Google Docs
Connect a Google Doc to your display and it appears just as it looks in Google Docs — headings, formatting, lists, tables, and images all preserved. Every time you update the document, your display refreshes automatically.
How to set it up
Section titled “How to set it up”- Go to Content and open the Documents tab. In the Documents section, click Connect Google to link your Google account and import a Google Doc.
- Once the document appears in the Documents tab, click Add New in Content Hub.
- Select Documents.
- Under Select Document, choose the Google Doc you connected.
- Choose a render mode, then click Create.
Display options
Section titled “Display options”Live — Renders the Google Doc as formatted HTML directly from Google Docs. Headings, lists, tables, images, and inline formatting all appear as they do in your document. Updates automatically when you edit the doc.
Static — Converts each page to a PNG image and rotates through pages on a timer. Good for policies, menus, and structured multi-page content.
What carries over from Google Docs
Section titled “What carries over from Google Docs”Your document’s formatting shows on the display:
- Headings and subheadings
- Bold, italic, and underlined text
- Font colors and highlights
- Bulleted and numbered lists
- Tables
- Images
Links appear as text but aren’t clickable on a display screen. If you want viewers to visit a URL, include it written out in full.
Auto-sync
Section titled “Auto-sync”Edits you make in Google Docs appear on your display after the next sync, typically within 5 minutes. You can also click Refresh Now on the content item to push an immediate update.
- Anyone with editor access to the Google Doc can update it. Changes appear automatically — they don’t need access to BrandCast.
- For best readability, use a minimum font size of 18pt in your document. Text that looks fine on a laptop screen can be hard to read from across a room.
- Keep documents focused on one topic. Shorter documents rotate through more cleanly than very long ones.
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”Document isn’t displaying. Check that your Google account is still connected in the Documents tab (Content Hub). Also verify the document isn’t in the trash and that it’s shared with your connected account (or set to “Anyone with the link can view”).
Formatting looks different than expected. Some complex formatting — like multi-column layouts or elaborate tables — may render differently on a display screen than in a document editor. Simplify the layout and test on the actual display.
Content is getting cut off. Switch to Static mode so long documents can cycle through page by page.
Changes aren’t showing up. Use Refresh Now for an immediate update. If syncing still seems stuck, check your internet connection and verify the document still exists in Google Docs.