How multi-zone layouts work

A multi-zone layout divides a single display into separate regions, each showing its own content. One screen becomes several surfaces: a big feature area, a menu column, a ticker along the bottom, a clock in the corner — all playing independently.

What a zone is

A zone is a rectangle on the screen with its own playlist and schedule. The screen's total layout is just an arrangement of zones. Change what's in a zone and nothing else moves.

Why split a screen

Because attention is layered. A viewer glances at the feature area, then reads the menu, then checks the time — all from one screen. Splitting lets you serve a promotion, an information feed and live data simultaneously instead of making them take turns. It also multiplies the value of a single panel, which matters when screens are your biggest hardware cost.

Nine addressable zones

Pando ships preset layouts up to nine zones — for example a 50% feature on the left with two stacked quarters on the right. Each zone is fully addressable: give it its own playlist, its own dayparts, even its own transitions. The left zone can rotate all-day branding while the top-right swaps morning → afternoon content on its own clock and the bottom-right shows a live time-of-day panel.

Layout tips

• One hero per screen. Make one zone clearly dominant; don't give everything equal weight.
• Keep text zones still. Reserve motion for the feature area — moving text is hard to read at a glance.
• Mind the viewing distance. More zones means smaller elements; from across a room, fewer, bigger zones win.

See it live on the Advertising page, where a nine-zone screen cycles through its dayparts.

Frequently asked questions

How many zones is too many?
For across-the-room viewing, three to four is usually the sweet spot. Nine suits close-up, information-dense contexts like a lobby directory or a menu wall.

Can each zone play video?
Yes, though multiple simultaneous videos are heavier to render — the media player's capability sets the ceiling. Mixing one video zone with static zones is the reliable pattern.

Do zones each need their own schedule?
They can, but don't have to. A zone with no schedule simply plays its playlist all day.