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C⁴ Clock / Operator workflow

Less juggling at the next presenter handover.

The run sheet, the timer and the next PowerPoint all need to agree. Set up the links before the show so LOAD NEXT can prepare the handover from one place.

Smart run sheet import and linked PowerPoint loading require Pro or an active Pro trial. Normal timer controls and one-source PowerPoint monitoring remain available in Free.

Watch the handover workflow. Pro or an active Pro trial is required for linked loading.

Build the handover before the doors open

  1. Import the client’s run sheet. Review extracted presenter names, durations and planned starts. Check breaks, panels and Q&A against the client’s intended schedule before using it live.
  2. Link the right decks explicitly. Select each presenter and use the run-sheet editor to link their local PowerPoint. If you have Main and Backup presentation PCs, prepare each source separately. The PPT column is read-only; filenames are not matched to presenters automatically.
  3. Approve the presentation folders. In Settings → PowerPoint, use the source’s AUTO LOAD SETUP. Choose the folder on the actual PowerPoint PC and repeat for Backup if used. Keep PowerPoint and its matching C⁴ add-in open on each source.
  4. Pause or stop the clock and turn AUTO LOAD PPT on. Press LOAD NEXT for the next presenter. C⁴ loads the timer first, then opens the linked Main and optional Backup decks in slideshow on slide 1.
  5. Check, then arm or start. Confirm the presenter, duration, opening slide and source. ARM is independent; loading alone does not start the clock. Rehearse the slide-advance start.

What if the deck doesn’t load?

Read the reported error and check both the timer and presentation PCs. Because the timer loads first, it may already show the new presenter even if a later PowerPoint step fails. A failed load leaves the timer unarmed; it does not automatically retry the deck command.

Review the failure, correct it and deliberately prepare the handover again. Don’t treat the selected presenter name as confirmation that every source is ready.

When you only want to change the timer

With AUTO LOAD PPT off, or with no linked deck, the load buttons change the presenter timer and leave PowerPoint unchanged. The loading toggle and ARM control do different jobs. The large Play/Pause control remains available.

Keep schedule changes out of the operator’s queue

Pro’s client run-sheet dashboard lets clients see the session outlook themselves. With permission, they can adjust presenter, Q&A, panel or session times. See the client dashboard.

Full setup, reset controls and load-error handling →

More operator workflows

Hold the last slide until you switch awayKeep a final click from dropping the deck out before the vision switch. Enable Freeze last slide and test the actual remote.Read the guide →Catch missing fonts and saved slide timings before rehearsalFind reported missing fonts by slide and check automatic timings before the presenter reaches the lectern.Read the guide →Start the countdown when the presenter advancesArm the clock for the start of the talk while keeping normal timer controls available.Read the guide →Know when the PowerPoint video finishesSee elapsed and remaining playback time, and prepare for upcoming video and audio cues.Read the guide →Convert PDF slides without rebuilding the layoutKeep the displayed fonts and element positions together as a page image on each PowerPoint slide.Read the guide →

Try it with your next presentation

Download C⁴ Clock Free for Windows. Start the optional 30-day Pro trial when you are ready to explore the additional tools.

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