Your First Ripple

quickstartcreateeditorbeginner

This guide walks you through creating a simple Ripple. You don't need to master every feature — just enough to get a working space.

Step 1: Create a Ripple

Every Ripple lives inside a Wave. When you create your account, you automatically get a personal Wave. To create a Ripple:

  1. Go to the Studio tab on your dashboard
  2. Click on your Wave to open it
  3. Click Create Ripple
  4. Give it a name — you can always change this later

Step 2: The Editor

You'll land in the Ripple Editor — this is where you design your space. The editor has three main areas:

  • Canvas (centre) — the visual workspace where you place elements
  • Toolbox (left panel) — where you add and configure elements
  • Structure panel (right panel) — manage scenes, layers, snapshots, and actions

Step 3: Add a Background

A background sets the mood. In the Scenes panel (right side), select your scene and upload a background image. This could be a classroom, a café, a conference stage — whatever fits your use case.

Step 4: Place Drops (Seats)

Drops are where participants sit. To add them:

  1. Select the Drop tool from the toolbox
  2. Click on the canvas to place each Drop
  3. Arrange them however you like — in a circle, in rows, scattered around a table

Each Drop shows a participant's circular video feed when occupied.

Step 5: Test It

Click the Enter live button or open your Ripple's URL in a new tab. You'll see your space as a participant would. Try joining — you'll appear in one of the Drops, showing your video if the camera is on or your avatar otherwise.

Tip: Hold Ctrl (or Cmd on Mac) when clicking Enter live to open it in a new tab, or hold Shift to open it in a new window. This way you can keep the editor open and see your changes side by side.

What's Next?

Your Ripple is live and functional. From here you can:

  • Add elements — images, shapes, text, and embeds to make it visually rich
  • Set up actions — make elements clickable, add sound effects, or trigger scene changes
  • Create multiple scenes — design different layouts for different moments
  • Configure settings — control who can use their camera, share screen, or chat
  • Invite participants — share the Ripple URL or set up guest access through your Wave

See The Ripple Editor for a full guide to all editor features.