Every overlay has two links: a monitoring link and a production link. Both show the same graphics, but they're used for different jobs. This article shows you where to find them, what each one is for, and the order to use them in.
[VIDEO PLACEHOLDER: Overlays_06_Get_Your_Overlay_Links_v2.0.mp4]
Before you start
The match needs an overlay. If it doesn't have one yet, add one first.
If you're streaming with LIGR and the overlay is linked to your stream, its graphics go on the stream automatically. You don't need to copy a link to get graphics on a LIGR stream.
Open the overlay links
Go to Matches and find the match, for example Harbour City v Ridgeview.
Click the arrow on the match row to expand it. Each overlay has its own row, such as Main Feed and Big Screen.
Open the menu at the end of the overlay's row. The menu has a Stream section and an Overlay section.
Under Overlay, click Links.
The Overlay Links pop-up opens. It has two halves: the monitoring link on the left and the production link on the right. Each half has a short description and a red copy button. Close the pop-up with the cross at the top right when you're done.
The monitoring link
The monitoring link is for testing and sharing. There's no charge for using it.
Click Copy Monitoring Link. A green Copied label confirms it's on your clipboard.
Paste it into a browser tab, or send it to a teammate.
Anyone with the link can watch the overlay's graphics without going to air. Use it to check that graphics come up and go off as expected, that the theme looks right, and that names, scores and logos are correct. It's also handy on a second screen during the match, so your operator or producer can see exactly what the overlay is showing.
The production link
The production link goes into your live production. It uses your account balance.
Click Copy Production Link. The Copied label appears under it.
Use it only where the graphics are part of the live output that viewers see.
Because the production link uses your balance, keep it for the real broadcast and don't use it for testing. When the production link is in use, the overlay counts as active and its icon on the Matches table glows red.
Test first, then go live
The simple rule: test with the monitoring link first, then use the production link when you go live.
Before the match, open the monitoring link and run through a few graphics from the Control Room, or use Preview graphics.
Fix anything that looks wrong, such as the theme profile, a team name or a watermark.
When you're ready to broadcast, use the production link, or simply go live on your LIGR stream with the overlay linked to it.
Other places to find the links
You'll also find Production and Monitoring in the Control Room's top bar, so you can grab them while you're running a match without going back to the Matches table.
Tips and common mistakes
Copied the wrong link? The monitoring link is on the left and the production link is on the right. Check the label above the button before you paste.
Don't share the production link for previews. Send teammates the monitoring link instead. It shows the same graphics at no charge.
Using a LIGR stream? Link the overlay to the stream in Configure and the graphics appear on the stream for you. This is the recommended way to get your overlay on air.
Two overlays, two sets of links. Each overlay has its own links, so open Links from the right row, for example Main Feed rather than Big Screen.
Next: Edit an Overlay