> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.lightact.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.lightact.com/layers-and-layouts/stock-layer-templates/control-layer-templates/send-message.md).

# Send message

**Send message** layer template is designed to allow you to send messages through various sender nodes such as UDP, TCP or OSC.

## Variables

### Default

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/Y8gMoibZfOZ75ToAuj5H" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* **Device**: select the device which you want to use as the receiver of the message.
* **Type**: select the type of the device you selected in the Device variable. It determines whether you are sending UDP, TCP or OSC message.
* **Frequency**: determines the frequency with which the message is sent. Options are:
  * *Run onc&#x65;**:*** this means, the message will be sent once every time the play head enters the layer.
  * *Delay*: this means, the message will be sent continuously with a delay as long as the playhead is on the layer.
* **Delay**: if you specified *Delay* in the *Frequency* variable, this is where you determine the duration of the delay.
* **Message:** message you'd like to send.

### **OSC**

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/ipdxPaDWIFQDuBeE2FTb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

These variables are applicable only if you selected one of the OSC options in the *Type* variable.

* **OSC Address:** configure OSC address under which the data is going to be sent.
* **OSC Float:** this is the float value you will be sending if you chose *OSC Float* as the *Type* of the message
* **OSC Int:** this is the float value you will be sending if you chose *OSC Int*as the *Type* of the message
* **OSC String:** this is the float value you will be sending if you chose *OSC String* as the *Type* of the message

## Setting up

### **1. Create the appropriate Device node**

<figure><img src="/files/IugoG2mF2L3V76z9nKGU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In the Devices window, create an appropriate *Sender* device node. Set it up the way you want and check the **Send** checkbox. For more information you might want to refer to the [Network page](/integrations/network.md).

### **2. Inserting the layer**

**Through the right click menu**

Right click in the Timeline, select *Control* category and choose **Send message** layer.

### **3. Set up the layer**

Select the device you created in step 1 and set up all the variables they way you want.