How to Create the Easiest Swim Timing Templates for a Video Scoreboard

Written by cts | Jan 22, 2026 9:39:41 PM

For swim meets to run smoothly, accurate and immediate results must reach the scoreboard the moment a swimmer touches the pad. Colorado Time Systems (CTS) has long been a leader in precision aquatic timing, and their combination of DisplayLink+ and the Standalone Template Editor makes it easier than ever to create professional, real‑time video scoreboard displays.

Why Swim Timing Templates Matter

A well‑designed swim timing template ensures:

Clear visibility of all lanes and times
Accurate real‑time integration with timing systems
Smooth transitions between heats and events
A professional, polished look that enhances your swim meets

Modern LED video swimming scoreboards allow customizable layouts and dynamic data feeds. These platforms support highly flexible templates that can show swimmer names, event info, records, and more in real time.

BEST PRACTICES FOR BUILDING A SWIMMING TEMPLATE (YOUTUBE):

Define the Core Layout Elements:

Lane numbers: Large, bold numbers placed consistently along the left or right margin
Swimmer Names / Team Abbreviations: Make sure you leave space for longer names and include a readable font size
Reaction, Split, and Final Times: Ensure adequate spacing
Event & Heat Information: Keep it clean and centered
Branding, Logos, and Ads (Optional): Incorporate sponsor ads, informational videos, or logos as you see fit

Keep it Clean and Readable:

Avoid cluttered backgrounds
Use high-contrast colors
Keep text sizes large for spectators
Maintain consistent line spacing

Designing Templates Anywhere: The Standalone Template Editor

Colorado Time Systems introduced the Standalone Template Editor to simplify template creation and make it far more flexible.

Traditionally, templates had to be created on the main DisplayLink+ computer—the same one used to run meets. This often meant staff couldn’t design templates unless they were physically in the timing office.

The Standalone Template Editor changes all of that.

It allows users to:

Build templates on any Windows computer
Adjust placements, fonts, colors, backgrounds, and images
Preview layouts before deployment
Create unlimited templates for any sport supported by CTS

Once a template is finished, it can be transferred back to the DisplayLink+ computer using a USB drive or cloud storage. The flexibility it offers coaches, operators, and facility managers has made it one of CTS’s most requested and appreciated features.

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