How to Use Samsung VXT Widgets: A Full Guide

Digital screens are now common in shops, hotels, offices and clinics. But showing just a picture or a video is not enough. People want real-time information: the weather, the time, a live menu or even news headlines.

Samsung VXT helps with that. It is a cloud platform that lets you build and manage content for digital screens, in an easy, user-friendly and intuitive way. You do not need any designing or coding skills. One of the features that Samsung VXT has is widgets.

Widgets let you add useful content to your layouts, like text, weather, videos, schedules or live TV. This blog explains which widgets are available in Samsung VXT, how they work and how different businesses use them.

Table of Contents

1. What Are Widgets in Samsung VXT?
2. Available Widgets in Samsung VXT
2.1 Menu Board Widget
2.2 Button List Widget
2.3 Instagram Business Widget
2.4 Source Widgets
    2.4.1 TV/HDMI Widget
    2.4.2 Web Source Widget
    2.4.3 Compatibility and Setup
2.5 Utilities Widgets
    2.5.1 Ticker Widget
    2.5.2 RSS Widget
    2.5.3 QR Generator Widget
    2.5.4 Countdown Widget
2.6 Weather Widget
2.7 Clock Widget
2.8 Animation Widget
2.9 Visual Effects Widget
3. Are Widgets Different on S Series and P Series?
4. How to Add a Widget in Samsung VXT
5. Tips for Using Widgets
6. Conclusion
FAQs

1. What Are Widgets in Samsung VXT?

Widgets are content blocks. You place them on your screen layout in the VXT Canvas editor. You can move them around, resize them and adjust their settings. Most widgets are drag-and-drop.

Widgets make your content more useful. Instead of only showing a picture or a video, you can add live information like the weather or connect to a spreadsheet that updates automatically.

Here is a simple example of the Menu Board Widget to help you visualise it as you continue reading the blog. 

Photo 1: Example of a Samsung VXT Widget interface

2. Available Widgets in Samsung VXT

Samsung VXT includes a set of built-in widgets designed to help you create engaging, up-to-date content with minimal effort. These widgets let you display useful information, such as weather, news or clocks, without needing to code, design or update anything manually.

They are easy to use, flexible and can be added to your content with just a few clicks. Whether you are looking to show real-time data or simply make your layouts look more beautiful, these widgets help you do it quickly and efficiently.

Here are the widgets you can use in Samsung VXT:

2.1 Menu Board Widget

Used in restaurants and cafés. You can list dish names, prices, calories and allergens. You can also schedule menus for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can use any of the offered templates, adjust them to your branding, or create your own content from scratch. It is easy to change photos, colours, fonts, positions and ways the content is displayed or shown. 

Photo 2: Menu Board Widget displaying items arranged side by side and in a row beneath

Photo 3: Menu Board Widget displaying items arranged side by side

Need help with this? You can always book our VXT Consultancy Services, and we will be happy to guide you through.

2.2 Button List Widget

Adds clickable buttons for touch screens. Useful for navigation, product categories or showing more information. This widget offers all sorts of buttons. They can be placed vertically or horizontally, edited, made focused or selected, and customisable in probably all possible ways you can imagine.

Photo 4: Button List Widget

2.3 Social media: Instagram Business

The Samsung VXT Instagram Business widget lets you display Instagram content directly on your digital signage screens. It works within the VXT Canvas platform and is designed only for business Instagram accounts.

With this widget, you can show your own Instagram feed or posts tagged with a specific hashtag. It enables easy sharing of social media updates, promotions and customer photos in real time.

You can customise how the posts appear by choosing different layouts and themes, and you add the widget simply by dragging and dropping it into your content layout. The widget supports hashtag filtering, so you can highlight posts related to a campaign or event.

It is a useful tool for retailers wanting to showcase product photos, hotels sharing guest experiences, or companies displaying event highlights. The Instagram widget works on all Samsung VXT-supported displays and helps bring your social media presence into physical space. However, you do need to have Facebook to log in, and there are quite a few steps to connect this feature.

It can take a while to figure this out, so if you do not have time to do it by yourself, you can book our Consultancy Service, and we can guide you through and help you save time.

Photo 5: Instagram Business Widget

2.4 Source Widget: TV/HDMI and Web

Samsung VXT includes source widgets that allow you to display external content sources, such as TV/HDMI inputs and web pages, directly within your digital signage layouts. 

Here’s what you need to know about each of these widgets.

2.4.1 TV/HDMI Widget

Purpose

The TV/HDMI Source Widget lets you integrate live TV or any HDMI-connected device (e.g., set-top box, media player, PC) into your digital signage content. Ideal for environments like:

• Sports bars
• Waiting rooms
• Retail spaces

It allows you to display live broadcasts or external media alongside scheduled digital signage content.

How It Works

• Add the TV/HDMI widget to your VXT Canvas layout.
• The widget will display the selected HDMI input from your Samsung display or compatible hardware.
• Both your digital signage and live TV/external content can be shown in designated areas.

Requirements

• The display must support HDMI input and be compatible with the VXT Player.
• For older or third-party displays, use a Samsung Set-Back Box (SBB) with HDMI input and the latest firmware.
• Supported on Samsung displays with Tizen 4.0 or higher, or other devices running the VXT Player app.

Management

• Control and schedule when the HDMI source appears within your content playlists.

2.4.2 Web Source Widget

Purpose

The Web Source Widget displays web pages or web-based dashboards directly on your signage. Perfect for showing:

• Live data
• Dashboards
• Social media feeds
• Real-time web content

How It Works

• Add the Web widget in VXT Canvas and enter the URL of the page to display.
• The widget will render the web page within your content layout.

Photo 6: Web Source Widget example

Requirements & Limitations

• Devices must have internet access.
• Some web content may not display perfectly, especially advanced features (scripts, plugins).
• Web features may require configuration by your IT team for optimal security and performance.

2.4.3 Compatibility and Setup of Both Widgets

Both widgets are available through the VXT Canvas editor for supported Samsung displays and devices running the VXT Player app. For non-Samsung displays:

• Android 10+ or Windows required

VXT Player must be installed
You can test these features using a virtual display in VXT without physical hardware.

2.5 Utilities Widget: Ticker, RSS, QR Generator, Countdown

Samsung VXT offers a set of Utilities widgets designed to add dynamic, real-time and interactive content to your digital signage. Below is a breakdown of each widget, how it works, and common use cases.

2.5.1 Ticker Widget

Purpose: Displays scrolling text, usually at the top or bottom of the screen. Ideal for quick updates or alerts.

How it works:

• Enter the message you want to display.
• The ticker scrolls continuously while other content plays.
• Customise speed, font and colour to fit your branding.

Industry Use:

• Retail: Flash sales, urgent updates.
• Corporate: Company news, emergency alerts.
• Public Spaces: Event reminders, safety messages.

2.5.2 RSS Widget

Purpose: Pulls headlines or updates from any RSS feed and displays them on your signage.

How it works:

• Add the URL of a valid RSS feed.
• Automatically updates with new headlines.
• Control how many items show and their appearance.

Industry Use:

• Offices: Display industry news.
• Hospitality: Show travel updates or news.
• Education: Share campus news or weather alerts.

2.5.3 QR Generator Widget

Purpose: Creates a QR code that viewers can scan with their phones to link to a website, Wi-Fi login or other digital resources.

How it works:

• Enter the URL or information.
• The widget generates a QR code you can resize and position anywhere in your layout.

• Retail: Link to online catalogs or promotions.
• Hospitality: Share Wi-Fi access or digital menus.
• Events: Provide schedules or feedback forms.

2.5.4 Countdown Widget

Purpose: Displays a timer counting down to a specific date and time, building anticipation for events or deadlines.

How it works:

• Set the target date and time.
• The widget counts down in real time and updates automatically.
• Customise the style and position.

Industry Use:

• Retail: Count down to a sale or store opening.
• Events: Show time left until a session starts.
• Corporate: Remind staff of deadlines or launches.
  
  

Table 1: Utilities widget summary

Key Points

• Utilities widgets add real-time, interactive or actionable information to your signage.
• Easy setup via drag-and-drop in VXT Canvas.
• Customisable appearance and placement for each widget.
• Available across all VXT-compatible displays and plans that support widgets.

These tools improve your digital signage. They help you share important updates, link people to resources, and create excitement for upcoming events. Whether you need to display real-time information, connect with your audience, or make your content more interactive, these widgets can help. They give you more control over what your screens show, making them more useful and engaging for viewers.

2.6 Weather Widget

The Samsung VXT Weather Widget is a built-in feature that lets you display up-to-date weather information directly on your digital signage screens. It is easy to set up: you can choose the location manually by entering a city name or postcode, so the widget always shows relevant weather details for your audience.

The widget pulls data from trusted weather sources and can display various types of weather info, such as temperature, conditions and forecasts. This makes it a practical choice for places like hotels, retail stores, offices and public spaces where visitors want to know the current weather at a glance.

The Weather Widget is part of VXT’s drag-and-drop Canvas editor, so you can add it to your layouts just like any other widget, customize its appearance, and position it wherever you want on the screen. It updates automatically, so you do not have to worry about manual changes. This widget helps keep your signage content useful and engaging, providing real-time value to anyone who sees your displays.

Photo 7: Weather Widget

2.7. Clock Widget

The Samsung VXT Clock Widget is a simple tool that lets you display the current time on your digital signage screens. It is easy to set up: you can choose the time zone manually or let the widget detect it automatically based on your location.

The widget can display time in 12-hour or 24-hour formats, making it flexible for different needs. You can also customise the font, colour and position to match your layout.

The Clock Widget is part of VXT’s drag-and-drop Canvas editor, so you can add it to your screens just like any other widget. It updates in real time, so the time is always accurate.

This widget is useful in places like offices, lobbies, waiting rooms or public spaces where people need to check the time quickly. 

2.8 Animation Widget

The Samsung VXT Animation Widget adds dynamic movement to your digital signage. It lets you apply different animations to your content, making it more engaging and visually appealing. You can choose from several animation types: Rotate, Expand and Wave.

Rotate
This animation rotates your content in a smooth, continuous motion. It is useful for catching attention or highlighting specific items.

Expand
The Expand animation makes your content grow larger or smaller. This effect can be used to highlight key messages or draw focus to certain areas of the screen.

Wave
The Wave animation creates a ripple effect that moves across your content. It adds a fluid, flowing motion to your signage, making it stand out.

You can customise the speed, direction and timing of each animation, giving you full control over how the effects are applied. As with the other widgets, the Animation Widget is available through VXT’s drag-and-drop Canvas editor, making it easy to add and position on your screen.

2.9 Visual Effects Widget

The Samsung VXT Visual Effects Widget adds special effects to your digital signage. You can use Confetti, Snow, Rain, Smoke, Bubble, Light and Colouring to make your content stand out.

Confetti
Adds falling confetti. Great for celebrations or promotions.

Snow
Creates a soft snowfall. Perfect for winter themes.

Rain
Simulates falling rain. Ideal for weather updates or dramatic effects.

Smoke
Adds a smoky haze. Gives a mysterious or cinematic feel.

Bubble
Displays floating bubbles. Adds a fun, playful vibe.

Light
Creates glowing light effects. Enhances the look of your content.

Colouring
Changes the colours of your content. Useful for vibrant or themed displays.

You can adjust the speed, intensity and duration of each effect. All these effects are easy to add and customise in the VXT Canvas editor.

Photo 8: Confetti widget on the left side and colouring widget on the right.

3. Are Widgets Different on S Series, and P Series?

Samsung VXT is cloud-based. The software is the same for all supported screens, so you get the same widgets no matter what model you use. Regardless, there are some important differences between the Standard (S) and Pro (P) Series that can also affect the widgets feature. If you want to learn about the difference, we recommend you watch the video below, created for professionals like you.

If this video created a “wow” effect for you, and you want to start today, we have created a full VXT Onboarding service. This means that we will fully set up and configure your VXT account, guide you through every step with a clear plan and hands-on training, ensuring you feel confident and ready to go. Along the way, you will gain access to all the resources and tools needed to launch your digital signage with VXT successfully.

4. How to Add a Widget in Samsung VXT

• Log in to your Samsung VXT account
• Go to the Canvas section
• Choose or create a layout
• Navigate to “Widget” option
• Choose the widget you want
• Drag it onto your layout
• Resize, edit, customise or move it
• Adjust the settings in the menu

You can preview the layout and publish it to your screens once you are done.

5. Tips for Using Widgets

When using widgets, it is important to keep your layout clean. Leave space between them so the screen does not look crowded. Ensure the text contrasts well with the background for readability. You can schedule widgets to appear at specific times, like during certain hours of the day or week, to increase their impact. Keep your messages short and clear, so they are easy to read. Before going live, test your content on the actual screen to make sure it looks right. Lastly, update your content regularly to keep it relevant and engaging.

6. Conclusion

Widgets make screens useful. They turn digital displays into something more than a slideshow. You can use them to show live updates, menus, news or anything your audience needs.

Samsung VXT gives you all the tools. You do not need to be a designer or know how to code. Just pick the widget, add your content and publish it. Most widgets work on all screen models. Just keep in mind what kind of content you want to show. To see what is available, log in to VXT Canvas and click “Widget.” Try a few and see what fits your space. If you have questions or need help building layouts, ask us. 

You can also request a personalised demo, and someone will assist you shortly.