How to Use Cliqer

Once you have successfully installed Cliqer on your Mac or Windows computer, using it to control your presentations is simple. The general workflow is similar for both platforms.
Basic Usage Steps
- Start Cliqer:
- Launch the Cliqer application on your host computer (the one running the presentation software).
- License Activation (First Use):
- If it's your first time running Cliqer, you may need to sign in to your free Cliqer account or enter your license key. You can typically find your license key in your account area on the Cliqer website or in your order confirmation email.
- Enable Presenter Control:
- In the Cliqer application window, ensure that the toggle or option labeled similar to "Allow presenter to control left/right" (or general presenter control) is ON.
- Cliqer will display a unique URL or code.
- Share the Link/Code:
- Share this unique URL or code with your presenter(s). They can open this link on any device with a web browser (smartphone, tablet, another computer).
- Test Connection:
- Ask the presenter to access the link and test the control buttons (e.g., next/previous slide).
- On the host computer, the Cliqer app shows visual indications when a presenter connects and when they press control buttons (buttons change color to indicate active state). This confirms a successful connection.
- Minimize Cliqer (Optional):
- You can safely minimize the Cliqer application on the host computer. It will continue running in the background.
- Start Your Presentation:
- Open your presentation software (PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides, etc.) and start your slideshow in full-screen mode.
- Remote Control:
- The presenter can now control the slideshow using the interface on their device from anywhere in the world, as long as both devices have an internet connection.
Important Considerations
- Internet Connection: Both the host computer and the presenter's device require a stable internet connection for Cliqer to function.
- Focus Mode (PowerPoint on Mac): If using PowerPoint on a Mac, ensure "System Events" is enabled under "Automation" in macOS Privacy & Security settings for Cliqer, as detailed in the macOS installation guide. This is crucial for controlling presentations when PowerPoint is in focused (full-screen) mode.
- General Focus: For most applications on Windows, ensuring the presentation window is active (in focus) is generally sufficient. Specific permissions beyond standard application installation are less common for this type of control, but always ensure Cliqer has any permissions it requests during setup.
- Firewall: Ensure your firewall (Windows Defender or third-party) allows Cliqer to make outgoing connections. Presenter devices and your host application exchange connection details through Cliqer's signalling service, then talk peer to peer, with an encrypted relay only as a fallback when a direct path is blocked.
- Software Updates: Keep Cliqer, your operating system, and your presentation software updated for the best performance and security. Cliqer checks for updates on launch and updates itself in place.
Screen Sharing
Stream your screen to connected presenters with real-time video.
Starting Screen Share
- Click the Screen Share button in the host app
- Select the screen or window to share
- All connected presenters automatically receive the stream
Global Screen Share Toggle
Enable screen sharing for all connected and future presenters with a single toggle.
Settings → Behavior → Screen Sharing, When enabled, all current and new presenters automatically receive your screen share.
Video Encoding Options
Configure video quality in Settings → Video Encoding:
| Setting | Options |
|---|---|
| Codec | VP8 (max compatibility), VP9 (better compression), H.264/AVC (hardware-accelerated), AV1 (best compression) |
| Resolution | HD (720p), Full HD (1080p), 2K (1440p), 4K |
| Bitrate | Auto (codec-optimized) or Custom (0.5-20 Mbps) |
Screen Share Audio
Share system audio or microphone with presenters during screen sharing.
Settings → Audio → Screen Share Audio:
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| No Audio | Silent screen sharing (default) |
| System Audio | Share computer audio (requires virtual audio driver on macOS) |
| Microphone | Share your voice |
| Both | System audio and microphone combined |
Select specific audio devices from the dropdown. A live volume meter shows input levels in real-time.
Multi-Presenter Laser Pointers
Multiple presenters can use laser pointers simultaneously. Each presenter gets a unique colored dot with their name displayed.
Colors cycle through: red, blue, green, purple, orange, pink, cyan, yellow.
Timer
Control presentation timing with countdown or count-up modes.
Count Up/Down Mode
Settings → Behavior → Count Down/Up toggle
- Disabled (default): Timer counts down from your set time (default 15 minutes)
- Enabled: Timer counts up from 0:00 to track elapsed time
Presets
Four quick-set presets (default: 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes) let you switch durations instantly. Edit a preset by selecting it and adjusting the minutes, changes sync to connected Stream Deck devices automatically.
Quick Adjust
Use +1, +2, +5 or −1, −2, −5 buttons to add or subtract minutes without stopping the timer.
Fullscreen Timer Display
Open a dedicated fullscreen window for confidence monitors or stage displays. Ideal for giving presenters a clear view of remaining time.
See Timer (Advanced) for the full Timer API and detailed configuration.
Host to Client Chat
Send messages directly to connected presenters during presentations.
- Open the Chat panel from your session view
- Type your message and send
- All connected clients see your message instantly and can respond
- Send to individual presenters or broadcast to everyone
Sound Effects
Click Volume Control
Adjust click feedback sounds independently from system volume.
Settings → Audio → Sound Effects, Enable sound effects, then use the Click Volume slider to adjust the level.
Free Plan
The Free plan is permanent, not a time-limited trial. It needs a free Cliqer account in the app and no card, and it unlocks the core toolkit, screen sharing, timer, laser pointer and draw, chat, callers, NDI and Stream Deck, so you can evaluate everything before you buy.
- Video output carries a watermark
- Hardware devices (cue lights, Stream Deck, BLE clickers) run for 10 minutes per session
- One room and one remote client
- Unlimited session time, no countdown and no card required
- Team and management features (multi-host, Client API, whitelabel branding, custom domains, SSO/SCIM) need a paid plan
Advanced Features
Beyond the basics, Cliqer offers (see each guide for the plan it needs):
- Multi-Host Support, Connect multiple hosts for backup redundancy or synchronized control (each connected host uses one seat on your licence)
- Screen Share Per Host, Each host streams independently; presenters see all available streams
- Callers, Bring remote video guests into your production with a built-in mixer
- Custom API Access, Build integrations with the Cliqer API
- Stream Deck Support, Control slides and timer with an Elgato Stream Deck via USB or plugin
- NDI Timer Output, Broadcast the timer as an NDI source for production software
See Advanced Topics for detailed guides.
Next, explore the various Use Cases for Cliqer.