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==========================
Frequently Asked Questions
==========================
General Questions
=================
Can I help with OpenLP?
-----------------------
OpenLP is possible because of the commitment of individuals. If you would like
to help there are several things that you can get involved with. Please see:
`Contributing <http://openlp.org/en/documentation/introduction/contributing.html>`_
for more information.
I use and like OpenLP and would like to tell others online. Where can I do this?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A variety of places!
* Are you on facebook? Then `become a fan <http://www.facebook.com/openlp>`_
* Are you on twitter? Then `follow openlp <http://twitter.com/openlp>`_, and
retweet the announcements.
* Give us a thumbs up on the
`SourceForge project page <http://www.sourceforge.net/projects/openlp>`_
* If you have a website or blog, then link to our site http://www.openlp.org
with a few words saying what the software is and why you like it.
* Add a placemark on our `Worldwide Usage map <http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&source=embed&msa=0&msid=113314234297482809599.00047e88b1985e07ad495&ll=13.923404,0&spn=155.179835,316.054688&z=2>`_,
so others in your locality can see someone close by is using it.
* If you are a member of any Christian Forums or websites, and their rules allow
it, then perhaps review the software or ask others to review it.
What operating systems will OpenLP 2.0 support?
-----------------------------------------------
OpenLP 2.0 is designed to be cross platform. Currently it has been known to run
on Windows (XP, Vista, 7), Linux (Ubuntu/Kubuntu, Fedora), FreeBSD & Mac OSX.
`Please let us know <http://wiki.openlp.org/Help:Contents>`_ if you've
successfully run it on something else.
Which programming language is 2.0 developed in?
-----------------------------------------------
OpenLP 2.0 is written in `Python <http://www.python.org>`_ and uses the
`Qt4 toolkit <http://qt.nokia.com>`_. Both are cross-platform which allows the
software to run on different types of machine and so allow more people access to
free worship software. Python is one of the easier programming languages to
learn, so this helps us develop and `find bugs <http://wiki.openlp.org/Bug#Something_has_gone_wrong.2C_what_should_I_do_to_help_get_it_fixed.3F>`_
quicker, and also allows more developers to contribute with the project.
Which written languages does OpenLP support?
--------------------------------------------
The beta now has support for a few languages which can be seen on the
:menuselection:`Settings -->Translate` menu. However some of these translations
are incomplete. If you would like to help complete or start to translate OpenLP
into your language then see the `Getting started page <http://wiki.openlp.org/Translation:Getting_Started>`_.
What is a beta release?
-----------------------
A beta release is a release which is almost feature complete and is fairly
stable. However there may still be a few `features <http://wiki.openlp.org/Version_2_Features>`_
to complete, and `bugs <https://bugs.launchpad.net/openlp>`_ we've not yet fixed.
It is used by several people without serious problems. However there is a small
possibility that it could still crash occasionally or do unexpected things. It
is intended for those who want the latest version, and are prepared to give the
program a good test before using it in a live situation to ensure they won't
encounter any unexpected problems. If you want to have a look at the latest beta
release then just `download it <http://openlp.org/en/download.html>`_.
Upgrading
=========
Does 2.0 replace 1.2, or can they be run side by side?
------------------------------------------------------
It is perfectly safe to install 2.0 on a system with 1.2. Both versions are
installed in separate places, so you can still go back to 1.2. You can even run
them at the same time!
2.0 stores its data in a separate folder to 1.2, so your data is perfectly safe,
and whatever you do in 2.0 will not damage 1.2
Are 1.2 and 2.0 compatible?
---------------------------
No. However imports exist to transfer your data to the new version.
I have a computer that is quite old, should I upgrade?
------------------------------------------------------
2.0 does require significantly more resources than v1.2. Therefore if your
computer does not have much memory you may find 2.0 will struggle, `especially`
when changing between slides.
Why can I not see my 1.2 songs, bibles and themes in 2.0?
---------------------------------------------------------
This is an beta release, which means it is not finished and one of the things we
haven't completely finished yet is importing 1.2 data automatically. We plan to
do this `Version 1.9.6 (beta 2) <http://wiki.openlp.org/Version_2_Milestones#Version_1.9.6_.28beta_2.29>`_.
How do I transfer my 1.2 song database?
---------------------------------------
In OpenLP 2.0, go to the :menuselection:`File --> Import --> Song` menu.
In the Wizard that appears, click Next and choose "openlp.org v1.x" from the
Format list. Click the search button on the Filename prompt, and at the bottom
of the dialog, copy the following into the File name prompt::
%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\openlp.org\Data\songs.olp
*(This must be in the popup file chooser dialog. Don't enter it directly into
the wizard).*
Click Open, then in the wizard just click Next and wait for the import to complete.
How do I transfer my 1.2 Bibles?
--------------------------------
In OpenLP 2.0, go to the :menuselection:`File --> Import --> Bible` menu.
In the Wizard that appears, click Next and choose "openlp.org v1.x" from the
Format list.
Click the search button on the Filename prompt, and at the bottom of the dialog,
copy the following into the File name prompt::
%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\openlp.org\Data\Bibles
*(This must be in the popup file chooser dialog. Don't enter it directly into
the wizard).*
Choose the Bible, Click Open, then in the wizard just click Next, enter the
License details, and wait for the import to complete.
How do I transfer my 1.2 Themes?
--------------------------------
In openlp.org v1, export each theme by selecting it in the Theme Manager, and
then clicking the picture of a blue folder with red arrow on the Theme Managers
toolbox. This theme file can then be imported into V2 using the
:menuselection:`File --> Import --> Theme` menu.
I can't get my 2.0 theme to look the same as 1.2
------------------------------------------------
OpenLP 2.0 is a complete rewrite using a completely different programming
language so it would work on different types of system. There are differences in
how the old and new languages draw text on the screen, and therefore it is
unlikely you'll get an exact match.
Using OpenLP
============
I've started OpenLP, but I can't see the songs or bibles section in the Media Manager
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When you installed OpenLP, the first time wizard would have asked which plugins
you wanted, and songs and bibles should have been selected. If for some reason
they were not, then you will need to activate them yourself. See
`How do I activate / deactivate a plugin <http://wiki.openlp.org/Bug#How_do_I_activate_.2F_deactivate_a_plugin.3F>`_
for instructions.
How do I activate / deactivate a plugin?
----------------------------------------
Plugins can be turned on and off from the Plugin List Screen. Select the plugin
you wish to start/stop and change it's status. You should not need to restart
OpenLP.
What are these plugins that I keep seeing mentioned?
----------------------------------------------------
The plugins allow OpenLP to be extend easily. A number have been written
(Songs, Bibles, Presentations) etc but it is possible for the application to be
extended with functionality only you require. If this is the case then go for
it but lets us know as we can help and it may be something someone else wants.
How do I enable PowerPoint/Impress/PowerPoint Viewer?
-----------------------------------------------------
First of all ensure that the presentation plugin is enabled (see above).
Then to enable a presentation application, go to the `Settings` dialog, switch
to the `Presentations` tab and check one of the enabled checkboxes. OpenLP will
automatically detect which of the three you have installed, and enable the
appropriate checkbox(es). Check the applications you require, and then restart
OpenLP for the change to be detected.
Note, PowerPoint Viewer 2010 is not yet supported, use 2003 or 2007.
See also `I'm on Windows and PowerPoint is installed, but it doesn't appear as an option <http://wiki.openlp.org/OpenLP_2_Introduction_and_FAQ#I.27m_on_Windows_and_PowerPoint_is_installed.2C_but_it_doesn.27t_appear_as_an_option>`_
and `Why is there no presentations plugin available on OS X? <http://wiki.openlp.org/OpenLP_2_Introduction_and_FAQ#Why_is_there_no_presentations_plugin_available_on_OS_X.3F>`_
Why is there no presentations plugin available on OS X?
-------------------------------------------------------
Currently the presentations plugin is not bundled with OpenLP on OS X. The
reason for that is that the OpenOffice.org version on Mac OS X does not contain
the (more exact: does only contain a broken) interoperability component (the so
called pyuno bridge) which could be used by OpenLP. As soon as the
interoperability component works on OS X we can re-enable the plugin and bundle
it. We are really sorry for that.
Is it possible to get Bible x? How?
-----------------------------------
The Bible plugin has a much improved `Import Wizard` which can import Bibles
from a variety of sources. The following sources are supported:
CSV
The same format as documented for `openlp.org 1.x <http://www.openlp.org/en/documentation/importing_exporting_data/bibles/importing_comma_delimited_files.html>`_.
OSIS
An XML format for Bible. You can export Bibles from the `Sword Project <http://www.crosswire.org/sword/software/>`_
into OSIS using the ``mod2osis`` tool. After using the Sword software Media
Manager (or other Sword frontend, like BibleTime or Xiphos) to download the
required Bible, run the following command from the command line (works on
Windows and Linux)::
mod2osis <name> > <name>.osis
The ``<name>`` parameter is the name of your Bible, as you see it in Sword.
Note that the ``<name>`` is case sensitive on all environments. Once you
have exported your Bible to OSIS, the Bible import wizard will the read
``<name>.osis`` file and import your Bible.
OpenSong
OpenSong has a good selection of Bibles on their
`download page <http://www.opensong.org/d/downloads#bible_translations>`_.
Web Download
OpenLP can download Bibles on demand from the following 3 sites:
* `Crosswalk <http://biblestudy.crosswalk.com/bibles/>`_
* `BibleGateway <http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/>`_
* `BibleServer <http://www.bibleserver.com>`_
Why do my Bible verses take a long time to load?
------------------------------------------------
In order to better conform to copyright law, the Web Download Bibles are not
downloaded when you import them, but on the fly as you search for them. As a
result, the search takes a little longer if you need to download those
particular verses. Having said that, the Web Download Bibles cache downloaded
verses so that you don't need to download them again.
My Bible is on the Web Download sites, but my Church isn't on the internet. What options do I have?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When you create and save a service, all the items in the service are saved with
it. That means any images, presentations, songs and media items are saved. This
is also true for bibles. What this means is you can create the service on your
home computer, insert a Bible passage from the web, save it and then open the
service using your church computer and voila, the Bible passage should be there!
Note this can also be done with songs, etc!
(Advanced) Where do I find the configuration file?
==================================================
Linux, FreeBSD & PC-BSD
-----------------------
If your distribution supports the XDG standard, you'll find OpenLP's
configuration file in::
/home/<user>/.config/OpenLP/OpenLP.conf
If that file and/or directory does not exist, look for::
/home/<user>/.openlp/openlp.conf
``<user>`` is your username.
OS X
----
You'll find your configuration file here::
/Users/<user>/Library/Preferences/org.openlp.OpenLP.plist
``<user>`` is your username.
Windows
-------
On Windows, OpenLP does not use a configuration file, it uses the Windows
registry. You can find the settings here::
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\OpenLP\OpenLP
Troubleshooting
===============
Something has gone wrong, what should I do to help get it fixed?
----------------------------------------------------------------
If you have found an error in the program (what we call a bug) you should report
this to us so that OpenLP can be improved. Before reporting any bugs please
first make sure that there isn't already a bug report about your problem:
#. Check the `Launchpad bug list <https://bugs.launchpad.net/openlp>`_
#. `OpenLP support System <http://www.support.openlp.org/projects/openlp>`_
#. Check the `bug reports <http://openlp.org/en/forums/openlp_20/bug_reports.html>`_ forum
If there **is already a bug report**, you may be able to help by providing
further information. However, **if no one else has reported** it yet, then
please post a new bug report.
#. The **preferred place** for reporting bugs is the
`bugs list <https://bugs.launchpad.net/openlp>`_ on Launchpad.
#. Alternatively, if you don't have a Launchpad account and don't want to sign
up for one, you can post in the
`bug reports forum <http://openlp.org/en/forums/openlp_20/bug_reports.html>`_.
#. If none of these ways suits you, you can send an email to
``bugs (at) openlp.org``.
What information should I include in a bug report?
--------------------------------------------------
Since OpenLP 1.9.4, there is a bug report dialog which automatically opens when
OpenLP hits a serious bug. However, this doesn't appear all the time, and in
some behavioural bugs, you'll have to file a bug report yourself. The following
items are information the developers need in order to reproduce the bug.
Operating System
Include information such as the version of your operating system, the
distribution (e.g. Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.) if you're using Linux, or the
edition (e.g. Home, Basic, Business, etc.) if you're using Windows.
Version of OpenLP
You can find out the version of OpenLP by going to :menuselection:`Help --> About`
Steps to Reproduce
The exact steps the developers need to follow in order to reproduce the bug.
Version of MS Office or OpenOffice
If you're using the song imports or the presentation plugin, you'll need to
supply the version of Office, OpenOffice.org or LibreOffice.
Bible Translation and Source
If the bug occurred while you were working with Bibles, specify the
translation of the Bible, and the source format if you imported it yourself.
**Any** Other Information
Often bugs are caused by something that might not seem to be directly
related to the bug itself. If you have any other information with regards to
actions you performed or other activities when the bug occurred, it would be
welcomed by the developers.
The more information you give us, the better we can help you.
I've been asked to email a debug log, where do I find this?
-----------------------------------------------------------
We may need a debug log to help pin-point the issue. A new log file is created
each time you start OpenLP so copy the file before you run the software a second
time. On Windows a Debug option is available in the start menu. On other systems,
you will need to run OpenLP from the command line, with the following
option: ```-l debug```. Please note, that is a lowercase **L**.
If you haven't been given a specific email address to send it to, then please do
not paste the log contents straight into a forum post. Instead, open the log
file in a text editor (such as notepad on Windows) and copy and paste the
contents into somewhere like `pastebin.com <http://pastebin.com>`_. Then give us
the link to the page that is created.
Windows
^^^^^^^
Find the OpenLP 2.0 folder in your Start menu. Choose the "OpenLP (Debug)" option.
OpenLP will start up. Go to the :menuselection:`Tools --> Open Data Folder` menu
option, and an Explorer window will appear containing folders such as alerts,
bibles, custom etc. Keep this Explorer window open.
Now repeat the steps you need to take in OpenLP to reproduce the problem you had,
and then close down OpenLP.
In the Explorer window you left open, navigate up one level into the openlp
folder. You will see the ``openlp.log`` file. This is the file to e-mail.
Linux/FreeBSD
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
If you installed OpenLP from a package::
@:~$ openlp -l debug
Alternately, if you're running OpenLP from source::
@:~$ ./openlp.pyw -l debug
If your Linux distribution supports the XDG standard, you'll find the log in::
~/.cache/openlp/openlp.log
Otherwise, you'll find the log file in::
~/.openlp/openlp.log
Mac OS X
^^^^^^^^
Open Terminal.app and navigate to where you installed OpenLP, usually
``/Applications``::
@:~$ cd /Applications
Then go into the OpenLP.app directory, down to the OpenLP executable::
@:~$ cd OpenLP.app/Contents/MacOS
And then run OpenLP in debug mode::
@:~$ ./openlp -l debug
Once you've done that, you need to get the log file. In your home directory,
open the Library directory, and the Application Support directory within that.
Then open the openlp directory, and you should find the openlp.log file in that
directory::
/Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/openlp/openlp.log
``<username>`` is your username.
I'm on Windows and PowerPoint is installed, but it doesn't appear as an option
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Try installing the `Visual C++ Runtime Redistributable <http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9b2da534-3e03-4391-8a4d-074b9f2bc1bf&displaylang=en>`_.
The command line shows many error messages
------------------------------------------
When running OpenLP from the command line, you might get something like this::
WARNING: bool Phonon::FactoryPrivate::createBackend() phonon backend plugin could not be loaded
WARNING: bool Phonon::FactoryPrivate::createBackend() phonon backend plugin could not be loaded
WARNING: Phonon::createPath: Cannot connect Phonon::MediaObject ( no objectName ) to VideoDisplay ( no objectName ).
WARNING: Phonon::createPath: Cannot connect Phonon::MediaObject ( no objectName ) to Phonon::AudioOutput ( no objectName ).
WARNING: bool Phonon::FactoryPrivate::createBackend() phonon backend plugin could not be loaded
These error messages indicate that you need to install an appropriate backend
for Phonon.
Linux/FreeBSD
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
If you're using Gnome, you need to install the GStreamer backend for Phonon. On
Ubuntu you would install the ```phonon-backend-gstreamer``` package::
@:~$ sudo aptitude install phonon-backend-gstreamer
If you're using KDE, you need to install the Xine backend for Phonon. On Kubuntu
you would install the ```phonon-backend-xine``` package::
@:~$ sudo aptitude install phonon-backend-xine
If you know which audiovisual system you're using, then install the appropriate
backend.
phonon-backend-vlc may also be worth trying on some systems.
Windows & Mac OS X
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Phonon should already be set up properly. If you're still having issues, let the
developers know.
I've upgraded from 1.9.2 to a newer version, and now OpenLP crashes on load
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
You need to upgrade your song database. See this `blog post <http://openlp.org/en/users/jt/blog/2010-07-20-flag_day_database_schema_changes_in_trunk_revision_956.html>`_
for information on how to do this.
I've upgraded to 1.9.5, and now OpenLP has duplicates of many songs in the Media Manager
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You need to run :menuselection:`Tools --> Re-index Songs`.
There are no menu icons in OpenLP
---------------------------------
This may affect (only) Linux users with XFCE or Gnome. To solve the problem,
follow the instructions on `this bug report <https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/qt4-x11/+bug/501468/comments/3>`_.
JPEG images don't work
----------------------
This is a known issue on some Mac OS X 10.5 systems, and has also been seen on
Windows XP too. The solution is to convert the image into another format such as
PNG.
MP3's and other audio formats don't work
----------------------------------------
This is a known issue on some systems, including some XP machines, and we have
no solution at the moment.
Videos can be slow or pixelated. Background Videos are very slow
----------------------------------------------------------------
If you are just playing videos from the Media plugin, try selecting the
:guilabel:`Use Phonon for Video playback` option in the Media configuration,
accessible by going to :menuselection:`Settings --> Configure OpenLP --> Media`.
As for text over video, we have no solution for speeding this up. Reducing the
monitor resolution and avoiding shadows and outline text will help. We are
hoping a future release of the toolkit we are using (QtWebKit) will help improve
this, but there is no timeframe at present.
Features
========
What new features will I find in 2.0?
-------------------------------------
Since 2.0 was a rewrite from the ground up, you won't find a great deal of new
features since initially we want to ensure all the 1.2 features are included.
However the developers have managed to sneak a few in. Take a look at the
`complete list <http://wiki.openlp.org/Version_2_Features>`_.
Why hasn't popular feature request X been implemented?
------------------------------------------------------
We made a decision to first implement 1.2 features, before going wild on new
features. There are only a handful of developers working in their spare time. If
we were to try and include everything we wanted to implement, then 2.0 would not
likely ever get released.
I have a great idea for a new feature, where should I suggest it?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
First of all check it isn't on the `Feature Requests <http://wiki.openlp.org/Feature_Requests>`_
page. If it is, then you need to say no more, it's already been suggested! If it
isn't on the list, then head to the
`feature request forum <http://openlp.org/en/forums/openlp_20/feature_requests.html>`_
and post the idea there.
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