> 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/set-up-your-production/branch-index.md).

# Set up your production

Use this section to set up how Captivate fits into your production system: project format, graphics output, live video inputs, switching, replay, streaming, delivery, and audio.

In some shows, Captivate is the graphics system feeding an external switcher, display, encoder, vMix, TriCaster, or venue system. In others, Captivate also handles nearby production tasks such as live video inputs, Shot Layouts, switching, replay, streaming, Zoom or Teams contribution, and audio mixing. These features are here because they can simplify the show when Captivate is already driving the graphics and production logic.

This section is for the person setting up the production: deciding how Captivate fits into the larger system, choosing graphics output, adding live video sources, deciding which tool handles switching and streaming, and preparing audio before the show goes live.

Use [Design & customize graphics](/design-and-customize-graphics/branch-index.md) when you need to change the graphics themselves. Use [Control your show](/control-your-show/branch-index.md) when the system is set up and you’re ready to operate live.

## Two ways Captivate fits your production

Captivate commonly fits into production in two ways:

* **Graphics system in a larger production** — Captivate creates graphics and sends them to a switcher, display, encoder, NDI workflow, SDI card, vMix, TriCaster, or another production tool.
* **Integrated production workflow** — Captivate also handles supporting tasks such as live video sources, Shot Layouts, switching, replay, streaming, Zoom or Teams contribution, and audio mixing, so the show can be run with fewer external tools.

## Start here

1. [Choose how Captivate fits your production](/set-up-your-production/how-it-fits-your-production.md) — choose whether Captivate is a graphics source, a downstream keyer, an integrated production system, or the final delivery path. This choice drives Alpha Key, project format, and output setup.
2. [Set the project format](/set-up-your-production/set-up-your-project.md) — choose resolution, frame rate, Alpha Key, premultiplication, and other project-wide settings before configuring outputs.
3. [Set up graphics output](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index.md) — send Captivate graphics to the rest of the production system using Display, SDI, NDI, OMT, TriCaster, vMix, Wirecast, OBS, or another supported path.
4. [Move and resize items for Program](/set-up-your-production/position-and-fit-items-in-program.md) — use Preview for fast visual placement and the Transform tab for precise position, scale, and fit settings.
5. [Live video inputs](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-2.md) — bring cameras, capture cards, NDI feeds, screen captures, browser sources, or windows into Captivate when the production needs them.
6. [Audio Mixer panel](/set-up-your-production/chapter-index-5/the-audio-mixer.md) — set source levels, monitor audio locally, use Shot Layouts for audio automation, and prepare the Program audio mix.

## What’s in this section

* **Choose how Captivate fits your production** — the decision hub for selecting the right setup path: graphics source, downstream keyer, integrated production system, or final delivery path.
* **Production setup scenarios** — worked, end-to-end setups for fitting Captivate into specific tools: vMix, ATEM, HDMI switchers, and SDI broadcast switchers.
* **Set the project format** — resolution, frame rate, Alpha Key, and premultiplication. These settings affect every downstream output.
* **Set up graphics output** — Display, SDI, NDI, OMT, TriCaster, vMix, Wirecast, and OBS: the standard ways Captivate feeds the production system, with key/fill and transparency behavior.
* **Move and resize items for Program** — fast visual placement in Preview and precise placement in Transform.
* **Live video inputs** — cameras, capture cards, NDI, screen capture, window capture, and browser sources brought into Captivate.
* **Stingers & transitions** — transition setup, including stingers between graphics, shots, or sources.
* **Switching & instant replay** — Captivate as the internal switcher, plus replay setup and live replay operation.
* **Audio mixing** — the Program audio mix, local monitoring, and Shot Layout audio automation.
* **Streaming & delivery** — RTMP, SRT, multi-destination streaming, Zoom/Teams sends, virtual webcam, recordings, image sequences, and watch folders.

Not every send path is the same. Some destinations are primary graphics or Program outputs. Others receive a copy, stream, file, virtual device, recording, or integration-specific send. Use [Choose how Captivate fits your production](/set-up-your-production/how-it-fits-your-production.md) to decide which path matches your setup.

## Related sections

* Once the production is set up, drive the show from it. See [Control your show](/control-your-show/branch-index.md) for cue and take, Shot Layouts, Stream Deck, and Companion.
* For graphics, values, and live data sources, see [Play and update graphics](/play-and-update-graphics/branch-index.md).
* If you need a full venue playbook (sports, worship, hybrid event, ATEM, vMix, or TriCaster), see [Solution Recipes](/solution-recipes/branch-index.md). Recipes combine Set up your production, Play and update graphics, and Control your show.
* When Program goes black, an SDI card is missing, or a stream drops, see [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting/branch-index.md).


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