Idle Screen & Branding

When no one's using the booth, the idle screen keeps things looking alive (pun intended). ALIVE gives you full control over what the booth displays between guests — from screen savers to branded overlays.

Screen Saver Types

Choose what the booth shows when it's idle:

Default Mode

The standard idle screen. Works out of the box with no setup.

Best for: General events, clean look, zero configuration.

Media Mode

Displays a custom image or video that you upload — a client logo, event graphic, promotional video, or anything else.

Best for: Branded events, sponsor logos, attract loops, and events where the client provides screen content.

Mirror Mode

Shows a live camera feed — like a mirror. Guests can see themselves before stepping up.

Best for: Attracting attention (people can't resist looking at themselves), hair/makeup check stations, interactive idle screens.

How to Set Your Screen Saver

1. Go to Settings
2. Find the Screen Saver section
3. Choose your type: Default, Media, or Mirror
4. If using Media mode, upload your image or video
5. Save

[screenshot: Screen saver type selection]

Uploading Custom Screen Saver Media

Using Media mode? Here's how to upload your content.

Supported formats: PNG, JPG, MP4, MOV

1. Go to Settings → Screen Saver
2. Make sure the type is set to Media
3. Tap Upload Media
4. Select your file
5. The preview updates to show your media

What to Upload

• For client events: Client logo, event-specific graphic, sponsor banner, hashtag display
• For your business: Your logo, an attract video, a slideshow of your best work, a "Step up and take a photo!" call-to-action

Design Tips

• Match the iPad resolution — Design your media to match the screen size for crisp display
• Keep text large — Guests will be viewing from several feet away
• Use high contrast — The screen needs to be readable in various lighting conditions
• Videos should loop well — Make sure the loop point isn't jarring

Event Branding Overlay

Want to show your client's logo or a custom graphic on top of the screen saver? The branding overlay is an additional layer that fades in after a period of inactivity.

How to Set It Up

1. Go to Settings
2. Find the Event Branding section
3. Upload your branding media (image or video)
4. Set the Idle Timeout — how many seconds before the overlay appears (default: 15 seconds)

[screenshot: Event branding settings]

How It Works During an Event

1. Guest finishes their session and walks away
2. The screen returns to the screen saver
3. After the idle timeout (e.g., 15 seconds), the branding overlay fades in
4. When the next guest taps the screen, the overlay disappears and the camera activates

How It's Different from the Screen Saver

• Screen saver — The base content shown when the booth is idle
• Branding overlay — An additional layer that fades in on top after more idle time

They work together: the screen saver activates first, then the branding overlay appears on top.

Idle Timeout Settings

The idle timeout controls when the branding overlay appears after a period of inactivity.

Recommended Settings

Too short = the overlay flashes between every guest. Too long = the booth looks unattended. Find the sweet spot for your event.

Tips

• Default mode is the safe choice — Works great without any setup
• Media mode impresses clients — Upload their logo or event graphic for a professional touch
• Mirror mode is an attention magnet — People walking by will stop and look at themselves. That's your opening.
• Keep branding clean — A logo in the corner or a simple call-to-action works better than a cluttered design
• Adjust timeout by traffic — At busy events, set a longer timeout so the overlay doesn't flash between every guest

Updated on: 03/28/2026