Modifying Helmut4 Client Environment Parameters

Java parameters applied to the Helmut4 client. These parameters are automatically loaded and applied to the application or process every time the desktop client is started on macOS or Windows.

Location of the Configuration File

The configuration file, Helmut4.json, is located at the following paths:

  • macOS: /Applications/Helmut4.app/Contents/Resources/Helmut4.json

  • Windows: C:\Program Files\MoovIT GmbH\Helmut4\Helmut4.json

Default Parameters

By default, the following parameters are included in the vmArgs array. These parameters optimize the application's performance and memory management. However, they can be customized to meet specific needs, such as working with extremely large Adobe Premiere Pro projects:

"vmArgs": [
  "-Xms1g",
  "-Xmx5g",
  "-XX:+UseG1GC",
  "-XX:MaxGCPauseMillis=200",
  "-XX:InitiatingHeapOccupancyPercent=35",
  "-XX:+UnlockDiagnosticVMOptions",
  "-XX:+DisableExplicitGC",
  "-XX:ParallelGCThreads=4",
  "-XX:CICompilerCount=2"
]

Parameter Explanation

  • -Xms1g: Sets the initial heap size to 1GB.

  • -Xmx5g: Sets the maximum heap size to 5GB.

  • -XX:+UseG1GC: Enables the Garbage-First (G1) garbage collector for efficient memory management.

  • -XX:MaxGCPauseMillis=200: Specifies a target for maximum garbage collection pauses (200 milliseconds).

  • -XX:InitiatingHeapOccupancyPercent=35: Defines the threshold for initiating garbage collection based on heap occupancy (35%).

  • -XX:+UnlockDiagnosticVMOptions: Enables advanced VM options for diagnostics.

  • -XX:+DisableExplicitGC: Disables explicit garbage collection calls.

  • -XX:ParallelGCThreads=4: Sets the number of threads used for parallel garbage collection to 4.

  • -XX:CICompilerCount=2: Specifies the number of compiler threads.

Recommendations for Customization

  • Large Projects: For handling extremely large Premiere Pro projects, consider increasing the -Xmx value to allocate more maximum heap memory. For instance, -Xmx8g for 8GB.

  • System-Specific Adjustments: Adjust -XX:ParallelGCThreads to match the number of processor cores on your machine for improved performance.

  • Test Before Deployment: Ensure any changes to these parameters are tested thoroughly to prevent unexpected application behavior.

Additional Remarks

  • Backup Before Editing: Always create a backup of the original Helmut4.json file before making any modifications.

  • Permission Requirements: Administrator privileges may be required to edit and save changes to the JSON file.

  • Documentation: Refer to the Java Virtual Machine Options documentation for further details about the parameters.

By properly customizing these settings, you can optimize the Helmut4 client for specific workflows and hardware configurations.

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