---
title: "What's Changed from Classic Collections to Collections & Layouts?"
slug: "whats-changed-in-collections"
updated: 2026-10-02T18:12:26Z
published: 2026-10-02T18:12:26Z
canonical: "support.skykit.com/whats-changed-in-collections"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.skykit.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What's Changed from Classic Collections to Collections & Layouts?

New Collections Experience

Skykit Beam has a new Collections & Layouts experience, making it easier to design, schedule and play content across your screens. And nothing is being taken away: all of your existing collections, playlists, programs and content are still in Beam and will keep playing on your displays.

This is available to Manager and Administrator roles.

## **What's New**

[Collections & Layouts](/v1/docs/how-to-set-up-collections-layouts) is the new way to build what plays on your screens. It combines the visual, multi-zone design of Programs with the scheduling of Playlists, all in one place:

- **Design visually.** See exactly how each screen will look as you build it, in landscape or portrait.
- **Put Playlists in zones.** Keep a logo fixed in one zone while a playlist rotates in another.
- **Schedule with play rules.** Set dates, times, days and display labels on a whole layout, a playlist or a single item.
- **Get smoother playback.** A modern playback engine runs multi-zone screens more reliably on your Skykit device.

Once Collections & Layouts is enabled in your Tenant, any new Collection you create will have these new features, while any [Classic Collections](/v1/docs/managing-a-collection-in-skykit-beam) you have will remain available to edit or play on a display.

## **What You'll See in Your Collections List**

Your previously created collections are still in your Collections list, alongside any new ones you create. Collections made before this update have a red **Classic version of collections** label.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/86c4dfb2-4202-4f4a-97e1-d24441ae8c90/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2026-10-02 at 1.09.01 PM.png)

Your Classic Collections keep playing on your Displays, and you can still edit them the same way as before. Your Playlists, Programs and content haven't changed, and you can use them in new Collections.

> **Note:**
> 
> If your account was created after May 2026, you'll only see new Collections.

## **Getting Started**

To start using Collections & Layouts, create a new collection and add your existing playlists and content to it. Classic collections can't be converted automatically, but they keep playing until you switch your displays over, so there's no downtime.

> **Tip:**
> 
> See [How to Set Up Collections & Layouts (New Edition)](https://support.skykit.com/docs/how-to-set-up-collections-layouts) for step-by-step instructions.

---

## **Frequently Asked Questions**

#### Will my Classic Collections stop working?

No. They keep playing, and you can keep editing them.

#### Do I have to switch from using Programs to Collections & Layouts?

No. However, we recommend Collections & Layouts for anything you build from now on as it uses a modern playback engine than Programs has.

#### Some of my Collections are missing. Where are they?

Your account may still be using an older setting that shows only one type of collection. Contact **support@skykit.com** and we'll turn on the combined list for you.

## **Related articles**

- [How to Set Up Collections & Layouts (New Edition)](https://support.skykit.com/docs/how-to-set-up-collections-layouts) Skykit Beam > Collections > Collections & Layouts
- [Programs in Collections: What Plays Where](https://support.skykit.com/docs/programs-in-collections) Skykit Beam > Collections > Collections & Layouts
- [Collections & Layouts Key Terms](https://support.skykit.com/docs/understanding-key-terms) Skykit Beam > Collections > Collections & Layouts