Getting started

CastPad turns any tablet or phone into a remote control surface for Blackmagic ATEM switchers. You build your own layout from cards and operate the switcher over your local network — no cloud and no account.

Requirements

• A Blackmagic ATEM switcher powered on and connected to your network.
• The device running CastPad on the same network as the ATEM.

Connect to your switcher

1. Open CastPad. The top bar shows the connection status on the left.
2. Tap the device name to pick or change the ATEM. You can also enter its IP address manually under Settings.
3. When connected, the status turns green and the switcher state syncs automatically.

Note

CastPad follows the switcher — it never changes your setup when it connects. The program output only changes when you press a button.

The status dot tells you the state at a glance:

Color	Meaning
🟢 Green	Connected to a real switcher
⚪ Grey	Demo / offline (no device)
🟡 Yellow	Connecting
🔴 Red	Disconnected

The Pad and the top bar

Your whole screen is the Pad — a control surface you assemble from cards.

The top bar is always visible and shows:

• Model name and connection status (left).
• Clock — tap it to switch between 24-hour and 12-hour time.
• ON / REC indicators — light up red (live) and amber (recording) when you are streaming or recording.
• + Card menu — add cards, edit the layout, or edit buttons.

First steps

1. Add the cards you need with + Card (top bar).
2. Use Layout edit to drag cards into the arrangement you like.
3. Use Button edit to hide buttons you never use.
4. Tap a source in Program or Preview and try CUT / AUTO.

Next: learn what each card does.