The OffSec platform now includes an updated Lab UI, designed to make the hands-on learning experience more streamlined, focused, and easier to navigate.

The new Lab UI brings important lab actions, progress details, and workspace tools into a more unified interface, helping learners stay focused while working through labs. It introduces a more organized lab workspace where learners can access key information and actions more easily.

Which areas show the new Lab UI?

You will be able to see the new UI from the lab pages only, this includes:

• OCR and DCR labs
• Grimoires
• Shiny Labs
• Rotating Labs
• PG Play and Practice Labs
• Challenge Labs

What’s New

• Improved Lab Navigation

  • Learners can more clearly view lab tasks, track progress, and identify completed items.

• More Visible Progress Indicators

  • XP, flag updates, objectives, and progress details are easier to access during the lab experience.

• A More Flexible Workspace

  • The updated interface supports more efficient multitasking, including improved ways to view lab instructions and the lab environment side by side using Split Screen.

• Streamlined Lab Controls

  • Core lab actions, such as starting machines, managing VPN access, and submitting flags, are now part of a smoother and more connected workflow.

Core Updates

Core Lab Interface and Navigation

The updated interface includes a global control bar that gives learners faster access to important lab tools and status indicators, including:

• VPN management
• Split Screen controls
• Account Level and XP progress indicators
• Conditional Lab Exit workflow

VM Orchestration and Flag Submission

Machine management and flag submission are now part of a more connected lab workflow. This helps learners move between starting machines, managing access, and submitting flags with less friction.

Responsive Architecture

The new Lab UI supports functional parity across mobile, tablet, and desktop breakpoints, giving learners a consistent experience across devices.

How It Looks

• Labs view
• XP and progress indicators
• Split Screen experience
• VM controls
• Flag submission flow

Good to Know Information

Will my existing VM sessions be affected by the new UI?

No. The redesign is presentation-only. Existing VMs, snapshots, console state, and revert behavior are unchanged. 

What if I try to start a machine while another one is already running?

You'll see a toast that says you already have a machine running, and the Active Machines side panel opens automatically so you can stop the running VM before starting a new one.

Does my XP update live?

Yes. When you submit a correct flag, the XP ring in the top bar updates in real time — no page refresh needed. If the XP earns you a new level, you'll see the ring fill, the level number increment, and a brief level-up indication.

Does the new UI work on mobile or tablet?

Yes — every interactive surface has functional parity on mobile, tablet, and desktop. The one mobile-specific behavior is that Split Screen is desktop-only.

Does any of this affect my certification exam experience?

No. The proctored exam environment is separate and is not affected by this update.

Key Notes

Task completion visibility

Completed tasks are marked in the left-hand panel, giving you a quick summary of your progress.

Module Labs tab scope

The module Labs tab only includes tasks and labs related to that specific module.

Split Screen behavior

Split Screen works within a single page or URL. You can split content inside a module page or inside a lab page, but you cannot split a module on one side and a separate challenge lab on the other.

Hints in lab exercises and course labs

If hints exist for a task, it will be visible. Using a hint may affect the XP awarded for that flag. 

Walkthroughs

If walkthrough exists for a task, it will be visible.