Countdown Timer to a Workout Video (HIIT)

Build a HIIT work-and-rest schedule with interval and total countdowns on one glass card, then burn it into your workout video in your browser — no plugin.

countdown timerworkout videofitness videovideo editingtutorial
Final Cut Pro Countdown Timer: No Plugin Needed
August 16, 2026

Final Cut Pro Countdown Timer: No Plugin Needed

Make an M:SS countdown video in BeamTracer Studio and import the MP4 into Final Cut Pro. Compare this workflow with Counting, Timecode, and timer plugins.

final cut procountdown timervideo editingfcpxtutorial
Stopwatch or Timer Overlay on a Video (No Screen-Recording)
August 16, 2026

Stopwatch or Timer Overlay on a Video (No Screen-Recording)

The standard advice is to film your phone's clock app and key it out. Why that fails, and how to render a real timer overlay in the browser in a minute.

stopwatch overlaytimer overlayvideo editingcanvaimovie
How to Draw Two Things at Once on an Oscilloscope
August 9, 2026

How to Draw Two Things at Once on an Oscilloscope

Add two shapes on an oscilloscope and you get one hybrid, not two objects. Here are the four real ways to draw two things at once, phase cutting included.

oscilloscopeoscilloscope musicphase cuttingtechniquetutorial
How Does Hidden Line Removal Change a 3D Model's XY Audio?
August 9, 2026

How Does Hidden Line Removal Change a 3D Model's XY Audio?

In OSC-1, hidden line removal changes which 3D edges become XY audio. Compare the same view with the setting on and off, then inspect the picture and point count.

oscilloscope3Dlasersound designtutorial
Controlling Brightness With No Brightness Control
August 9, 2026

Controlling Brightness With No Brightness Control

An XY oscilloscope has no brightness knob for a single point. Here is how oscilloscope beam brightness is really controlled: path density and beam speed.

oscilloscopeoscilloscope musicbrightnesstechniqueXY display
Why Your Oscilloscope Image Is Blurry: Sample Rate and Trace Detail
August 9, 2026

Why Your Oscilloscope Image Is Blurry: Sample Rate and Trace Detail

Keep fine detail in oscilloscope music with high-rate originals. Learn what sample rate, drawing speed, and display settings can—and cannot—fix.

oscilloscopesample rateoscilloscope musicaudiotutorial
Oscilloscope Music Software: OsciStudio vs osci-render
August 9, 2026

Oscilloscope Music Software: OsciStudio vs osci-render

OsciStudio, osci-render, or a browser? An honest look at three oscilloscope music tools — what each is genuinely best at, and how to pick one for your work.

oscilloscopecomparisonsoftwareOsciStudioosci-render
What Audio Effects Look Like on an Oscilloscope
August 9, 2026

What Audio Effects Look Like on an Oscilloscope

See what reverb, low-pass filters, phasers and bit reduction look like on an XY oscilloscope — the two-way dictionary between how audio sounds and draws.

oscilloscopeaudio effectssound designXY displaytutorial
Where Oscilloscope Music's Chords Come From
August 9, 2026

Where Oscilloscope Music's Chords Come From

On an oscilloscope, drawing a shape twice is an octave. Here is where oscilloscope music harmony comes from, and why it drifts against a 12-TET piano.

oscilloscopeoscilloscope musicharmonytuningmusic theory
Animated GLTF to XY Audio and Laser Art in Your Browser
August 4, 2026

Animated GLTF to XY Audio and Laser Art in Your Browser

Convert animated GLTF or GLB files into XY audio and laser-ready motion in your browser. Choose clips, loop, scrub and export WAV without Blender or plugins.

animated GLTFXY audiolaser animationoscilloscopeGLB
3D Model to Oscilloscope or Laser Art in Your Browser
August 3, 2026

3D Model to Oscilloscope or Laser Art in Your Browser

Turn a 3D model into XY oscilloscope art or a laser projection. Import GLTF/GLB in the browser with hidden-line removal and real scan limits — no plugins.

oscilloscopelaser3DBlendertutorial
How to Make the Math Lady Floating Equations Meme
July 25, 2026

How to Make the Math Lady Floating Equations Meme

The history of the Math Lady and Hangover math memes, plus how to make floating equations yourself — CapCut, Final Cut, After Effects, or free in your browser.

mememath ladythe hangovertutorialvisualizer
Beginner Laser Projector (2026): ILDA, DACs & First Setup
June 26, 2026

Beginner Laser Projector (2026): ILDA, DACs & First Setup

Choosing your first laser projector — what's safe, what's legal, ILDA vs DMX, how to connect a laser to your computer, and how to sync shows to music.

laserbuying-guideILDADAC
Laser Show Safety (US, 2026): Variance, 3 m Rule, Checklist
June 26, 2026

Laser Show Safety (US, 2026): Variance, 3 m Rule, Checklist

How to run a safe, legal laser show in the US — FDA variance rules, audience separation distances, beam termination, scan-fail, and a pre-show safety checklist.

lasersafetyFDAILDA
Free Audio Visualizers for Live Shows, YouTube & TikTok
March 24, 2026

Free Audio Visualizers for Live Shows, YouTube & TikTok

Compare six audio visualizers for live shows and content creation in 2026. BeamTracer runs more than 150 real-time modes with MIDI, modulation, and 4K export.

visualizeraudiocomparisonVJ
How to Make Oscilloscope Music — Beginner Guide (2026)
March 24, 2026

How to Make Oscilloscope Music — Beginner Guide (2026)

Learn oscilloscope music and Lissajous art with OSC-1, a free XY oscilloscope for Chrome or Edge — CRT phosphor simulation, synth, and real laser DAC output.

oscilloscopemusictutorialLissajous
How to Convert SVG to ILDA — Free Online Laser Converter
March 24, 2026

How to Convert SVG to ILDA — Free Online Laser Converter

Convert SVG artwork into laser-ready ILDA files with BT Laser Studio, free in Chrome or Edge — step-by-step, from import to preview and ILDA export.

laserILDASVGtutorial

Get BeamTracer updates by email

Email me

At most one email a day and three a week across both. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

We email a link to confirm first. Every email has an unsubscribe link. See our Privacy Policy.