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Creating a Preset (Pattern) Schedule

Build a repeating rotation schedule based on a defined pattern, such as 2 work days followed by 2 days off. The Preset type is perfect for teams that follow a cyclical work pattern.


What Is This?

The Preset schedule type uses automatic distribution to create shifts based on a repeating pattern. You define a cycle — for example, 2 work days then 2 days off, or 4 on / 2 off — and Shifton applies that pattern across the entire schedule date range for every assigned employee.

This schedule type is commonly used in security, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing where rotating shifts ensure continuous coverage.


Prerequisites

#PrerequisiteDetails
1Active Shifton accountYou must have a registered company account
2Admin, Owner, or Manager roleYou need permissions to create schedules
3A project with assigned employeesThe schedule must be linked to a project that has employees

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Basic Information

Shifton screenshot
Shifton screenshot
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Navigate to Schedules in the sidebar and click + Add schedule.
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Complete the basic information fields:
FieldRequiredDescription
Enter schedule nameYesA descriptive title (e.g., “Security — 2 on / 2 off”)
ColorNoChoose a color to identify this schedule
Select a projectYesSelect the project this schedule belongs to
Select datesYesSet the start and end dates — maximum 3 months
Basic employee pay rateNoBase pay rate per hour for shifts in this schedule
Select week control typeYesHow overtime is handled: Allow with confirmation (default) / Allow / Disallow

Below these fields is a section with employee action permissions (checkboxes). See the Schedule Settings and Permissions article.

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Click Next to proceed.

Step 2: Select Schedule Type

Shifton screenshot
Shifton screenshot
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On the schedule type selection screen, choose Preset (automatic distribution).

“Creates schedules based on a selected pattern of shift arrangement. For example, 2 work days and 2 days off.”

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Click Next. The schedule is created.

After Creation: Add Employees and Configure Pattern

Shifton screenshot
Shifton screenshot
Shifton screenshot
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Click the schedule name to open it.
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Go to the Add employees tab, select employees, and click Add.
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Go to the Shift Templates tab to configure the pattern and shift details.

After Creation: Add Shifts and Publish

Shifton screenshot
Shifton screenshot
Shifton screenshot
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Add shifts via Company Schedule using bulk add or the pattern configuration.
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Click Publish & notify employees so employees can see their shifts.

Available Preset Patterns

Shifton screenshot

Shifton includes 11 built-in preset patterns. You select one when configuring the schedule:

#PatternDescription
11/11 work day / 1 day off
21/21 work day / 2 days off
31/31 work day / 3 days off
42/22 work days / 2 days off (most common default)
52/2/alternationAlternating 2/2 pattern
62/2/3Complex rotation: 2 on / 2 off / 3 on
73/33 work days / 3 days off
84/24 work days / 2 days off
95/25 work days / 2 days off (standard work week)
105/2/6/1Complex rotation
11day/night/48Day shift / night shift / 48 hours rest

Access Permissions

RoleView ScheduleCreate Preset ScheduleEdit ShiftsDelete Schedule
OwnerYesYesYesYes
AdminYesYesYesYes
ManagerYes (assigned projects)Yes (assigned projects)Yes (assigned projects)Yes (assigned projects)
EmployeeYes (own shifts only)NoNoNo

FAQ

Q: How many preset patterns are available?
A: Shifton includes 11 built-in preset patterns, from simple 1/1 cycles to complex day/night/48-hour rest patterns. See the Available Preset Patterns section above.

Q: Can I change the pattern after the schedule is created?
A: No. The pattern is fixed at creation time. To use a different pattern, delete the schedule and create a new one. You can also manually adjust individual shifts.

Q: How does the system handle employees who join mid-cycle?
A: Employees added after the schedule is created will not automatically receive shifts. You will need to manually add shifts for them or recreate the schedule.

Q: Can different employees have different patterns in the same schedule?
A: No. All employees in a Preset schedule follow the same rotation pattern. If you need different patterns, create separate schedules.

Q: Shifts are not visible to employees — why?
A: Shifts must be published. Click Publish & notify employees on the schedule page. Until published, only managers can see the shifts.


Possible Issues and Solutions

IssuePossible CauseSolution
All employees have the same days offStagger start was not enabledDelete and recreate the schedule with the stagger start option turned on
Pattern does not align with the calendar as expectedThe start date causes the pattern to begin mid-cycleAdjust the schedule start date to align with your desired pattern start
Some employees have no shiftsThey were added to the project after the schedule was createdManually add shifts for those employees or recreate the schedule
Shifts extend past the schedule end dateThe pattern cycle does not divide evenly into the date rangeThis is normal — the pattern is cut off at the schedule end date
Night shifts show on the wrong dayShifts crossing midnight display on the start dateThis is expected behavior — the shift is shown on the day it begins