---
title: Features
slug: legacy-docs/features
docTags: 
createdAt: 2025-03-11T06:58:50.141Z
---

:::hint{type="warning"}
This page / section pertains to **BrightAuthor Classic**, our legacy app. **BrightSign Author **is our latest app for managing content and players.

Development of BrightAuthor Classic has largely ceased and the app will eventually be deprecated and replaced with BrightSign Author.
:::

# Can I use a user variable (for example, set from UDP or the iPad app) in HTML5?

Yes. To do this:

1. In **BrightSign Unit Setup**, select **Enable local web server** in **Unit Configuration**
2. Define your user variables in your project.
3. Add BrightSign .js library to your webpage

# Can I open an autoplay.xml file?

No. The autoplay.xml file that is generated when you publish a presentation is a playlist file. This file includes only the information required for playback on a BrightSign player. It is not the same as a presentation project file.

# How do I use a different font?

To use a different font, browse to a folder on your computer that has a TrueType font (e.g. in a Ticker zone, click **Zone Properties**, and then click **Browse** beside font). This font will be copied to the SD card when you publish the presentation. You can use your own custom fonts or download free TrueType fonts from the web.

# Can I export a template?

Yes. Although there isn’t a template export option, you can save a presentation project with the desired template layout, and then transfer it to another computer. You can then open the project and save the template (**Layout** > **Save Template**).

# Can I use a custom splash screen?

BrightAuthor Classic version 4.3.0.3 and later let you replace the BrightSign splash screen image (the logo that displays when a player boots up) with a custom image. This option is available during the Unit Setup process. Select the **Custom Splash Screen** option under **Splash Screen** and use the **Browse** button to locate the image file you wish to use.

![Screenshot 2024-05-23 at 3.06.25 PM.png](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/511c8QBH-VHiwWnyzIwUb/_SLEPzoniJ1O1aWrbR-eE_screenshot-2024-05-23-at-30625-pm.png)

:::hint{type="info"}
**Notes**

- You must use a [supported image format](docId\:gZcaQrOoR8-ZaRNrEPKN1) for the splash screen.
- The splash-screen image is not compressed to fit the display (for example, a 1920x1080 splash screen image will exceed the boundaries of a 1280x720 monitor), so the image should fit the intended image resolution of the display.
- An image with a vertical resolution close to that of the display area will push the device information (model number, firmware version, etc.) off the screen. To preserve this information, use an image that is at least a few hundred pixels smaller than the vertical resolution of the display area.
:::

# How many images can I preload using the Image Cache feature ?

You can preload up to 16MB of images. If an image is compressed (for example, *.jpeg*, *.png*), then it will use more memory than its reported file size in Windows/Mac. When you add it to the **Image Cache** list, the larger file size will be shown. Since bitmaps (*.bmp*) are not compressed, the reported file size of a bitmap image in Windows/Mac is more accurate.

# How do I display text, RSS, or Twitter feeds?

You can use a [Live Text](docId\:azDujH1WTCMXrP_0oIX7_) state to overlay text on a video; or display static, animated or scrolling text in a dedicated [Ticker Zone](docId\:muy6jFSNsaKNXV_-MCg-S). Or you can put text on top of an image by placing a **Ticker** zone on top of a **Background Image** zone. If you're using the Live Text feature, you can switch between one or more text fields with image backgrounds.

Displaying Twitter feeds requires BrightAuthor Classic versions 3.7 and later. 

# How do I display a blank BSN Live Data Feed?

When creating or editing a BSN Live Data Feed, you will not be able to save the feed if it contains a blank **Value** field. If you want a value to be displayed as empty, enter " " into the **Value** field:

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/511c8QBH-VHiwWnyzIwUb/zxj2VWzaBu_DunwJiUWhD_screenshot-2024-06-20-at-22804-pm.png" size="80" width="1512" height="678" position="center" alt="Screenshot 2024-06-20 at 2.28.04 PM.png" showCaption="false"}

# Can I use Dynamic Playlists without BSN?

No. A BrightSign Network account is required to host Dynamic Playlists. However, you can get similar functionality with a self-hosted Media RSS (MRSS) feed, which can work with any player that has an Internet connection. See [this FAQ](docId:6otaQAB4uNuEfwx6YVISo) for more details.

# Can I overlay text or images on video?

You can display text over video using a **Ticker** zone; setting the **Transparency** to 100% in the [Zone Properties](docId\:muy6jFSNsaKNXV_-MCg-S) of the **Ticker** zone will remove the text background completely, allowing the video to show through. You can also overlay text using a [Live Text](docId\:azDujH1WTCMXrP_0oIX7_) state (in an Images zone) on top of a **Video Only** zone or a **Video or Images** zone.

Image files that are displayed in an **Images** or **Video or Images** zone will automatically display on top of video zones. You can also use PNG images with transparency, and videos will play through the transparent regions of the PNG files. 

# Can I update a static text field?

Yes, you can edit **Live Text** fields and republish the presentation, or you can use an RSS feed or BSN **Live Data** feed to remotely update the field:

## Manual Update

1. Open a **Live Text** state and select the **Live Text** item to change.
2. Select a **Fixed text** item and enter the new text.
3. Publish the updated project (locally or to the network, depending on the configuration of your unit).

## Remote Update

Configure the **Live Text** state to receive updates:

1. Go to **File > Presentation Properties > Data Feeds**.
2. Select **Add Data Feed**:
   1. If you're [hosting your own RSS feed](docId:6otaQAB4uNuEfwx6YVISo), select **Url** and enter the URL of the feed.
   2. If you're using a [BSN Live Data Feed](docId\:bE6g-F2IAZSoO4XXGCdf-), select **Live Data Feed** and select the feed from the dropdown list.
3. Open a **Live Text** state.
4. Select a text box or add one using the **Add Item** button.
5. Use the **Type** dropdown list to select **Live Text Data,** and choose the data feed you created in Step 2.
6. Enter an **Item title** or **Item index** number for the **Live Text** item. The feed item (RSS or Live Data) that matches this value will be displayed in the text box.
7. Once you have finished configuring the Live Text state, publish the presentation to your player. Now, all you need to do to modify the text box is to edit the **Value**/**Description** of the feed item associated with that text box.