Question 1

Can I try BlockBook without a credit card?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The 7-day Sketch trial requires no credit card and does not automatically charge you. It includes one BlockBook, up to 30 performers, and up to 10 formations. Use it to try formation planning before choosing a plan. Audio/video synchronization, PDF/video exports, and collaboration require the applicable paid plan. Your books stay in your account when the trial ends.

Question 2

How does BlockBook fit into our program’s activity fees?

Accepted Answer

Your program’s editing plan starts at $20/month for Editor or $30/month for Designer. Optional instructor and student rehearsal access is $5/month for each person or shared device, billed separately from the editing plan. Alongside the fees performers often already pay to take part in their activity, a $5/month line item can be a small increase for a lot of value: a shared view of the show, clear positions and rehearsal notes, and less time spent sorting through paper or explaining changes from memory. You choose how much rehearsal access your team needs. For programs with several editing accounts or rehearsal devices, the Organization option brings those accounts and access into one centrally paid setup.

Question 3

Why switch from another program—or from paper?

Accepted Answer

BlockBook brings formations, movement paths, performer notes, and set pieces into one visual show plan. Instead of relying on scattered pages or one person explaining every position from memory, your team can work from the same picture. Paid editing plans add audio/video synchronization and PDF/video exports, so you can connect the plan to your music and still use printed materials when you need them. Designer adds real-time collaborative editing and multi-view exports. Compare the features above with the work your program actually needs—not just the license price. Paper and free tools can be the right choice when they cover your needs. BlockBook’s value is keeping the show plan and rehearsal references together in a visual workflow. You do not have to abandon your current workflow to explore it: try a small part of your show during the no-card Sketch trial before deciding whether the added convenience is worth paying for. Compare BlockBook’s approach with the way you plan and rehearse today.

Question 4

Is BlockBook difficult to learn?

Accepted Answer

BlockBook is designed to keep show planning visual and straightforward, so directors and collaborators can understand the same formations, paths, and rehearsal notes without a long software course. The question-mark Hints & Tools panel explains the controls in Editor and Rehearsal views. You can also try the free 7-day Sketch trial with up to 30 performers and 10 formations before choosing a paid plan. Still have questions? Email founder Marlon directly and I’ll get back to you quickly to help work through what you’re running into. In the Editor, the Help button at the top right opens a short tour and keyboard shortcuts; the question-mark Hints & Tools panel can also explain controls as you use them.

Question 5

Can we keep using printed dot books and handouts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. BlockBook can work alongside the paper materials your program already uses; you do not have to make every performer use a screen. Editor and Designer plans include PDF and video exports, so you can share digital references or organized print materials when that works best for your rehearsals straight from BlockBook.

Question 6

What if our rehearsal space has weak internet or we need to work offline?

Accepted Answer

BlockBook needs an internet connection to sign in, fetch cloud files that are not already on the device, and collaborate live. Previously cached books can be available offline, and cloud audio and videos can be saved on a device for offline playback. Cloud audio is automatically saved on the device after its first complete download. If you expect limited service, open each section you need and let its audio and video finish downloading on the same device ahead of time, then test the workflow before rehearsal. Browser storage can be cleared or evicted, so prepare and check the device before relying on it offline.

Question 7

Do performers need their own accounts or devices?

Accepted Answer

No. Instructor and student rehearsal access is optional at $5/month for each person or shared device. A shared iPad or tablet can use its own BlockBook ID and PIN, so performers do not each need an email account. If someone should have their own access, you can invite them by email instead. Rehearsal access lets them view and rehearse assigned books; it does not include editing stage blocking.

Question 8

Which kinds of performance programs can use BlockBook, and how large can a team be?

Accepted Answer

BlockBook is designed for teams that plan movement, formations, and staging—including marching band, drumline, winterguard, dance, cheer, theatre, and video planning. Editor supports up to 100 performers per book, and Designer supports up to 500. The free Sketch trial lets you explore a smaller plan with up to 30 performers and 10 formations.

Question 9

Can I invite other instructors without letting them change the blocking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Invite them as Rehearsal Only so they can view the rehearsal screen without editing stage blocking. This is useful for instructors or staff who need to follow the plan without changing performer positions. Rehearsal Only participants can still edit formation notes, so use that role when notes collaboration is appropriate too.

Question 10

What happens to my blocking books if I cancel?

Accepted Answer

Cancelling your subscription does not delete your blocking books. Your paid access continues until the end of the current billing period. After that, your books remain in your account, but opening and editing them depends on having an active plan. The Rehearsal Viewer plan ($5/month or $50/year) lets you view and rehearse existing books without editing them. When you need to create or edit again, choose an Editor or Designer plan that fits your book’s size and the features you need.