Timer Message Combo Element

What is the Timer Message Combo?

Timer Message Combo element overview showing the interface
Timer Message Combo element overview

The Timer Message Combo is a specialized element that combines timer display and message display in a single, automatically adjusting layout. It’s designed for the traditional Stagetimer use case where you want a large timer that reduces in size when you show a message.

This element handles the layout automatically, so you don’t need to manually position or resize timer and message elements. When no message is shown, the timer fills the entire space. When a message appears, the timer shrinks to make room.

How It Works

The Timer Message Combo element operates as a single unit that manages both timer and message display:

When no message is active:

  • Timer fills 100% of the element’s space
  • Message section is hidden
  • Timer displays at maximum size

When a message is shown:

  • Timer reduces to 34% of vertical space
  • Message takes 66% of vertical space
  • Both remain visible and readable
  • Layout transition is smooth and automatic

When timer is hidden:

  • If a message is shown and timer appearance is set to “Hidden”
  • Message takes 100% of vertical space
  • Perfect for fullscreen message display

You control when messages appear from the Controller or Moderator page, and the element handles the layout changes automatically.

Layout Behavior

The automatic layout makes the Timer Message Combo ideal for stage displays where you want a consistent experience:

Timer filling entire space when no message is shown
Timer only (100% height)
Timer and message together with automatic 34/66 split
Timer + Message (34/66 split)

Vertical stacking:

  • Timer always appears at the top
  • Message always appears at the bottom
  • No horizontal arrangement or customization

Proportions:

  • 34/66 split ensures message text is prominent and readable
  • Timer remains visible as a reference when messages are shown
  • Full-height timer when no message (100% space utilization)

Transition behavior:

  • Layout adjusts immediately when showing or hiding messages
  • Text automatically rescales to fit new proportions
  • No gaps or empty space at any time

If you need more control over layout or different proportions, consider using separate Timer and Message elements with custom positioning.

Element Settings

The Timer Message Combo provides settings for all three display components: countdown/count-up timer, time of day clock, and messages.

Timer Settings

Configure countdown and count-up timer display. For detailed timer format options and styling, see the Timer Element documentation.

Key differences from standalone Timer Element:

  • Timer automatically resizes based on message visibility
  • Shared vertical space with message component
  • Optimized for traditional stage timer layout

Time of Day Settings

Configure clock display when using timer appearances that include time of day. For detailed time format options, see the Time of Day Element documentation.

Integration notes:

  • Time of day appears within the timer section
  • Shares space allocation with countdown/count-up display
  • Independent timezone settings from timer functionality

Message Settings

Configure message appearance and styling. For detailed message formatting options, see the Message Element documentation.

Key differences from standalone Message Element:

  • Automatic 66% vertical space allocation when visible
  • Fixed bottom position in layout
  • Integrated show/hide behavior with timer resizing

Comparison with Separate Elements

You have two options for displaying timers and messages together:

Timer Message Combo (This Element):

  • ✅ Automatic layout management
  • ✅ Fixed 34/66 proportion when both visible
  • ✅ Vertical stacking only
  • ✅ Classic Stagetimer experience
  • ✅ Simple to set up
  • ❌ No layout customization

Separate Timer + Message Elements:

  • ✅ Complete layout control
  • ✅ Position anywhere independently
  • ✅ Custom proportions
  • ✅ Horizontal arrangements possible
  • ✅ Different combinations (timer + text, etc.)
  • ❌ Manual layout work
  • ❌ No automatic resizing

Choose the Timer Message Combo for traditional stage timer displays where you want messages to automatically appear below the timer. Choose separate elements when you need custom layouts or want messages in different locations from your timer.