Setting up ProPresenter (currently ProPresenter 7) involves configuring your hardware for multi-screen output and integrating essential worship tools. For new users, ProPresenter is available via subscription starting at $29/month for a single seat or $649/year for a campus license from Renewed Vision . 1. Hardware & System Requirements Operating System : While it runs on both, macOS is often recommended for consistent reliability in church environments. Graphics & Processing : A powerful computer with high RAM and a dedicated GPU is necessary for complex projects involving multiple 4K displays or NDI output . Displays : You will typically need a primary control monitor and at least one dedicated output (Audience Screen) for projection or LED walls. 2. Essential Software Configuration Screen Configuration : Navigate to Screens > Configure Screens (or Option-Command-1 on Mac) to assign your outputs. You can designate screens as either "Audience" for the congregation or "Stage" for the band and speakers. House of Worship Integrations : In the General settings tab, ensure "Show House of Worship Integrations" is checked to enable icons for Bibles, Planning Center, and SongSelect. Looks & Layers : Use the Looks window to control which layers (Media, Slides, Props, etc.) are visible on specific outputs. This is vital for sending lyrics to a live stream while keeping background media on the main sanctuary screen. 3. Integrating Worship Tools SongSelect : Link your CCLI SongSelect account under Settings > Integrations to search for and import lyrics directly into your library. MultiTracks : Connect with MultiTracks.com to import song charts and stage layouts that include chords and lyrics for your musicians. Planning Center : Sync your service plans by adding a Planning Center playlist, which automatically organizes your song sequence and media for the week. ProPresenter - Renewed Vision - Support
The Ultimate Guide to ProPresenter Setup: From Unboxing to Flawless Worship If you are a tech director, worship leader, or volunteer at a church, school, or venue, you have likely heard the name ProPresenter whispered with a mix of awe and anxiety. It is the industry standard for lyric projection, live video switching, and stage displays. However, a clean ProPresenter setup is notoriously difficult to achieve on the first try. Unlike PowerPoint or Keynote, ProPresenter is a complex presentation engine that relies on screen topology, audio routing, and MIDI commands. Setting it up incorrectly leads to the dreaded "black screen," off-sync lyrics, or a confusing Stage Display. In this guide, we will walk you through every phase of a professional ProPresenter setup , including hardware checks, display configuration, audio routing, Stage Display customization, and backup strategies.
Part 1: Pre-Setup – Hardware & System Requirements Before you download a single file, you need to assess your hardware. A stable ProPresenter setup requires a computer with dedicated graphics memory. Minimum vs. Recommended Specs
CPU: Intel i5 or better (Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3 is currently the gold standard). RAM: 16GB minimum (8GB will cause crashes with high-resolution slides). Storage: 256GB SSD (NVMe preferred). ProPresenter libraries grow quickly with videos and images. Graphics: Dedicated GPU (Radeon or Nvidia) or Apple Silicon. propresenter setup
The "Dongle" Trap ProPresenter 7 uses a USB hardware dongle (or a digital license). For a permanent installation, mount the dongle on a powered USB hub. Do not plug it into a keyboard or monitor USB port—it will cause random disconnections mid-service. Required Cables
HDMI/DisplayPort: For the main projector/TV. Secondary Output: For Stage Display (usually SDI or long HDMI). Network Cable: For remote control via ProPresenter Remote (iOS/Android).
Part 2: Installing ProPresenter & Initial Launch Hardware & System Requirements Operating System : While
Download the latest version from Renewed Vision. Install by dragging the app to the Applications folder (macOS) or running the EXE (Windows). Activate: Insert the dongle or enter your license key.
The First Launch Checklist Upon opening, ProPresenter will ask if you want to import from an older version. If this is a fresh ProPresenter setup , select "New Library." Critical First Step: Immediately go to ProPresenter 7 > Preferences > General and set your "Default Document" to "Show.Pro6." This prevents you from accidentally closing your main file.
Part 3: The Heart of the Setup – Screen Configuration This is where most users fail. ProPresenter treats every screen (MacBook display, projector, stage monitor) as a unique "Output." Step 1: macOS/Windows Display Arrangement Extend these displays"
macOS: Go to System Settings > Displays . Arrange your displays so the main projector is directly to the right of your computer screen. ProPresenter does not like displays stacked vertically. Windows: Go to Display Settings . Set projectors to "Extend these displays" (never duplicate).
Step 2: Configuring ProPresenter Screens Open Preferences > Displays .