# Butterfly Bench with Edge Lit Acrylic

## Overview

https://youtu.be/Z4YXlvCYCV8

Build a bench for your backyard or your festival theme camp that shows your logo or camp mascot in glowing rainbow colors.&nbsp;

[Playa Tech](http://playatech.com/) is a system of furniture plans designed by Sunshine Zwern.&nbsp; Create benches, tables and chairs from a single sheet of plywood using common wood shop tools. The furniture packs flat, then slots together in minutes, allowing you to bring an entire living room set for your festival camp in the back of your Subaru. This system is rapidly gaining popularity with the Burning Man crowd, and I've seen it being used at festivals nationwide.

Our camp decided to get a bit fancy this year and worked together to create this Playa Tech Butterfly Bench. The butterfly is cut with a handheld CNC router from a sheet of 3/4" plywood, and then back-lit with edge-lit 1/4" acrylic, [30/m NeoPixels](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2536) and running WLED software powered by a [Sparkle Motion board](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6100). It's a lovely addition to our camp setup, and makes an absolutely lovely "selfie spot" in any garden.

The LED build is pretty easy on this project. The challenge is in the woodworking. But, who doesn't love a good woodworking challenge?&nbsp;

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/769/medium800/adafruit_products_IMG_0725.jpeg?1747094055)

## Parts
Featured
### Adafruit Sparkle Motion - All-In-One WLED and xLights Board

[Adafruit Sparkle Motion - All-In-One WLED and xLights Board](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6100)
The&nbsp; **Adafruit Sparkle Motion&nbsp;** is the flagship in&nbsp;our&nbsp;series of "Sparkle Motion" boards, that are our attempt to make the&nbsp;best small&nbsp;WLED-friendly smart LED driving board in the whole world. Our resident mermaid,&nbsp;<a...></a...>

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6100)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6100/guides)
![Angled shot of rectangular LED driver PCB with green terminal blocks.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/6100-07.jpg)

Featured
### Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 30 LED 3m

[Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 30 LED 3m](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2536)
You thought it couldn't get better than [our world-famous 32-LED-per-meter Digital LED strip](http://adafruit.com/products/306) but we will prove you wrong! These NeoPixel strips have 30 digitally-addressable pixel LEDs per meter and are very affordable and are only 12.5 mm...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2536)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2536/guides)
![Powered on LED strip on a reel, emitting colored lights.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2536-00.jpg)

### 3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set

quantity: 3
[3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663)
These 3-wire cables are 163mm (6.4") long and come as a set. One cable has a JST SM type connector plug on the end. The other cable has a matching JST SM type receptacle connector. They are good for whenever you have 3 wires you want to be able to plug and unplug. We like the solid and...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1663/guides)
![Angled shot of 2 3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1663-00.jpg)

## Powering

Use any 5v USB power supply with at least 2A to power this bench. If you plan to leave it outdoors you can look around for an outdoor rated supply, or just build an enclosure for your power supply and plug it into an outdoor extension cord. The Sparkle Motion board can be powered through the USB C port or through the 2.1mm jack so either type of supply will work.

Featured
### Wall Power Supply with USB C - 5V 4A Output and Switch

[Wall Power Supply with USB C - 5V 4A Output and Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5803)
We love the Raspberry Pi 4 and 5, with their fancy new USB Type C power connectors. Now we have an even better power supply that can be used with either a Pi 4 or even a Pi 5 with 5V output and **4 Amps** of current to handle builds with accessories and displays.&nbsp;This flat...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5803)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5803/guides)
![5V 4A Switching Power Supply with USB C](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/5803-02.jpg)

If you're camping you can use a [USB Battery Pack](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07CZDXDG8/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=93d6eedb625e0522cd2330c1b5d731d3&hsa_cr_id=0&qid=1747071156&sr=1-2-9e67e56a-6f64-441f-a281-df67fc737124&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_lsi4d_asin_1_img&pd_rd_w=24gOT&content-id=amzn1.sym.8591358d-1345-4efd-9d50-5bd4e69cd942%3Aamzn1.sym.8591358d-1345-4efd-9d50-5bd4e69cd942&pf_rd_p=8591358d-1345-4efd-9d50-5bd4e69cd942&pf_rd_r=53NT09D5CG43M7GRDDFH&pd_rd_wg=DaOEN&pd_rd_r=0271ecf8-90ff-4eaa-a9a8-348475c0c421&th=1) to power the bench for several hours. There are only around 120 lights in this bench so your battery will last all night!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/759/medium640/adafruit_products_battery_pack.jpg?1747071423)

If you plan to use the bench indoors or mostly on sunny days, the Adafruit snap-fit enclosure is an easy solution. Or use the waterproof enclosure if you plan to leave the bench outdoors in the rain.

### Snap-on Enclosure for Adafruit Sparkle Motion

[Snap-on Enclosure for Adafruit Sparkle Motion](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6301)
Here is a cute and minimal enclosure for your **Adafruit Sparkle Motion** board.&nbsp;to keep it safe during use and transport. This case has been custom-designed and 3D printed to accommodate all the...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6301)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6301/guides)
![Angled shot of LED driver board in half-assembled enclosure.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/6301-03.jpg)

### Flanged Weatherproof Enclosure With PG-7 Cable Glands

[Flanged Weatherproof Enclosure With PG-7 Cable Glands](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3931)
Whether you're raiding tombs or traversing nuclear fallout wastelands, this is the most heavy-duty enclosure for your project! Weatherproof? Check. Tough&nbsp;polycarbonate cover? Check. Built-in gasket seal? Oh yeah, check.

Store your project safe and sound in this **Flanged...**

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3931)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3931/guides)
![Angled shot of off-white, rectangle-shaped, flanged enclosure.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3931-00.jpg)

## Bench Materials List

- 1 sheet of 3/4" to 1" plywood
- 8-10' of 2x4s&nbsp;
- Additional scrap wood for strengthening & support
- 1 Qt Black Outdoor house paint
- 1 Qt White Primer paint
- 2 oz Acrylic paint for the orange spots
- 1 Qt Outdoor polyurethane sealer
- 2 sheets of 1/4" acrylic -- mine was around 3'x4'
- Clear packing tape
- Clear 1/2" heat shrink

## Tools List

- Table Saw
- Miter / chop saw
- Band saw
- [Handheld CNC Router](https://www.amazon.com/Shaper-Origin-Handheld-CNC-Router/dp/B0BVY6S4LK/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=L1CoS&content-id=amzn1.sym.255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e%3Aamzn1.symc.a68f4ca3-28dc-4388-a2cf-24672c480d8f&pf_rd_p=255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e&pf_rd_r=T46C1NTW0X2P5P75G2M3&pd_rd_wg=IA3gm&pd_rd_r=fe9f5e72-01fb-4055-a3ab-d867df7862bd&ref_=pd_hp_d_atf_ci_mcx_mr_ca_hp_atf_d) : this is owned by my local MakerSpace
- Soldering iron & accessories
- Handheld router&nbsp;
- Projector for tracing our design
- Rotary Sander
- Sandpaper&nbsp;
- Painting supplies (roller, various sized brushes)
- Hot glue gun

# Butterfly Bench with Edge Lit Acrylic

## Design your Bench

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/776/medium800/adafruit_products_bench_raw.jpeg?1747098695)

Head to [Playatech.com](https://playatech.com/) and choose your favorite design. I started with the [Playa Love Seat](https://playatech.com/downloads/playa-love-seat/). Plans for any of the furniture can be downloaded for $5. Proceeds go straight to the Black Rock Arts Foundation, helping artists from around the world get funding for their artwork. Snazzy!

You'll get an email with a .PDF blueprint of your bench or chair. I made this one from 3/4" plywood and it's still just a bit rickety, so I'd recommend going with at least 3/4" or possibly 1", though the plans specify 1/2".

&nbsp;If you chose the Love Seat, you'll have two side supports, a back support and a seat, and a couple of support pieces for underneath.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/770/medium800/adafruit_products_playatech.jpg?1747095154)

I used an .svg file of a monarch butterfly for the design. I like the butterfly shape because it makes a great selfie bench: the size works out so that it really looks like someone sitting in the center of the bench has grown glowing butterfly wings. A dragonfly design might work well, or a logo or camp mascot. Just be sure your design doesn't have any "floating" pieces that will be disconnected when they're cut out.&nbsp;

Also, removing a whole lot of the plywood material definitely compromises the integrity of the bench. I'd planned to cut the outer butterfly shape as well, but ended up leaving the edges intact for strength.&nbsp;

Remember, people will be leaning back on the cut-out section so be sure your design doesn't have too many thin, breakable areas.&nbsp;

This svg file has cutouts between the top and bottom wings. I cut this on one side but then realized that it really compromised the strength of the bench to have the top wing "floating" and just connected by a few tiny spars to the body. I ended up patching & filling the cut and leaving both the top and bottom wings as one piece.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/777/medium800/adafruit_products_butterfly_svg_img.jpg?1747098897)

[butterfly_bench.svg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/775/original/butterfly_bench.svg?1747098444)
Next, I went to Midjourney and imagined some designs. I absolutely loved the classy black and orange color scheme and simplicity of the Midjourney imaginings. I ended up taking a lot of inspiration from the overall feel, but also made a lot of changes and really made the design my own.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/772/medium800/adafruit_products__Midjourney_Bot_-_Discord.jpg?1747098236)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/774/medium800/adafruit_products_corner_unlit.jpeg?1747098405)

Now to think for a minute about microcontroller placement and data flow.

A large part of a butterfly's beauty is in its symmetry. I decided to use two LED strips, one for each wing, both connected to the same pin on the Sparkle Motion. This means both strips are receiving the same data from the controller, so they will always be mirror images of each other, without needing to do any software setup. Since they're both receiving the exact same data, I can treat them as though they are one strip. I wrapped them around the wings in a mirror configuration -- one to the left and one to the right -- so whatever animation I run will be perfectly mirrored, without having to mess around with segments or mirroring in the software.

This means I can't run an animation that circumnavigates the entire design, i.e. I can't run a rainbow that goes in a circle around the whole butterfly. Using two different pins on the Sparkle Motion could give me this power, but I opted for ease of use and consistent symmetry.

Choose the LED layout that works best with your design.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/797/medium640/adafruit_products_proud_dataflow.jpg?1747163212)

# Butterfly Bench with Edge Lit Acrylic

## Software Setup

The project uses the free, open-source WLED software to power these LEDs. The Sparkle Motion board is designed with WLED in mind, so they work really well together.

### Why WLED?&nbsp;

WLED is an incredibly cool app that uses WiFi to communicate with your LEDs and gives you a whole lot of control right away. You don't need to mess around with coding (though this board can run CircuitPython or Arduino too, if that's your jam!). You get a user-friendly smartphone or desktop app with presets, effects, color palettes and scripting ability that can be set up in just minutes.&nbsp;

### WLED Setup

Head to the [Sparkle Motion tutorial](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion/wled-setup) for detailed instructions on how to get WLED running on your controller. You'll need to:

1. Install a driver&nbsp;
2. Install the software at [http://install.wled.me](http://install.wled.me)
3. Enter your wifi credentials and name your controller&nbsp;
4. Configure the software to tell it you're using pin 19, and to set the number of LEDs in your strip
5. Set the Automatic Brightness Limiter to an appropriate number for your power supply (for most 2-3 amp supplies this can be set to 2500)

After that you can begin making presets and watching the pretty lights respond instantly to your whim!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/802/medium800/adafruit_products_wled_install03.jpg?1747164698)

# Butterfly Bench with Edge Lit Acrylic

## Electronics Assembly

Grab your male JST connector and insert it into the leftmost 3 slots on the Sparkle Motion's screw terminal: -, 19, and +.

For more detailed help with this part check out the [Sparkle Motion guide here](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion?view=all#connecting-leds).

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/792/medium640/adafruit_products_electronics_sparklemotion.jpeg?1747162569)

Put a piece of clear heat shrink over the beginning of the LED strip.&nbsp;

Take your female connector and solder it to the first LED in your strip. Be sure you're soldering to the IN end (the arrows on the strip are pointing away from your connector, not toward). Match the connector wires so + goes to +5v, DI goes to 19, and - goes to G.

If you've got your software loaded and configured, plug the strip in to the controller and your lights should come on. Always test before you seal up the light strip to be sure you've got it right.

Once you've confirmed that the lights work, squirt a little hot glue into the connection and shrink the heat shink, waterproofing the strip and making sure the wires will never pull off.

If you need help with soldering LEDs check out this guide: [How to Solder NeoPixels](https://learn.adafruit.com/make-it-glow-how-to-solder-neopixels-a-beginners-guide)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/793/medium640/adafruit_products_electronics_heatshrink.jpeg?1747162713)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/794/medium640/adafruit_products_electronics_sealed.jpeg?1747162932)

With my LED layout design, I have two LED strips that are connected to the same pin on the controller, so they act as though they are one strip. I made myself a splitter by soldering two male connectors to a single female connector and plugging it in to the controller.

You could also just shove the wires from the two connectors into the Sparkle Motion's screw terminal, but I felt that might not be quite as reliable with all the traveling this bench does. I took a few minutes to do the extra soldering work and found myself glad I did.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/799/medium640/adafruit_products_electronics_splitter.jpeg?1747163599)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/801/medium800/adafruit_products_eletronics_finished.jpeg?1747163844)

I used the snap-fit case for the Sparkle Motion to secure everything. I didn't cut my LED strips to length just yet. Once the acrylic is cut and fitted, we'll wrap the LED strips around and cut them to the perfect length at that point.&nbsp;

In case you need help estimating length: mine ended up with 68 pixels on each strip at 30 pixels per meter.

# Butterfly Bench with Edge Lit Acrylic

## Bench Build

https://youtube.com/shorts/Eq-Lt-0OivM?feature=share

Follow your Playa Tech plans and cut all the bench pieces out. We used a table saw, a circular saw, and a band saw.

The most difficult part of this project was cutting the butterfly shape out from the back of the bench. Our team used a [Shaper Origin hand-held CNC router](https://www.amazon.com/Shaper-Origin-Handheld-CNC-Router/dp/B0BVY6S4LK/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=KFKwO&content-id=amzn1.sym.a602a706-e4fe-481e-98c3-9b75060fd322%3Aamzn1.symc.abfa8731-fff2-4177-9d31-bf48857c2263&pf_rd_p=a602a706-e4fe-481e-98c3-9b75060fd322&pf_rd_r=D3VYXEFT852077MKR13R&pd_rd_wg=rXEka&pd_rd_r=a79560c8-1856-450b-bed7-ca4c2e7b5ead&ref_=pd_hp_d_btf_ci_mcx_mr_ca_id_hp_d), a very nifty tool which is owned by our local makerspace. This tool uses registration stickers on the plywood to "know" its place in space on the project and cut out an svg file.&nbsp;

A standard CNC router could work here too, but you'll need a bed size of at least 4x4.&nbsp;

You could also use a handheld jigsaw and drill, if you have a lot of patience.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/778/medium800/adafruit_products_router_val.jpeg?1747099635)

Next, I used a small palm router with a roundover bit to round over the edges of all the holes. I also ran it along the edges of the plywood to smooth everything out and make it feel finished.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/788/medium640/adafruit_products_palm_router.jpeg?1747161446)

I realized that some of the spars were very thin -- some had broken already in the transport process and others looked sure to snap as soon as someone sat back on the bench. I fixed them by adding "splints" from thin pieces of wood cut to size on the table saw. I sanded it as flat as possible, then filled in any holes with wood filler and let it dry. The next day, I took a hand sander and palm router and sculpted the spars into something that looked pretty and intentional.&nbsp;

It all worked out pretty well except for the side cut between the two wings made on one side (before deciding that would compromise the integrity). I tried to patch that up as best I could with splints and glue and filler, and it looks pretty good, but the seam didn't survive the festival.&nbsp;

Pro tip: don't cut the wings apart.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/789/medium640/adafruit_products_wood_filler.jpg?1747161627)

The bench still felt pretty flimsy -- I definitely recommend using thicker plywood if you can. This used 2x4s from a scrap pile to reinforce the edges of the back seat, and to make the whole thing a little sturdier.&nbsp;

Get the LED acrylic in place before reinforcing the back, if your design goes close to the edge of your bench. I had to remove and replace the 2x4s a couple times and make some rabbit cuts, and futz until it was right.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/790/medium640/adafruit_products_reinforce.jpeg?1747161922)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/791/medium800/adafruit_products_bench_mom.jpeg?1747162122)

Use a rotary sander to get everything sanded down as nicely as possible and give the bench a test assembly.&nbsp;

# Butterfly Bench with Edge Lit Acrylic

## Edge-Lit Acrylic Assembly

My acrylic sheet is 1/4" thick. You can find this at your local Tap Plastics or order it online in the size you need.&nbsp;

Use a rotary sander to sand both sides of your acrylic until it's translucent and fuzzy. The scratches from the sander are what catch the light so sand it thoroughly.

Trace out your design leaving around 1/2 to 3/4" of overlap. You want the lights to get close to the holes but NOT be actually visible through the holes.&nbsp;

I used a separate piece for each wing. This kept me from having to buy and manage a GIANT piece of acrylic, and also meant I could run lights down the middle.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/803/medium640/adafruit_products_acrylic_layout_%281%29.jpeg?1747164768)

Cut the acrylic to shape. I used a bandsaw for this step. A laser cutter would work well too if you've got that available.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/804/medium640/adafruit_products_acrylic_cut.jpeg?1747165032)

Now you can measure out your LED strip and attach it to the acrylic. Not much sticks to these silicone sleeves, but clear packing tape will! It sticks nicely to the acrylic too and is surprisingly strong and long-lasting and totally invisible from just a few feet away.

Face the lights inwards and center them along the edge, remembering to lay them out the way you'd envisioned in your design. Mine go up the center then around the outside edges and back down. Tape them into place.

Cut your strip at the end and seal it up with the heat-shrink-and-hot-glue trick.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/805/medium640/adafruit_products_tape_1.jpeg?1747165161)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/806/medium640/adafruit_products_tape_2.jpeg?1747165176)

Test your lights to be sure they're still working. Now it's time for the exciting part: mounting the acrylic pieces on the back of the bench.

I used L-shaped wooden brackets to hold the acrylic in place. I left the top edge open so the acrylic pieces can be removed and serviced in case of breakage (or to keep them clean in winter weather). This took a little bit of patience but the mounts feel very solid and also protect the acrylic from damage.&nbsp;

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/807/medium640/adafruit_products_mounting.jpeg?1747165513)

Having the LEDs so close to the edges of the butterfly gives an illusion that the outer dots on the wings are brighter, looking almost white in photographs. The colors blend incredibly well and the whole design looks complicated and .. well, it looks \*expensive\*. It looks so good that I was sad we started with a plywood bench!&nbsp;

But, that just inspired me to decorate the bench and make it as classy as possible.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/808/medium800/adafruit_products_rainbowbutterfly.jpeg?1747165648)

# Butterfly Bench with Edge Lit Acrylic

## Finishing the Bench

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/810/medium800/adafruit_products_decorate_sammy.jpeg?1747166014)

I used black outdoor house paint from Home Depot, with a layer of white primer paint beneath. The orange paint was acrylic paint I had lying around the shop.

I wanted the orange spots to really pop, so I started by coating both side pieces with white primer paint. I didn't bother with the primer for the sections that were just black.

I used a projector with the svg file to trace the wing design onto the sides of the benches. This method worked well since I was able to lay out the design and scale and rotate it until it looked perfect before doing any painting.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/811/medium640/adafruit_products_projector.jpeg?1747166330)

Paint in the orange areas and carefully trace around with the black. I ended up doing two coats of orange and three of black, to cover up all the white primer. This was a bit time consuming but VERY satisfying.&nbsp;

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/813/medium640/adafruit_products_decorate_wings.jpeg?1747166558)

For the back of the bench, I painted the inside of the holes in orange or white, then used a paint roller with black paint, and rolled gently over the top surface. I think this turned out great, and gives the monarch butterfly vibe during the daytime when the lights are off.

I painted the seat and supports black as well. This might become a problem in the California sun this summer -- I will likely need cushions so people don't burn themselves on the hot black bench!

I finished up with 3 coats of polyurethane (it took almost a quart) on all pieces to seal it up and make it shiny.&nbsp;

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/815/medium640/adafruit_products_decorate_back.jpeg?1747166793)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/816/medium800/adafruit_products_corner_view_%281%29.jpeg?1747166963)

# Butterfly Bench with Edge Lit Acrylic

## Animations

Creating animations with WLED is fun and easy. I made about a dozen animations and named them after different butterflies: I have a "monarch" animation that's just a solid orange, a "blue morpho" animation, a "painted lady" and a few others, including the obligatory "rainbow-with-glitter".&nbsp;

Choose a color palette and an effect and then mess around with the speed sliders until you've got something that looks beautiful and relaxing. I used the "flow" effect a lot with different color palettes for this project.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/818/medium800/adafruit_products_wled.jpg?1747168757)

Save your presets into a playlist, then check the "Apply at Boot" checkbox. This will make your playlist start up automatically when the bench is powered up.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/819/medium640/adafruit_products_bench_playlist.jpg?1747168836)

It's a good idea to back up your presets once you're happy with them, in case the board needs a re-install for any reason. Go to config \> Security & Updates to find the backup screen.

You can also share presets between devices using this method. Upload the .json file below to load all my presets, if you're feeling lazy. You may need to change the number of LEDs in the strip (look near the top of the .json code for the STOP number 68) but this is a quick way to copy your work from one project to another.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/820/medium640/adafruit_products_backup.jpg?1747168860)

[wled_presets_bench.json](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/821/original/wled_presets_bench.json?1747168992)

## Guide Products

### Adafruit Sparkle Motion - All-In-One WLED and xLights Board

[Adafruit Sparkle Motion - All-In-One WLED and xLights Board](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6100)
The&nbsp; **Adafruit Sparkle Motion&nbsp;** is the flagship in&nbsp;our&nbsp;series of "Sparkle Motion" boards, that are our attempt to make the&nbsp;best small&nbsp;WLED-friendly smart LED driving board in the whole world. Our resident mermaid,&nbsp;<a...></a...>

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6100)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6100/guides)
### Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 30 LED 3m

[Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 30 LED 3m](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2536)
You thought it couldn't get better than [our world-famous 32-LED-per-meter Digital LED strip](http://adafruit.com/products/306) but we will prove you wrong! These NeoPixel strips have 30 digitally-addressable pixel LEDs per meter and are very affordable and are only 12.5 mm...

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2536/guides)
### 3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set

[3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663)
These 3-wire cables are 163mm (6.4") long and come as a set. One cable has a JST SM type connector plug on the end. The other cable has a matching JST SM type receptacle connector. They are good for whenever you have 3 wires you want to be able to plug and unplug. We like the solid and...

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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1663/guides)
### Wall Power Supply with USB C - 5V 4A Output and Switch

[Wall Power Supply with USB C - 5V 4A Output and Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5803)
We love the Raspberry Pi 4 and 5, with their fancy new USB Type C power connectors. Now we have an even better power supply that can be used with either a Pi 4 or even a Pi 5 with 5V output and **4 Amps** of current to handle builds with accessories and displays.&nbsp;This flat...

Out of Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5803/guides)
### Snap-on Enclosure for Adafruit Sparkle Motion

[Snap-on Enclosure for Adafruit Sparkle Motion](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6301)
Here is a cute and minimal enclosure for your **Adafruit Sparkle Motion** board.&nbsp;to keep it safe during use and transport. This case has been custom-designed and 3D printed to accommodate all the...

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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6301/guides)
### Flanged Weatherproof Enclosure With PG-7 Cable Glands

[Flanged Weatherproof Enclosure With PG-7 Cable Glands](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3931)
Whether you're raiding tombs or traversing nuclear fallout wastelands, this is the most heavy-duty enclosure for your project! Weatherproof? Check. Tough&nbsp;polycarbonate cover? Check. Built-in gasket seal? Oh yeah, check.

Store your project safe and sound in this **Flanged...**

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3931/guides)

## Related Guides

- [Adafruit Sparkle Motion](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion.md)
- [Light Up Paper Dragon Wall Sconce](https://learn.adafruit.com/light-up-paper-dragon-wall-sconce.md)
- [NeoPixel Light Slate](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-light-slate.md)
- [Bendable Sound Reactive Lamp with WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/bendable-sound-reactive-lamp-with-wled.md)
- [Cases for Sparkle Motion](https://learn.adafruit.com/cases-for-sparkle-motion.md)
- [Water Drip Dress with Oozemaster 3000](https://learn.adafruit.com/water-drip-dress-with-oozemaster-3000.md)
- [IoT Moon Phase Guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/moon-phase.md)
- [xLights for Sparkle Motion Board](https://learn.adafruit.com/xlights-for-sparkle-motion-board.md)
- [Glow Up Your Festival Coat with WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/glow-up-your-festival-coat-with-wled.md)
- [NeoPixel Aquarium with Submersible Lights](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-aquarium-with-submersible-lights.md)
- [Polka Dot Electro-Swing Dress with NeoPixels](https://learn.adafruit.com/polka-dot-dress-with-neopixels.md)
- [IoT Air Quality Sensor with Adafruit IO](https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-air-quality-monitor.md)
- [StarFlower NeoPixel Strand with MakeCode](https://learn.adafruit.com/starflower-neopixel-strand.md)
- [16x16 NeoPixel Matrix Square Pixel Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/16x16-neopixel-matrix-square-pixel-display.md)
- [Glowing Interactive Crystal Staff ](https://learn.adafruit.com/glowing-interactive-crystal-staff.md)
- [Light Up Bubble Wand with WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/light-up-bubble-wand-with-wled.md)
