How do I get started with Surface Remote?

What it is

• A remote surface. Your phone or iPad shows Bitfocus Companion’s buttons.
• Same network. The phone and Companion must be on the same local network.
• Free to use. Connecting and remembering your connection cost nothing.

First launch

• Allow Local Network. iOS asks once. Say yes, or the app can’t find Companion.
• Open Connect. It is the first tab.
• Tap your Companion under Found on network.
• Or type it in. Enter Host and Port, then tap Connect.
• Keys appear on the Surface tab once you are Online.

The tabs

• Connect — find a Companion and connect.
• Surface — Companion’s buttons.
• Dashboard — your own picks of keys, from any page.
• Settings (gear icon) — app, connection, surface and diagnostics settings.
• Status pill — next to the tabs: Online, Connecting or Offline.

The Surface page

• Arrows — previous or next Companion page.
• Page line — shows the page number under the Companion’s name.
• Rotate button — turns the buttons upright (vertical layout) or back.
• Rotate to Landscape — shown on a phone held upright. Turn it, or tap Vertical Layout.

Change the buttons

All in Settings → Surface:

• Rows and Columns — the size of the grid.
• Artwork — Off, 72 or 96. Off is fastest.
• Text Size — make key text bigger or smaller.
• Advanced layout — turns on Encoders (dials).
• Variables — sends Companion this phone’s connection status and battery level.
• Press feedback — show a press on the key.
• Haptic on press — a tap you can feel (iPhone).

App settings

In Settings → App:

• Theme — System, Light or Dark.
• Keep screen awake while connected — on by default.