>This step-by-step guide will help you create your first graphic in SPX Graphics Controller.
The Quick Start process is designed to take you from a fresh installation to a live graphic in seven simple steps. By moving through [[Documentation/Graphics Controller/Project Settings|project]] creation, [[Documentation/Graphic Templates/Overview|template]] selection, and [[Documentation/Graphics Controller/Rundown Settings|rundown]] management, you will learn the core workflow used by professional broadcasters. This guide covers the essential mechanics of the SPX interface, including how to use the built-in [[Documentation/Renderer/Preview & Program|preview window]] to verify your content before it ever hits the air.
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## Prerequisites
> [!TIP] Not sure which edition you’re using? [Compare SPX versions](https://spxgraphics.com/software#compare).
- SPX Graphics Controller installed and running
- Browser open to SPX interface (typically http://localhost:5656)
- Login policy configured (see [[Guides/Getting Started/First Launch|First Launch]])
## Step-by-Step Tutorial
### Step 1: Choose Login Policy
1. If this is your first launch, choose **No** for the login policy and click **Save**
2. This allows quick access without authentication
### Step 2: Create a New Project
1. Go to **Projects** page
2. Click the **Add Project** button (or **[ + ]** button)
3. Enter a project name, for instance `My First Project`
4. The [[Documentation/Graphics Controller/Project Settings|project's settings]] page will open automatically
### Step 3: Add Your First Template
1. In the project settings, click the **[ + ]** button to add a [[Documentation/Graphic Templates/Overview|template]]
2. Browse to `softpix > Template_Pack_1` folder
3. Choose `SPX1_INFO_LEFT.html` template
4. The template will be added to your project
### Step 4: Create a Rundown
1. Go back to the **Projects** page
2. Double-click `My First Project` to open it
3. Click **[ + ]** button to add a new [[Documentation/Graphics Controller/Rundown Settings|rundown]]
4. Enter a name, for instance `My First Rundown`
5. The new empty rundown will open
### Step 5: Add an Item to the Rundown
1. In the rundown view, click the **[ + ]** button to add an item
2. Pick **INFO_LEFT** template from the list
3. A new rundown item will be created
### Step 6: Edit the Item
1. Double-click the rundown item to open the editor
2. Fill in the text fields (e.g., "Hello World!")
3. Click **Save** to close the editor
### Step 7: Play the Item
1. Select the item in the rundown list
2. Press **SPACEBAR** or click the **PLAY** button at the bottom of the rundown list
3. The graphic should appear in the [[Documentation/Renderer/Preview & Program|preview window]] (top right)
![[hq.gif]]
## Congratulations! 🎉
You've successfully created and played your first graphic! The preview window shows how the graphic will look when played out.
## Keyboard Shortcuts
While working with rundowns:
- **SPACEBAR** - Play selected item
- **S** - Stop current item
- **Arrow Keys** - Navigate between items
- **Enter** - Edit selected item
- **Delete** - Remove selected item
## Tips
- The preview window shows how graphics will appear in production
- You can have multiple rundowns in a project
- Templates can be customized in [[Documentation/Graphics Controller/Project Settings|project settings]]
- Changes are saved automatically
## Troubleshooting
If the graphic doesn't appear:
- Check that the template was added correctly to the project
- Verify the item has content in all required fields
- Try refreshing the page (Ctrl+R or F5)
- Check the browser console for errors
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## Read Next
- [[Documentation/Graphic Templates/Overview|Graphic Templates Overview]] - Learn about SPX templates
- [[Documentation/Renderer/Workflows/Live Streaming Software|Live Streaming Software]] - Use SPX with OBS, vMix, etc.
- [[Guides/Tutorials/My first HTML template|My first HTML template]] - Create your own templates
- [[Documentation/Graphics Controller/Rundown Settings|Rundown Settings]] - Advanced rundown configuration