2.8 Exporting a QLab Import Pack

When to use the QLab import pack

Use this workflow when the venue already runs QLab for projection or show control and you want SurtitleLive to prepare the subtitle cue list.

• SurtitleLive remains the script preparation and export tool.
• QLab becomes the local playback tool for the imported Text cues.
• The pack is useful for offline projection workflows, rehearsal backups, and venues that prefer a QLab workspace on the show computer.

Prepare the script first

1. Upload and analyze the script.
2. Open the Editor and review cue order, text, languages, stage directions, and character names.
3. Save the Editor before exporting.

Free accounts can test the first 30 saved cues. Lite, Pro, and Pro+ can export the full script.

Download the pack

1. In the Editor top-right toolbar, click Download.
2. Choose QLab import pack.
3. Choose the caption language and caption position.
4. Leave Include character names above captions off unless you want role names in the imported Text cues.
5. Use the stage-direction option to include or skip stage directions before the pack is generated.
6. Download the ZIP file.

Import into QLab 5

1. Unzip the downloaded pack on the Mac that runs QLab.
2. Open your QLab 5 workspace.
3. Open import-into-qlab5.applescript from the pack.
4. When prompted, choose surtitlelive-qlab-cues.json.
5. Review the imported Text cues in QLab before rehearsal or performance.

What the export options do

• Caption position: sets the default vertical placement for imported QLab Text cues.
• Include character names above captions: adds the character name as a smaller, grey first line above the caption.
• Stage directions: includes or skips stage-direction rows before import.

The pack does not add standby cues, blackout cues, test-card cues, memo cues, or final clear-caption cues. Those belong in the user's own QLab show file if needed.

After import

• Test the first, middle, and last cues on the venue output.
• If the text is wrong, fix it in SurtitleLive, save, and export a fresh pack.
• If the placement is wrong, adjust the imported QLab Text cues or the QLab stage setup.
• If you need live Viewer links, ASM control, QR codes, or audience-phone language selection, use SurtitleLive Go Live instead of the offline QLab pack.