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How to Choose a Live Timetable App

Evaluate timetable apps for planning, show-day changes, read-only sharing, low-light readability, connectivity, and free-plan limits.

Published
May 28, 2026
Updated
Jul 19, 2026
On this page +
  1. Define the workflow first
  2. 1. Check automatic time calculations
  3. 2. Check show-day readability
  4. 3. Separate editing from viewing
  5. 4. Understand the connectivity requirements
  6. 5. Compare the free limits
  7. A quick selection guide

Key takeaways

  • Judge the show-day editing workflow, not only the planning screen
  • Look for separate edit and read-only access
  • Test connectivity and screen wake behavior on the real device

A timetable app can produce a neat schedule and still be awkward during a live show. Club and live-event workflows include lineup swaps, overrunning sets, dark rooms, and crew members checking the schedule from different locations. Choose for both preparation and operation.

Define the workflow first

Before comparing products, write down:

  • Who is allowed to edit the timetable
  • Who only needs to view it
  • How often set order or duration changes on show day
  • Whether attendees need a public view
  • How reliable the venue network is

A spreadsheet or image may be enough for a short lineup that rarely changes. A dedicated app becomes more useful as editing and sharing increase.

1. Check automatic time calculations

When one set length changes, later start and end times should follow without manual edits. A workflow that requires retyping every time becomes fragile during a busy show.

GIG DECK calculates later times from the event start and each slot length. Reordering artists also recalculates the schedule around the new lineup.

2. Check show-day readability

An editing screen and a display screen solve different problems. Look for a view that makes the current artist and remaining time readable from a distance without exposing unnecessary controls.

If you plan to leave a screen on all night, test wake-lock behavior. Browser support depends on the device, operating system, and power settings even when an app offers the feature.

3. Separate editing from viewing

Crew and attendees should not need access to the editor. A read-only link lets people follow the schedule without creating a risk that they change it.

GIG DECK provides an AUDIENCE LINK for viewing. It shows the timetable but does not grant edit permission.

4. Understand the connectivity requirements

Real-time updates require an internet connection. Do not rely on a broad “offline support” label—test what remains visible after a connection drops and when edits reach another device.

GIG DECK can keep an already loaded screen visible, but time sync and new edits need connectivity.

5. Compare the free limits

Free tiers may limit events, viewers, or features. GIG DECK allows one event as an unregistered guest and up to three events with a free account.

A quick selection guide

SituationBest fit
A short lineup with almost no changesPaper, image, or spreadsheet may be enough
Set order or duration changes during the showApp with automatic recalculation
Crew checks the schedule in several locationsApp with read-only links and live updates
A dark booth needs a visible countdownApp with a dedicated LIVE display

The most reliable test is a complete rehearsal on the device and network you will use at the venue.

GIG DECK

Try it with your own event

Guests can create one event without registering.

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