> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ontime.gitbook.io/v2/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ontime.gitbook.io/v2/features/external-data.md).

# External data

<figure><img src="/files/zjcB46wBb5ik4EBp0jvY" alt=""><figcaption><p>In the editor, we getfeedback on the external data</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/Rje4Z1za6s8rFkfHiJyH" alt=""><figcaption><p>The external data is shown in the timer, and can be hidden in the view settings</p></figcaption></figure>

You can inject data into the ontime presenter view. This is useful in cases where you would like another software to push some data to Ontime. ie: a running time from video playback in VLC

## Setting external data

You can set the external fields using both the OSC or WebSocket API, again the APIs are fully compatible

## OSC

| Message                              | Payload       |
| ------------------------------------ | ------------- |
| /ontime/set-external-message-text    | string        |
| /ontime/set-external-message-visible | true \| false |

WebSocket

| Message                      | Payload       |
| ---------------------------- | ------------- |
| set-external-message-text    | string        |
| set-external-message-visible | true \| false |


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://ontime.gitbook.io/v2/features/external-data.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
