> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://manual.xlights.org/xlights/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://manual.xlights.org/xlights/chapters/chapter-two-quick-start-guide/defining-the-show-directory.md).

# Defining a Show Directory

## **Defining a Show Directory**

When the installation has completed, depending on your option selected, xLights will automatically launch or you can double click on the xLights icon/program to start it.

If this is the first time that you have installed xLights on the computer, then you need to set the show directory. The show directory is the location where all your xLights files are stored and where your sequences will be created.

The Show Folder should be in you personal documents folder i.e "My Documents" or "Documents".

You should be presented with the following screen:

![Select Show Directory Dialog](/files/-LaWYta6asSRT4ujM_la)

This screen will allow you to navigate to "Documents" and create the show folder.

Right Click in the "Documents" folder and select New->Folder

![](/files/-MEZ74s0rro3R9Hf-Nzh)

Rename the folder to a unique name.

![](/files/-MEZ7Out7F3s1a8Jgz7i)

In the following example I created a show folder is called "xLights"

Highlight the "xLights" folder and click "Select Folder".

![](/files/-MEZ55bcdw2Gu698W8ZV)

After setting up your show folder the main xLights window should appear.

"C:\Users\\\<username>\Documents\xLights"

![](/files/-MXyX-AHfphNE4JnMdMT)