Skip to main content

Cloud notes setup checklist

A cloud show lets a whole team take notes on the same show from different devices. A note written on a phone appears on the host Mac, and a note on the Mac appears on the phone, with its camera snapshot and any drawing. This page is the order to do it in. For the reference detail, see Cloud shows and the team and Live Notes.

Everyone in one room, no accounts?

Use Local Live Notes instead. It needs no sign-in and no internet. See Live Notes.

Before you start​

Tick these off first. Most "it isn't working" problems are one of them.

  • The host Mac is signed in. Preferences → Account shows your email. The host is the Mac that records.
  • The host Mac has internet while the session runs.
  • The licence allows a cloud show. Hosting needs the Max tier. See Licence tiers.
  • Everyone who will write notes has a free ShowRevue account. They make one the first time they open the link.

1. On the host Mac​

  • Open the project, then Project Settings → Cloud and click Create cloud project. (If you ticked Create a cloud show in Launch New Show, it's already done.)
  • Check Cloud Status says the Mac is connected.
  • Decide on pictures. Upload note snapshots to the cloud on means each note carries its camera frame, and the team can see and draw on it. Off means notes sync as text only.
  • Copy the Show Code or the link (showrevue.com/livenotes/<CODE>). Show QR puts a big QR code on screen to scan.

2. Let people in​

Having the link is not enough on its own. Each person has to be approved.

  • Send the link to each person.
  • They open it, sign in with their ShowRevue account and ask to join.
  • On the host Mac, open Project Settings → Members. Their request is under WAITING FOR APPROVAL. Click Approve.
  • Check each new person's row. Tick Notes for anyone who should write notes. Leave Record for the stage manager. See Members and rights.

You can also add people before the day. Type an email under Add people by email, press return.

3. Add another station​

A "station" is another device that takes or reads notes. Pick the one that fits:

  • A phone or tablet. Open the link in a browser. Nothing to install. The companion app does the same and queues notes when the connection drops.
  • Another Mac that only follows. Use Join a Show on the welcome window. It opens ShowRevue Monitor with the current cue, timecode and notes. Following is free on every licence.
  • Another Mac that should take over if the host fails. In Project Settings → Cloud, turn on Run this Mac as a backup host. It captures the show but waits to publish until the main host goes quiet.

4. Test it in two minutes​

Do this before the session, not during it.

  • On a phone, open the link, tap Add Note, choose a department, type a few words and Save Note.
  • On the host Mac, check the note appears in the Notes panel with the author's name.
  • If snapshots are on, draw on the picture on the phone and check the drawing shows on the Mac.
  • Add a note on the Mac and check it appears on the phone.

What to expect during a session​

  • A note is stamped with the moment Add Note was tapped, not the moment it was saved, so it lands on the part of the show it is about.
  • Tapping Add Note on the web asks the Mac for the current camera frame, so you can draw on it straight away.
  • When the Mac stops recording, the page switches to a read-only view of that session's notes. Nothing blanks out.
  • Notes taken with no connection on the companion app queue and send when the connection returns.

If something isn't right​

What you seeCheck
A person opens the link and can't see the showThey are not approved yet. Approve them under Project Settings → Members.
A person can read notes but can't add oneTheir Notes right is off. Tick it in Members.
Cloud Status isn't connectedThe host Mac is signed in under Preferences → Account and has internet.
Notes show no pictureUpload note snapshots to the cloud is off, or the Mac isn't capturing video.
You made a new project and lost the teamIn Project Settings → Cloud, type the old code under Existing show code and click Reconnect. It only works for a code you created.
Create cloud project is unavailableHosting needs the Max tier. See Licence tiers.

Still stuck? Email support@showrevue.com and say what you see on the host Mac.