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Key takeaways
- Spreadsheets are stronger for flexible tables, budgets, and custom reporting
- A dedicated app is stronger for show-day changes and countdown display
- Many teams can use one tool for planning and another for live operation
Excel and Google Sheets are flexible tools that already support much of event preparation. GIGDECK is narrower: it focuses on DJ/VJ time calculations and show-day display. The better choice depends on which part of the workflow creates the most work.
Side-by-side comparison
| Area | Excel / Google Sheets | GIGDECK |
|---|---|---|
| Layout flexibility | High; customize cells, colors, formulas, and print layouts | Fixed around timetable operation |
| Lineup changes | Move rows, then verify formulas and references | Drag artists and recalculate later times |
| Remaining-time display | Build a custom view or calculate manually | Dedicated LIVE countdown |
| Viewing access | Manage file permissions and sharing settings | Read-only AUDIENCE LINK |
| Live updates | Depends on collaboration settings and connectivity | Updates viewing screens while online |
| Free use | Depends on the spreadsheet service | 1 guest event, up to 3 with a free account |
When a spreadsheet is the better fit
Spreadsheets work well when you need to:
- Track contacts, fees, equipment, travel, and schedules in one place
- Build a custom print or reporting format
- Run a short lineup with few show-day changes
- Follow an established organizational template
For comprehensive production planning, that flexibility is difficult to replace.
When GIGDECK is the better fit
A dedicated timetable app becomes useful when:
- Artist order or set length changes during the show
- The booth needs a large remaining-time display
- Crew or attendees need a read-only URL
- You do not want to edit spreadsheet formulas during a live event
GIGDECK recalculates times from card order and duration, then presents the same running order in LIVE display and the AUDIENCE LINK.
Important differences
Flexibility
GIGDECK does not replace a spreadsheet for budgets, contacts, or arbitrary tables. It deliberately limits the interface to timetable operation.
Connectivity
Both cloud collaboration and real-time viewing rely on connectivity. GIGDECK also requires an internet connection to send new edits to viewing screens.
Importing existing files
GIGDECK does not currently import Excel files. You need to enter the event details, artist names, and set lengths from the existing schedule.
A practical hybrid workflow
You can split planning and operation:
- Manage contacts, fees, and production notes in a spreadsheet
- Enter the confirmed running order and set lengths in GIGDECK
- Use LIVE display and the AUDIENCE LINK on show day
- Return actual timings to the production record when needed
This combines spreadsheet flexibility with a focused show-day interface.
Conclusion
Choose a spreadsheet when preparation and custom data are the main challenge. Choose GIGDECK when live changes, countdown visibility, and read-only sharing are the harder part. The tools can also complement each other rather than compete for the entire workflow.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it wrong to build a timetable in Excel?
- No. Spreadsheets are better for free-form tables, budgets, and custom reporting. They are weaker at show-day changes and at sharing a readable schedule on the spot.
- What is the biggest difference from a dedicated app?
- How a time change propagates. Without formulas, a spreadsheet won't shift the following rows, so the change becomes manual work during the show. A dedicated app recalculates from the changed set length onward.
- Can I just share the spreadsheet with attendees?
- You can, but one wrong permission setting lets people edit it, and spreadsheets read poorly on phones. A tool with a genuine read-only link is safer.
- Can I use both?
- Yes, and many teams do: plan and budget in a spreadsheet, then move the confirmed running order into GIGDECK for the night itself.
Try it with your own event
Guests can create one event without registering.