> 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/play-and-update-graphics/branch-index.md).

# Play and update graphics

Start here to put graphics on air and control what they show.

Most workflows start with a title design from the Library. Play it as-is, change its values by hand, prepare several versions with the Values Grid, or connect it to a live data source so the graphic updates automatically. Captivate can read from scoreboards, spreadsheets, weather services, presentation software, Zoom meetings, and other sources.

## Start here

New to Captivate graphics? Work through these in order.

1. [Play a graphic](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index/1-play-a-graphic.md)
2. [Customize a graphic’s values](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index/2-customize-its-values.md)
3. [Prepare multiple variations](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index/3-prepare-variations.md)
4. [Drive a graphic from a spreadsheet or file](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index/4-drive-from-spreadsheet.md)
5. [Drive a graphic with a Data Controller](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index/5-drive-with-data-controller.md)
6. [Write your own Data Controller](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index/6-write-your-own-controller.md)

Already know what should update the graphic? Open the [Data Controller catalog](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-3.md) and choose the matching source.

## Choose a data path

Use the path that matches where your data comes from.

* **Typed values** — change values by hand in the [Live Values tab](/control-your-show/chapter-index/live-data-tab.md).
* **Prepared variations** — use the [Values Grid](/get-started/chapter-index-2/values-grid-tab-reference.md) to prepare rows you can switch between during a show.
* **Spreadsheet, CSV, Google Sheets, XML, or JSON** — use [Tables](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1.md), usually [Tables: Row](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/drive-a-graphic-with-tables-row.md), to drive standard graphics from records you control.
* **Scoreboard, weather, presentation software, meeting, chat, or other live source** — use a Data Controller from the [catalog](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-3.md).
* **Custom source** — [write your own Data Controller](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index/6-write-your-own-controller.md).

Some online sources require sign-in. If Captivate asks you to authenticate, see [Authenticate your Internet Accounts](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-3/authenticate-your-internet-accounts.md).

## What’s in this section

* **Play and update graphics step by step** — the six-part path above: play a graphic, customize its values, prepare variations, then connect live data.
* **Tables** — drive graphics from data you manage: spreadsheets, CSV files, Google Sheets, XML, and JSON. Start with **Tables: Row** for ordinary one-record-at-a-time graphics; use **Tables: Block** for multi-row graphics.
* **Data Controller catalog** — connect specific live sources, including Scoreboard Tool, Scorebird, hardware scoreboards, WeatherCast, ProPresenter, EasyWorship, Zoom, Teams, social/chat, and more.
* **Legacy data controllers** — the pre-Tables Spreadsheet, JSON, and XML controllers, kept for compatibility with existing projects.

## Related sections

* If you haven’t yet decided how Captivate connects to the rest of your production — which output it feeds, and whether it keys graphics over external video — start with [Choose how Captivate fits your production](/set-up-your-production/how-it-fits-your-production.md). That decision shapes the output and alpha settings behind everything you play here.
* If the graphic itself needs editing before you connect values to it, see [Design & customize graphics](/design-and-customize-graphics/branch-index.md).
* If you’re standing up a full venue (sports, worship, hybrid event), see [Solution Recipes](/solution-recipes/branch-index.md) for end-to-end playbooks that combine graphics, data, Program Out, and control surfaces.
* If data is connected but nothing is updating on air, see [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting/branch-index.md) and the **Data isn’t updating** decision tree.


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