Open Sightline for the first time
When you first open the desktop app, read and accept the terms, then choose whether to share optional analytics and crash reports. You can change those choices later in Settings → Privacy & Data. Next, choose how to begin:- Continue with Community lets you record observations and export their raw data as CSV.
- Start trial gives you 21 calendar days of Pro, starting when you select it. Each computer can have one trial.
- Enter key activates a license you purchased or received from your district.
Look around with sample records
This is optional. To record your own observation, continue to Prepare your first observation. To explore the app, turn on Demo mode in Settings → General. If your caseload is empty, you may also see Try the demo caseload in the sidebar. Open a sample student and one of their observations to see how the recorded data appears in Results. Open Write-up to read or edit a sample draft. A sample write-up is already written; opening it does not generate new text or test AI on your computer. Your real caseload is hidden while demo mode is on. Turn demo mode off before adding your own students or recording real observations. Use Reset demo data in General to restore the original sample records after exploring.
Sample workspace: open a saved session from the list, or use Start Observation on the left to prepare another.
Prepare your first observation
Open observation setup
With Starter, Pro, or an active trial, select Add student from the caseload, enter the student’s details, and save. Open the student, then select Start Observation.With the free Community plan, select New observation and enter the student’s name in the setup window.
Choose what to record
Choose a recording method and enter the behaviors you intend to observe. You can use your own behavior names and definitions or browse the library. Add the setting and teacher, then review the timing and options on the left.Select Begin when the setup is ready. This opens the recorder. Use Start when you are ready to begin observing.For the available methods and setup choices, see Set up an observation.
Record, then review
Use the on-screen controls to record what you observe. The controls depend on the recording method you chose.Select Pause to stop the observation clock, then Resume to continue. If a latency trial is running, complete or cancel it before pausing.When you are finished, select End and confirm. Add any final Context notes on the completion screen.With Starter or Pro, choose View Results to save and review the observation now, or Review later to save it and return to your students. With Community, choose Save observation or Download CSV.See Record an observation for the recording workflow and Review observation results for reading and correcting the saved record.
Write up and keep a backup
From a saved observation’s results, select Write-up to write with the recorded results alongside you. You can write manually with Starter or Pro. AI is optional and requires AI setup and Pro. Before exporting a document, add your name and credentials in Settings → General → Report header. Follow Back up and restore your data to keep a separate copy of your records.Continue with Companion or writing
Choose a next step when you are ready:Record with iPhone
With Pro or an active Pro trial, score nearby or prepare an observation to record away. Start with the Companion requirements and pairing guide.
Develop your write-up
Describe the recorded findings with the right measures, context, and qualifications.