This section explains how to validate tickets at the gate and control admission.
Quick Start
Each ticket is issued with one unique code. The same code is printed on the ticket as readable numbers and is also encoded as a QR code and a barcode, so gate staff can scan it or type it manually.
Use Gate Control to scan tickets as guests arrive. A valid ticket is accepted and marked as used. Invalid tickets, refunded tickets, tickets for another event, and duplicate copies of a ticket that was already admitted are rejected.
To scan, go to Control Panel > Events & Venues > Gate Control, or open https://blog.ticketor.com/gate on the scanning phone, tablet, or laptop. You can also install the Ticketor Gate app from Google Play or App Store.
Scan this QR code to open Gate Control:
If the app asks for the website, enter blog.ticketor.com, then log in with your administrator or gate controller email and password.
Select the event, go to the Camera tab, and scan the ticket QR code or barcode. Watch and listen for the result: an accepted ticket shows a success message and success beep; an invalid or duplicate ticket shows a rejection message and a longer rejection beep.
You can also admit guests by searching their email, phone, name, or confirmation number. If needed, type the ticket code into the Barcode field manually, or use a Bluetooth or USB barcode scanner in keyboard/HID mode so the scanner reads the code and enters it into the box for faster scanning.
For exit and re-entry, switch Gate Control to Exiting mode and scan the guest's ticket as they leave. This removes the entered status so the same ticket can be scanned again when the guest returns. Switch back to Entering mode for normal admission.
Additional Details
To learn about compatible equipment and to purchase one, see Find / Buy Box-Office and Scanning Equipment. To learn about kiosk mode (single app / pinned mode), see Running the Gate Control and POS app in kiosk mode.
How ticket validation works
Gate Control compares each scanned code against the event's valid ticket list and the current scan history.
- Invalid Tickets: Fraudulent tickets, refunded tickets, or tickets for another event or performance.
- Duplicate Tickets: The same ticket printed or copied and used more than once.
After a valid scan, the code is marked as used so duplicate copies cannot be admitted. In Online mode, all gate devices sync with the server so a scan at one gate is reflected at the other gates.
To learn more, read this article.
Validation methods
Method 1: Admission List
For small events with a single gate, print the Admission List from Control Panel > Reports > Admission List. Read each ticket’s numeric code, find it on the list, and check it off.
Method 2: Gate Control on a device
Use a smartphone, tablet, or laptop (the "device") with our scanning app, using either the device camera or an optional Bluetooth/USB barcode scanner.
Access and roles
Log in with an account that has Administrator, Gate Controller, or Event Organizer roles.
- Administrators can scan all events.
- Event Organizers can scan only events they organize.
- Gate Controllers may scan all events or may be restricted to events for certain Event Organizers.
If prompted to allow the website to save data to your device, allow it. This enables loading even without internet.
Scanner and camera notes
Cameras can scan from printed tickets and from the buyer's phone display. QR codes usually scan faster and more reliably than barcodes, so use QR when possible.
External Bluetooth or USB scanners can be faster than a camera. Use a scanner that can read the barcode or QR code and transmit the value as plain text to the device (HID/keyboard mode). 2D scanners read both barcodes and QR codes; 1D scanners read barcodes only.
To test an external scanner, open any app with a text field, activate the field, and scan a ticket. The code should appear as plain text.
Behind the scene / Fast primary result / Emergency network outage
When you open Gate Control, the device downloads the latest valid codes and entry status. Each scan updates your device so it always keeps a current local copy.
Fast validation:Each scan shows an instant primary result using local data (light green/red), then confirms with the server for the final validation and changes the color to darker green/red (final result). On slow networks you can usually rely on the primary result.
Emergency network outage:If the network drops, you can continue scanning using locally stored data. It can validate tickets and detect duplicates to some extent.
Offline validation:
If you do not have reliable internet at the gate, you can use Offline mode with some limitations.
After selecting the event, choose "Offline" as the validation method.
Select the "Number of gates". All devices must use the same value.
Assign each device a gate number (Gate #1, Gate #2, etc.) and label devices accordingly.
With multiple gates in Offline mode, each gate admits only a subset of tickets (a range) to help detect duplicates. Each ticket shows a "G" value (G1 to G10) under the barcode. The system tells you which G values each gate admits. Post signs so guests enter through the correct gate based on their G value.
Click "Download data" to download valid codes to your device.
Notes:
- Download/refresh data after ticket changes are complete. You can keep selling tickets after downloading data.
- Do not reload data after scanning begins, or entry history will be overwritten and duplicates may be missed.
- In Offline mode, returns/refunds should be disabled after downloading data.
Best practice at the gate:
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For medium and large events, speed is critical. Assign a separate staff member (often with a larger tablet) to handle exceptions so the main line keeps moving.
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Scanning with one hand: Recommended Bluetooth scanners can attach to the back of a phone. You can use double tape such as Scotch® Reusable Tapes.
Testing with real tickets:
Test scanning by purchasing tickets and later voiding the invoice and returning the tickets, or test with existing orders from the reports.
To un-scan tickets, you have two options:
1- Switch to 'Exit Mode' and scan the same tickets to mark them as not entered.
2- Edit the event and use 'Reset the scan result' from the details tab.
Reporting the scanned tickets:
1- The Control Panel > Reports > Scan Report Shows each ticket and its latest scan time (one row per attendee). If audit records are enabled, it can show all entry/exit scans.
2- The Control Panel > Reports > Sold Tickets report includes a 'Scanned' column showing whether (and when) a ticket was scanned.
Note: By default, only the last scan time is recorded. Enable audit records on the event to record every entry/exit scan and the gate controller user.
