> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.holoplot.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.holoplot.com/holoplot-plan/auto-gain-and-delay-alignment/setting-up-and-running-alignment.md).
# Setting up & running alignment
### Prerequisites
Before running alignment, ensure the following are in place.
#### Function Groups
Function groups define the relationships between source configurations and are required for the alignment algorithm to operate. Without function groups, the system cannot determine how mains and followers relate to one another.
#### Target Zones
Every beam included in an alignment run must have target zones assigned. If a beam is missing target zones, a warning will appear in the delay downmix matrix and alignment cannot be started until that beam is either assigned target zones or deselected.
How target zones are assigned depends on the beam type:
* Coverage beams — target zones are assigned automatically using the optimisation zones. No additional setup is required.
* Parametric beams, virtual sources, and beams from third-party speakers — target zones must be added manually. Navigate to the beam, open the Alignment tab, and add the relevant target zones there.
***
### Running Alignment
Note: Mute and solo states have no effect on alignment.
1. Open the Delay Downmix Matrix for the preset layer you want to align.
2. Select either the Gain or Delay tab depending on what you want to align.
3. Click Align to open the alignment options.
4. Use the checkboxes to select the beams you want to include in this alignment run.
5. When you are happy with your selection, click Start Alignment.
6. The algorithm will run and the values in the matrix will update automatically.
Values that have been changed by the alignment are highlighted in purple, making it easy to see what was adjusted.
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