When Atlassian introduced the Standard and Advanced Edition framework for Marketplace apps, it gave partners a new way to structure value and customers a clearer path for choosing the right fit.

When we began designing the Advanced Edition of Optics, our goal was clear: to create something that genuinely expanded the product experience for our users. For us, that meant delivering real, functional value—something customers can feel as soon as they start creating.

It was an opportunity to build on what Optics already stands for: clarity, consistency, and purposeful communication. And it challenged us to go beyond services or support by adding entirely new capabilities into the product itself.

We approached this edition as a chance to expand the Optics app with prebuilt blocks, presentation-ready layouts, and a more intentional way to create and share content inside Confluence. To bring that vision to life, we created Dex, a completely new macro built for structured storytelling and presentations.

Dex expands what is possible inside Confluence and clearly adds to the foundation established by our Standard Edition, Viz. With both Viz and Dex available, teams now have two distinct ways to enhance their Confluence content. One is focused on formatting and design, the other on storytelling and presentations.

We also made a deliberate choice to include Dex as part of Optics, not a standalone app. That decision was guided by the core idea behind Optics: to unify design and communication inside Confluence, in a way that’s simple, cohesive, and scalable. By offering both Viz and Dex within the same product, teams get more value in one place without needing to juggle multiple apps or adjust to different workflows. It keeps the experience seamless while extending what’s possible.

From Viz to Dex: Two Editions, Two Experiences

• Viz, as part of the Standard Edition, is the original Optics macro.
  It offers content formatting modules like Cards, Buttons, People, News, and more. These help make Confluence pages clearer, more consistent, and easier to read. It’s ideal for teams that want to format content quickly and align with brand styling, without needing design expertise.

• Dex, as part of the Advanced Edition, is something new entirely.
  It’s a storytelling and presentation macro that brings structure to communication. Dex includes a growing selection of beautifully designed blocks that you can edit and arrange to fit your needs. Whether you’re adding one impactful section, like a KPI highlight, or building a full campaign page with multiple slides, Dex scales with your message. And with one click, you can present your content directly from Confluence, no extra slides, no extra reformatting, no extra tool needed.

An Edition Built on Product Value

Building Dex as our first Advanced Edition took time and intention. We had to design new editing models, develop layout-safe blocks, and create a system that offered more power without adding complexity. Every decision was shaped by a single goal: delivering meaningful value.

To us, an Advanced Edition should represent product progress, not just packaging. It should unlock new capabilities that expand what teams can create. Dex is exactly that: a forward step in how teams tell stories and share updates in Confluence.

What’s Next

We’ll continue improving both editions, ensuring Viz stays powerful and accessible, while Dex leads the way with advanced layout, presentation, and communication tools for teams that want more impact from every page.

If your team lives in Confluence, and you’re ready to take your storytelling further, we’d love for you to try Dex.

Explore Dex, the Advanced Edition of Optics.

Communication should be more than readable. With Dex, it’s ready to present.