Preset
a.k.a. a tone / a patch
A preset is one complete saved tone: amps, cabs, effects blocks and snapshots with all their settings. On Line 6, a preset exports as a .hlx file, the single sound you share.
Everything you need to export presets from every Line 6 Helix, HX and POD Go device. Learn exactly how presets, setlists, bundles and HX Edit work, so you can export your tones, back them up, import them, and get every preset ready to share or sell.
Before you export anything, it helps to know how Line 6 organizes your tones. These few ideas cover every Helix, HX and POD Go device, from the HX Stomp to the Helix Floor.
A preset is one complete saved tone: amps, cabs, effects blocks and snapshots with all their settings. On Line 6, a preset exports as a .hlx file, the single sound you share.
A setlist is a bank of presets. Helix devices hold eight setlists, while HX Stomp and HX Effects have a single one. A setlist exports as a .hls file.
A bundle wraps up all eight setlists and every preset inside them as one .hlb file. It is the easy way to move your complete preset library between devices.
The free Mac and Windows librarian app that manages your presets over USB. POD Go uses POD Go Edit.
A preset saves as .hlx, a setlist as .hls, and a full bundle of every setlist as .hlb.
The complete backup file that also stores your IRs and global settings, not just your presets.
Exporting presets from a Line 6 device takes just a few things. Get these ready first and the how to below becomes a two minute job.
Helix Floor, Rack, LT, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL, HX Effects or POD Go. Every model can export presets, the exact route just depends on the unit.
The free librarian app for Mac and Windows, or POD Go Edit for POD Go. Download it only from the official Line 6 site.
A data USB cable to your computer. On Windows, install the Helix driver so the app and your device can talk both ways.
Update the firmware and HX Edit to the newest version, and always back up your presets before you run a firmware update.
Always get HX Edit, POD Go Edit, the Helix driver, firmware and manuals straight from Line 6, never a third party mirror. Back up before every update, and let HX Edit finish before you disconnect the device.
The most reliable route works on every Helix and HX device: HX Edit. It connects over USB and exports your presets, setlists and bundles as files. Here is what it looks like in the app.
Download and install HX Edit from the official Line 6 site. On Windows, install the Helix driver too so the app sees your device.
Connect your device with a USB cable and open HX Edit. The Librarian shows your setlists and presets, live and two way with the hardware.
In the Presets panel, click the preset you want to export. Hold to select several, or pick a whole setlist to back up at once.
Choose File then Export Preset and save to a backup folder. Each preset saves as a .hlx file. You can also just drag presets onto your desktop.
Use Export Setlist for a whole bank as a .hls, or Export Bundle for all eight setlists as a .hlb. For IRs and globals too, use Create Backup.
Bought a preset pack, or restoring a backup? Importing is the same idea in reverse: bring the file into HX Edit, drop it into a slot, and it loads onto your device instantly.
Connect your device over USB and open HX Edit, the same way as when you export.
In the Presets panel, click the preset slot where the new tone should land, so you know exactly what it replaces.
Choose File then Import Preset and pick the .hlx file, or simply drag it from a folder onto the slot. It loads onto your device right away.
Use Import Setlist for a .hls or Import Bundle for a .hlb on Helix devices. Import any IRs in the IRs panel so presets point at the right IR number.
A bundle is not a full backup. Bundle and setlist files carry presets only, not your IRs or global settings. For a complete safety net use Create Backup, which saves a .hxb with everything. Note too that once a preset is saved in a newer HX Edit, it may not open on older firmware, so keep your originals.
Line 6 gives you three ways to keep your tones safe. Pick whichever fits your setup, and always back up before a firmware update.
The complete option. Create Backup saves a .hxb that holds your presets, setlists, IRs and global settings all in one file.
Save your whole preset library as one .hlb bundle. Perfect for moving every setlist to another device or into Helix Native.
Export individual presets as .hlx files, and export your IRs from the IRs panel, to keep the exact tones you care about most.
The export steps above apply across the Helix, HX and POD Go lineup, but each unit has its own routes and quirks. Find your gear below.
Full preset, setlist and bundle support with eight setlists. Export as .hlx, .hls or a complete .hlb bundle.
The same eight setlist workflow as the Floor. Manage and export everything through HX Edit over USB.
Exports presets, setlists and bundles exactly like the Helix Floor, and shares the Studio to Stage plugin support.
These have a single setlist rather than eight. Export presets as .hlx, or export and import that one setlist as a .hls.
Manages presets and its single setlist in HX Edit. Export your effects presets as .hlx files to back up or share.
Use the POD Go Edit app to export presets and setlists, and to import IRs, over USB.
Studio to Stage. Helix Floor, Rack and LT presets and bundles load straight into the Helix Native plugin.
If your unit connects to HX Edit or POD Go Edit over USB, the export steps above apply.
Run Create Backup to a .hxb file before installing new firmware, so your presets, IRs and settings are all safe.
Bundles and setlists carry presets only. To capture your IRs and global settings, use Create Backup instead.
Presets link to an IR by its slot number, not its name. Name your IRs with that number so they always line up.
Once a preset is saved in a newer HX Edit, older firmware may not open it. Keep a copy of your original files.
Quick answers about Line 6 presets, setlists and bundles
A preset is one complete tone that saves as .hlx. A setlist is a bank of presets that saves as .hls. A bundle wraps all eight setlists into one .hlb file.
Presets are .hlx, setlists are .hls, bundles are .hlb and a full backup is .hxb. Impulse responses are .wav or the Line 6 .hir format.
HX Edit for Helix and HX devices, or POD Go Edit for POD Go. Both are free from the official Line 6 site. Windows also needs the Helix driver.
No. Bundle and setlist files carry presets only. To back up your IRs and global settings, use Create Backup, which saves everything in a .hxb file.
No. Exporting presets with HX Edit over USB works fully offline. You only need internet to share on CustomTone or shop the Line 6 Marketplace.
Yes. This is Studio to Stage. Presets, setlists and bundles from Helix Floor, Rack and LT load straight into the Helix Native plugin.
You have exported your Line 6 tones. Turn them into income on Tons of Tones, the world's first marketplace built just for guitarists.
