iMagic Timetable Master vs Competitors: Feature Comparison and Review

How to Create and Export School Timetables with iMagic Timetable Master

1. Project setup

1. Create a new project: File → New → Timetable Project.
2. Enter basic info: School name, academic year, term dates.
3. Define periods: Add period times (start/end) and labels (e.g., Period 1).
4. Set days: Choose weekdays (Mon–Fri or custom).

2. Enter resources

1. Add teachers: Staff → New → enter name, short code, contact (optional).
2. Add rooms: Rooms → New → capacity and type (lab, classroom).
3. Add subjects: Subjects → New → assign default lesson length and color.
4. Add classes/groups: Classes → New → year group, class code, student count.

3. Create lessons

1. Lesson editor: Lessons → New Lesson.
2. Assign attributes: Select subject, teacher(s), class/group, room requirements, number of periods per week.
3. Set constraints: Fixed times, forbidden periods, preferred days, linked lessons (double periods).

4. Generate the timetable

1. Run auto-schedule: Tools → Generate Timetable → choose algorithm (fast/optimized).
2. Review conflicts: Use Conflict Viewer to list clashes (teacher double-booking, room overcapacity).
3. Iterate: Adjust constraints or manual edits, then regenerate until satisfied.

5. Manual editing and polishing

1. Drag-and-drop: In the timetable grid, move lessons to resolve remaining issues.
2. Lock cells: Lock confirmed lessons to prevent changes in subsequent generates.
3. Apply rules: Use auto-fill to complete repeating patterns (e.g., rotating weeks).

6. Exporting timetables

1. Export formats: File → Export. Common options:
   • PDF: For printable timetables (whole school, per teacher/class/room).
   • CSV/Excel: For data analysis or import to MIS.
   • HTML: Web-ready timetables for school website.
   • iCal/ICS: Calendar integration for teachers/students.
2. Export scope: Choose whole school or select specific teachers, classes, or rooms.
3. Customize layout: Select templates, include headers/footers, colors, and legend before exporting.
4. Batch export: Use Batch Export to produce individual PDFs/ICS files for all teachers or classes at once.

7. Share and integrate

1. Upload files: Publish exported HTML/PDF to your school’s website or intranet.
2. Calendar sync: Provide iCal links to staff and students for automatic calendar updates.
3. MIS import: Use CSV/Excel to sync with your management information system if supported.

8. Tips & troubleshooting

• Backup: Save project backups before major changes.
• Performance: Split large schools into phases if generation is slow.
• Constraints balance: Relax non-critical constraints (preferred times) if generator fails.
• Logs: Check generation logs for specific constraint bottlenecks.