---
title: Manually Extending a Stage
slug: zen-master/manually-extending-a-stage
docTags: 
createdAt: 2025-11-06T16:48:32.808Z
---

After changing an **Auto **Stage to **Manual **(see, [Switching to Manual or Auto During the Event](docId\:CpoByE-8DDBja2Qg9gY98)), a dialog will be displayed asking you to choose whether you want to **Maintain start time** or **Maintain duration**. In this section we will explain what is the meaning of each option and what are its consequences for the next stages when you use them **to extend a stage**. 

## Maintain Start Time Extension

In this option the **start time of the next stage** will be according to the originally configured **Start Time**. 

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/mzxtTQEvCNIdUNgF2kuwJ/VyMMH5dXQBpF2WNiXDlv0-20251110-121800.png)

In the example illustrated above **the first half is manually extended by 5 minutes**. In this case the following will occur:

- During the **“First Half” stage** the operator switched to manual and selected the **Maintain Start Time** option. 
- After 5 minutes into the first half extension the operator clicked** Start Next Stage** and moved to the **Half Time Break stage**.
- **The start times **of the following stages (marked by a red rectangle) **will begin automatically according to the original configuration**:
  - **Half Time Break stage** will end automatically at **9:00 PM** (the original configured start time for the Second Half stage) and the Second Half will start automatically. 
  - The **Second Half** will end automatically at **9:45 PM** (the original configured start time for the Off stage).

## Maintain Duration Extension

In this option **the start time of the next stage **will be according to the **Duration** of each stage.

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/mzxtTQEvCNIdUNgF2kuwJ/1L6zqsiOv5nGpYxiu-kCk-20251110-123144.png)

In the example illustrated above **the first half is manually extended by 5 minutes**. In this case the following will occur:

- During **the “First Half” stage** the operator switched to manual and selected the **Maintain Duration** option. 
- After 5 minutes into the first half extension the operator clicked **Start Next Stage** and moved to the **Half Time Break stage**.
- The start times of the following stages **will be shifted by 5 minutes**, as they will begin automatically according to the original duration configuration (marked by a red rectangle):
  - **Half Time Break stage** will end automatically at** 9:05 PM** (based on the original configured duration for the Half Time Break stage) and the Second Half will start automatically.
  - **The Second Half will end** automatically at** 9:50 PM **(based on the original configured duration for the Second Half stage).