Using the Show Designer

• Add items using the left sidebar. Choose type and size, then click the add button.
• Select an item by clicking it on the canvas. The right panel shows its properties.
• Drag to move — click and drag any item to reposition it. Items snap to the grid.
• Click empty space to deselect the current item.
• Delete key removes the selected item. R key rotates 90°. Escape deselects.
• Mortar grouping — click any mortar on the canvas or in the right panel to cycle Single → Double → Triple → Empty. Empty mortars contribute 0 cues and 0 shells — useful for partially loaded racks.
• Shell sizes — 1.91" to 12". Mortar circles are sized proportionally so larger shells are visually distinct. 8", 10", and 12" are automatically added as single buried tubes.
• Fit All — zooms and scrolls to show all items at once.
• Center All / H / V — centres the entire layout in the current viewport.
• Print / PDF — opens a landscape print-ready page cropped to your layout with a full stats header.
• Save frequently — you will be warned if you try to leave with unsaved changes.
• Duration — set estimated seconds per item in the right panel. The stats bar shows total Est. Time.
• Locked shows — when a show is locked, the canvas is fully read-only. Items cannot be moved, added, or edited. Unlock from the Dashboard to make changes.

Multi-Select & Align

• Shift+click — add or remove individual items from the selection. Selected items show a blue border.
• Shift+click again on a selected item to remove it from the selection.
• Escape — clears the multi-selection.
• When 2 or more items are selected, the Align toolbar appears above the canvas with Left, Right, Top, Bottom, Center H, Center V, Space H, and Space V options.
• Selected items can be dragged together — drag any one of them and the rest follow.
• Space H / Space V requires 3 or more items to evenly distribute the gaps between them.
• Delete key with multiple items selected removes all of them at once.

Understanding Cues vs Shells

A cue is one button press on the firing controller. A shell is one projectile fired.

On a rack, mortars are grouped for firing:

• Single — 1 mortar fires per cue. A 12-mortar rack = 12 cues.
• Double — 2 mortars fire simultaneously per cue. A 12-mortar rack = 6 cues.
• Triple — 3 mortars fire simultaneously per cue. A 12-mortar rack = 4 cues.
• Empty — mortar has no shell loaded. Contributes 0 cues and 0 shells. Useful for partially loaded racks.

Mixed groupings on one rack are supported — the cue count is calculated per-grouping type and summed.

Cakes use 1 cue (or 2 if backup cue is enabled). The shot count is the shell count.

Set Pieces always use exactly 1 cue.

The Shells ▸ stat in the stats bar is clickable and shows a breakdown by shell size.

Display Site Radius (largest shell)

Minimum Mortar Tube Lengths

Shell Burst Heights

⚠ These are minimum standards. Always consult local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) and comply with NFPA 1123/1124.

Terms of Service & Usage Agreement

By creating an account or using PyroEffects Pro you agree to these terms in full.

Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to use PyroEffects Pro. By accessing this software you confirm you meet this requirement.

Professional Use Only

• You confirm you are a licensed, authorized pyrotechnic professional, or operate under direct supervision of one.
• You agree to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws regarding fireworks displays and pyrotechnic operations.
• You accept sole responsibility for verifying that your display meets all permit and AHJ requirements before any shoot.

No Warranty — Use At Your Own Risk

• PyroEffects Pro is a planning assistance tool only. It does not guarantee the safety of any fireworks display.
• All safety minimums, distances, and reference tables are guidelines based on published standards. Always verify with your local AHJ.
• This software is provided "as-is" without warranty of any kind, express or implied.

Hold Harmless & Limitation of Liability

• You agree to hold harmless PyroEffects Pro, its developers, and operators from any claims, damages, losses, injuries, or liabilities arising from use or misuse of this software.
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• You acknowledge that pyrotechnics are inherently dangerous and no software tool replaces the professional judgment required to operate safely.

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