If you’ve recently received your Nanoleaf Lines, Shapes, Canvas and Elements Smarter Kit or Expansion Pack, and want to make sure you have all the information before setting up Nanoleaf’s light panels then you’ve come to the right place!

To make your life easier, we’re going to share 6 tips that will help you set up any of Nanoleaf’s light panels (because it can’t hurt to be prepared).

The first thing you should do when opening your lovely box of panels is test out your panels. Even if you haven’t chosen your design just yet, connect all the panels using one Linker per panel, and attach the power supply unit (PSU) to one panel. Once plugged into an outlet, all of the panels should turn on, bringing you one step closer to setting up your awesome display! For larger designs try our PSU Calculator to make sure you have enough power to power your beautiful lighting display.

All of the Nanoleaf panels can be controlled via the Controller which comes in the box. This will allow you to do basic things like turning the panels on, changing to the next lighting Scene, adjusting the brightness, and turning the Rhythm Music Visualizer on. However, for more customizations, it’s a great idea to download the Nanoleaf App. Here, you can find the Layout Assistant (which you’ll learn more about in the next tip), but you can also create your own custom Scenes, download new Scenes from the Nanoleaf community, schedule your lights to turn on at a certain time, and more.

Whether you are an Android or iOS user, to pair your panels to the app your panels will need to be turned on and you will need to be connected to Wi-Fi. Then pairing is quick and easy. In the Nanoleaf App, click the “More” option (signified by the 3 dots in the right corner), next select “My Devices/Devices”, click the “+” to add a device, and just follow the prompts to complete the pairing process. The most simple way to pair is through NFC by tapping your phone to the Controller. There’s also a QR code on PSU or Controller; you’ll need to see these numbers or be able to scan the code. It may be trickier to reach this code after panels are mounted, this is why we suggest paring after testing. Once you’ve completed all the steps, you can enjoy full customization of your Nanoleaf light panels!

Next, plan how you would like the panels to be laid out. Check out these design ideas for different ways you can set up your panel layout. For complex designs, there are Flex Linkers for Shapes and Elements and different ones for Canvas are an option that can be purchased at the Nanoleaf Shop. Flex Linkers are longer than standard Rigid Linkers and bend up to 360 degrees making them ideal for more complex designs that require space between panels or bends around corners. Try different layouts on your wall to see what looks best using our Augmented Reality feature in the Layout Assistant in the Nanoleaf App—visualize how your design will look by simply arranging the shapes on your smartphone!

For the best possible experience, it’s important to prepare your surface for your new panels (a simple but important tip). All of Nanoleaf’s panels are recommended for indoor use only, however, there can be a build-up of dirt, dust, and oil on your walls even indoors…despite not always being immediately visible. So with a cloth and a bit of water, give your desired surface a quick wipe down to clear the area of dust and oil. Afterward, wait for the wall to dry, eliminating all moisture as well. This will ensure proper adhesion and longevity for your panel display!

Nanoleaf Elements comes with the Mounting Tape already attached to the Mounting Plate on the back. So this is more for if you have Nanoleaf Shapes or Canvas and the Mounting Tape is not already placed on the back. Properly placing the Mounting Tape helps ensure you can painlessly remove your panels from the wall if you choose to do so. You will notice a Mounting Plate on the back of each panel; this is where you will stick the adhesive. Place the adhesive so the edge hangs off the Mounting Plate slightly (enough to pull in case you wish to dismount your panels). Refer to Figure 1 for how it should look on Shapes and Figure 2 for how it should look on Canvas.

When dismounting panels, pull the tape away from the Mounting Plate ALONG the wall. Do not pull upwards or away from the wall to avoid damaging the surface.

If you’re going for a more complex design, there’s a Screw Mount option for Nanoleaf Shapes, Canvas, and Elements. This is the recommended installation method for angled or texture surfaces, along with ceilings and larger (heavier) layouts.

Shapes and Elements have the same Mounting Plate which comes pre-attached to the back of the panels prepped with 2 holes for screws. In addition, you’ll need screws and anchors (for drywall or plaster). The Mounting Plate simply snaps off of the back of the panel. Screw the Mounting Plate to your surface, and then snap the light panel back into place.

The process for Canvas is similar, but you will need a Screw Mount Kit for Nanoleaf Canvas from the Nanoleaf Shop. The Mounting Plate is not pre-attached to the back of the Canvas square so this kit includes a Mounting Plate, Linkers, Screws, and Anchors. The Canvas Screw Mount process is a bit more nuanced, so make sure to refer to our tutorial for full instructions.

If you have any additional questions about getting started with any of Nanoleaf’s light panels explore our easy setup videos:

Get started with Nanoleaf Shapes

Get started with Nanoleaf Canvas

Get started with Nanoleaf Elements

Do you have any additional tips for installing Nanoleaf’s light panels? We’d love to hear them!

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