Elementi is SpinetiX's on-premises content design software for digital signage. It runs on Windows, includes 250+ widget-constructors for data-driven content, and publishes directly to SpinetiX HMP players over your network. No server, no middleware, no subscription required — one license, unlimited players. This guide walks you through creating your first project from installation to playback.
When to Use This Guide
- First-time Elementi users — you've just downloaded the software and need a clear starting path
- AV integrators building their first SpinetiX project for a client demo or proof of concept
- Content designers transitioning from PowerPoint or video-based signage to template-driven automation
- IT teams evaluating Elementi before recommending it for enterprise deployment
How to Create Your First Elementi Project
Step 1: Install Elementi
Download Elementi from spinetix.com/elementi. Run the installer on any Windows 10/11 PC. System requirements: 4 GB RAM, 2 GB disk space, 1920×1080 display recommended. No special drivers or dependencies. The installer includes all widget-constructors and the built-in preview engine.
Step 2: Create a New Project
Open Elementi → File → New Project. Choose a resolution — 1920×1080 (landscape) is the most common. Elementi creates a project folder
with an index.svg file. This SVG is your canvas. Everything you place on it — text, images, data feeds, clocks — becomes
a layer in the final output.
Step 3: Add Content Layers
Use the widget panel on the right to drag components onto your canvas. Start simple:
- Text layer — static or data-driven (connect to a spreadsheet later)
- Image layer — drag a JPEG or PNG onto the canvas
- Clock widget — shows current time, auto-updates, supports multiple time zones
- Playlist — sequence of slides with transition effects and timing
Each widget has a properties panel where you configure size, position, data source, and animation. No coding required for standard layouts. For advanced logic, Elementi supports jSignage scripting.
Step 4: Preview Locally
Press F5 or click the Preview button. Elementi renders your project in a built-in player emulator that behaves identically to a real SpinetiX HMP player. What you see in preview is what plays on screen — pixel-perfect, real-time rendering. Test transitions, data feeds, and timing before publishing.
Step 5: Publish to a Player
Connect your SpinetiX player to the same network as your PC. In Elementi, go to Publish → enter the player's IP address. Elementi pushes the project directly to the player over HTTP. No cloud, no middleware. Content starts playing within seconds. For details, see Publishing Content to Players.
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Supported OS | Windows 10/11 | On-premises control, no cloud dependency |
| Widget Library | 250+ constructors | Pre-built templates for data feeds, schedules, KPIs |
| Output Format | SVG + jSignage | Resolution-independent, pixel-perfect on any screen size |
| Publishing | Direct HTTP push | No server needed — PC to player in seconds |
| Data Sources | JSON, XML, CSV, Google Sheets, APIs | Automate content from existing business data |
| Licensing | Perpetual license | One-time purchase, no subscription required |
Common Mistakes
- Starting with video files instead of templates. Video-based signage doesn't scale. Someone has to re-render every time data changes. Use data-driven templates — the content updates itself.
- Designing at the wrong resolution. Always match your project resolution to the display. A 1920×1080 project on a 3840×2160 screen works but wastes half the pixels. Set resolution first, design second.
- Not testing with real data. A demo with placeholder text looks fine. Plug in real data and layouts break — names are too long, numbers overflow, images are the wrong aspect ratio. Test with production data early.
- Publishing without preview. The F5 preview is your safety net. It renders exactly what the player will show. Skipping preview means surprises on the lobby screen.
- Ignoring the widget library. The 250 widget-constructors solve 90% of common signage needs. Building custom widgets from scratch when a pre-built one exists wastes hours.