⚡ Quick Start

Quick Start Guide (15 Minutes)

Get Your First Show Live in 15 Minutes

This guide walks you through the complete workflow from account creation to live deployment.

Total Time: ~15 minutes | Difficulty: Beginner

Phase 1: Setup (5 minutes)

Step 1 – Create Account

  1. Go to surtitlelive.com and click "Sign Up"
  2. Fill in your email, password, and profile details
  3. Verify your email address

Step 2 – Create Project

  1. From the Dashboard, click "New Project"
  2. Enter project name and details
  3. Click "Create"

Step 3 – Upload Script

  1. Open your project and click "Upload Script"
  2. Select your file (.docx, .doc, .odt, .txt, or .rtf)
  3. Confirm the original language
  4. Click "Upload"

Phase 2: Editor & Languages (5 minutes)

Figure 1: Script Editor toolbar with language controls
Editor toolbar showing Manage Languages and Language dropdown

Step 4 – Open the Editor

  1. Click "Analyze Script" to process your file (AI identifies characters and dialogue)
  2. Once complete, click "Open Editor"

Step 5 – Add Languages

  1. Click the "Manage Languages" button (top toolbar, center area)
  2. From the dropdown, select a language from the "Add a language" list
  3. Or click "Other..." to search for additional languages
  4. Click "Add" to confirm

Step 6 – Select Working Language

  1. Use the "Language" dropdown (left side of toolbar) to choose which column to edit
  2. This sets your active translation column

Step 7 – AI Translation (Optional)

  1. Click the purple "AI Translate" button (toolbar, next to Manage Languages)
  2. Select source and target languages
  3. Choose translation mode (fill empty only or force overwrite)
  4. Click "Translate" and wait 3-5 minutes

Phase 3: Deploy Your Show (5 minutes)

Figure 2: Simulation and deployment flow
From Editor to Live Show deployment

Step 8 – Simulation Mode

  1. From the project page, click "Editor & Simulation"
  2. Preview how subtitles display on different screens
  3. Test cue navigation using Previous/Next buttons
  4. Verify timing and text appearance

Step 9 – Finalize & Deploy

  1. In Simulation, click "Looks Good! Finalize and Push" (bottom-right)
  2. Configure deployment settings:
    • Region – Choose closest to your venue
    • Duration (Visible Window) – Lite defaults to 7 visible days; Pro can set up to 30 visible days. Runtime cleanup applies an additional 1-day backend buffer.
    • ASM Credentials – Create operator login
  3. Click "Deploy Show"
  4. Wait for deployment to complete (usually 1-2 minutes)

Step 10 – Go Live

  1. Copy the Viewer Link or download the QR Code
  2. Share with your audience (print on posters, programs, or display at venue)
  3. Open the ASM Cockpit link to control cues during the show
  4. Click "Go Live" when ready to start

Quick Reference: Editor Toolbar

Button/ControlLocationPurpose
Language dropdownLeft sideSelect which language column to edit
Manage LanguagesCenter-rightAdd or remove translation languages
AI Translate (purple)Next to Manage LanguagesAuto-translate using AI
DownloadRight sideExport to Excel or PowerPoint
SaveFar rightSave all changes

What's Next?

  • During Show: Use the ASM Cockpit to control cues – see ASM Quick Reference
  • Edit Anytime: Return to the Editor to make changes. To apply them, open your Project options, select "Surtitle deployment settings", and click "Update Live Subtitles".
  • Team: Invite members to collaborate on scripts
  • Backup: Export your script before major changes

Need Help?

Quick Start Guide (15 Minutes) | SurtitleLive Guides | SurtitleLive