When enabled in the PADS4 Server settings, content synchronization ensures that the local Content Library on your PADS4 Scheduler remains in sync with the central server. This applies to all media types, including PADS4 presentations, video files, images, and other supported content.

PADS4 supports two-way synchronization: any changes made locally or on the server—such as adding, editing, or removing content—are automatically or manually synchronized across systems.

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Setting Up Content Synchronization

To configure synchronization:

  1. Open the Tools tab in the ribbon bar.
  2. In the Synchronization section, click Options.

The Synchronization Settings window will open.

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Configuration Options

  • Content Library Synchronization Activation
    Choose one of the following synchronization modes:

    • Automatically – Synchronization starts when a content change is detected.
    • Manually – Requires user-initiated synchronization.
    • Never – Disables synchronization entirely.

  • PADS4 Content Library Storage Folder
    Defines the local folder where synchronized content is stored.

    • Automatic is recommended if not using multiple servers or domains.

Click OK to apply the settings.

Note:
If PADS4 Server and PADS4 Scheduler are installed on the same computer, be sure to select This Computer in the connection settings. This automatically disables synchronization since both components share the same local content.

When multiple PADS4 applications (e.g., Scheduler, Designer) run on the same PC and connect to the same server, they share the same synchronization process.

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Starting Content Synchronization

If Automatic synchronization is enabled, the system will initiate synchronization when it detects changes in the content library.

If Manual synchronization is enabled:

  1. Go to the Tools tab.
  2. Click Synchronize Now under the Synchronization section.

The Synchronization Progress window will open and display the progress of the current session.

Once synchronization is complete, the log will display:

“The synchronization session has finished.”

Click Close to exit the window.

If you use automatic synchronization, clicking Synchronize Now will either manually start the process or show its current progress.

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Canceling Content Synchronization

To stop an ongoing synchronization session:

  1. If the Synchronization Progress window is open, you can simply click Close.
  2. Alternatively, click Cancel in the Tools > Synchronization section.

If the Cancel button is disabled, no synchronization process is currently running.

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Viewing Synchronization Progress and Logs

To check real-time synchronization status or review recent logs:

  1. In the Tools tab, under Synchronization, click Show Progress.
  2. The Synchronization Progress window will open.

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Window Breakdown

  • Synchronization Status

    • Top progress bar: shows overall sync progress.
    • Bottom progress bar: shows progress of the current item.
    • Once completed, only one progress bar is visible at 100%.

  • Download Progress / Log

    • Displays logs from the current or most recent session.
    • Click Refresh to update the log view with the latest information.