> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.maica.com.au/maica-knowledge-base/the-planner/planner-overview.md).

# Planner Overview

## What is the Planner? 

In **Maica**, the Planner is the primary location for Rostering and Scheduling. It is a versatile tool that is the recommended location to create, manage, edit and view your [`Appointments`](/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/appointment.md) and [`Shifts`](/maica-knowledge-base/getting-started/maica-key-concepts/shift.md), as well as manage `Unavailability`. The Planner is at the core of powering the **Maica** lifecycle. 

## Planner Function Overview

The Planner offers multiple [**Views**](/maica-knowledge-base/the-planner/planner-views-and-modes.md) and [**Modes**](/maica-knowledge-base/the-planner/planner-views-and-modes.md), and includes key [**Actions**](/maica-knowledge-base/the-planner/planner-actions.md) such as Managing Unavailability and Resource Optimisation. The Planner also offers the ability for you to apply [**Filters**](/maica-knowledge-base/the-planner/planner-filter.md) to refine and customise your view. 

For further information on the Planner functions, please click here: 

* [Planner Views & Modes](/maica-knowledge-base/the-planner/planner-views-and-modes.md)
* [Planner Actions](/maica-knowledge-base/the-planner/planner-actions.md)
* [Planner Filter](/maica-knowledge-base/the-planner/planner-filter.md)

{% hint style="info" %}
For optimal Planner performance, keep your dataset within the following thresholds:

* Total Appointments or Shifts in the period: up to 1,500
* Busiest single day: up to 250 Appointments or Shifts on one day
* Scope size (resources, participants, etc.): up to 2,000 (larger scopes add extra load pressure)

To stay within these limits, please utilise the Planner Filters
{% endhint %}

## Appearance Guide

The `Appearance Guide` button is located at the bottom of the Planner, indicated by an `arrow` button, as shown below. 

<figure><img src="/files/QCLQYpSQ7ZruKtW5VUBb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Simply clicking the `arrow` button reveals a legend that outlines the colours and indicators used within the Planner to represent different Appointment statuses and types, as shown below.

<figure><img src="/files/gSTKVoFhV08ahALuAP4X" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This guide will help you quickly determine the type and status of each appointment at a glance, right from the Planner.

{% hint style="info" %}
To learn how to customise your Planner to your organisations desire, please refer to the [Planner Management](/maica-knowledge-base/maica-administration-guide/settings/planner-management.md) section in the **Maica** settings.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

## Timezone Indicator

To help users understand how Appointment times are displayed, the Planner now includes a **Timezone Indicator**, as shown below.

<figure><img src="/files/83LhJblyQonnd8tpM9rY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### How It Works

* The globe icon indicator shows the **current browser timezone** (e.g. *Melbourne*).
* Hovering over the icon reveals a tooltip: **"Your current Time Zone."**
* This helps you know whether the times shown in the Planner are adjusted to your own timezone or reflect a target timezone set on the Appointment.

{% hint style="success" %}
This is especially useful for distributed teams working across multiple time zones, ensuring everyone understands the context of time-based views.
{% endhint %}