> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/design-and-customize-graphics/branch-index.md).

# Design & customize graphics

Modify a stock template, import work from Photoshop, Illustrator, or After Effects, or build a graphic from scratch in the Designer.

You don’t need to design graphics to run a great show — Captivate ships with a rich suite of ready-to-use designs, and the Data Controllers in [Play and update graphics](/play-and-update-graphics/branch-index.md) cover the typical production. Come here when you’re ready to go further: modify a stock graphic to match your brand, import work from Adobe tools, or design something entirely your own.

## Start here

* [Modify a template](/design-and-customize-graphics/chapter-index/modify-a-template.md) — use this when a stock graphic is 90% right and you need to change colors, fonts, or a logo to match your brand.
* [Designer Workspace panel](/design-and-customize-graphics/chapter-index-1/designer-workspace-overview.md) — use this when you’ve never opened the Designer and want to get comfortable with the canvas where you build graphics.
* [Create variables in graphics](/design-and-customize-graphics/chapter-index-4/create-variables-in-graphics.md) — use this when you’re building a graphic that will later be driven by a Data Controller and need to expose fields the controller can fill.
* [Import an After Effects design](/design-and-customize-graphics/chapter-index-6/importing-your-after-effects-design.md) — use this when your team already has assets in Adobe tools and you want to bring them in rather than rebuild.

## What’s in this section

* **Modify an existing template** — start from a Library template and customize it: change its values, restyle it in the Designer, and save your version.
* **Designer overview & Workspace** — the Workspace, the Timeline, and the Properties panel.
* **Build a graphic from scratch** — text, shape, image and video layers, styles, alignment, lighting and camera, groups.
* **Animate & transition** — keyframes, transitions, effects, looping, flexible durations.
* **Variables & linked data** — expose variables in a graphic and link them to multiple sources.
* **Conductors** — Crawl, Roll, and Leaderboard conductors and their how-tos.
* **Import designs from other tools** — Photoshop, EPS (Illustrator), and After Effects flows.
* **Media sequences & clip roles** — build reusable media sequences and assign playback roles.
* **Save, package & export** — save to the library, package a project, export as image or video.
* **Graphics Library (build-side reference)** — the Library viewed from the author’s side.

## Related sections

* The graphic you just built will likely need to be wired to data next. Continue to [Play and update graphics](/play-and-update-graphics/branch-index.md), specifically steps 4 and 5 where variables and controllers connect.
* To route the result to SDI, NDI, or a virtual webcam, see [Set up your production](/set-up-your-production/branch-index.md).
* When the Designer misbehaves (a layer won’t move, a font won’t load, a project won’t open), see [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting/branch-index.md).


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