1Upload Script

1.1 How to Use SurtitleLive: Quick Start Guide

Set up your account, upload a DOCX script, prepare languages, and deploy your first live show.

Quick Guide

Time: Varies by script length and queue state | Difficulty: Beginner

Goal: Create account → create project → upload → analyze → editor → deploy

Start: surtitlelive.com → Sign Up

Finish: Viewer link, QR code, and operator link ready for rehearsal or showtime

Get Your First Show Ready for Live Delivery

This is the shortest safe path through the current product. Use it once, then open the deeper guides only where you need them.

Phase 1: Account and project

Step 1 – Create Account

  1. Open Sign Up.
  2. Accept the public beta notice.
  3. Complete the form and verify your email.

Step 2 – Create Project

  1. On the Projects Dashboard, click the dashed New Project card.
  2. Enter the name, optional description, and status.
  3. Click Create in the dialog footer.

Step 3 – Upload Script

  1. Open the project.
  2. Use Upload Script and choose a Word .docx file.
  3. Confirm the original language.
  4. Use Upload and Preview.

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Project upload step showing Upload and Preview before analysis starts

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Figure 1.1.1: Upload flow before script analysis.

Phase 2: Analyze and prepare

Step 4 – Open the Editor

  1. After upload, open the analysis step.
  2. Run Run Preview Check.
  3. If the preview looks right, click Start Analysis.
  4. When analysis finishes, continue to Editor & Simulation.

Step 5 – Add Languages

  1. In the editor toolbar, click Manage Languages. It is the blue button near the center.
  2. Add the languages you want enabled for this project.
  3. Use Language just left of Manage Languages.

Step 6 – Translate if needed

  1. Click AI Translate only after your languages are enabled. It is the purple button just right of Manage Languages.
  2. Choose source and target languages.
  3. Review the estimate and warnings.
  4. In the translation dialog footer, click Confirm and start.

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Editor toolbar with Language, Manage Languages, AI Translate, and Open Simulation

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Figure 1.1.2: Editor toolbar before translation or Open Simulation.

Phase 3: Simulate and deploy

Step 8 – Simulation Mode

  1. In the top toolbar right area, click Open Simulation. This button uses a right-pointing play triangle icon.
  2. Select the language or languages for simulation.
  3. Review the preview, screen setup, and sequence.
  4. Use this step to catch layout or cue issues before deployment.

Step 9 – Finalize & Deploy

  1. In Simulation, use Looks Good! Finalize and Push at the bottom-right. This is the large red-outline finalize button.
  2. Configure deployment settings:
    • Region – Lite uses system-selected US Central; Pro and Pro+ can choose US Central, EU West, or Asia Northeast
    • Duration (Visible Window) – Lite uses the default 7-day visible window; Pro and Pro+ can choose longer visible windows within the deployment UI. Runtime cleanup applies an additional 1-day backend buffer.
    • Operator Login – Set the Operator Password used to unlock the operator link
  3. On the Go Live form, click Go Live at the bottom of the form. It is the main blue submit button with a paper-plane icon.
  4. Watch the deployment status until the Viewer and Operator links are ready

Step 10 – Go Live

  1. Copy the Viewer Link or export the QR Code.
  2. Open the Operator Link.
  3. Keep rehearsal and backup steps in place before you start the live show.

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Deployment result showing viewer link, QR code, and operator link

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Figure 1.1.3: Deployment result with audience and operator links.

Quick Reference: Editor Toolbar

Button/ControlLocationPurpose
Language dropdownTop toolbar, center-leftSelect which language column to edit
Manage LanguagesTop toolbar, centerAdd or remove translation languages
AI Translate (purple)Top toolbar, center-rightAuto-translate using AI
DownloadTop toolbar, rightExport to Excel or PowerPoint
Open SimulationTop toolbar, rightOpen Simulation with the play-triangle button
SaveTop toolbar, far rightSave all changes

What's Next?

  • During Show: Use the Operator Link to control cues – see ASM Quick Reference
  • Apply saved edits: Save in Editor, then use Update Live in the top-right editor toolbar or Update Live Subtitles in Deployment Cockpit. ASM only controls live cues.
  • Team: Invite members to collaborate on scripts
  • Backup: Export your script before major changes
  • Terminology: New to terms like cue, deployment, or operator password? See the Glossary

Need Help?

  • Browse detailed guides in each section below
  • Contact support: info@surtitlelive.com

FAQ

Common questions for this workflow, based on the current SurtitleLive system.

How do I start using SurtitleLive for a live show?+

Start by creating an account, uploading a script, running analysis, checking the script in the editor and Simulation, then deploying the show and sharing the Viewer Link.

Why can't I go live on the Free plan?+

Free accounts can prepare content, but live deployment requires a Lite, Pro, or Pro+ plan.