MagicINFO Explained: Automate Your Digital Signage Using Rule Set

Wouldn’t it be great if your screens just knew what to show and when? 

Whether switching to a lunch menu at noon, playing weather-based ads, or triggering safety messages during a heatwave — that’s precisely what Rule Set in MagicINFO is made for.

If you’ve read our previous article on creative ways to use Rule Set, you already know how powerful this feature can be. Now, it’s time to take things a step further. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how to set up specific rules in MagicINFO so your digital signage works smarter.

Let’s dive in. 

• What is Rule Set in MagicINFO?
• What you need before getting started
• How to create a Rule Set step-by-step 
• Quick tips for smarter Rule Sets
• Frequently asked questions.

What is a Rule Set in MagicINFO?

Think of a Rule Set as a smart way to automate what your screens display based on real-world conditions. Rather than manually updating your playlists or schedules, Rule Set lets you set up simple rules that tell your screens what to do—no hands needed.

In MagicINFO, a Rule Set allows you to define conditions like:

• Time of day
• Day of the week
• Weather or temperature
• Sensor inputs (depending on your setup).

When those conditions are met, your screen automatically switches to your assigned content. It’s a bit like telling MagicINFO:

“If this happens, then show that.”

For example, you could display cold drink ads when the temperature rises, switch to a lunch menu at noon, or play emergency messaging without lifting a finger.

The Rule Set feature is available with a MagicINFO Premium licence or cloud subscription and works best with Web Author content and predefined screen groups. 

You must also have access to a reliable real-time data management tool compatible with your digital signage installation. Luckily, we developed Datalink, which integrates seamlessly into your setup. With this tool, you can genuinely take automation to the next level. 

What you need before getting started

Before you get started with Rule Sets, it’s a good idea to check a few boxes. While the setup process itself is pretty straightforward, having the proper foundation will help you get the results you’re looking for without trial and error.

Here is what you need to get started:

Having a clear goal in mind can help you define your conditions and actions, making the process quicker and smoother. There's no need for a complicated plan—just a simple understanding of what “smart content” means for your screens will do wonders.

How to create a Rule Set in MagicINFO

Creating a Rule Set in MagicINFO allows you to automate which content is shown on your screens based on specific conditions such as time, screen size, or other factors. Follow the steps below to set up your own Rule Set using the Web Author environment in MagicINFO.

1. Access the Web Author environment

After logging into your MagicINFO account, navigate to Web Author via the left-hand menu. Here you can manage layouts, playlists, and Rule Sets.

2. Create a new Rule Set

In the left-hand panel, select Rule Set, then click “Add Rule Set”.

Give your Rule Set a clear and descriptive name that reflects its purpose (e.g. Weekday Mornings – 1920x1080).

3. Define your rule conditions

Click “Add Rule” to define the condition(s) that will trigger your content. You can select from multiple criteria, such as:

• Time, to set specific times or time ranges (e.g. 08:00–11:00)
• Date or day of the week
• Screen resolution or size to display your content differently, depending on the screen dimensions.

You can also combine conditions. For example:

If the time is between 08:00–11:00 AND the screen resolution is 1920x1080…

This ensures your content only plays when all selected conditions are met.

4. Assign the corresponding content

Next, click “Add Action” to specify what should be shown when the condition(s) are met. This could be:

• A specific playlist
• A schedule
• A Web Author-created layout.

If needed, you may assign different actions to different conditions within the same Rule Set.

5. Apply the Rule Set to a device or group

Scroll down to the “Apply to” section. Here, choose the screen or screen group to which the Rule Set should apply. Applying Rule Sets to screen groups can help you manage content more efficiently, especially across larger networks.

6. Save and activate your Rule Set

Once all your rules and actions are configured, click “Save”. Make sure that the Rule Set is activated — otherwise, it will not take effect.

With your Rule Set in place, MagicINFO will now automatically display the appropriate content when your specified conditions are met. This streamlines your content management and ensures your screens remain relevant and responsive to different scenarios.

Want more tips and tricks? Check out our YouTube channel, where we regularly share videos to help you get the most out of MagicINFO. 

Quick tips for smarter Rule Sets

Once you're comfortable setting up Rule Set, there are a few straightforward ways to apply it more strategically. These ideas are practical, realistic, and based on features available in MagicINFO today.

1. Schedule content based on the time of day

One of the most common and practical uses of Rule Set is time-based scheduling. For example, a business can display different messages in the morning and afternoon, such as promoting morning services or shifting from general announcements to end-of-day reminders. Once set, the content updates automatically without manually adjusting playlists.

2. Tailor content by country and language

If you manage screens in multiple locations or regions, Rule Set allows you to publish content based on a screen's country setting or preferred language. 

This is especially useful for international campaigns or multilingual audiences. It ensures your message is always shown in the correct language and context for the location, all from a single, centralised platform.

3. Target content to specific screen types

Screen resolution can also be used as a condition in your Rule Set. This allows you to display content optimised for different screen sizes. 

For instance, high-detail layouts can be shown on large-format displays, while cleaner, more focused designs appear on smaller screens, ensuring legibility and impact across all devices.

These simple strategies can help you better use your digital signage setup, keeping your content timely, relevant, and tailored to your environment. The best part is that once your Rule Sets are in place, everything runs automatically in the background to save you time while maintaining a professional presentation.

Conclusion 

Rule Set might look tricky at first in MagicINFO. But once you understand how it works, it becomes a super helpful way to manage your digital signage more efficiently. Rule Set allows you to automate actions like scheduling content based on time of day, tailoring messages by region and language, or targeting content to specific screens. You can confidently set up these automated processes to manage your digital signage more efficiently.

By setting up even a few simple rules, you can reduce manual work, improve the relevance of your content, and create a more professional experience for your audience — all from within a platform you're already using.