> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cstplus.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cstplus.org/documentation/feature-reference/playlist+.md).
# Playlist+
Playlist+ is the playlist generator for linear channels. Instead of a plain 24/7 loop, you lay out a real broadcast day (or many days) on a timeline: named time blocks, videos, ad breaks, promos and filler, with per-item metadata and graphics. When it is ready, one click loads it into playout and puts the channel on air.
***
### Where to find it
Open **Playlist+** in the sidebar, under Broadcast.
***
### Creating a playlist
**Step 1: Pick a channel and how to build**
Choose the channel the playlist is for, give it a name, then either:
* **Repeat one day** N times, or
* **By dates** to create one day per date in a range.
**Step 2: Open the editor**
The editor has a day selector at the top, a 24-hour vertical **timeline** on the left, and a **control panel** on the right.
***
### Blocks and items
A day is made of **blocks**: named time slots (for example a 09:00-12:00 "Morning" block). Each block holds an ordered list of **items**.
| Item kind | What it is |
| --------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Video | A programme or clip |
| Ad | An advertising spot (colour-coded) |
| Promo | A promo or announcement (colour-coded) |
| Filler | Padding content (colour-coded) |
Give a block a start time and a target length. If the items inside add up to more or less than the slot, Playlist+ warns you, and the day tabs show a fill bar so under- or over-filled days are obvious at a glance.
{% hint style="info" %}
Add items one at a time from the file browser, or use **+ Folder** to add every video in a folder at once. Drag items to reorder them, or use the up/down buttons.
{% endhint %}
***
### Editing an item
Select an item to open its editor. The panel is split into collapsible sections so only what you need is open:
* **Metadata:** title, description, age rating and cover art. Use **TMDB lookup** to fill these from a title search.
* **Timing & audio:** trim in/out and the audio track.
* **Graphics (CG):** up to three graphics per item (see below).
* **Markers:** in-clip time markers with labels.
Colour-code ads, promos and filler by category so the timeline is easy to read.
***
### Graphics per item
Each item can carry three graphics built in CG Studio:
| Slot | When it shows |
| ----------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Starting CG | Appears at a set offset from the item start, for a set duration |
| Main CG | Shown for the whole item |
| Exiting CG | Appears in the item's final seconds |
These play on air: when the channel is live, Playlist+ tracks the playout position and shows each item's graphics at the right time.
{% hint style="info" %}
On-air graphics timing follows the playout clock with a small tolerance, which suits lower-thirds and titles. It is not frame-accurate placement.
{% endhint %}
***
### Auto-generate
Click **Auto-generate** to build a day (or all days) for you.
**Step 1: Point it at folders**
Choose a content folder, and optionally folders for ads, promos and filler.
**Step 2: Set the rules**
| Rule | Effect |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Ad break every (min) | Inserts an ad pod on this cadence |
| Ad pod length (sec) | Target length of each ad break |
| Promo every N items | Drops a promo between content items |
| No repeat within (h) | Avoids repeating the same title inside this window |
| Shuffle | Randomises content order |
| Content filters | Keep only clips within a length range, or matching / not matching filename text |
**Step 3: Generate**
Generate this day, or all days at once. It rotates content, inserts ad breaks and promos, and pads the tail with filler.
***
### Reuse and portability
* **Duplicate** a day or a whole playlist to avoid rebuilding.
* **Export** a playlist to a JSON file and **Import** it on another install.
***
### Going to air
Click **Apply & Go Live**. Playlist+ loads the selected day into playout and starts the channel. Because playout composites in real time, graphics from your items appear on air without a stream restart.
{% hint style="info" %}
Apply & Go Live uses the live `playout` engine. For a fixed rendered day that repeats with clock-aligned EPG, see schedule mode.
{% endhint %}
---
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