Live Layers is Scriptation's near-real-time annotation-sharing feature for teams. You annotate in your script, tap the layer share icon, and your group instantly receives the update — perfect for on-set changes, pre-production updates, table reads, and any time the whole team needs to be on the same page.

Live Layers works asynchronously, not simultaneously: each person works on their own layer, then shares to push their updates to the rest of the group. It's the difference between a quick group text and a Google Doc — everyone stays in sync, but no one is editing on top of anyone else.

Getting Started

1. With your script open, tap Layers on the Top Toolbar.

2. The Layers window opens and shows all the layers you've created so far. Give each one a descriptive name — this makes it much easier for your team to identify whose layer is whose once they're shared. To rename a layer, tap the menu at the top right of the Layers window, then Edit.

3. At the bottom of the Layers window, toggle on Live Layers.

You can configure global Live Layers options — including Auto Live Layers (auto-join the public group for every document) and a Private Key — from the Live Layers tab in Settings.

4. Create a new Layer Group, or join an existing one. See below for both flows.

Creating a Layer Group

If you're the first person on your team to use Live Layers with this document, you'll see a pop-up to customize the name for your Layer Group. You'll also have the option to make your Layer Group private.

1. Enter a name and decide whether to enable Make Group Private.
2. Tap Create.

3. If you enabled Make Group Private, enter a Group Password and tap Create. Write your password down somewhere safe and distribute it to your team — there's no way to retrieve or change a Group Password later, so this one step matters.

With Live Layers now enabled, see Sharing Live Layers below.

Joining an Existing Layer Group

If teammates have already started a Layer Group for this document, you'll see a pop-up listing existing groups.

1. Select an existing Layer Group, or tap the New icon in the upper right corner to create a new one.

2. In the confirmation box, tap Yes.

3. If your Layer Group is password-protected, enter the password and tap OK. (The creator of the group set the password — they're the one to ask if you don't have it.)

You're now in a Layer Group and ready to start sharing.

Sharing Live Layers

Before you start collaborating, here are the three types of layers Live Layers uses:

1. Private — A layer that isn't shared with anyone. Only you can see it;
2. Owned — A layer that you originate and share with your Layer Group. You control the content and when the layer is shared;
3. Received — A layer shared with you by a teammate. They control the content and when it's shared, and the layer is read-only on your end.

Reading the icons

Each layer row shows a colored dot (the layer's highlight color) and its name, with action icons on the right:

• Layer share icon (a tray with an upward arrow) — opens the share options for your layer. Appears on your own private layers and Owned Live Layers;
• Note icon (a speech bubble) — opens the notes on a Received Live Layer;
• Eye icon — shows or hides the layer on the page. An open eye means visible; a closed eye means hidden;
• Pencil icon — marks your active layer (the one you're currently annotating on).

Sharing an Owned Layer

1. Tap the layer share icon (the tray with an upward arrow) to the right of the Layer name.
2. Choose an option:

• Share Live Layer — pushes the layer to your Layer Group;
• Share Live Layer with Notes — pushes the layer along with a message for your group.

3. Scriptation processes the layer and shares it within your Layer Group. The layer is now labeled Owner (v1). The version number updates every time you share.

Repeat for as many Layers as you'd like.

Receiving a Layer

When a collaborator within your Layer Group shares their Live Layer, you'll see a pop-up message.

1. Tap Yes to receive the Layer. (If you're busy and don't want to receive right now, tap No — the circular Refresh icon at the bottom of the Layers window lets you catch up on any notifications you missed.)

Back in your Layers menu, the layer is now labeled (v1). The version number updates every time you receive an update from the Layer owner.

To view a Received Layer:

• Tap the layer to make it your active layer; or
• Tap the eye icon to show it alongside your current layer. Tap the eye icon again to hide it.

When viewing a Received Layer, the top of the page shows a grey box with the name of the layer.

Received Layers are view-only, but you can create a separate editable copy: tap the three-dot icon (...) at the top right of the Layers sidebar and select Duplicate.

Viewing notes on a Received Layer

When a teammate shares a layer using Share with Notes, their message travels with it. To read the notes on a Received Live Layer, tap the note icon (the speech bubble) to the right of the layer's name.

What's Next

What is Auto Live Layers?

Uses and Tips for Live Layers

How do I turn off the Live Layers Name Header?

How do I transfer Live Layers?

Updated on: 22/06/2026