> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guide.cronuszen.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guide.cronuszen.com/quick-start-and-downloads/step-1-start-zen-studio-live.md).

# STEP 1: Start Zen Studio Live

## Quick Reference

{% hint style="info" %}
Setting up for the first time? Use the [All-in-One — Easy Setup](/cronus-zen-guide/all-in-one-easy-setup.md) instead — it explains every step.\
This page is a lookup sheet for people who already know the process.
{% endhint %}

***

### <i class="fa-globe">:globe:</i> Software <a href="#software" id="software"></a>

|                       |                                                                                                                             |
| --------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Zen Studio Live**   | [zenstudio.collectivemindsstore.com](https://zenstudio.collectivemindsstore.com/) — runs in the browser, nothing to install |
| **Browser**           | Chrome recommended. Windows®, macOS®, Linux® supported. iOS® is not                                                         |
| **Zen Studio Legacy** | For older Zen firmware — see [Downloads](/quick-start-and-downloads/downloads.md)                                           |

***

### <i class="fa-plug">:plug:</i> Ports and cables <a href="#ports" id="ports"></a>

The Zen has two USB-C ports. They are not interchangeable.

| Port         | Used for                                              |
| ------------ | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| **PROG USB** | Connecting the Zen to your computer (Zen Studio Live) |
| **Top port** | Firmware updates, while holding the blue button       |

{% hint style="warning" %}
The cable must be a **data cable**, not charge-only.\
On a charge-only cable the Zen lights up but stays invisible to your computer.

**Quick test:** connect your phone to your computer with it. If the phone's files show up, it's a data cable.
{% endhint %}

***

### <i class="fa-arrows-rotate">:arrows-rotate:</i> Connecting <a href="#connecting" id="connecting"></a>

| Goal                | What to do                                                                                           | Pick from the list |
| ------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------ |
| **Normal use**      | Plug into **PROG USB**, click **Connect Device**                                                     | `Cronus Bridge`    |
| **Firmware update** | Unplug everything, hold the blue button on the back, plug into the **top port** while still holding. | `Cronus Zen`       |

The order matters for the firmware mode: hold the button first, then plug in.

{% hint style="danger" %}
Never interrupt a firmware update. Unplugging the cable or closing the page part-way through can leave the Zen with half-written firmware.
{% endhint %}

***

### <i class="fa-circle-info">:circle-info:</i> Where to find things <a href="#where" id="where"></a>

|                     |                                                                 |
| ------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Serial number**   | Bottom-left corner of Zen Studio Live, once the Zen is detected |
| **Update Firmware** | Bottom-left corner of Zen Studio Live                           |

***

### <i class="fa-triangle-exclamation">:triangle-exclamation:</i> If something is wrong <a href="#troubleshooting" id="troubleshooting"></a>

| Symptom                                       | Most likely cause                              |
| --------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Device not detected at all                    | Charge-only cable                              |
| `Cronus Bridge` missing from the list         | Charge-only cable, or the Zen needs replugging |
| `Cronus Zen` missing during a firmware update | Blue button was not held before plugging in    |
| "Device Not Connected" in the status bar      | Faulty USB cable                               |

***

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="image">Cover image</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>All-in-One — Easy Setup</strong></td><td>The full walkthrough, from the box to playing.</td><td><a href="/pages/SR9IB70UTNawzIjmGVPI">/pages/SR9IB70UTNawzIjmGVPI</a></td><td><a href="/files/NayZn9iDiJGF04Y4qFvD">/files/NayZn9iDiJGF04Y4qFvD</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="/files/ICClURipgJNIrEwppuSY">/files/ICClURipgJNIrEwppuSY</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


---

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