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🎭Live Performance

Using Simulation Mode

What is Simulation Mode?

Simulation Mode allows you to preview exactly how your subtitles will appear to the audience during the live performance. This is a crucial step to verify timing, layout, readability, and overall presentation before finalizing your script.

Step 1 – Enter Simulation Mode

From the Script Editor:

  1. Ensure your script editing is complete
  2. Click the "▶" (play/triangle) button in the top-right corner of the toolbar
  3. The Simulation page opens in a new view

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Figure 1: Entering Simulation Mode

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Click the play button to open Simulation

Step 2 – Preview Interface Overview

The Simulation interface displays:

  • Current Cue – The subtitle currently visible to the audience
  • Cue List – Upcoming subtitles in sequence
  • Language Selector – Switch between available subtitle languages
  • Navigation Controls – Previous/Next buttons to move through cues
Figure 2: Simulation interface
Preview how subtitles appear during performance

Step 3 – Navigate Through Cues

Test the flow of your subtitles:

  • Click the [>] button to advance to the next cue
  • Click the [<] button to go back
  • Check that each subtitle displays correctly and is readable
  • Verify the timing feels natural for the performance

Tip: This is not the final operator interface. The actual Cockpit (used during live shows) will be different and require ASM credentials.

Step 4 – Check Different Languages

If your script has multiple languages:

  1. Use the language selector to switch between languages
  2. Verify that each translation displays correctly
  3. Check for any layout issues with longer translations

Step 5 – Keyboard Shortcuts (Optional)

You can use keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation:

KeyAction
←Previous cue
→Next cue
SpaceHide all subtitles (Panic)

Note: These shortcuts are for preview only. The live Cockpit has different controls.

Step 6 – Make Adjustments (If Needed)

If you notice issues during preview:

  1. Click "Back to Editor" to return to the Script Editor
  2. Make your corrections (edit text, adjust roles, fix formatting)
  3. Save your changes
  4. Re-enter Simulation Mode to verify the fixes

Step 7 – Finalize

When everything looks perfect:

  1. Click the "Looks Good! Finalize and Push" button (bottom right)
  2. This creates a deployment-ready version of your script
  3. You will be redirected to the Shows page to configure deployment

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Figure 3: Finalize button

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Click to finalize when ready to deploy

Important: Only Owners and Managers can finalize scripts. Once finalized, you can proceed to deploy the show.

Troubleshooting

Subtitles not displaying correctly?

Return to Editor and check line breaks and text length. Very long lines may be truncated.

Wrong language showing?

Use the language selector in Simulation to switch. If translations are missing, return to Editor and add them.

Can't click Finalize?

Check that you have Owner or Manager role. Viewers and Editors cannot finalize scripts.

Using Simulation Mode | SurtitleLive Guides | SurtitleLive