Edit FSEQ

[colonelcline]

I converted my lms to fseq several years ago. No xml files were created until I did some editing. My age is either showing or something has changed when  try to edit now (by adding a model and sequencing it). 2020.26 creates  xsq and xbkp files and deletes my fseq. When I save (render) it then creates an fseq with only the new model. I think last year when I did this, it would append or incorporate the model into the fseq with all the other (old) models.
How do I ADD models and their programming to the fseq file when no xml exists or with new xsq/xml?

[Gilrock]

Well I don't even know what xsq files are so who knows what might have changed since I last worked on the file open code.  Its possible older "features" got broken when people mess with things they didn't understand.  But in any case if you had an fseq file from LOR how were you used to working with it because there were more than one way to use them.  You used to be able to just open an fseq without an xml sequence file but not sure that works now.  The other way is you have to bring in the LOR fseq file as a data layer.  There was also the feature for rendering to be Canvas mode or Erase mode.  Canvas mode would preserve the old fseq data and "paint" the new effects over top of it whereas Erase mode deletes the fseq before rendering.

[colonelcline]

  But in any case if you had an fseq file from LOR how were you used to working with it because there were more than one way to use them.  You used to be able to just open an fseq without an xml sequence file but not sure that works now.  The other way is you have to bring in the LOR fseq file as a data layer.

I just ran convert lms to fseq with no xml's and ran that way. When I started adding rgb models I loaded the fseq and saved with the new models.

There was also the feature for rendering to be Canvas mode or Erase mode.  Canvas mode would preserve the old fseq data and "paint" the new effects over top of it whereas Erase mode deletes the fseq before rendering.

I can't find that option. I would say the default or only way now is Erase mode? I see Model Blending but think that is something else. I'll go back to last year's version and see if I am just doing something wrong.

[Gilrock]

Well if they did remove Canvas mode I wouldn't be opposed because you can always use the file as a data layer.  But I'm not at a PC with xLights so I can't check the preferences.  You need to find that settings/preferences dialog and check all the tabs.

[colonelcline]

Well if they did remove Canvas mode I wouldn't be opposed because you can always use the file as a data layer.  But I'm not at a PC with xLights so I can't check the preferences.  You need to find that settings/preferences dialog and check all the tabs.

OK I found the Render/Canvas box on the Data Layers Tab. Probably in a release note I missed? Anyway I'm good. Thanks.

[poporacer]

They changed the extension of the xLights sequence file to be xsq instead of xml so that xLights has its own file format. That way you can do things like double click the .xsq file and it would open up xLights. Also, eventually the Open Sequence by default will not show .xml files so that people couldn't accidently open system files like rgb effects

[Gilrock]

I know what they did I just hate the idea because I like to double-click my sequences and open them up in Notepad++.  Just another dumb ass change in my opinion.

[poporacer]

Gil, you posted that you didn't know what xsq files were so I thought you missed the change. Sorry.
Can't you just change the association of the xsq file to Notepad++ and be back to "normal"?

[dkulp]

Why would anyone want to open an xLights sequence in Notepad?   It's been a LOOONNGGG time since I've needed to use a text editor on a sequence.   Being able to double click on a downloaded file and have it load up in xLights automatically is big enhancement, IMO. 

[Gilrock]

Sorry not going to change my opinion on this one.  First it pops up a useless dialog saying hey just wanted you to know we are opening up a sequence and it launches a second copy of xLights which will get users into trouble.

[dkulp]

Ah... well... it doesn't do either of those on a Mac.   Maybe you need a new computer. 

[colonelcline]

I believe I have answered my own question. XL cannot edit a FSEQ file without a corresponding xml or xsq file. you have to use LOR to add/modify and bring it back into XL.

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Here is what I am seeing: I open a FSEQ file. XL deletes it and creates an xsq file. Then when I save it I get a blank fseq file. Since I came over from LOR, I have no xml files to go with my FSEQ files. I see in Sequence settings a Erase/Canvas option but only after my fseq gets deleted. I am pretty sure it didn't behave this way last year and I could add/edit models and it would add to the FSEQ (and create an XML with just those recent changes).