Technology

Getting Started with OptiSigns

Last modified 6/30/2026

This article provides an overview and general concept of how all content owners can upload, connect, and manage content within the Illinois State University (ISU) OptiSigns portal. These content sources will include PowerPoint presentations, calendars, and spreadsheets.

OptiSigns allows departments to display and manage digital signage content across select screens. Content can be uploaded directly into OptiSigns or connected through integrations.

Before You Begin


Before managing content in OptiSigns, please verify the following:

  • Have Access to the ISU OptiSigns Portal
  • Know which Screen(s) or playlist(s) they will manage
  • Prepare any files or resources that will be uploaded or connected, such as PowerPoint presentations, spreadsheets, or calendars

Example of the basic Workflow


Most content will be managed in the a similar process within OptiSigns:

  1. Upload or connect content within the Assets section.
  2. Organize content into playlists if needed.
  3. Assign playlists or individual assets to screens.
  4. Update content as needed through the assets section.

The Assets section serves as the primary location where content is created, uploaded, connected, and managed. 


Examples of things that can be done

  • Add a Powerpoint Presentation

PowerPoint presentations can be uploaded directly into OptiSigns and can be displayed as digital sign content.

  1. Navigate to the Assets section.
  2. Select Upload Files
  3. Choose the PowerPoint presentation file from your computer in the file explorer
  4. Assign the uploaded presentation to a playlist or directly to your selected screen.

If updates need to be made to an existing PowerPoint presentation, the owner of the file can replace the file within OptiSigns while maintaining the current screen.

  • Connect a Calendar

Calendars can be connected to OptiSigns to display schedules, meetings, room reservations, events, or department activities that automatically update as changes are made.

  1. Navigate to the Assets section.
  2. Select Apps
  3. Choose Microsoft Outlook Calendar.
  4. Sign-in and authorize the calendar connection.
  5. Configure the display settings and save the asset.
  6. Add the calendar asset to a playlist or assign it directly to a screen.


Once connected, updates made to the source calendar will automatically appear within OptiSigns

  • Import Spreadsheet Content

Spreadsheets can be used to display structured or frequently updated information.

  1. Navigate to the Assets section
  2. Select Apps
  3. Choose the Microsoft Excel option.
  4. Upload or connect the spreadsheet source.
  5. Configure the display layout and save the asset.
  6. Assign the spreadsheet asset to a playlist or screen.

Depending on the integration method used, updates made to the spreadsheet may automatically refresh within OptiSigns.

For additional setup instructions, advanced configuration options, and supported integrations, please refer to the official OptiSigns documentation, found below: OptiSigns Knowledge base

How to Get Help

Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at:

Feedback

To suggest an update to this article, ISU students, faculty, and staff should submit an Update Knowledge/Help Article request and all others should use the Get IT Help form.

Explore Tech Topics