Creating Content
Creating Content
Section titled “Creating Content”Content is the heart of your digital signage. This guide walks through creating content from scratch, uploading media, and connecting to external sources.
Content Creation Overview
Section titled “Content Creation Overview”There are three ways to add content:
| Method | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | Upload files from your computer | Images, videos |
| Create | Build content within the platform | Clocks, weather, countdown |
| Connect | Link to external services | Google Slides, calendars, RSS |
Starting Content Creation
Section titled “Starting Content Creation”Access the Content Creator
Section titled “Access the Content Creator”- Navigate to Content in the sidebar
- On the Hub tab, click Add New (or one of the category quick-buttons such as Sports, Events, Weather, etc.)
- The New Content Source dialog opens listing categories with descriptions
- Select the category you want to create
Content Categories
Section titled “Content Categories”| Category | Content Types |
|---|---|
| Sports | Sports Scores |
| Events | Calendars, iCal feeds |
| Weather | Weather widgets |
| Food | Menu Board, MealViewer |
| Time | Clock, Countdown |
| News | RSS, News Feed |
| Tasks | Task lists |
| Social | Social Embed |
| Slideshow | Slideshows |
| Video | Video files |
| Documents | PDFs, Docs |
| Presentations | Google Slides, PowerPoint |
| Spreadsheets | Google Sheets, Excel |
Uploading Media
Section titled “Uploading Media”Uploading Images
Section titled “Uploading Images”- Click Add New on the Hub tab and select Slideshow from the New Content Source dialog
- Drag and drop files, or click to browse
- Supported formats: JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, SVG
Best practices:
- Match display resolution (1920×1080 for HD)
- Compress large files before upload
- Use descriptive file names
Uploading Videos
Section titled “Uploading Videos”- Click Add New on the Hub tab and select Video from the New Content Source dialog
- Upload your video file
- Supported formats: MP4, WebM
Video requirements:
| Setting | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Format | MP4 with H.264 codec |
| Resolution | Match display (1080p typical) |
| Bitrate | 5-10 Mbps for quality |
| Length | Under 5 minutes for best performance |
Note: Large videos may take time to upload and process. You’ll see a progress indicator.
Creating Built-in Content
Section titled “Creating Built-in Content”Weather Widget
Section titled “Weather Widget”- Click Add New on the Hub tab (or the Weather quick-button)
- Select Weather from the New Content Source dialog
- In the Configure step, enter a Name and set your location
- Choose display style and configure units (°F/°C)
- Complete the wizard to create
Clock Display
Section titled “Clock Display”- Click Add New on the Hub tab (or the Time quick-button)
- Select Clock from the New Content Source dialog
- In the Configure step, enter a Name, choose digital or analog style, and set the time zone
- Complete the wizard to create
Countdown Timer
Section titled “Countdown Timer”- Click Add New on the Hub tab (or the Time quick-button)
- Select Countdown from the New Content Source dialog
- In the Configure step, enter a Name, target date, and display format
- Complete the wizard to create
Connecting External Content
Section titled “Connecting External Content”Google Slides
Section titled “Google Slides”- Click Add New on the Hub tab (or the Presentations quick-button)
- Select Google Slides from the New Content Source dialog
- In the Configure step, enter a Name and connect your Google account if prompted
- Choose a presentation from your Drive and configure slide options
- Complete the wizard to create
Live sync: Changes in Google Slides automatically appear on your display.
Google Calendar
Section titled “Google Calendar”- Click Add New on the Hub tab (or the Events quick-button)
- Select a calendar source from the New Content Source dialog
- In the Configure step, enter a Name and authorize calendar access
- Select calendars to display and configure view options
- Complete the wizard to create
Display curated headlines from trusted sources — no RSS URL needed:
- Click Add New on the Hub tab (or the News quick-button)
- Select News Feed from the New Content Source dialog
- In the Configure step, enter a Name and choose your news sources
- Complete the wizard to create
RSS Feeds
Section titled “RSS Feeds”For a specific feed not in the News catalog:
- Click Add New on the Hub tab (or the News quick-button)
- Select RSS from the New Content Source dialog
- In the Configure step, enter a Name and the RSS feed URL
- Configure display options and refresh interval
- Complete the wizard to create
Content Settings
Section titled “Content Settings”All content has common settings:
Basic Settings
Section titled “Basic Settings”| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Descriptive name for the content source (required) |
| Description | Optional notes about the content |
Display Settings
Section titled “Display Settings”| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Default Duration | How long to show in playlists |
| Scaling Mode | Fit, Fill, or Stretch |
| Background | Color behind content |
Scheduling Settings
Section titled “Scheduling Settings”| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid From | Start date (optional) |
| Valid Until | End date (optional) |
| Time Restrictions | Show only during specific hours |
Note: Expired content automatically stops appearing on displays.
Content Processing
Section titled “Content Processing”After creation, content may need processing:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Processing | Being converted/optimized |
| Ready | Available for use |
| Error | Problem occurred - check details |
Processing Times
Section titled “Processing Times”| Content Type | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Small images | Instant |
| Large images | 5-30 seconds |
| Short videos | 1-5 minutes |
| Long videos | 5-30 minutes |
Content Validation
Section titled “Content Validation”Before content goes live, check:
- Appears correctly in preview
- Text is readable at viewing distance
- Colors have sufficient contrast
- Duration is appropriate
- Connected services are authorized
Troubleshooting Content Creation
Section titled “Troubleshooting Content Creation”Upload Fails
Section titled “Upload Fails”- Check file size (limits apply)
- Verify format is supported
- Ensure stable internet connection
- Try a different browser
Content Won’t Process
Section titled “Content Won’t Process”- Check file isn’t corrupted
- Verify format compatibility
- Try re-uploading
- Contact support if persistent
Connected Content Not Loading
Section titled “Connected Content Not Loading”- Check service authorization
- Re-authorize if needed
- Verify source exists and is accessible
- Check network restrictions
What’s Next?
Section titled “What’s Next?”- Content Types Overview - Explore all options
- Managing Your Library - Organize content
- Scheduling Content - Control when content plays