Canvas and preview

The preview canvas shows the final frame at the current playhead time. It is where you check composition, readable text, cropping, masks, and motion.

What the preview shows

The preview displays:

• The active project canvas size.
• Visible timeline layers at the playhead.
• Text, stickers, graphics, effects, masks, and transitions.
• Current transform, opacity, color, and audio-visual state.

It does not show controls in the exported video. Handles, outlines, and guides are editor-only.

Play and inspect your edit

1. Click the timeline or preview area.
2. Press Space to play or pause.
3. Move the playhead to important moments.
4. Watch framing, text readability, and transitions.
5. Use frame stepping for precise checks.

Use preview playback after every major edit, not just before export.

Select elements on the canvas

1. Move the playhead to a time where the element is visible.
2. Click the element in the preview.
3. Check that it becomes selected on the timeline.
4. Use the right properties panel for precise controls.

If multiple elements overlap, selection can be ambiguous. Select the element from the timeline instead.

Move and resize overlays visually

For text, stickers, graphics, and images:

1. Select the element.
2. Drag it in the preview to move it.
3. Use corner handles to resize.
4. Use rotation handles if available.
5. Fine-tune in the properties panel.

The canvas is best for visual placement. The properties panel is best for exact values.

Check safe areas

Before exporting, check that important content is not too close to the edge.

For vertical social video:

• Keep captions away from bottom UI overlays.
• Keep faces and products near the center.
• Avoid placing key text in the top and bottom extremes.
• Leave space for app captions, usernames, and buttons.

For landscape video:

• Keep lower thirds away from the bottom edge.
• Avoid tiny text that becomes unreadable on mobile.
• Check corners for logos and watermarks.

Change canvas size

Canvas size is usually chosen when creating the project, but you can adjust project settings if needed.

Common sizes:

After changing canvas size, review every clip and overlay. Reframing is usually required.

Check cropping and fit

If a clip is cropped wrong:

1. Select the clip.
2. Open the properties panel.
3. Adjust scale and position.
4. Preview at multiple timestamps.
5. If the subject moves, consider keyframes or tracking.

For screen recordings and product demos, use a fit-style composition so important UI does not get cropped.

Preview masks

When editing masks:

1. Select the masked element.
2. Move the playhead to a frame where the mask is visible.
3. Open Masks in the properties panel.
4. Adjust handles on the canvas.
5. Toggle inversion if needed.
6. Feather edges for a softer result.

Preview transitions

Transitions are easiest to judge in motion.

1. Move the playhead a few seconds before the transition.
2. Press Space.
3. Watch the transition at full speed.
4. Shorten it if it feels slow.
5. Remove it if a hard cut feels stronger.

Preview audio-related visuals

The canvas does not show audio levels, but it helps you inspect timing:

• Does text appear when the speaker says it?
• Do captions change too fast?
• Does a sound effect align with an action?
• Does a visual hit land on the beat?

Use the timeline waveform for audio precision.

Troubleshooting

See also

• Editor workspace tour
• Properties panel
• Timeline editing
• Smart reframe