Setting up VideoPsalm properly ensures your church worship lyrics and Bible verses display flawlessly without awkward pauses. VideoPsalm is a powerful, free worship presentation software, but configuring it for a live environment requires a specific sequence of steps. Step 1: Configure Dual Monitors
You must set up your computer to extend its display before opening VideoPsalm. This allows you to view the control screen while the audience sees only the presentation. Connect your projector or second screen to your computer. Press the Windows Key + P on your keyboard. Select Extend from the display menu. Right-click your desktop and open Display settings.
Verify your main monitor is Screen 1 and the projector is Screen 2.
Set both screens to their native resolutions (usually 1920×1080). Step 2: Route VideoPsalm Output to the Projector
Once Windows recognizes both screens, you need to tell VideoPsalm where to send the presentation lyrics. Launch VideoPsalm. Navigate to the Settings tab in the top menu. Click on Presentation Screen.
Select the display that corresponds to your projector (usually Screen 2). Click Save or Apply.
Test it by clicking the Display button (or pressing F5) to ensure the output fills the projector screen. Step 3: Import Songbooks and Bibles
VideoPsalm relies on structured databases called “Songbooks” and “Bibles” to search and display content instantly. Go to the Import tab. Click Download Content to access the online repository.
Select your preferred Bible translations (e.g., NIV, ESV, KJV) and click Install.
Choose standard songbooks or import your own files (supported formats include OpenLyrix, OpenSong, and PowerPoint).
Organize your songs into standard folders within the application library for faster searching. Step 4: Design Visual Templates
A seamless presentation requires highly readable text and consistent backgrounds so the congregation can follow along easily. Switch to the Style tab.
Select the Global level to apply changes to all songs and scriptures. Choose a high-contrast font like Arial, Roboto, or Calibri.
Set the font color to white and add a black text outline (stroke) for readability against any background.
Click Background to assign a solid color, a static image, or a looping video file.
Ensure text margins keep lyrics away from the very edge of the screen. Step 5: Build a Worship Agenda
An agenda is a saved playlist of the songs, scriptures, and announcements you need for a specific service. Locate the Songbook or Bible panel on the left side.
Type keywords into the search bar to find a specific song or verse.
Double-click the item or drag it into the Agenda panel on the right.
Arrange items in chronological order by dragging them up or down.
Save the agenda file to a USB drive if you need to transfer it to a different church computer. Step 6: Master Live Operator Shortcuts
During a live service, using a mouse to click slides can cause delays. Keyboard shortcuts keep transitions smooth.
Use the Down Arrow or Spacebar to advance to the next slide. Use the Up Arrow to go back to the previous slide.
Press C to instantly clear the text while keeping the background image visible.
Press B to black out the entire screen during sermons or quiet moments.
Type a verse number or song stanza shortcut during live playback to jump directly to it. If you want to tailor this setup guide further, tell me:
What operating system version is your church computer running? Do you use static images or motion video backgrounds? What file format are your current song lyrics saved in?
I can provide specific troubleshooting steps or optimization tips based on your hardware.
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