FreeShow

Notes

Songs & lyrics: Import from other presentation software:

Imports from ProPresenter, EasyWorship, VideoPsalm, OpenLP/OpenLyrics, OpenSong, MediaShout, Quelea, SoftProjector, SongBeamer, EasySlides and VerseVIEW, plus ChordPro, CSV and Word.

Songs & lyrics: Paste or import plain-text lyrics:

Lyrics can be pasted into the Quick lyrics box when creating a show.

Songs & lyrics: Automatic lyrics import (e.g. SongSelect, online sources):

No SongSelect integration because CCLI discontinued its API; song lyrics can be pulled from Planning Center plans.

Songs & lyrics: Chord charts for musicians:

Chords can be added to song text and shown on the stage display.

Songs & lyrics: CCLI usage reporting:

Song usage can be logged to a file and exported; reports are not submitted to CCLI automatically.

Bible: Free translations included:

Over 200 versions can be downloaded through API.Bible (online), or Zefania, OSIS, Beblia and OpenSong files imported.

Bible: Licensed translations (NIV, ESV, etc.):

Some copyrighted versions are available through API.Bible; the docs do not list NIV or ESV.

Slides & presentations: PowerPoint:

PowerPoint and PDF files are imported as slides; a deprecated controller mode drives an installed PowerPoint or Keynote.

Slides & presentations: Keynote:

Keynote is only supported through the deprecated controller mode, which needs Keynote installed on macOS.

Slides & presentations: Canva:

A Canva connection (OAuth) lets designs be browsed and used from FreeShow's content library.

Slides & presentations: Plays slide animations & transitions:

Original slide animations only play in the deprecated PowerPoint/Keynote controller mode; FreeShow has its own transitions and item animations.

Media: YouTube / online video:

YouTube and Vimeo videos can be played by pasting a link.

Inputs & other sources: Live camera / capture card:

Cameras, screens and windows can be shown from the media drawer.

Inputs & other sources: On-screen messages & alerts:

Any number of overlays can be layered over slides for announcements and messages.

Inputs & other sources: Audience interaction (polls, Q&A, Slido, follow along):

Interaction slides (join, question, chart, leaderboard) let the audience take part from their phones.

Multilingual: Interface in multiple languages:

The interface is translated into about 30 languages.

Multilingual: Bilingual lyrics on screen:

Songs can carry translations that are shown together with the original lyrics.

Multilingual: Bible translations side by side:

Scripture collections show several versions at the same time.

Multilingual: Non-Latin & right-to-left scripts:

Text items have a right-to-left option, and the interface has an Arabic translation.

Software integrations: Planning Center:

Downloads upcoming Planning Center service plans; ChurchApps (B1.church) and OnStage are also supported.

Hardware control: MIDI:

Can receive MIDI to trigger actions and slides and send MIDI on slide changes.

Hardware control: Stream Deck / Companion:

Bitfocus Companion is supported for Stream Deck control.

Automation & extensibility: Network API (HTTP / WebSocket):

WebSocket and REST API, enabled in Connections settings.

Automation & extensibility: Webhooks / triggers to other systems:

Emitter templates send HTTP, OSC or MIDI messages from slides and actions.

Automation & extensibility: AI features (e.g. verse detection, lyric formatting):

Optional AI features include speech-to-text transcription with automatic scripture detection and an LLM assistant (local or cloud models).

Screens & outputs: Lower thirds / alpha key for streaming:

Outputs can have their own styles and an alpha key output for keying lyrics over video.

Screens & outputs: Output as a web page (TVs, OBS / vMix browser source):

OutputShow serves an output as a web page on the local network.

Broadcast video: SDI:

Blackmagic DeckLink and UltraStudio outputs are supported.

Built-in streaming & recording: Stream to any RTMP destination:

Outputs can be streamed over RTMP (YouTube, Twitch, Facebook Live) or WebRTC/WHIP.

Built-in streaming & recording: Record the output to a file:

Outputs and captured screens can be recorded to a file.

Connectivity & collaboration: Cloud sync of library:

The library can be synced across computers through cloud sync (e.g. Google Drive or ChurchApps).