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Understanding LiveSplit and Why Runners Use It

LiveSplit is a timer program designed specifically for speedrunning—the practice of completing video games as fast as possible. Unlike the stopwatch on your phone, LiveSplit shows multiple pieces of information at once: your current time, splits (the time it takes to reach certain points in a game), and comparisons to previous runs. The program was created by Christopher Sitewell in 2013 and remains the most widely used speedrunning timer in the community.

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The reason speedrunners prefer LiveSplit over standard timers comes down to functionality. When you're playing a game and trying to beat your personal record, you need to know instantly how you're performing against your best runs. Are you ahead of pace? Behind? By how much? LiveSplit displays this information in real-time, letting runners make split-second decisions about their strategy. A runner attempting a difficult game might glance at the timer and see they're 3 seconds ahead of their personal best—that information changes how they approach the next section.

LiveSplit works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. The program is open-source, meaning the code is publicly available and volunteers contribute improvements. This transparency has made it the standard across speedrunning communities. Whether someone is running a classic game like Super Mario Bros. or a modern title, LiveSplit provides the same reliable timing framework.

Understanding what LiveSplit does—and what it doesn't do—matters before setup. LiveSplit does not play games for you, does not improve your skills, and does not automatically track your times online. It is a tool that displays timing information. Your ability to beat personal records depends entirely on your gameplay, practice, and understanding of game mechanics. LiveSplit simply makes it easier to see how you're performing while you play.

Practical Takeaway: LiveSplit is a specialized timer for speedrunning that shows real-time comparisons to your previous runs. It works across different operating systems and is maintained by a volunteer community, which is why it's the standard in speedrunning.

Obtaining LiveSplit: Where to Find the Program

LiveSplit is distributed through its official website at livesplit.org. This is the only location you should use to obtain the program. The website offers versions for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The program itself costs nothing—there are no payment requirements, subscription fees, or hidden costs associated with using it.

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On the livesplit.org website, you'll find a section labeled "Downloads" or "Get LiveSplit." This area typically displays the latest version number and provides links to the actual program files. Windows users generally obtain a .exe file or a .zip archive. Mac users receive a .dmg file. Linux users can obtain the program through various package managers or as a direct download.

The current stable version of LiveSplit as of 2024 is version 1.8.x, though versions may be updated periodically. When you visit the website, you'll see which version is most recent. Reading the release notes—a document describing what's changed in each update—can help you understand whether updating is necessary for your purposes.

Beyond the official website, some speedrunning communities maintain alternative mirrors or provide additional resources about LiveSplit configuration. However, for the initial program itself, the official website remains the primary source. Using the official website protects you from modified versions that might contain errors or unwanted changes.

Several speedrunning communities, such as Speedrun.com and individual game-specific Discord servers, discuss LiveSplit regularly. These communities often provide links to the official website and answer questions about setup. If you're uncertain whether you're on the correct website, checking a speedrunning community forum or Discord server can confirm you're accessing the legitimate source.

Practical Takeaway: Visit livesplit.org to obtain LiveSplit. The program is free and available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The official website is the only source you should use to obtain the program files.

Basic Installation Steps Across Different Operating Systems

Installation differs slightly depending on your operating system. Understanding the specific process for your system ensures proper setup without complications.

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Windows Installation: Windows users typically receive either a .zip file or an .exe installer. If you receive a .zip file, extract it to a location on your computer—many users create a folder called "LiveSplit" in their Documents or Programs folder. Once extracted, you'll see an executable file named "LiveSplit.exe." Double-clicking this file launches the program. Windows may ask for permission to run the program; clicking "Yes" or "Allow" proceeds with launching LiveSplit. Unlike many programs, LiveSplit does not require a traditional installation wizard. You can run it directly from the extracted folder.

Mac Installation: Mac users receive a .dmg (disk image) file. Double-clicking the .dmg file opens a window showing the LiveSplit application icon and a folder shortcut. Dragging the LiveSplit icon into the Applications folder installs the program in the standard location. Afterward, you can launch LiveSplit by opening Applications in Finder and double-clicking LiveSplit. Mac systems may display a security warning the first time you launch it; clicking "Open" permits the program to run. Some users may need to right-click and select "Open" if the standard method produces a security prompt.

Linux Installation: Linux users have multiple options. Many Linux distributions include LiveSplit in their package managers—running a command like "sudo apt install livesplit" (on Ubuntu/Debian systems) installs the program automatically. Alternatively, users can obtain a .tar.gz file from the official website, extract it, and run the executable. Linux users should verify they have necessary dependencies installed, though the official documentation provides specific instructions for various distributions.

First Launch Considerations: When you launch LiveSplit for the first time, the program appears as a small window displaying "00:00:00" and several buttons below. This is normal. The window is resizable, and the layout is customizable. The program may ask whether you want to set up a new timer or load an existing one—choosing "New" creates a fresh timer configuration.

Practical Takeaway: Installation varies by operating system: Windows users extract files and run LiveSplit.exe, Mac users drag the app to Applications, and Linux users typically install via package managers or manual extraction. First launch simply displays a blank timer ready for configuration.

Configuring Your First Timer: Essential Settings

After launching LiveSplit, you'll need to configure basic settings to create a functional timer for your first speedrun. Right-clicking on the LiveSplit window opens a context menu with several options. Clicking "Edit Layout" or "Edit Splits" allows you to customize how the timer appears and which segments you want to track.

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Understanding Segments and Splits: A split represents a checkpoint in your game. If you're running a platformer with three distinct levels, you might set up splits at the end of Level 1, the end of Level 2, and the end of Level 3. When you reach each checkpoint, you press a hotkey (typically spacebar) to record that split time. LiveSplit then displays how far ahead or behind you are compared to your personal best time at that same point. You can create as many or as few splits as you want—some runners track 20+ segments in longer games, while others use just 3-4 major checkpoints.

Adding Splits: To add splits, right-click the LiveSplit window and select "Edit Splits." A new window opens showing a list of splits. Click "Insert Below" or use the plus button to add a new split. Type a name for each split—this might be "Level 1 Complete," "Boss 1 Defeated," or any other identifier that makes sense for your game. You can add splits before you start speedrunning, or you can add them during practice runs and adjust them later.

Setting Comparison Times: LiveSplit compares your current run to previous attempts. When you complete your first speedrun, LiveSplit saves that as your personal best. On subsequent runs, the timer shows in different colors whether you're ahead (typically green) or behind (typically red) compared to that personal best at each split. After several runs, you can set your comparison to compare against your median time, best segments, or other options.

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