Beat Sync vs Fixed Timer: Which Slideshow Mode Should You Use?

Quick answer

Choose Sync to beat when every pulse should advance an image. Choose Fixed timer when images should stay visible for a consistent duration even as audio tempo changes.

One choice, two independent goals

A fast beat does not require a fast slideshow. If you want to hear 120 BPM but inspect detailed images, use a fixed image timer. If image changes should mark the pulse, choose beat sync.

The app’s Slide Speed controls are Sync to beat and Fixed timer. The timer slider spans 1–10 seconds in half-second increments. There is no multi-beat selector or per-image duration editor.

Compare the result at three tempos

The beat-synced interval is 60/BPM seconds. The fixed timer does not use that equation. This distinction lets you change sound tempo without changing viewing time.

Worked example: ten photographs

With ten images at 120 BPM and beat sync, a complete loop takes approximately five seconds. With the timer at 3 seconds, the same collection takes approximately 30 seconds. At 60 BPM, the beat-synced loop is approximately ten seconds, while the fixed-timer loop remains approximately 30.

These calculations assume uninterrupted timing. Image holds, browser load and pause behavior can affect observed playback. They are not a guarantee of exact wall-clock durations.

Random audio with stable visuals

Select a random preset and Fixed timer when the tempo should vary but the viewing interval should not. The progress bar and BPM display still reflect the current random state. The image order remains the order in the manager; random tempo does not shuffle images.

Select beat sync if you intentionally want image pace to vary with random BPM. Review the preset range first: None spans 20–300, while Hard spans 40–220. At the fast end, image changes can be frequent. Stop or choose a timer if that is uncomfortable.

Holds and automatic pauses

Holding the image suppresses advancement in either mode. The beat continues, and release permits the next eligible event to advance; it does not necessarily reset the timer.

Medium and Hard can produce automatic pauses with a countdown overlay. Beat-driven slides do not advance when no beats occur. The fixed timer currently continues behind the overlay, so it is not a promise that the same image returns after a pause. Press Stop to end the session rather than wait for resumption.

Change modes while playing

Open Settings during playback and choose the alternate Slide Speed control. Keep the same sound and BPM while testing so you can see only the image-timing difference. Press Continue to return to the slideshow. The short image fade is separate from both the beat interval and timer interval.

For a detailed image, prefer a viewing time you find comfortable. For marking a pulse, use beat sync. Neither mode has been demonstrated here to improve health, focus or performance.

Related guides

• Beat-sync versus fixed slide timing
• Hold an image versus stop the session
• Calculate and organize playlist loops