Common Mapmaker Questions

Unfortunately, you cannot rename a space at this time. However, you can copy or clone your existing space and give the new space the name that you prefer.

Learn more here: Copying a Room or Space

Guess what?! There are no limits! You can add as many objects to your Space as you like. 

Keep in mind, though, that the more objects you add in the foreground (particularly interactive objects), the longer your Space will take to load. 

Google Sites

Google does not allow the embedment of any websites created through Google Sites. Google also does not allow the embedment of their file directories. This means that you cannot view your Google Drive folders.

Google Drive Videos

To embed a personal google drive video, you first need to make sure that the settings for the video link is public. Then have it uploaded on a site that will allow embedment, such as Google Drive. For Google Drive, you must alter the link itself before you can embed it. 

Please also make sure to use the "embeddable website" object interaction type, and not the embeddable video option. 

For instance:

Original Link:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JhmvZOQcnxIo-nyusqb4zhptU56GyEEc/view
Embeddable link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JhmvZOQcnxIo-nyusqb4zhptU56GyEEc/preview

In order to share your PowerPoint, you first need to upload it to a site that will create an embeddable link. 

One place you can upload your PowerPoint (.ppt or .pptx file) is to Google Slides. Once you have your presentation open in Google Slides, in the File menu, select Publish to the web. In the Publish to the web window, select Publish. Confirm that you wish to publish. A URL now displays for you to copy and paste, as seen in the screenshot below.

When you have published the Slides, text beneath the title of the window displays "This document is published to the web." Then modify and copy the URL and paste it into the Embedded website field of your interactive object.

You’ll get a URL like this: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vSbaMdqLEgO0CjXPzEahfQm4mJIDhaGjU2waSy6DJz4m1hRXQNOBsRaoR74hYwH8s6atXylVla2ODM8/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

Delete everything from the original link that begins with "pub?" and replace it with the word “embed” so it looks like this instead: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vSbaMdqLEgO0CjXPzEahfQm4mJIDhaGjU2waSy6DJz4m1hRXQNOBsRaoR74hYwH8s6atXylVla2ODM8/embed

Copy the modified link. In your Space, open the Object picker. Identify the interactive object you wish to use, then click Embedded website. Paste the modified URL into the field. Save the changes and test that you can view the slides. 

As soon as you create a Gather Space, it's available 24/7 for free, for up to 25 concurrent users!  You can build more rooms, modify them, party in it, test drive new ideas, have small meetings or rehearsals for events- anything you want, as long as you want, with up to 25 people!

You can start setting up your room anytime prior to your event reservation. Our free mapmaker allows you to play around with most objects so you can creatively test out your space prior to your reservation. We have a custom map uploader where you can 1) copy our templates rooms and modify them or 2) upload any image you want to completely customize your own spaces. Please feel free to take a look at our quick start guidelines for custom maps in addition to our various map maker tutorials on YouTube.

The amount of time it takes varies greatly, depending on your personal design and technical experiences. The fastest way to create a custom space is to puzzle piece our template rooms together in the layout that you would like for your event. The longer method is to design your own map through Tiled or Adobe Photoshop, and then uploading those custom background images as your actual room template in the mapmaker. 

All a reservation does is to increase the number of users that would be allowed into that space during your reservation - and when the reservation is over, your space drops back down to that 25 user maximum again until your next reservation!

To embed a Miro board into Gather, you will need to obtain the embeddable link for the board (which is different than the board's regular shareable link). Click Embed on the board Export menu like so: 

Only copy the website part of the code between the quotation marks after the src= 

Example stripped down link from embed code: https://miro.com/app/live-embed/Random_Hashed_Code_Here=/

Once you have the link, simply paste it into the URL field of an embedded website object!

Click on Embedded Website to enter the link, do NOT click on Select or it will use the autogenerated link. Enter the stripped down link to your miro board into the website URL and then click Select to place your board.

For more detailed instructions on how to obtain your embeddable link, please visit Miro's article on Embedding Editable Boards into Websites. 

There is not a quick uploader for PDFs like there is for images, but it can still be done. If you would like to add a PDF rather than a png or jpg, you must upload it to a public site (such as Google Drive). Then in your Space, open the Object picker, select the desired  interactive object (e.g., projector screen or file), and select Embedded website. Copy the publicly shareable file link from Google Drive, altering the URL to end in "preview". For instance:

Original link:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RlIH-FVz0BO_4G6ktrsbCTiBrqbaTEx2/view 
Embeddable link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RlIH-FVz0BO_4G6ktrsbCTiBrqbaTEx2/preview

You can also copy any public URL of a PDF and paste that URL into the Embedded website field of the Object picker (e.g., you can upload a PDF to a website you host, then copy the URL, like "www.example.com/file.pdf").

If you are using a livestream:

For livestreams you need to leave the "Synchronized Start Time" field blank. Meaning you should not fill out the "synced tv" field.  This is because the synced TV function automatically moves the time dial forward or backwards to ensure all participants are seeing the same part of a video and Livestreams on Youtube do not have a time dial. Youtube already handles the video synchronization on their end which means you only need to link the live stream as if you were embedding a regular video.

Otherwise:

Check to see if you have a firewall/VPN issue blocking your ability to see the video. If not, try clearing your cache.

You can rearrange and re-prioritize how the the objects are viewed  in any given tile by dragging and dropping the objects on the right side object list panel inside of the Mapmaker. The object you  have highlighted on the right panel is the currently selected object that you can drag and drop to rearrange the order of the objects on that square grid. 

Editing an Object Stack

After you select an object from the Object Picker in our Mapmaker, you can now easily rotate and change the color of the object before placing it. You can rotate the object by:

• Clicking on the arrow keys in the right side panel
• Pressing the [R] key on your keyboard to rotate clockwise
• Pressing [shift+R] on your keyboard to rotate anti-clockwise

Note: Right now you will need to click on one of the side menus in order to activate the Mapmaker hotkeys. This oddity will hopefully be worked out soon!

A screenshot showing the rotate buttons when placing an object

To delete a single object, drag the object you would like to delete out of the stack of objects into a square that does not have other objects. Switch to Object Erase Mode and select the object again. 

Make sure you are in Object Eraser mode by having both the object icon and eraser icon highlighted in the upper left of your screen.

Gather supports "synced" objects, which are set to start playing an embedded video at the same time for everyone. To set a synchronized start time, simply select the time and date you would like your video to automatically start in the appropriate field.

Embedded video options with the Synchronized Start Time field boxed under the advanced options setting. 

To test your synced TV to see if the video plays back properly, set the 'time' for a time ~1 minute in the past, and make sure the video plays accordingly. (It should start ~1 minute in.)

Video objects with a sync time set that have not yet reached their sync time will appear on the map, with a blank black screen. The blank screen will continue to display until the start time you have entered. Guests will not be able to start playing the video on their own.

A black screen with small white text that reads "There's no video playing right now!"

For more info, see our Synced TV Object tutorial. Please note that the mapmaker interface is outdated in this video, but the general workflow remains the same.

For livestreams you need to leave the "Synchronized Start Time" field blank. Meaning you should not fill out the "synced tv" field.  This is because the synced TV function automatically moves the time dial forward or backwards to ensure all participants are seeing the same part of a video and Livestreams on Youtube do not have a time dial. Youtube already handles the video synchronization on their end which means you only need to link the live stream as if you were embedding a regular video.

After interacting with an embedded image, you and anyone else who has opened the image may use the "Presenter Mode" tool on the right hand side to click and indicate specific areas of the image or poster that you are discussing. Everyone who has the image open will see the locations that you click on while in Presenter Mode. The indication will appear as a small colored circle that will disappear after a few seconds. 

Presenter Mode will appear on the right side of an opened image object, below the caption and above the zoom tool.

Occasionally, when you try to embed a website, you will see the message, "refused to connect," or something similar. This means that the website administrator for the site you are trying to embed does not allow the site to be embedded. This is a setting that the website administor can easily change; however, some sites block embedding due to their security or privacy policies.

You can test if a site allows embedding here: https://www.w3schools.com/tags/tryit.asp?filename=tryhtml_iframe .

In Eraser Mode Inside your Gather Space

The eraser mode is located on the left hand menu bar as the Builder "hammer" icon. Simply walk up to the object you want to delete, make sure the red box in front of you is on top of the object you would like to delete, and press the space bar on your keyboard. 

Erase function located on left hand menu settings

Red Square signifies the location you're deleting objects  fromEasily scroll between the objects in a stack to select the one you want to erase. This menu will only appear if there are 2 or more objects on the square you are trying to erase. 

• To delete one object in the stack, use the arrow keys to scroll to that object and press space to delete it
• To delete more than one object in the stack, use the arrow keys to scroll to each object and press 'x' to select multiple objects. Then press the space bar to delete all selected objects

In Mapmaker Mode

In the Mapmaker, when you use the erase on a stack of objects, it will now only delete the topmost object. 

To delete an object in the middle of the stack, select it from the list on the right side and use the backspace button on your keyboard!

Object Stack Listed on the Righthand side of the Mapmaker when a grid space is selected

To personalize your Space, you can upload custom images as decorative or interactive objects. You might want to add an animal or special decor for your desk, a logo or mission statement on your wall, or images of the city skyline or architecture to bring local flavor to the Space. What follows are tips on how to choose the best images, instructions for adding and duplicating your custom image, and a link to our YouTube tutorial.

Tips for Your Images

Before you head to Gather to add your custom image, you should have your asset(s) ready to go.

• Pixel art most closely matches the style in Gather (but of course you can use any style of image you'd like). You can use online tools to create your own pixel art from scratch, convert an existing image into pixel art, or just search for pixel art online. If you search for images, try adding "free"  (e.g., free coffee pixel art) or "transparent," if you don't want a background (e.g., "free transparent coffee pixel art").

• Save your image as a .png or .gif (you can use .jpg, but quality is better in .png or .gif).
• Tiles in Gather are 32 x 32 pixels, so if you're adding an object for your desk or another small space, keep your image close to those dimensions by editing the height and width in pixels.
  • Keep the image tightly cropped unless you want to have built-in space around it.

Add a Custom Object

Once you have your image ready, head to your Gather Space. Click Build in the Left Nav Menu. Click Build (hammer icon), then click Edit in Mapmaker. A new window opens the Mapmaker with Objects mode active. Click More objects in the right panel to open the Object picker. 

In the Mapmaker, in Objects mode, click More Objects in the right panel. 

The Object picker displays. At the bottom of the right column, select Upload New. 

Select Upload New in the bottom right column of the Object picker.

Drag your image into the Object picker or click to select your file from your computer. A preview of your image will display, with the file name beneath. (If you upload the wrong image or need to switch files, click Replace image.) In the Object Details section, you can name your object and provide a description. 

Drag and drop an image file into the Object picker. A preview of the image displays, as well as the file name. Enter an Object name and Description. 

If you want to make this an interactive object, choose the Object Interactions you desire. (You can read more about interactive objects if you need to brush up.) When you're done, click Create and select. You will return to the Mapmaker with Stamp tool activated. The custom object will be on your clipboard (transparent next to your cursor). Double click on a tile to place the object.

In the Object picker, click Create and select to place your custom image. The Mapmaker displays, with the Objects / Stamp mode activated. As you move your cursor, you will see your semi-transparent image. Double click on a tile to place it. 

If you are satisfied with the placement of your object, click Save in the Top Nav Menu. Return to your Space to view your new custom object. 

Duplicate a Custom Object

While in the Mapmaker with the Stamp tool active and your custom object selected, you can place your image as many times on the map as you wish. If you decide later that you want to make a copy of that object to add to another spot in your Space, you'll need to head back to the Mapmaker. 

You may think you can open the Object picker and search for the name of the object you added. Unfortunately, that's not possible at this time. However, there is a way to copy the object. Open the Mapmaker. By default, it will be in Objects mode with the Select tool active. 

Find the custom object on your map (outlined in yellow below). Click on it. A white box will display around the object. The Object details panel displays a preview of your image on the right. On the List of objects tab, you should see the name of your custom object. When you hover on the right of your listed custom object, click the three dots that display. A menu will open. Select Duplicate.

Click on your custom image using the Select tool in Objects mode. It will be outlined in white. In the right panel of the Mapmaker, right click on your custom object in the List of objects. Select Duplicate, then double click to place the custom image on the map.

Now your custom object displays semi-transparent next to your cursor. Place the object wherever you'd like within the map. Click Save. 

YouTube Tutorial

For more info, see our Resizing and Uploading Custom Object Images tutorial. (Please note that the mapmaker and object picker interface in this video is outdated, but the general workflow remains the same.)

If you've got a conference or event with sponsors or vendors, a great way to showcase them is to create booths with custom logos. Participants can walk from booth to booth just like they would in an exhibition hall or vendor fair. This article will show you how to add a booth and then customize it with a logo. 

Add a Booth

From your Space, click Build in the Left Nav Menu. Click Edit in Mapmaker. (While you can add and erase objects from your Space, best practice is to manage objects in the Mapmaker.) 

In the Mapmaker, locate the area where you'd like to add a booth. With Objects selected in the Top Nav Menu, click More Objects in the Objects panel. 

From the Mapmaker, in Objects mode, click More Objects.

The Objects picker opens. Search objects for "booth." Select a large or small booth and the color you'd like for the table and backdrop. 

In the Objects picker in the Mapmaker, search for "booth." Select a large or small booth set and the color you'd like.

Click Select and place the booth on the map. Place as many booths as you need—if you'd like a different color, just select the new color in the Object details section before placing the new booth down.  

With the Stamp tool on in Objects mode, place as many booths as you need. Choose a new color in the Object Details before you place the next booth, if desired. 

Make a Private Area

A good practice is to make the tiles around the booth a Private Area so that participants can see and talk with the vendors without being distracted by other nearby audio or video. 

In the Mapmaker, click Tile Effects in the Top Nav Menu. In the Tile Effects panel, select Private Area. Enter a unique Area ID for each booth. Click on the tiles to add the Private Area where people can walk (not the backdrop or table, because we'll make those Impassable in a minute).

In the Mapmaker, click Tile Effects in the Top Nav Menu, then select Private Area in the Tile Effects panel on the right. Click the tiles where people can stand within the booth, giving a unique Area ID to each booth. 

Add Impassable Tiles

If you want the booth to further replicate a physical booth, you can add Impassable tiles so that people cannot enter the booth through the backdrop or walk through the table. 

In the Mapmaker, click Tile Effects in the Top Nav Menu. In the Tile Effects panel, select Impassable. Click on the tiles of the backdrop and the table. Click Save in the Top Nav Menu. 

In the Mapmaker, click Tile Effects in the Top Nav Menu, then select Impassable in the Tile Effects panel on the right. Click the tiles of the booth's backdrop and table (outlined in yellow above).

Add a Logo or Banner

To customize each booth and brand it for each vendor or company, you can add custom images. (Read a complete tutorial on custom images if you need it.)

In the Mapmaker, click Objects in the Top Nav Menu. In the Objects tab in the right panel, click More Objects. The Objects picker opens. Click Upload New at the bottom left of the Objects picker. Drag and drop your file or click to browse your computer for the file. A preview of your image displays. 

In the Objects picker, click Upload New to add your custom image. A preview of your image displays.

Click Create and select to place the image on the booth backdrop. You can fine-tune the placement of the image by zooming in on the Mapmaker. With the Select tool active, you can click and drag the image for more accurate placement. (The image should move within the white rectangle that surrounds it.) Click Save in the Top Nav Menu.

By zooming in on the Mapmaker (hold Ctrl/⌘ and use the scroll wheel on your mouse), you can fine tune the placement of the image on the backdrop.

Return to your Space to view the updated booths. 

Boost Your Booth

You can always add decorative or interactive objects to further customize a booth. Here's just a few ideas:

• Add a rug to emphasize the Private Area.
• Add a TV on a stand and embed a video or a slideshow in it. 
• Place a document object and link to a Google form to invite guests to add their email for prizes or mailings.

Further customize booths by adding decorative or interactive objects, like this Google form for sign-ups or the TV for demos.

YouTube Tutorial

Check out our Custom Logos and Banners YouTube tutorial. The interface in the video is a bit outdated, but the functionality remains the same. 

The primary (or default) room is the room that your guests will appear in when they first enter your Space. It is also where they will reappear if they select the "respawn" option in their user menu.  To change the primary entrance room of your Space, you can right click on the room name in the room list in the bottom right hand corner of our mapmaker. Click the three dots to the right of the name select "Set as primary." The primary room for that space will then be marked with a small "house" icon to the left of the name. Every room requires at least one spawn tile, this exists as a fail safe in case you decide to change the primary entrance room or delete your existing primary room.

Changing the Default Room.

To make sure the website you want to use can be embedded, you must make sure that:

1.) It is an HTTPS site. Unfortunately, HTTP sites will not work due to security concerns.
2) The website administrator allows embedding. If they do not, you will get a message saying "refused to connect" or something similar. You can test this here: https://www.w3schools.com/tags/tryit.asp?filename=tryhtml_iframe 

A workaround for websites that can not be embedded would be to paste the URL within the object as a note interaction. This will allow the participants to see a URL when they interact with that object, like in the screenshot below. If they click the URL it will open the website in a new tab. 

To add a URL in a note, open the Object Picker, select an object, and under Object Interactions, click Note Object. Then add the URL in the Message field. 

To add a URL in a note, select an object, and under Object Interactions, click Note object. Then add a message and place the object in your Space.

When a user is within activation distance, they can press "x" to view the Note. They can then copy and paste the URL to access the website.

A screenshot of what participants will see when they interact with an object that has a URL pasted as a note interaction.

Windows has a native feature that detects whenever you are in a call and will automatically mute or reduce the sounds from your browser. If you are not able to hear any sounds from Sound Objects and your SFX volume in your User menu is at max, you may need to adjust your Windows Settings.

To do so,

1. Go to your Control Panel

2. Click on "Chance System Sounds"  under the Sound category

3. Click on the "Communications" tab and adjust your settings to match your preferences  

You can change how Windows adjusts your sounds by going into your Sound Settings from the Control Panel

Although you cannot directly swap out the template you selected, you can create new rooms inside your existing space using any of our templates!

To do so,  use the mapmaker to edit your space and create a new room. 

The "Create a New Room" button is in the bottom right corner of the Mapmaker

Select "Choose from Template." 

Your options when creating new roomOnce you have created the room and set it up as you like, you can then click on the 3 dots on the right side of it's name in the room list and set it as your new Primary Room.  

You can easily change your primary room at any point in time.

Custom Spawn tiles have particular IDs that allow you to generate links directly to those locations. Custom Spawn tiles can only be directly teleported to through their associated location link. All new guests to your Space will always arrive at your default, non-named Spawn tile locations unless they are given a specific Gather location link.

You can create custom Spawn tiles straight in the Mapmaker, or you can find the link to create a new one through the calendar if you have Build permissions in the Space.  The link to the custom Spawn Tile can be generated through your Space-wide calendar. The process is demonstrated in the gifs below. 

You can create custom Spawn locations through the calendar using the Mapmaker. 

When a custom Spawn location is added to a new event, your participants can teleport directly to that location.