PlayTogether

PlayTogether synchronizes a setlist across multiple JustChords devices in real time. One device acts as the Leader and broadcasts the chosen setlist plus playback commands (song changes, section selection, scrolling, etc.) to one or more Followers on the same local network. It works between iPhone, iPad and Mac Catalyst over Wi-Fi or peer-to-peer.

The Leader can also share the lyrics with an audience in a web browser – see Sing Along.

Requirements

• All devices must be on the same local network (or close enough for peer-to-peer Wi-Fi).
• JustChords needs Local Network permission. If denied, enable it in Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network → JustChords.
• Each device must set a Nickname so others can identify it.

Opening PlayTogether

Tap the PlayTogether button (antenna icon) in the Library — typically found under Tools or, when a session is active, in the PlayTogether section at the top of the Library.

If no nickname is set yet, JustChords prompts for one before opening the panel.

Starting a Session (Leader)

1. Open PlayTogether.
2. Tap New Session under Create Session.
3. Pick the setlist you want to broadcast (use the search bar to filter).
4. JustChords starts advertising the session on the local network using the setlist title and your nickname.
5. Followers will appear under Followers (n) as they connect.

While the session is running:

• Edits to the source setlist (reorder, add or remove songs, change arrangements) are auto-synced to followers.
• Every navigation action (open song, change section, etc.) is broadcast to followers.
• Tap the red ✕ next to a follower to kick them out — they will not auto-reconnect.
• Turn on Sing Along to share lyrics with a web audience (see below).
• Tap Stop session to end broadcasting for everyone.

Joining a Session (Follower)

1. Open PlayTogether.
2. Discovered sessions appear under Available Sessions, each showing the setlist title and the leader's nickname.
3. Tap a session to join. If nothing appears, tap Scan Again.
4. Once connected, the setlist appears in your Library under the PlayTogether section.

While connected:

• Your view follows the leader automatically — opening songs, switching sections, etc.
• When the leader uses Chord Beats Sync, your view also highlights the currently played chord, not just the section.
• You can set your own capo per song; the follower-side capo persists across setlist updates from the leader.
• A status dot shows:
  • Green — Leader online
  • Orange — Leader away or Reconnecting…
• Tap Disconnect to leave the session.

Sing Along

Sing Along lets the Leader share song lyrics with an audience that does not have JustChords. People just open a web page in their browser and follow the lyrics live.

What the audience sees

Lyrics of the current song only – chords are never sent.

The section selected by the Leader is highlighted, similar to lyrics in Apple Music, and follows along as the Leader changes section or song.

Starting Sing Along (Leader)

Start a PlayTogether session as described above.

In the PlayTogether panel, under Leader Mode, turn on Sing Along.

A QR code and a 6-character code appear under Sing Along. Show the QR code to the audience, or let them open live.justchords.app and enter the code.

Turn Sing Along off at any time to stop sharing; it can be switched on and off independently while the session is running.

Requirements

The Leader device needs an internet connection (Sing Along goes through the web, not the local network).

The audience only needs a web browser – no app and no account.

Which section is highlighted follows your section selection – see Gestures → Section selection.

Reconnection & Heartbeats

• Both sides exchange pings every 5 seconds.
• Follower: if no message arrives from the leader for ~12 seconds, the leader is marked away and JustChords starts scanning for the same leader to reconnect automatically.
• Leader: if a follower goes silent for ~60 seconds it is dropped.
• When the app returns from background, the leader rebuilds its Bonjour advertisement and followers send a ping to verify the connection.
• If the leader explicitly kicks you, you are disconnected with a toast and will not auto-reconnect.

Nickname

Set or change your nickname at the bottom of the PlayTogether panel. Your nickname is shown:

• To other devices when you advertise a session (as the leader name).
• To the leader in the followers list.

Tips

• Keep both devices on the same Wi-Fi network for the most reliable discovery; peer-to-peer also works when Wi-Fi is unavailable but range is limited.
• If devices can't see each other, verify Local Network permission and that both devices have a non-empty nickname.
• The leader is the source of truth for the setlist — followers cannot edit songs, but they can adjust personal display settings and capo locally.
• Sing Along works even without any followers connected, so you can use it on its own for a sing-along night.