Quick start guide
A warp-speed guide to teleprompter setup options and the PromptDog settings to suit each

Getting started with our teleprompter software is quick and easy:
Visit the download page to start a free 10-day trial, purchase a license or update to the latest version.
Read the guide below to learn about your setup options and the PromptDog settings to suit each.
Setup options
Let's start with your hardware setup options:
Option 1 is to mount your camera above and behind a laptop or computer monitor and read the script from the main operator window.

Option 2 is to read from a second window deployed on an external monitor mounted above, below or even beside the camera. (Obviously, the external monitor needs to be connected to the computer where PromptDog is installed).

To enable this, click Open Talent Window in the operator window sidebar and drag the new window to the second monitor.

The two windows are synced together so the operator sees exactly what the talent (presenter) sees.
Resizing the Talent Window
To resize the talent window, resize the operator window using the maximize button or by dragging the (operator) window sizing handles.
Unfortunately, it's not possible to scale the talent window independently when the two monitors are different resolutions (reliably, that is). For that reason, we lock the talent window to the operator window so both parties see exactly the same thing on a line-by-line basis.
Your third option is to display the talent window on a display housed in purpose-built teleprompter hardware. We call this through-the-lens prompting.

This setup relies on specially manufactured beam-splitter glass mounted in front of the camera lens which reflects the PromptDog output back to the talent. For this to work as intended, you will need to reverse the text in the Talent Window:
Reverse the Talent Window text
With the Talent Window open (see option 2 above), click the Mirror Talent Window icon in the script area of the Operator Window as shown below.

Ready to roll
Once you decide on your hardware configuration, getting started with PromptDog is easy:
Step 1: Load your script
Import your script by clicking the 'Import Text' button in the operator window sidebar or simply drag the file into the operator window. PromptDog currently supports files in plain text format.
Step 2: Arm the prompter
Click the 'Start Prompting' button in the sidebar or the play icon in the on-screen controls to ready the prompter for action.
Step 3: Start scrolling
Rotate your mouse scroll wheel to start the script scrolling on screen. (See below for alternatives to using a mouse).
Step 4: Control the speed
Rotate the mouse scroll wheel in the opposite direction to slow the scroll speed or go into full rewind mode. Pause and resume using the spacebar.
That's it . . . you're off and running!
On-screen controls
We've already discussed one of the on-screen controls in the script section of the operator window (the Mirror Talent Window option). Here's what the other buttons do:

Initially, the play button does the same thing as the Start Prompting button in the sidebar. When you open PromptDog for a new session, they both 'arm' the teleprompter, ready for action. After scrolling has been initiated with the mouse scroll wheel, use the play button to pause or restart scrolling. (Keyboard shortcut: Spacebar)
Use this button to return to the begining of the script. (Shortcut key: T)
This button will rewind the script 5 lines. (Shortcut key: R)
Use this button to reverse the mouse wheel scroll action. See note below. (Shortcut key: Y)
As already mentioned, this button reverses the text on the Talent Window for use with through-the-lens style hardware. (Shortcut key: M)
Other quick tips
That's it . . .
That’s really all you need to know to get started with PromptDog.
If you have any further questions don't hesitate to reach out to our support team via our contact form.
Thanks for being a PromptDog user!