# Beginners

**URL:** https://discourse.processing.org/c/processing/processing-beginners/14.md

[Latest](https://discourse.processing.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://discourse.processing.org/categories.md) · [Tags](https://discourse.processing.org/tags.md)

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## [About the Processing / Beginners category](https://discourse.processing.org/t/about-the-processing-beginners-category/25)

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**Author:** [@ProcessingOrg](https://discourse.processing.org/u/ProcessingOrg)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [November 21, 2023, 7:02pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/about-the-processing-beginners-category/25 "2023-11-21T19:02:07Z")

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Questions and discussions for people starting out with Processing

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## [Some guidance for beginners](https://discourse.processing.org/t/some-guidance-for-beginners/115)

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**Author:** [@Chrisir](https://discourse.processing.org/u/Chrisir)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [March 28, 2019, 5:02pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/some-guidance-for-beginners/115 "2019-03-28T17:02:02Z")

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I want to give some guidance for beginners. Mostly links to resources. Other members, please feel free to contribute. Thank you! Best, Chrisir :wink: What is programming? Whenever you use a computer, a program …

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## [UI on main Screen / Fullscreen video on the second](https://discourse.processing.org/t/ui-on-main-screen-fullscreen-video-on-the-second/49511)

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**Author:** [@Ugulug](https://discourse.processing.org/u/Ugulug)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [September 28, 2026, 6:57pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/ui-on-main-screen-fullscreen-video-on-the-second/49511 "2026-09-28T18:57:31Z")

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Hi every one, I’m working with processing 4 on windows 10 for years, but i’m stuck, trying to figure out how to get: my main script/UI on the first screen (i oftenly use controlP5), with command (that i’m ok with) launc…

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## [Installing Processing 4.5.6 for Windows - reading licences](https://discourse.processing.org/t/installing-processing-4-5-6-for-windows-reading-licences/49231)

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**Author:** [@jsampson45](https://discourse.processing.org/u/jsampson45)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [September 18, 2026, 3:57pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/installing-processing-4-5-6-for-windows-reading-licences/49231 "2026-09-18T15:57:55Z")

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I see that there are nine licences to read in installng Processing for Windows. Is there an estimate how long it takes to read them?

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## [Screen resolution hdpi confusion](https://discourse.processing.org/t/screen-resolution-hdpi-confusion/30320)

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**Author:** [@fish233](https://discourse.processing.org/u/fish233)\
**Replies:** 10\
**Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 2:35pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/screen-resolution-hdpi-confusion/30320 "2026-09-15T14:35:43Z")

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Hello, semi noob here. I recently switched from a win10 1920x1080 laptop to an m1 MacBook. I made a lot of sketches with size(1080,1080) last year. these displayed nice on the hd screen, but with the MacBook apparently b…

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## [Automatically Close on Exit](https://discourse.processing.org/t/automatically-close-on-exit/49309)

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**Author:** [@IrohaSakayori168](https://discourse.processing.org/u/IrohaSakayori168)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 8:22pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/automatically-close-on-exit/49309 "2026-09-03T20:22:29Z")

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How to close the program on exit? I end up with a dozen windows because I tend to forget to close the window.

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## [Sketchbook Moved But Processing Picksup An Old Version](https://discourse.processing.org/t/sketchbook-moved-but-processing-picksup-an-old-version/49257)

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**Author:** [@fredstout](https://discourse.processing.org/u/fredstout)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [August 28, 2026, 9:22pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/sketchbook-moved-but-processing-picksup-an-old-version/49257 "2026-08-28T21:22:17Z")

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I am moving out of One-Drive and I have moved my processing files including the sketchbook to a new location. When I start processing, I set the new sketchbook path into the preferences position. Processing keeps trying…

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## [Cannot get Processing 4.5.5 to run under Linux Mint](https://discourse.processing.org/t/cannot-get-processing-4-5-5-to-run-under-linux-mint/48986)

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**Author:** [@Missor](https://discourse.processing.org/u/Missor)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [July 11, 2026, 5:20pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/cannot-get-processing-4-5-5-to-run-under-linux-mint/48986 "2026-07-11T17:20:58Z")

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Here are the error messages Exception in thread “Thread-27” java.lang.RuntimeException: Exception while attempting /opt/processing/lib/app/resources/jdk/bin/java -agentlib:jdwp=transport=dt\_socket,address=8695,server=y,…

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## [Contribution Manager won't connect](https://discourse.processing.org/t/contribution-manager-wont-connect/48682)

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**Author:** [@SkylinePulse](https://discourse.processing.org/u/SkylinePulse)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [June 28, 2026, 1:20pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/contribution-manager-wont-connect/48682 "2026-06-28T13:20:47Z")

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Hi, I have installed Processing 4.5.2 on OSX 15.7.3, but I can’t get the Contribution Manager to query any libraries. Modes, Tools, Examples and Updates are all blank too. It looks like it cannot connect to the interne…

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## [Multiple Sketches In One Export](https://discourse.processing.org/t/multiple-sketches-in-one-export/48705)

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**Author:** [@fredstout](https://discourse.processing.org/u/fredstout)\
**Replies:** 20\
**Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 10:16pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/multiple-sketches-in-one-export/48705 "2026-06-19T22:16:40Z")

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I am developing a system containing multiple sketches (currently 4). I want to export them in one package. I believe that I will have to export each individually then put them in one folder. I am thinking that I may need…

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## [Monitor the speed of my Code](https://discourse.processing.org/t/monitor-the-speed-of-my-code/48738)

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**Author:** [@Chrisir](https://discourse.processing.org/u/Chrisir)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [June 6, 2026, 10:46am UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/monitor-the-speed-of-my-code/48738 "2026-06-06T10:46:03Z")

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Hello all, is there an internal variable like width which tells us how many Code Lines were worked through during the last frame? That would help to monitor the efficiency of some parts of the Sketch in a simple way…

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## [VSCode naming conflict issue](https://discourse.processing.org/t/vscode-naming-conflict-issue/48578)

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**Author:** [@metrixgo](https://discourse.processing.org/u/metrixgo)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [May 22, 2026, 1:14am UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/vscode-naming-conflict-issue/48578 "2026-05-22T01:14:34Z")

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So I made a project in processing and I used VSCode processing extension as the editor. In the code I created: abstract class Obstacle{...} class Rectangle extends Obstacle{...} class Beam extends Obstacle{...} class El…

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## [Why are there individual keywords for different multiples of π](https://discourse.processing.org/t/why-are-there-individual-keywords-for-different-multiples-of/48519)

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**Author:** [@FoxtheEpic](https://discourse.processing.org/u/FoxtheEpic)\
**Replies:** 10\
**Last updated:** [May 21, 2026, 6:02pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/why-are-there-individual-keywords-for-different-multiples-of/48519 "2026-05-21T18:02:36Z")

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I don’t understand why there are individual keywords for different multiples of π. Why use TWO\_PI when you can just use 2\*PI? Doesn’t it allow for more compact and readable code? I would love it if someone could explain …

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## [Adding Processing's core.jar to VS Code](https://discourse.processing.org/t/adding-processings-core-jar-to-vs-code/48500)

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**Author:** [@techsupport2544](https://discourse.processing.org/u/techsupport2544)\
**Replies:** 19\
**Last updated:** [May 8, 2026, 11:51am UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/adding-processings-core-jar-to-vs-code/48500 "2026-05-08T11:51:27Z")

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Hello! I’m somewhat new to processing and have only used it in IntelliJ / Eclipse, yet I’m trying to configure it inside VSCode. Adding core.jar into referenced libraries allows the program to be run, yet VSCode complai…

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## [Problems with window format](https://discourse.processing.org/t/problems-with-window-format/48463)

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**Author:** [@Evolvingcoder](https://discourse.processing.org/u/Evolvingcoder)\
**Replies:** 6\
**Last updated:** [May 2, 2026, 9:27am UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/problems-with-window-format/48463 "2026-05-02T09:27:11Z")

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Hi people. I have just started using Processing but already run into problem. I cannot see what is on the left side of the window. It simply seems like my code disappears… Also if I copypaste anything on a new line,…

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## [A void function says "parameter p is not used" and giving a null pointer exception](https://discourse.processing.org/t/a-void-function-says-parameter-p-is-not-used-and-giving-a-null-pointer-exception/48469)

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**Author:** [@Aribobari](https://discourse.processing.org/u/Aribobari)\
**Replies:** 4\
**Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 5:32pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/a-void-function-says-parameter-p-is-not-used-and-giving-a-null-pointer-exception/48469 "2026-04-26T17:32:06Z")

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I am working on a deck loading and shuffling program as a jumping off point to code a playable card game, but the function I am using to get the face of each card is returning a null pointer exception on the first if sta…

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## [Keyboard Entry Seems To Need Mouse Click To Work](https://discourse.processing.org/t/keyboard-entry-seems-to-need-mouse-click-to-work/48454)

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**Author:** [@fredstout](https://discourse.processing.org/u/fredstout)\
**Replies:** 15\
**Last updated:** [April 25, 2026, 2:35pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/keyboard-entry-seems-to-need-mouse-click-to-work/48454 "2026-04-25T14:35:32Z")

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keyPressed() does not seem to work at all until I click the mouse. I think others have had this problem but I am not clear as to what the answer was.

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## [How to get hits for Processing on search engine](https://discourse.processing.org/t/how-to-get-hits-for-processing-on-search-engine/48400)

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**Author:** [@jsampson45](https://discourse.processing.org/u/jsampson45)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [April 7, 2026, 2:16am UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/how-to-get-hits-for-processing-on-search-engine/48400 "2026-04-07T02:16:36Z")

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Hello? If I need to look something up on Google about Processing what is the best search term for getting relevant hits? “Processing” itself won’t do as it is too general.

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## [Can there exist multiple pairs of beginDraw() and endDraw() invoked on the same PGraphics in the same frame?](https://discourse.processing.org/t/can-there-exist-multiple-pairs-of-begindraw-and-enddraw-invoked-on-the-same-pgraphics-in-the-same-frame/48408)

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**Author:** [@A-Bomb](https://discourse.processing.org/u/A-Bomb)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [April 6, 2026, 7:01pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/can-there-exist-multiple-pairs-of-begindraw-and-enddraw-invoked-on-the-same-pgraphics-in-the-same-frame/48408 "2026-04-06T19:01:07Z")

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For example, would the following be legal and produce valid deterministic results: var A = createGraphics(...); var B = createGraphics(...); … // other stuff void draw() { A.beginDraw(); ... // draw shapes and …

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## [Save image from an applet](https://discourse.processing.org/t/save-image-from-an-applet/47737)

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**Author:** [@larry](https://discourse.processing.org/u/larry)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 2:04am UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/save-image-from-an-applet/47737 "2026-01-12T02:04:22Z")

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Can someone please tell me if it is possible to use saveFrame() from a child applet.

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## [External webcam not working on Apple Silicon (M4) Mac Mini](https://discourse.processing.org/t/external-webcam-not-working-on-apple-silicon-m4-mac-mini/47686)

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**Author:** [@Dulce\_Criatura](https://discourse.processing.org/u/Dulce_Criatura)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [January 6, 2026, 2:41pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/external-webcam-not-working-on-apple-silicon-m4-mac-mini/47686 "2026-01-06T14:41:59Z")

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Hi everyone, I’m trying to use an external Logitech webcam (Brio 300) in Processing on a Mac Mini M4 (Apple Silicon). Processing detects the camera (it appears in the device list), but it fails to actually capture vide…

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## [The get() function returns the wrong image size](https://discourse.processing.org/t/the-get-function-returns-the-wrong-image-size/47627)

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**Author:** [@shedMusic](https://discourse.processing.org/u/shedMusic)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [December 17, 2025, 7:40pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/the-get-function-returns-the-wrong-image-size/47627 "2025-12-17T19:40:11Z")

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When using get() to grab the screen, the image grabbed is always half the dimensions of the dimensions requested. Here the image being loaded is 512x512 to fit the canvas but after grabbing using new logo = get(0, 0, 51…

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## [How to export single frame from animation as SVG](https://discourse.processing.org/t/how-to-export-single-frame-from-animation-as-svg/47594)

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**Author:** [@Lutoslawski.xyz](https://discourse.processing.org/u/Lutoslawski.xyz)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [December 6, 2025, 8:46pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/how-to-export-single-frame-from-animation-as-svg/47594 "2025-12-06T20:46:53Z")

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Hi guys! What am I missing…. ? I would like to export either a single frame from animation or the result image after few steps, e.g. when I draw circles using the mouseX. Here is the very basic code: import processin…

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## [Mouseclicked question](https://discourse.processing.org/t/mouseclicked-question/47536)

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**Author:** [@darfurspacengine](https://discourse.processing.org/u/darfurspacengine)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [November 13, 2025, 4:36pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/mouseclicked-question/47536 "2025-11-13T16:36:20Z")

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Is there a way to have the draw function, in that it runs 60 times a second, happen after mouseclick?

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## [Can I install Processing 4.4.4 on local drive?](https://discourse.processing.org/t/can-i-install-processing-4-4-4-on-local-drive/46917)

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**Author:** [@newuser](https://discourse.processing.org/u/newuser)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [October 25, 2025, 9:52pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/can-i-install-processing-4-4-4-on-local-drive/46917 "2025-10-25T21:52:58Z")

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OS: Windows 11 I previously installed Processing 4.4.4 “Typical” and it was installed on \>\> C:\\Users\\newuser\\OneDrive\\Documentsbut that causes problems with launching when my internet is not working, and also takes abou…

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## [What does this error message mean?](https://discourse.processing.org/t/what-does-this-error-message-mean/47370)

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**Author:** [@WillyGrz](https://discourse.processing.org/u/WillyGrz)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [October 15, 2025, 6:25pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/what-does-this-error-message-mean/47370 "2025-10-15T18:25:17Z")

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\< if (projXmove \>= (displayWidth/75)/sqrt(1+(projSlope)(projSlope))) { projXmove = (displayWidth/75)/sqrt(1+(projSlope)(projSlope)); } When I try to run this within my program I get the error message “The operator +…

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## [Movie Maker: Time gap between movie and its audio file](https://discourse.processing.org/t/movie-maker-time-gap-between-movie-and-its-audio-file/46748)

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**Author:** [@Chrisir](https://discourse.processing.org/u/Chrisir)\
**Replies:** 4\
**Last updated:** [October 11, 2025, 1:23am UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/movie-maker-time-gap-between-movie-and-its-audio-file/46748 "2025-10-11T01:23:49Z")

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Hello all, I am using Movie Maker with saveFrame(“frames/####.png”); and inside Movie Maker also an Audio file. I use the Audio file also in the Sketch. I have a huge gap / offset between movie and Audio file. I wou…

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## [Check if file exists or not](https://discourse.processing.org/t/check-if-file-exists-or-not/39317)

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**Author:** [@jensemand](https://discourse.processing.org/u/jensemand)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [October 6, 2025, 2:42pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/check-if-file-exists-or-not/39317 "2025-10-06T14:42:59Z")

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As the title says, I want to check whether a file exists. I am not trying to look at the data folder because I think you just have to use dataFile(). At the moment I just have to see if a specific file is in the sketch …

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## [Background image size error - Apple Silicon?](https://discourse.processing.org/t/background-image-size-error-apple-silicon/47252)

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**Author:** [@AaronQ](https://discourse.processing.org/u/AaronQ)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [September 29, 2025, 9:25pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/background-image-size-error-apple-silicon/47252 "2025-09-29T21:25:08Z")

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Hello. I have recently installed Processing4.4.7 on MacOS15.6.1 running Apple Silicon. I have used other versions of Processing on Mac Intel before. I have confirmed the code below works successfully on Processing4.4.…

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## [Mouse pointer size](https://discourse.processing.org/t/mouse-pointer-size/47128)

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**Author:** [@Barrowman](https://discourse.processing.org/u/Barrowman)\
**Replies:** 6\
**Last updated:** [September 12, 2025, 8:22pm UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/mouse-pointer-size/47128 "2025-09-12T20:22:13Z")

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How do I increase the mouse pointer size in the editor?

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