Operation
Select Helpers
How to find and connect to NextNote Helpers on your network using automatic Bonjour discovery.
Automatic Discovery
NextNote uses Bonjour (mDNS) for zero-configuration network discovery. As long as the Helper is running on the same local network, it will appear automatically in the Available Helpers bar at the top-left of the Display app — no IP addresses or manual setup required.
Helper Card States
Each Helper card shows its machine name and current state along with its role (Main, Backup, or None).
| State | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stopped | The Helper is visible on the network but NextNote has not been started in PowerPoint on that machine. |
| Editing | NextNote is running in PowerPoint but the slideshow is not active - the user is editing. |
| Presenting | NextNote is running and PowerPoint is in presentation mode. |
Connecting to a Helper
1
Wait for the Helper card to appear
Helpers typically appear instantly once the network has stabilised. If none appear, you may have a firewall blocking the connection - see the troubleshooting section below.
2
Click the Helper card
Clicking a card selects it. The card highlights and the main content area will update as soon as PowerPoint is running and NextNote is started. The Disconnect button becomes active to cancel a connection.
3
Start NextNote in PowerPoint
If the Helper shows Stopped, go to the PowerPoint machine and click NextNote Start in the ribbon. The card will switch to Editing and you will see current and next slides and notes appear.
Disconnecting
Click the Disconnect button to disconnect from the current Helper. The card remains visible in the bar — click it again to reconnect at any time.
Troubleshooting Discovery
If no Helpers appear, check:
- Helper is running on the PowerPoint machine
- Both machines are on the same subnet
- Your network/firewall does not block mDNS (UDP port 5353)
- Any VPN is not isolating the machines from each other
- Try manually adding the helper using its IP address. See Manual Helpers.