Offline mode and the Windows app

The offline mode is a desktop application (currently Windows) that runs the entire BroadcastGraphics server locally — same code, same database schema, but with data synced from the cloud instead of being edited against it.

Why offline mode exists

Broadcast venues are rarely blessed with perfect internet. An unstable connection between the control room and the cloud server means risk — and risk is unacceptable during a live show. Offline mode eliminates that risk by putting the entire rendering path on one computer.

How it works

1. Online, an editor builds projects, templates and datasets as normal.
2. Before going out to the venue, the operator syncs a production from the cloud to the laptop. Templates, datasets and assets are bundled and copied over.
3. At the venue, the laptop runs the app. Control panel and renderer both run locally; no internet is required during the show.
4. After the show, nothing syncs back — offline mode is read-only from the cloud's perspective. If the operator edited data on air, it stays on the laptop (expected for live data-entry use cases).

Current limitations

• Only Windows builds are shipped.
• Sync is one-way (cloud → laptop). Changes made offline do not push back.
• Plugins that require live connections (such as streaming data sources) obviously do not work offline.

Next

• Syncing a production — downloading before a show.
• Running offline — what differs at the venue.