CHRISTMAS LIGHTS STUDIO — 0.3.0
Windows, Debian / Ubuntu and Raspberry Pi OS — preview release

Version 0.3.0 combines clean first-run setup with disconnected zone segments, clearer save messages, browser draft recovery and access to the Event Editor after Automatic Show mode. It also includes multi-color chase, music, photo layouts and the guided zone planner. This is a design and simulation application: physical controller output is not implemented. Packages contain no personal photos, music or saved shows.

WINDOWS
64-bit Intel/AMD Windows 10/11. Run the Setup.exe, then open Christmas Lights Studio from Start or the desktop. Python is included; no Docker or administrator account is needed. This is an unsigned preview installer, not a signed commercial release. The Windows installer has been built but must still be tested on an actual Windows PC.

LINUX
Python 3.10 or later, a web browser and a desktop session are required. Download the Debian .run file, open a terminal in Downloads and run:
  sh Christmas-Lights-Studio-0.3.0-Debian.run
No sudo, Docker, pip or internet download is needed by the installer. If Python is missing, install python3 through your Linux software manager first. Then open Christmas Lights Studio from the applications menu. Debian/Linux testing is documented in TEST-RESULTS.txt alongside the installers.

RASPBERRY PI
Use Raspberry Pi OS with Python 3.10 or newer and a desktop browser. Run:
  sh Christmas-Lights-Studio-0.3.0-Raspberry-Pi.run
This uses the same architecture-independent Python application as the Debian package. No GPIO or physical light output is enabled. The installer has been tested on Debian x64; Raspberry Pi hardware validation remains pending. A desktop session on the Pi is required for the normal browser workflow; this release does not automatically expose the app on your network.

WHAT CHANGED IN 0.3.0
- Start New Segment separates reindeer, arches and other objects within a zone.
- Split before selected point repairs connections in existing outlines.
- Legacy single-outline layouts continue to work.
- Empty segments no longer block saving; labels default to the zone number.
- Save errors and successful server saves are visible. Unsaved drafts can be recovered in the same browser and address when local storage is available.
- Go to Event Editor exits automatic mode before revealing the editor.
- Fresh installs start without sample zones. The sample is an explicit option.
- Upgrades back up existing projects and preserve the separate saved-data folder.

USING THE PROGRAM
The launcher opens http://127.0.0.1:5050/ in your browser. Keep the launcher window open while using the app; press Ctrl+C there to stop. If port 5050 is already in use, close the other copy or start with --port 5052. This installation listens only on your own computer; it does not set up external access, Apache, login credentials or router forwarding.

First launch opens Create New Display / Setup Display with no sample zones. Add your zones, upload a photo in Layout Builder and trace your lights, then add music and create a show. Open Sample Display provides an optional learning example; copying it as a starting template is allowed only in an empty workspace. Existing 0.2.0 zones are preserved, including unchanged sample placeholders, because the application cannot know whether they are intentional.

SAVED DATA
Windows: %APPDATA%\ChristmasLightsStudio
Linux: ${XDG_DATA_HOME:-~/.local/share}/christmas-lights-studio
Inside this folder, config holds zone/build settings; data holds music, shows and layouts. The installer never overwrites existing zone settings. Uninstalling the program retains this folder.
Advanced: CHRISTMAS_LIGHTS_HOME can specify a different data folder. Do not point it at a running server's data.

BACKUP / UPGRADE
Close the program before making a backup or upgrading. Windows: use the Start menu's Back up saved data shortcut. Linux: run ~/.local/opt/christmas-lights-studio/backup.sh. Backups are ZIPs inside the data folder's backups directory. To restore with the app stopped, keep a copy of the current data folder and extract the backup's config and data folders into it. No automatic restore overwrites your data.
Windows upgrades retain data; make a backup first. Linux upgrades automatically make a data backup and retain the previous program folder. Do not install into a folder containing unrelated files.

UNINSTALL
Windows: Settings > Apps > Christmas Lights Studio. Linux: python3 ~/.local/opt/christmas-lights-studio/uninstall.py. Both retain saved data. Delete the separate data folder yourself only if you intend to permanently remove your work.

PRIVACY
The app runs locally. Neither installer includes your original server's credentials or configures public access. Nothing is sent to an AI service.