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evmux Knowledge Base

How to Use the Countdown Timer Widget

The Countdown Timer displays a visual countdown on your stream. Use it for pre-show countdowns, segment timing, or counting down to a specific event.

When to Use

  • “Starting soon” countdown before a show begins
  • Counting down to a product launch or event start
  • Timing a segment or break
  • Triggering an automatic scene switch when time runs out

Steps

Step 1: Add the Countdown Timer

  1. Open the Layers tab. Apps work on both scene types:
    • Dynamic Scene: expand Apps & Widgets -> Add from marketplace
    • Pro scene: click Add New Layer -> Apps & Widgets
  2. Search for “Countdown Timer” and click to add it

The App Market with countdown typed in the search box, highlighted, and the Countdown Timer app as the only result

The Countdown Timer app page with its description and the Add to Scene button highlighted

Step 2: Choose Timer Type

The app’s settings open in the panel on the left as soon as it is added.

The Countdown Timer settings panel highlighted: Timer Type, days, hours, minutes and seconds, Flash When Finished, Play Sound When Finished, Reset Timer and Start, Auto Switch, and font and color options

Simple Mode (Duration):

  • Set specific Days, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
  • Example: 0 days, 0 hours, 5 minutes, 0 seconds for a 5-minute countdown

Target Time Mode:

  • Pick a specific date and time to count down to
  • Example: Count down to a product launch at 3:00 PM on March 1st

Step 3: Configure What Happens When Timer Ends

SettingDefaultDescription
Play SoundOnPlay an alarm when timer reaches zero
Volume50%Alarm sound volume (1-100%)
FlashOnFlash the display when timer finishes
Auto Switch SceneOffAutomatically switch to another scene

Auto Switch Scene is powerful for automation:

  1. Enable Auto Switch Scene
  2. Select the target scene (e.g., your main show scene)
  3. When the countdown hits zero, evmux automatically switches to that scene

Step 4: Customize Appearance

SettingDefaultGood For
Font Size80pxIncrease to 200+ for full-screen countdown
Font FamilyRobotoTry Audiowide or Pirata One for themed shows
Text Color#daf6ff (light blue)Match your brand colors
Text Shadow Color#0aafe6 (blue glow)Creates a neon glow effect
Background ColorDark transparentUse transparent for overlay look
Border Radius15pxSet to 0 for sharp corners

Step 5: Position and Size

  • Drag the timer to your desired position
  • Resize the layer to fit your scene layout
  • For a “Starting Soon” screen, make it large and centered

Common Setups

“Starting Soon” Countdown

  1. Create a Pro Scene with your “Starting Soon” graphic
  2. Add the Countdown Timer widget
  3. Set it to 5 or 10 minutes
  4. Enable Auto Switch Scene → select your main show scene
  5. The timer counts down, then automatically switches to your show

Segment Timer

  1. Add the timer to your main scene
  2. Set a short duration (2-5 minutes)
  3. Keep it small in a corner
  4. Enable Flash and Sound as reminders

Event Countdown

  1. Use Target Time mode
  2. Set the exact date and time of your event
  3. Display shows days, hours, minutes, and seconds remaining

Tips

  • 13 font options are available - some decorative fonts don’t support thickness adjustment
  • The glow effect (Text Shadow Color) works great on dark backgrounds
  • Use transparent background to overlay the timer on other content
  • Auto Switch Scene is perfect for automating show starts
  • Combine with a “Starting Soon” scene for a professional pre-show experience