Slide Builder (SSB) - Setting the default aspect ratio for content creation - canvas

Applicable SongShow Plus Versions: 
This article applies to SongShow Plus versions 7 and later.

A useful feature in SongShow Plus Slide Builder is the ability to adjust the target aspect ratio for content. Aspect ratios can become problematic when content is created on a system that does not share the same aspect ratio of the projection machine. If you are not familiar with what an Aspect Ratio is, please refer to article SP134

* Updates affecting this feature may be available. Ensure that you are using the most current build of SongShow Plus from the Download page before proceeding. *

When configured, the Canvas Aspect Ratio will emulate the aspect ratio that is set rather than the ratio of the machine the edits are done on. This is a global setting for the Slide Builder and is the best place to start when content is being used at another location.  There are many other places in SongShow Plus, such as slide properties, and those will be covered in other articles.

The setting for the global aspect ratio in the slide Builder can be found from the main toolbar:

• Open SongShow Plus Slide Builder (either stand-alone or from within SongShow Plus)
• From the main toolbar of the Slide Builder, select Settings > Preferences.
• To adjust the aspect ratio:
  • Locate the Edit Window setting and select it.
  • Locate the Canvas Aspect Ratio setting.
  • Select scenario below to continue:
• To force a specific aspect ratio for the canvas default. This is best if you are transporting content from one machine environment to another and all environments use standard ratios. 
  • Select the specific aspect ratio from the selection menu. 
  • This will force the edit canvas to the selected ratio regardless of the connected display ratios. 
  • Click Save to enable and close settings.
  • Each subsequent session of SongShow Plus, this will have to be enabled to track activity.
• To allow the aspect ratio for the canvas to change based on connected displays. This may be best if you are transporting content from one machine environment to another and all environments use the same non-standard ratios, such as 16:10.  It is important to note that both source and destination must have the same aspect ratio for this to work as intended.
  • Select the Display Window number that corresponds to the aspect ratio that you want to use from the selection menu. 
  • This will allow the edit canvas aspect ratio to change based on the connected display ratios. 
  • Click Save to enable and close settings. 

If you have any questions regarding the use of, or issues with, any of the SongShow Slide Builder features, please contact the Support Team.

(SSP133)