> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.ondeckapps.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Building and managing your dashboards in Relay
> Learn how Relay dashboards are structured with tabs, tiles, and modules, and how Canvas View relates to Live Mode.
Building a dashboard in Relay means placing tiles on a canvas, filling each tile with modules, and then operating the result in Live Mode during your event.
## How dashboards are structured
* **Tabs**: Separate different areas of responsibility or moments in your workflow.
* **Canvas**: The surface where tiles are placed and arranged.
* **Tiles**: Containers on the canvas that hold one or more modules.
* **Modules**: The actual content or controls shown inside a tile.
## Starting from the home screen
Relay opens to a home screen showing your recent files. From there you can start a new dashboard (choosing a canvas size as you create it), open an existing `.relay` file, or check the **What's New** panel for recent release notes without leaving the app. What's New shows entries only for the version you have installed.
Right-click any recent file to pin it as your startup file — Relay will skip the home screen and open that document automatically the next time you launch.
Use **Close Home** to dismiss the launch screen and return to your dashboard.
You can rerun the [Setup Wizard](/relay/guides/setup-wizard) from the `File` menu whenever you add new devices or services.
The home screen sidebar also has a **Quit** button, so you can close Relay without switching to the menu bar. Quit and Close both respond immediately now, even while a dialog is open.
## Creating and saving dashboards
Use `File > New Dashboard` to start fresh and `File > Open Dashboard...` to open an existing `.relay` file. Save with `Command-S`, or use `Save Dashboard As...` when you want a copy with a different name or location.
Once a dashboard has a save location, it autosaves by default — the toolbar shows whether the current document is saving or already saved. The first time autosave triggers, Relay shows a one-time prompt with an inline toggle if you'd rather turn it off; after that it's silent. You can also change this behavior at any time under `Relay > Settings` → **General**.
## Shared values and variables
Define a value once and reuse it across text inputs and automations. See [Shared values and variables](/relay/dashboards/variables).
## Keyboard shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
| ------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `Cmd-N` | New Dashboard |
| `Cmd-O` | Open Dashboard |
| `Cmd-S` | Save Dashboard |
| `Cmd-Shift-S` | Save Dashboard As |
| `Cmd-,` | Settings |
| `Cmd-Q` | Quit Relay |
| `Cmd-1` | Switch to Canvas View |
| `Cmd-2` | Switch to Automation View |
| `Cmd-L` | Toggle Live Mode |
| `Cmd-D` | Duplicate — the selected tiles in Canvas View, or the selected nodes in Automation View |
| `Cmd-G` | Group selected tiles |
| `Cmd-Shift-H` | Hide/show selected tiles |
| `Delete` | Delete selected tiles |
| `Cmd-Option-G` | Toggle snap to grid |
| `Cmd-;` | Toggle guides |
| `Cmd-Option-M` | Toggle auto-hide menu |
| `Cmd-T` | New tab |
| `Cmd-[` / `Cmd-]` | Select previous / next tab |
| `Cmd-Option-[` / `Cmd-Option-]` | Select first / last tab |
## Canvas View vs. Live Mode
Canvas View is for building and editing. Live Mode is for running the dashboard during a real service or event.
* Use Canvas View to add tiles, move them, align them, and change module configuration.
* Use Live Mode when you want a cleaner operating experience with fewer accidental edits.
Canvas panning and zooming stay smooth even on dashboards with lots of tiles, and trackpad pan/zoom gestures no longer get swallowed by scrollable content inside a module.
## What to read next
Learn how to place, size, align, and group content on the canvas.
Choose the right module for each tile and understand what each one is for.
Add network video monitoring with quality tiers and NIC-aware routing.
Build focused staffing views from Planning Center or shared rosters.