A Guide To

How to Add a Stage Plot in Stage Portal

A clean, clear stage plot is one of the most important documents you can give a venue or sound engineer. It shows exactly where each band member is positioned on stage, what equipment you’re using, and how your setup works.

A good stage plot doesn’t just make soundcheck smoother, it makes you look professional and prepared long before you arrive at the venue.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a stage plot using our free Canva template and how to upload it into Stage Portal so it can be attached to your rider and linked directly to your gigs.

Watch a video guide

What You Can Create in This Guide

A stage plot is essential because it helps:

• The tech team understand your setup
• Speed up soundcheck and reduce confusion
• Prepare the venue for your gear, positioning, and needs
• Make your communication with techs clearer and more professional
• Ensure every band member knows where they’re standing and what they need

When paired with a well-built rider, your stage plot becomes a core part of your technical information package.

Setup time: 5–10 minutes

Before You Start

To build a setlist, you’ll need:

• A Stage Portal Artist account

Once you're logged in, follow the steps below.

How to Create Your Stage Plot

Step 1: Access the Free Stage Plot Template
Using the link below access the Free Stage Plot Template.

This will open a ready-made stage plot layout with drag-and-drop elements for:

• Microphones
• StandsAmps
• Drum kit pieces
• Monitors
• Band member positions
• Instruments
• Symbols and icons

It’s designed so even non-designers can create a clean, professional layout in minutes.

Stage Plot Template

Step 2: Customise Your Stage Plot
Inside the template:

1. Replace the placeholder icons with your band’s real setup
2. Add each band member’s name and role
3. Position instruments and amps where they sit on stage
4. Add notes about monitors, IEMs, DI boxes, or special requirements
5. Include details like additional keyboards, backing track rigs, or playback systems
6. Use colours and labels if it helps clarity

Keep it as simple and readable as possible. The goal is clarity, not decoration.

Step 3: Export Your Stage Plot as a PDF or PNG
Once your stage plot is ready, export it using:

• PDF for the cleanest print quality
• PNG if you want a simple image file

Both formats work perfectly inside Stage Portal.

How to Add Your Stage Plot in Stage Portal

Step 1: Go to Your Rider in Stage Portal
From your artist dashboard:

• Navigate to Riders
• Select the rider you want to add the stage plot to
• Click Edit Rider

If you haven’t created a rider yet, start with Create Rider — the stage plot upload option appears during setup.

Step 2: Upload Your Stage Plot File
Inside the rider editor:

1. Scroll to additional information
2. Select add new and choose the Stage Plot section
3. Click Upload File
4. Select your exported PDF or PNG
5. Save the rider

Your stage plot will now appear as part of your technical information package.

Step 3: Share Your Rider and Stage Plot with Venues
Once your rider is complete, you can:

• Share it directly using a link
• Send it to sound engineers, techs, crew, or promoters

This ensures everyone can see your exact setup long before the gig.

Best Practices for a Pro Stage Plot

For a full break down on how to make a pro stage plot using the template or when making your own, check out our article here.

More guides

👉 How to add your band in Stage Portal

👉 How to Add Gigs and Build Your Band Calendar in Stage Portal
 👉 How to Build Your Rider in Stage Portal
 👉 How to Create Your Stage Plot
 👉 How to Use the Setlist Creator