How to Use Preparatory Layout

Contents

1. What is Preparatory Layout?
2. Prerequisites
3. How to Use Preparatory Layout
4. After the Switch
5. Important to Know

What is Preparatory Layout?

Preparatory layout is a feature that allows you to prepare and publish content to a layout that is not active on your screen. When you're satisfied with the content, you can switch to the preparatory layout. This makes it easy to prepare content updates in advance.

Benefits:

• Build and test new content without affecting what's currently displayed on the screen
• Prepare content updates at your own pace before they go live

Prerequisites

To use preparatory layout, you need to:

• Be able to manage and publish content to layouts
• Have access to screen settings
• Have at least two layouts created in your account

How to Use Preparatory Layout

Step 1: Add Preparatory Layout

1. Go to Screens in the main menu
2. Select the screen you want to work with
3. Click on Settings
4. Directly below the active layout selection, you'll find Preparatory Layout
5. Select which layout you want to use as your preparatory layout
6. Save your changes

Note: You can only have one preparatory layout at a time per screen.

Step 2: Publish Content to the Preparatory Layout

1. Select your preparatory layout
2. Select which zone you want to publish to
3. Add content (widgets, media, etc.) to the zone
4. Repeat for all zones and content you want to prepare
5. Preview the content to ensure everything looks good

You're now building content in the background while your active layout continues to display the current content.

Step 3: Switch from Active to Preparatory Layout

When you're satisfied with the content in your preparatory layout:

1. Go to the screen's Settings
2. Under Layout (where you select the active layout)
3. Select the layout that was previously your preparatory layout
4. Save

Your screen will now switch to the new layout with all prepared content.

After the Switch

When you've switched to the preparatory layout:

• Your previous active layout becomes inactive
• The preparatory layout field is now empty
• If you want to prepare the next content update, you need to add a new preparatory layout (this can be the layout that just became inactive)

Important to Know

• One preparatory layout per screen: You can only have one preparatory layout active at a time
• The layout doesn't disappear: The previous active layout remains in your account but is no longer connected to the screen
• Plan ahead: Preparatory layout is perfect for scheduled content updates, seasonal changes, or campaign launches
• Test before switching: Verify that all content works as intended before switching to the preparatory layout