The complete field guide
Tesla light show guide
From the first beat on your timeline to the final file on your USB. Make it, preview it, and know what to check if playback goes sideways.
The workflow
Build it. Check it. Take it.
Keep the sequence and song together from the editor to the vehicle. That one detail prevents most USB setup problems.
- 01
Start with a track
Create a show, give it a name, then add the song you want to build around. Save after adding audio so it stays with your show.
A clear, steady mix makes beats easier to place.
- 02
Shape the light
Add effects to the light and closure channels on the timeline. Want a first draft? Choose Auto Generate, then edit the moments that need your touch.
Use the waveform to line up changes with the music.
- 03
Watch it through
Play the full sequence in the 3D preview. Check transitions, timing, and the ending; save when you are happy with the changes.
A full playback catches gaps a quick scrub can miss.
- 04
Export the complete show
Choose Export light show to download a ZIP with the .fseq sequence and its matching audio. Unzip it before copying the files to your drive.
Export light show includes audio; Export .fseq does not.
- 05
Take it to the car
Format a USB drive as exFAT or FAT32. Put the .fseq and matching .wav or .mp3 together in a folder named LightShow at the drive root.
Keep the audio and sequence filenames identical before the extension.
Troubleshooting
Find the snag.
Fix the show.
Start with what you see in the car, then check the files on the USB before exporting again.
The show does not appear in the car
- Make sure the drive has a LightShow folder at its root, not inside another folder.
- Copy the extracted show files, not the ZIP archive.
- Check that the drive is formatted as exFAT or FAT32 and is connected to a USB port supported for Light Show playback.
The lights play, but there is no music
- Confirm the audio file is beside the .fseq in LightShow.
- The audio and .fseq must share the same filename stem, for example show.fseq and show.mp3.
- Export with Export light show so the audio is included in the downloaded bundle.
The wrong version plays
- Save your latest timeline edits before exporting again.
- Remove older copies of that show from LightShow, then copy in the freshly extracted files.
- Check the filenames on the USB match the show you just exported.
The audio is out of sync or will not load
- Use a matching .wav or .mp3 file exported with the sequence.
- The editor's USB guidance expects 44.1 kHz audio.
- Preview the whole show again, then save and export a fresh bundle.
Before you start the show: Light Shows are for a safely parked vehicle. Follow the instructions in your vehicle; available controls vary by model and software version.
Create a light show