Output Links

Output Links interface on left showing timer configuration, with red arrow pointing to presenter on stage viewing the timer display on screen
Create customized timer displays and share them with presenters during live events 1

Output Links lets you create and share multiple customized views of your timers, messages, and agenda with different roles in your production. Each output can be tailored for specific needs - from clean timer displays for presenters to full control interfaces for production staff.

Creating and Managing Outputs

Output Links interface showing different sections

You can access Output Links by clicking “Output Links” above the output preview or via the room dropdown. Each output provides a different view designed for specific roles - from presenters who need a clean timer display to production staff who need full control.

1. Output Tabs

The top section displays tabs for each output in your room. Each tab shows a small preview thumbnail and the output name. New rooms automatically include a Viewer output, with Controller and Operator outputs available by default.

Managing Outputs:

  • Click the three-dot menu on any tab to rename, duplicate, or delete that output
  • Use the ”+ Add Output” button to create new customizable outputs
  • Tabs scroll horizontally when you have multiple outputs

Premium users can create unlimited custom outputs. Free and Pro users can view and use existing outputs but cannot create new ones or edit layouts.

2. Preview & Customize

The preview section shows how your output will look to viewers. This is a static preview with sample data, not a live view of your actual timer.

Click the “Customize” button to open the layout editor where you can:

  • Move, resize, and style individual elements
  • Add new elements like images, text, or progress bars
  • Change fonts, colors, and backgrounds
  • Configure which timer information to display
Window to Customize Outputs
Window to Customize Outputs

The Controller and Operator outputs use fixed layouts and cannot be customized. All other outputs are fully customizable with Premium plans.

For complete details on customizing outputs, see the Custom Outputs Documentation.

3. Output Options

These settings are saved permanently with the output and apply to every link you create from it.

Password Protection: Set a password that viewers must enter before accessing the output. You can change or remove the password at any time. This is useful when you need to restrict access to people who already have the link.

Password protection screen that users see
Password protection screen

These settings only apply to the specific link you’re about to copy. They don’t affect the output itself or other links you create later.

Available Options:

  • Identifier: Set a custom device name that appears in your Live Connections list.
  • Mirror: Flip the display horizontally, vertically, or both (useful for teleprompters)
  • Delay: Add a delay in seconds for sync purposes
  • Timezone: Override the room’s timezone for this specific output. The timezone is encoded in the URL with a tamper-proof hash signature. Note: individual elements in Custom Outputs can further override this setting.
  • Hide Controls Overlay: Hide the control buttons that appear when hovering over the screen
Output with overlay controls
Output with overlay controls

Controller and Operator outputs only show password and identifier options since they use fixed layouts.

The final section provides the actual link to share with your team or audience. Each link is unique and includes all your selected options.

Sharing Options:

  • Copy Link: Copy the URL to share via email, messaging, or other tools
  • QR Code: Generate a downloadable QR code for quick mobile access
  • Open Link: Test the output in a new browser window

The link automatically updates when you change Link Options, so make sure to copy it after configuring your settings.

Default Output Types

Every room includes these essential outputs by default:

Controller

Controller interface showing timer controls and options
Controller interface showing timer controls and options

The Controller output offers complete access to add and run timers, create messages, and manage all live connections. It’s designed for production staff and collaborators who need full control over the event timing.

What people with the Controller link can do:

  • View the active timer
  • View active messages
  • View all timers
  • View all messages
  • Edit timers
  • Edit messages

Share this link only with people you trust to run your event. For team members who only need to send messages without full control, use the Moderator output instead.

For complete details, see the Controller Documentation.

Operator

Operator interface with large control buttons for timing
Operator interface with large control buttons for timing

The Operator output provides a streamlined interface with large buttons for timing controls. It’s specifically designed for tablets and optimized for show callers and technical directors during live productions.

What people with the Operator link can do:

  • View the active timer
  • Edit timers

The simplified layout makes it easy to start, pause, and reset timers even in high-pressure situations, with controls that are easy to tap on a tablet.

For complete details, see the Operator Documentation.

Viewer (Customizable)

Viewer output showing a countdown timer with progress bar
Viewer output showing countdown timer with progress bar

The Viewer output provides a fullscreen display of timers, messages, and other selected elements. Think of it as a confidence monitor - a dedicated screen facing the presenter that shows timing information, messages from the production team, and visual cues when time is running low.

What people with the Viewer link can do:

  • View the active timer
  • View active messages

You can open the same Viewer link on multiple devices - e.g. “Stage Left”, “Backstage”, “Green Room” - and they all sync in real-time. Each device counts toward your plan’s live connection limit. Use the Identifier field in Link Options to distinguish devices in your Live Connections list.

The Viewer also works as a broadcast overlay in OBS, vMix, and other streaming software. Premium users can set transparent backgrounds to overlay timers directly on video feeds.

Unlike the fixed Controller and Operator layouts, the Viewer output is fully customizable. Move elements around, change fonts and colors, add your logo, and create the exact display your presenters need.

For complete details, see the Viewer Documentation.

Moderator (Customizable)

Moderator interface showing agenda and message controls
Moderator interface showing agenda and message controls

The Moderator output shows the event agenda while to create and work with messages. It’s ideal for audience questionaires or staff members who need to communicate with speakers without requiring access to timer controls.

What people with the Moderator link can do:

  • View the active timer
  • View active messages
  • View all timers
  • View all messages
  • Edit messages

For complete details, see the Moderator Documentation.

Agenda (Customizable)

Agenda output showing program schedule with times and speakers
Agenda output showing program schedule with times and speakers

The Agenda output displays a dynamic program schedule with start times, durations, titles, and speakers for each segment. It’s useful for keeping both staff and audience informed about the event timeline.

What people with the Agenda link can do:

  • View the active timer
  • View all timers

For complete details, see the Agenda Documentation.

Short Link and Low-Complexity QR Code for Outputs
Short Link and Low-Complexity QR Code for Outputs

Output Links can be quite long due to security signatures and parameters. To make sharing easier, Stagetimer provides short links that are simpler to share verbally or in print, and generate smaller QR codes.

Short Link Format:

https://stagetimer.io/o/abc1234

How to Create a Short Link:

  1. Click the “Short Link & QR” button next to your output link
  2. A short link is generated automatically
  3. Copy the short link or download the QR code

Benefits:

  • Easier to share verbally or type manually
  • Smaller, more scannable QR codes
  • Automatically redirects to the full secure output link

Note: Short links expire after 30 days. Generate a new short link if needed for longer events.

Import Outputs

Copy Outputs from other Rooms
Copy Outputs from other Rooms

You can import output designs from other rooms in your team, making it easy to reuse custom layouts across multiple events.

How to Import an Output:

  1. Click the three-dot menu on the ”+ Add Output” button
  2. Select “Import from another room”
  3. Choose the room containing the output you want to import
  4. Select the specific output to import
  5. The output will be copied to your current room

This is especially useful when you’ve created a branded output design that you want to use consistently across all your events.

Security Features

All Output Links include enhanced security features:

Unguessable URLs: Every link uses a unique signature that makes it impossible to guess other output links, even if someone knows your room ID.

Tamper-Proof: The signature prevents people from modifying link parameters. If someone tries to change the delay or other settings in the URL, the link won’t work.

Password Protection: Add an optional password for an extra layer of security that you can change or remove anytime.

All links are secure by default, giving you peace of mind when sharing with your team and audience.

Footnotes

  1. Image credit: Thanks to Startup Stuttgart e.V., for letting me use this image with Stagetimer during the Gründergrillen Pitch Event. ↩