When setting up Iris Studio for the first time, the app now takes care of bridge linking automatically. As soon as you log into your account and join a studio, the computer you're using becomes the studio’s bridge. This bridge acts as the communication point between your devices and Iris. You can also link a different computer on the same network if that makes more sense for your setup. Whether you're running Iris on your main machine or shifting the bridge role to a dedicated system, the process is simple.
Step‑by‑Step Guide
1. First‑time setup (automatic linking)
Download and install the Iris Studio Desktop App.
Launch the app and sign in with your account credentials.
Choose to create a new studio or join an existing one.
As soon as you connect to a studio, the computer you're using will automatically be linked as the bridge.
To view the bridge, click the Bridge icon in the upper-right corner of the app. You’ll see your computer listed under Bridges, along with current performance metrics.
2. Linking a different bridge on the network
If you’d prefer to use another computer as the bridge:
On the other computer, install the Iris Studio Desktop App.
Sign in using the same account.
Iris will automatically create a new studio for you assigned to your account.
Once the studio is created, that computer will link as the bridge for that studio.
Open the Bridge tray by clicking the Bridge icon in the top-right corner to see performance stats for the bridge.
3. Viewing bridge details
Click the Bridge icon to open the bridge tray. Here’s what you can do:
Rename the bridge to something descriptive
Restart the bridge if needed
Monitor system stats like CPU usage, RAM usage, and available disk space
4. When the bridge goes offline
You’ll see the bridge status reflected in the tray
The app will try to reconnect automatically
If it stays offline, make sure the computer is powered on and connected to the same subnet
Restarting the app or the bridge computer can help if needed
5. Updating your bridge
If a new version is available, you’ll see an Update Version button in the tray
Clicking it will start the update and the bridge will briefly go offline
Once the update finishes, the bridge will reconnect automatically
How It Works and What to Expect
Iris bridges simplify your setup by designating a single computer as the connection point for your studio. When you first log in, the app automatically uses that machine as the bridge. From there, everything connected to the same subnet can interact through it. You’ll always be able to check on the bridge’s health through the tray, including resource usage and update availability.
Tips, Limitations, and Best Practices
Tip: Choose a machine for your bridge that will stay powered on and connected for best results.
Limitation: Currently, only one bridge can be linked to a studio at a time.
Best Practice: Rename your bridge to match its role or location so you can easily identify it.
Tip: Keep an eye on system usage in the bridge tray to monitor performance.
Limitation: All bridge linking must be done through the Desktop App, not the web.
Best Practice: If you switch to a different bridge, make sure it's on the same subnet as your studio devices for smooth operation.
FAQs
1. Why did my computer become the bridge automatically?
When you first sign in and connect to a studio, Iris automatically assigns that computer as the bridge to make setup easier.
2. Can I use a different computer as the bridge?
Yes. Just install the app on the other computer, sign in, and join or create a studio. That computer will take over as the bridge for that studio.
3. Can I link more than one bridge to a studio?
Not yet. Right now, each studio supports one bridge at a time. Multi-bridge support is planned for future releases.
4. What happens if my bridge goes offline?
The app will try to reconnect it automatically. You can also check that the computer is powered on, connected to the same subnet, and restart it if needed.
5. Can I manage bridges through the web version of Iris?
No. Bridges can only be linked and managed through the Desktop App.
6. How do I unlink a bridge from a studio?
You can either delete the studio or link the bridge computer to a different studio. Linking it to a new studio automatically unlinks it from the current one.
7. Will the bridge stay online during updates?
No. The bridge will go offline briefly during an update, but it should reconnect automatically once it’s done.
Use Cases
You're setting up Iris on your main workstation and want the easiest possible setup. As soon as you log in, your computer becomes the bridge—no extra steps.
You have a dedicated studio server that you want to act as the bridge. Install the app, log in, and join the studio—done.
You're switching locations and need a new laptop to act as the bridge. Just sign in on the new machine and connect to your studio. That device becomes the bridge automatically.