# Playbacks

A playback controls cue execution, with each playback capable of managing one sequence per cue.

## Playback Components

<figure><img src="/files/EybbzK3S9Lve11fDybPK" alt="Playback Manager Overview"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Playback Manager Key Elements:

1. Playback Number
2. Active Cues
3. Loaded Cues (only one cue loadable at a time)
4. Playback Live Speed Control
5. Go Button
6. Stop Button

## Running a Cue

When you load a cue, the sequences that consist of [movements](/docs/spikemark-6/movements/motor-moves.md), [triggers](/docs/spikemark-6/triggers.md), and [actions](/docs/spikemark-6/actions.md) are loaded into their corresponding playback.

Running a cue involves two steps:

<figure><img src="/files/HkH5vnohM3FdgdZy01Uk" alt="Load and Run Cue Process"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Load the desired cue
2. Press GO on the loaded playback

## Cue Status Colors

Cues are color-coded to indicate their current state:

* Red: Cue is Loaded
* Green: Cue is Running
* Blue: Cue is Complete

{% hint style="info" %}
If the operator is colorblind the cue colors can be changed in File > Spikemark Options > Accessibility
{% endhint %}

## Soft Stop

Soft Stop allows you to stop motion smoothly and safely.

### Soft Stop Options

You can soft stop:

* All machines on a specific playback
* All playbacks from the Cue Control Window

{% hint style="info" %}
Soft Stop provides a controlled, gradual deceleration to prevent abrupt machine stops.
{% endhint %}


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