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Getting Started

Welcome to Larky Chord: Sync Praise! This guide will help you get started with the app and make the most of its features.

What is Larky Chord?

Larky Chord is a powerful app for syncing song lyrics and chords across multiple devices in real-time. Perfect for worship teams, bands, and music groups who need to stay in sync during performances.

Key Features

  • Real-time Sync: Keep all devices synchronized during performances
  • Group Management: Create and join groups with role-based permissions
  • Song Library: Access a shared library of songs
  • Local Storage: Save songs locally for offline use
  • Drawing Tools: Annotate songs with drawings and highlights
  • Metronome: Built-in metronome for keeping time
  • Auto-scroll: Automatically scroll through songs
  • Transposition: Transpose songs to different keys

First Steps

  1. Sign In: Use Google Sign-In or Apple Sign-In to create your account
  2. Create or Join a Group: Start by creating your own group or joining an existing one with a group code
  3. Add Songs: Add songs to your group or browse the song library
  4. Start Using: Open a song and explore the various features

Authentication

Larky Chord supports multiple authentication methods for secure access to your account.

Sign In Methods

Google Sign-In

Sign in using your Google account. This is the recommended method for most users.

  • Tap the "Sign in with Google" button
  • Select your Google account
  • Grant necessary permissions
  • You're ready to go!

Apple Sign-In

Available on iOS devices. Sign in using your Apple ID for a seamless experience.

  • Tap "Sign in with Apple"
  • Use Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password
  • Choose to share or hide your email
💡 Tip:
- You can sign out from the home screen. Your data will remain safe and you can sign back in anytime.
- You can export your local library to a JSON file for backup or transfer.
- Your exported library will be saved in your device's Downloads folder.
- It is a good idea to export your library regularly and before updating the app.

Groups

Groups are the core of Larky Chord. They allow multiple users to share and sync songs together.

Creating a Group

  1. From the home screen, tap "Create Group"
  2. Enter a group name
  3. Set member limits (based on your subscription)
  4. Set device limits (based on your subscription)
  5. Tap "Create"

You'll receive an 8-character group code that others can use to join.

Joining a Group

  1. For group administrator to add your email address to the group
  2. Get the 8-character group code from the group administrator
  3. Enter the code in the "Join Group" field on the home screen
  4. Tap "Join"
  5. If the group has space and you meet the requirements, you'll be added
⚠️ Note:
- Your email address must be the same as the email address in the member list (group dashboard).
- Groups have member and device limits based on subscription tiers. Make sure there's space before joining.

Group Roles

Role Permissions
Admin Full control: add/edit/delete songs, draw on songs, annotate songs, start and stop group syncing, manage members, change roles, access dashboard
Member Can add, edit, and delete songs, draw on songs, and annotate songs, start and stop group syncing.
Read-Only Can view songs only. Cannot make any changes

Group Dashboard

Group administrators can access a web dashboard to:

  • View all members and their roles
  • Change member roles
  • Remove members
  • Add members by email
  • View active devices
  • Monitor member and device counts
💡 Tip:
- If you are the creator of the group, please don't leave the group or the group may face issues renewing.
- If you're the last admin, you may need to transfer admin rights or you may lose access to the group dashboard.
- Saving songs from a group list is the fastest and easiest way to add songs to your local library.

Songs

Manage your song collection of groups and local library.

Adding Songs

To a Group

  1. Open your group
  2. Tap the "+" button or "Add Song"
  3. Enter song details:
    • Title (required)
    • Artist (optional)
    • Lyrics and chords
  4. Format your song with stanzas (Verse, Chorus, Bridge, etc.)
  5. Tap "Save"
📝 Formatting Tips:
  • Use [Chord] format in your lyrics. Example: A[C]mazing [C7]grace, how [F]sweet the [C]sound
  • The chord will be displayed above the next character of the lyrics
  • Use empty lines to separate stanzas

To Local Library

You can save songs locally for offline access:

  1. Go to "Local Library" from the home screen
  2. Tap "Add Song"
  3. Enter song details and save

Editing Songs

To edit a song:

  1. Open the song
  2. Tap the "Edit" button (bottom right)
  3. Make your changes
  4. Tap "Save"

Song Library

The Song Library is a shared collection of approved songs available to all users:

  • Browse songs by title
  • Search for specific songs
  • View songs without joining a group
  • Songs are reviewed before being added to the library

Importing Songs

Larky Chord supports importing songs from:

  • JSON: Songs exported from the app
  • Group: Just save the song from the group list.
  • Manual: Enter the song details manually.
  • ChordPro Format: -- planned new feature --

Song View Features

The song view screen is where you interact with songs. It includes many powerful features.

Top Bar Buttons

Sync Mode Toggle

Opt in or out of sync mode for group songs. When enabled, your scroll position and current song sync with other group members. The button shows a network/connection icon (circle nodes/diagram project) and turns blue when active.

remove add ♯ Transpose Controls

Adjust the song's key:

  • Minus (-): Transpose down by 1 semitone
  • Plus (+): Transpose up by 1 semitone
  • Sharp/Flat Toggle (♯/♭): Switch between sharp and flat notation

Navigation

chevron_left chevron_right Previous/Next Song

Navigate between songs in your group. These buttons appear on either side of the song title.

Bottom Left Buttons

help_outline Help & Guide

View an in-app help guide explaining all buttons and features.

zoom_out zoom_in Zoom Controls

Adjust the font size:

  • Zoom Out: Decrease font size
  • Zoom In: Increase font size

Bottom Right Buttons

keyboard_arrow_down Auto-Scroll

Automatically scroll the page down at a steady pace. Perfect for hands-free viewing during performances.

  • Tap: Toggle auto-scroll on/off
  • Long Press: Adjust scroll speed

Metronome

Play a metronome beat to keep time during practice or performance.

  • Tap: Toggle metronome on/off
  • Long Press: Adjust BPM (beats per minute)
  • Default BPM: 120

note_outlined Toggle Notes

Show or hide the notes section at the bottom of the song. Use this area for performance notes, reminders, or additional information.

edit Edit Song

Open the song editor to modify lyrics, chords, title, artist, or notes. Only available if you have edit permissions.

Stanza Highlighting

When viewing songs, you can highlight specific stanzas. Highlighted stanzas appear with a yellow background, making them easy to spot during performances.

Drawing & Annotations

Add visual annotations to your songs using the built-in drawing tools.

Entering Drawing Mode

  1. Open a song
  2. Tap the "Drawing Mode" button edit_outlined in the top bar
  3. The drawing toolbar will appear at the bottom

Drawing Tools

edit Pen Tools

Three different pen tools for drawing:

  • Tap a pen tool to select it
  • Customize color and stroke width
  • Draw on the song to add annotations

Highlighter

Highlight text with a semi-transparent color. Perfect for marking important sections.

Eraser

Remove drawings by tapping on them. The eraser only affects drawings, not the song text.

delete Clear All Drawings

Remove all drawings from the current song at once. This action cannot be undone.

close Exit Drawing Mode

Close drawing mode and return to normal view. Your drawings are automatically saved.

Show/Hide Drawings

You can toggle the visibility of drawings without deleting them:

  1. Tap the "Show/Hide Drawings" button visibility in the top bar
  2. Drawings will be hidden or shown based on the current state
  3. This is useful when you want to see the clean song without annotations
💡 Tip: Drawings are saved per song and synced across devices in group mode. Each user's drawings are independent in solo mode.

Sync Mode

Sync Mode allows all group members to stay synchronized during performances.

How It Works

When Sync Mode is enabled and you opt in:

  • All opted-in members see the same song
  • All opted-in members see/share the same drawings of all songs in the group, regardless if in sync mode or not.
  • Scroll positions are synchronized
  • Auto-scroll state and speed sync across devices
  • Song changes are broadcasted to all members

Opting In/Out

  1. Activate sync mode in the group screen( icon turns blue)
  2. Open a group song
  3. Look for the sync mode button (network icon) in the top bar
  4. Tap to opt in (button turns blue) or opt out (button turns grey)
📱 Important: Sync mode only works for group songs, not local library or song library songs.

Read-Only Mode

If you're a read-only user in sync mode:

  • You can view songs and follow along
  • You cannot change songs or scroll independently
  • You're automatically synced with the group leader

Best Practices

  • Have one person (usually the leader) control song navigation
  • All members should opt in before starting
  • Use auto-scroll for smooth, synchronized scrolling
  • If you need to check something, opt out temporarily
⚠️ Note: Sync mode requires an active internet connection. Make sure all devices are connected to the internet.

Subscriptions

Larky Chord offers subscription plans to unlock more features and higher limits.

Subscription Tiers

Tier Members Devices
Small Group Up to 6 6 active
Quite a Group Up to 12 12 active
Large Group Up to 24 24 active
Huge Group Up to 28 28 active

Purchasing a Subscription

  1. Go to the Subscription screen from the home menu
  2. View available plans (Monthly or Yearly)
  3. Select a plan that fits your needs
  4. Confirm the purchase
  5. Complete the transaction through Stripe or Google Play

Subscription Features

  • Member Limits: Control how many members can join your groups
  • Device Limits: Control how many active devices can be used simultaneously
  • Yearly Plans: Save money with annual subscriptions (marked as "BEST VALUE")

Managing Subscriptions

You can manage your subscription through:

  • The Subscription screen in the app
  • Google Play Store account settings
  • Contact support for assistance
💡 Tip: Yearly subscriptions offer the best value. Consider upgrading if you plan to use the app long-term.

Troubleshooting

Common issues and their solutions.

Can't Sign In

Problem:

Unable to sign in with Google or Apple.

Solutions:

  • Check your internet connection
  • Make sure you're using a supported sign-in method
  • Clear app cache and try again
  • Update the app to the latest version

Can't Join Group

Problem:

Group code not working or "Group not found" error.

Solutions:

  • Verify the 8-character code is correct (case-insensitive)
  • Check if the group has reached its member limit
  • Check if you've reached the device limit
  • Check if the email address you signed in with is the same as the email address in the member list (group dashboard)

Sync Mode Not Working

Problem:

Sync mode not synchronizing between devices.

Solutions:

  • Ensure all devices have internet connection
  • Make sure all users have opted into sync mode
  • Check that you're viewing a group song (not local/library)
  • Try opting out and back in
  • Restart the app if issues persist

Songs Not Loading

Problem:

Songs take too long to load or don't appear.

Solutions:

  • Check your internet connection
  • Wait a few seconds for songs to load
  • Pull down to refresh the song list
  • Restart the app

Metronome Not Playing

Problem:

Metronome doesn't make sound.

Solutions:

  • Check device volume
  • Make sure device is not on silent mode
  • Try adjusting the BPM and toggling again
  • Restart the app

Drawing Not Saving

Problem:

Drawings disappear after leaving drawing mode.

Solutions:

  • Make sure you're not in read-only mode
  • Check your internet connection (for group songs)
  • Try drawing again and wait a moment before exiting

Subscription Issues

Problem:

Subscription not activating or showing incorrect status.

Solutions:

  • Wait a few minutes after purchase (can take 2-4 hours)
  • Check Google Play Store for purchase confirmation
  • Restart the app
  • Contact support if issues persist @support@larkychord.com

Getting More Help

If you're still experiencing issues:

  • Contact support @support@larkychord.com
  • Visit our website for additional resources