Mastering Presentation Mode: Display Your Show Like a Pro

Presentation Mode transforms your show into a full-screen, performance-ready display. This tutorial covers everything from basic navigation to advanced customization.

Time required: 10-15 minutes

What You'll Learn

• Entering and exiting Presentation Mode
• Navigating between entries
• Customizing the display
• Using presentation for different scenarios
• Tips for tech volunteers

Prerequisites

• A show with at least 3-4 entries
• Basic familiarity with Star

Part 1: Entering Presentation Mode

Step 1: Open Your Show

Navigate to Backstage and open the show you want to present.

Step 2: Enter Presentation Mode

Look for the Present button. It might appear as:

• A "Present" text button
• A play icon (▶)
• A fullscreen icon
• In the menu under "Present" or "Start"

Tap it. Your screen transforms into full-screen presentation.

Step 3: Understand the Display

In Presentation Mode, you'll see:

• Content area: Lyrics, text, or media (most of the screen)
• Navigation controls: Usually minimal, at edges or corners
• Entry indicator: Shows which entry you're on (optional)

The interface is intentionally minimal—the focus is the content.

Part 2: Navigation

Basic Navigation

Move forward:

• Tap the right side of the screen
• Swipe left
• Tap the forward arrow (if visible)

Move backward:

• Tap the left side of the screen
• Swipe right
• Tap the back arrow (if visible)

Jump to Specific Entry

Need to skip ahead or go back several entries?

1. Tap the center of the screen (or designated area)
2. An entry list or navigation panel appears
3. Tap the entry you want
4. Presentation jumps directly there

Keyboard Navigation (Web/Desktop)

If using a keyboard:

• Right arrow or Space: Next entry
• Left arrow: Previous entry
• Escape: Exit presentation
• Number keys: Jump to entry (1, 2, 3...)

Part 3: Exiting Presentation Mode

To exit:

• Tap the X button (usually top corner)
• Swipe down from top
• Press Escape (keyboard)
• Use the back gesture

You return to the normal show view.

Part 4: Display Customization

Show-Level Design

Before entering presentation, set your show's default design:

1. Open show settings
2. Navigate to Design or Appearance
3. Configure:

Setting a Background Image

1. In Design settings, select Background
2. Choose Image
3. Options:
   • Upload: From your device
   • Library: Your saved media
   • Stock: Search stock photo libraries
4. Select an image
5. Adjust positioning (cover, contain, etc.)

Setting a Background Video

1. In Design settings, select Background
2. Choose Video
3. Upload or select a video
4. Video loops automatically behind your text

Tip: Use subtle, slow-moving videos. Busy backgrounds distract from lyrics.

Text Overlay Settings

Ensure text is readable over backgrounds:

• Text shadow: Adds depth, improves readability
• Background overlay: Semi-transparent layer behind text
• Contrast colors: Light text on dark backgrounds, or vice versa

Part 5: Per-Entry Customization

Want one entry to look different?

Override Show Design

1. Open the specific entry
2. Find Design or Customize
3. Toggle Override show design or Custom design
4. Set entry-specific options:
   • Different background
   • Different font/colors
   • Different text size

Use Cases for Per-Entry Design

• Scripture readings: Different background than songs
• Special songs: Themed background matching song mood
• Announcements: Church branding colors
• Transitions: Blank slide or image-only

Part 6: Different Presentation Scenarios

Scenario 1: Church Projection

Setup:

• Connect device to projector/display
• Open show in Star
• Enter Presentation Mode
• Mirror/extend display as needed

During service:

• Tech volunteer controls from device
• Congregation sees projected lyrics
• Advance entries to match worship leader

Tips:

• Test connection before service
• Have a backup device ready
• Know how to quickly access entry list

Scenario 2: Personal Reference

Setup:

• Phone or tablet on music stand
• Enter Presentation Mode

During performance:

• Glance at lyrics as needed
• Swipe to advance
• No external display needed

Tips:

• Increase font size for glanceability
• Use high contrast for visibility
• Position device to avoid neck strain

Scenario 3: Rehearsal Follow-Along

Setup:

• All musicians open the same show
• Leader's device controls (or each person follows independently)

During rehearsal:

• Everyone sees the same content
• Leader advances; followers see updates (if real-time sync is on)
• Or each person navigates independently

Tips:

• Agree on who controls if using sync
• Use "presenter view" features if available

Scenario 4: Remote/Online Services

Setup:

• Screen share your device
• Enter Presentation Mode
• Viewers see full-screen content

Tips:

• Test screen share before going live
• Ensure display resolution is appropriate
• Disable notifications to avoid interruptions

Part 7: Tech Volunteer Guide

If you're the person running presentation for someone else:

Before the Event

1. Get access: Accept the show invitation
2. Review entries: Know what's coming
3. Check design: Ensure backgrounds load properly
4. Test equipment: Verify projector/display connection
5. Note special instructions: Any unusual transitions?

During the Event

1. Stay a beat behind: Advance when the congregation is ready, not when the performer starts
2. Watch the leader: Cues for repeats, skips, extends
3. Don't panic: Wrong slide? Just navigate to the right one
4. Stay focused: Avoid phone distractions

Common Situations

"They're repeating the chorus"

• Tap back to return to the chorus
• Or use entry jump to go directly

"They skipped a verse"

• Jump forward past the skipped content
• Don't try to show it anyway

"Technical issue"

• Exit and re-enter Presentation Mode
• Worst case: Display the show in normal view (not ideal but works)

Part 8: Advanced Features

Presenter View (if available)

Some Star versions offer a "presenter view":

• Main display: Clean content for audience
• Presenter device: Shows current + next entry, notes, controls

Look for this in presentation settings.

Synced Presentation

If collaboration features support it:

• One person controls presentation
• All collaborators see the same view
• Changes propagate in real-time

Enable in show settings or presentation options.

Offline Presentation

Star caches show content for offline use:

1. Open the show while online
2. All content downloads
3. Enter presentation mode
4. Works without internet

Important: Ensure you've loaded the show before losing connectivity.

Troubleshooting

Text is hard to read

• Increase font size
• Add text shadow
• Use background overlay
• Choose higher contrast colors

Background image/video not showing

• Check internet connection
• Try re-loading the show
• Verify the media uploaded correctly

Navigation is confusing

• Practice before the event
• Learn the specific gestures for your device
• Use keyboard shortcuts if available

Display looks different on projector

• Check projector resolution settings
• Test with actual equipment before event
• Adjust font size for the viewing distance

Quick Reference

Next Steps

You're ready to present. Now:

• Practice navigating with a test show
• Experiment with design options
• Run through before your actual event