Cue Types in PLAY allow cues to belong to defined families with their own unique settings and rules for easier operation. Cue Types are more than just categories — they define operational logic and systemic behavior within a show. They determine how cues are referenced, triggered, and cleared, ensuring smooth and predictable playback during live events.
Cue Types are critical because:
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They provide consistent naming and navigation for playback operation.
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They define layering rules, hotkeys, and clearing logic that affect cue behavior.
Global vs. show-level properties
A global Cue Type only defines a Code, Name, and Description — it's a shared definition referenced across your instance. Layer, Hotkey, and Clearing Rules are set at the show level, when a global Cue Type is imported into a specific show.
Creating a new Cue Type from within a show also creates it at the global level. Before creating a new one, check whether an existing global Cue Type already covers your need.
Properties of Cue Types
Each Cue Type imparts specific properties to the cues within it (set at the show level, once a Cue Type has been imported):
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Layer Value |
Determines display order when multiple cues are active. Example: A Background Cue Type has a low layer number so other cues play over it. |
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Hotkey |
Keyboard shortcut for quick cue searches. Must be entered in lowercase so the clear shortcut (Shift + hotkey) works correctly in the Controller. Example: |
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Cue Clearing Rules |
Define which other Cue Types are cleared when a cue of this type plays to a surface. Example: If Headshots clear Event Titles, Housekeeping, and Interactives, playing a Headshot automatically clears those types on the same surface. |
Cue Types
Cue Types exist at a global level and are referenced within Shows to enforce consistent logic across an instance.
This structure ensures:
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Standardized behavior for cue playback and clearing.
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Efficient operator workflows through hotkeys and predictable layering.
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Simplified management of systemic rules.
Navigation
Access Cue Types via the Cue Types tab in the left-hand navigation panel, and browse or search by Name and Code.
Cue Type slide-out
Clicking a Cue Type opens a detailed panel with:
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Cue Type Name: Editable for identification.
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Layer Value: Numeric value for display order.
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Hotkey: Assigned keyboard shortcut.
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Clearing Rules: List of Cue Types cleared when this type plays.
Cue Types can be set active or inactive, similar to Surfaces. A Cue Type can be deleted once all cues using it have expired; until then, set it to inactive instead.