10-Step Guide to the Cloud Stop Motion Organization Console (for Schools & Educators)

March 25, 2025

Getting Started with the Cloud Stop Motion Organization Console

If you're managing a class, school, or organization using Cloud Stop Motion, the Organization Console serves as your central hub for user management, project oversight, and license control. Whether you're onboarding new students or monitoring storage usage, the Organization Console provides the tools you need.

This guide outlines the key features of the Organization Console and offers practical steps to help you manage your users and projects effectively.

Accessing the Organization Console

If you haven't created an account yet, follow this guide: How do I create a school/organization account?

After logging into Cloud Stop Motion, click your profile icon in the top-right corner and select "Organization Console". From here, you can manage users, projects, permissions, and settings.

1. Choosing Login Methods: SSO vs. Username/Password

Before setting up users, decide on the login method:

Single Sign-On (SSO)

Students and staff can sign in using their Google or Microsoft accounts, which is ideal for institutions utilizing these platforms.

Benefits:

No passwords to manage
Seamless integration with school systems

To implement SSO, create users with their school email addresses. Upon login, they'll be prompted to join your organization.

Username/Password

Best for:

Younger students without email addresses
Shared device environments
Institutions not using Google/Microsoft accounts

These accounts can be created manually or in bulk, and users will log in with the credentials you provide.

You can mix both login types within one organization.

2. Creating and Managing User Accounts

To learn more: Adding Users to a Cloud Stop Motion Organization account

You can set up student, teacher, or admin accounts using various methods:

Auto-Enroll Links: Generate unique enrollment links for users to join your organization.
CSV or Excel File Upload: Bulk import user information.
Manual Entry: Add users individually.

Each user is assigned a role: Student, Teacher, or Admin.

3. Understanding User Roles

See also: Student Account Types

Students: Create and manage their own projects without access to others' work.
Teachers: View and manage student projects but cannot alter global settings.
Admins: Have full control over users, storage, projects, and organizational settings.

Roles can be adjusted at any time via the Users tab.

4. Managing Access, Passwords, Roles, and Permissions

Resetting Passwords

For username/password users only. Admins can reset passwords directly in the console.

Not available for SSO users (Google/Microsoft). Their passwords are managed through their school accounts.

Removing Users

For more details: How do I remove users from my organization account? Removed users are moved to the Deleted Users folder. You can:

Restore them later
Permanently delete them (this deletes all their projects and data)

Adjusting Roles

You can reassign any user to Student, Teacher, or Admin.

Controlling Student Permissions

Student permissions include:

Login access
MP4 downloads
Changing display name
Receiving emails
Emptying recycle bin
Deleting project restore points

Each permission can be set to Deny, Allow, or Inherit from group/organization settings.

5. Managing Projects

Admins and teachers can:

View student projects
Edit projects directly to troubleshoot or tweak animations
Download or delete projects
Export projects to MP4 movies
Log in as a user to see exactly what they see

6. Viewing Exported Movies

From the console, you can view all exported MP4 movies from your organization.

Features:

Filter by group and time period
Watch all movies as a playlist

This is perfect for end-of-class reviews, showcasing work, or assessing progress.

7. Monitoring Storage Usage

The Organization Console displays:

Total cloud storage used
Per-user breakdown
Warnings when nearing your plan’s limit

Helps you manage space or plan upgrades effectively.

8. Managing Your Subscription

If you need to pay via invoice: Can I purchase a plan with a Purchase Order?

Need a W-9 form? Where can I find your W9 form?

Within the console, you can:

View current plan details
Upgrade or renew
Choose to pay by card or Purchase Order/Invoice

Check current pricing: CSM Education Pricing Calculator

9. Customizing Organization Settings

You can configure these settings in the Organization Console:

Organization Name – Appears in invites and login prompts
Organization Address – Admin contact info
Verification Code – Optional identity check for users
Basic/Student Login URL – For simple access (great for younger students)
Auto Enroll Links – Configure shared links for onboarding new users

10. Sync Manager – A Helpful Tool for Users

While not part of the Organization Console, the Sync Manager helps users track saving progress.

Students and teachers can use it to:

See if media has uploaded successfully
Identify save errors
Prevent loss of work due to refreshes or disconnects

If a student reports missing work, have them check the Sync Manager (top-right of the main app).

Final Tips

Use auto-enrol links to simplify student onboarding
Enable SSO for easier login across the board
Check storage regularly to avoid surprises
Encourage students to use the Sync Manager to protect their work

Need help? Contact support via the in-app Help button or email animate@cloudstopmotion.com.

Ready to explore the Organization Console? Head to Cloud Stop Motion and click your profile icon to get started.