Your first previs in five minutes
Make a small project you can save and watch before exploring advanced controls.
On this page
What this helps you do
Make a small project you can save and watch before exploring advanced controls.
When to use it
You have just opened the app and want the shortest route to an actual saved result.
Before you begin
Use the desktop app and check the edition requirement: Basic. The current published version is shown above. Confirm the selected item and playhead before changing anything. This audit does not verify a physical Windows device.
Step by step
Screenshots: Mac v1.7.0 Follow each step with the real app interface below. Select an image to enlarge the marked area.
- Open the app and choose Follow the first shot · 5 sec, or create a simple empty project. Back up an existing project first.
Figure 1 The actual welcome screen: start with the first-shot guide or choose an example. - Add a character and a few basic props from Scene objects. Select an item and check its name and position in Properties. Keep a static camera in Basic.
- 1Add an item from a category
Figure 2 Expand an object category and select an item to add. Select existing items in the list below. - Inspect the blocking in the main viewport, then switch to Camera to see the actual shot. Make the subject readable before refining the composition.
- 1Camera preview is active
Figure 3 Switch to Camera to check the camera image, separately from the free editing view. - Press Space to play or pause. Use Save in the top bar to keep the project. Choose a complete project bundle when moving referenced media between computers.
- 1Play / Pause
Figure 4 Playback controls, current time and tracks. Position the playhead before editing. - Open Export & Deliver and choose a full-length previs video in the Video tab at 720p. Open the saved video and verify its duration, image and watermark.
Figure 5 The watch/communication export panel. After export, open the actual file in a player to verify it.
Use Interface tour in the top bar to learn the regions without replacing the current project.
Changes in 1.7.0
In single-camera mode, one-shot playback returns to the in point when finished; Pause stays at the current time. Export opens on Video with the full program selected. Use Storyboards & Materials for production documents or Project Backup for an editable project. More provides the complete shortcut guide, model marketplace and help.
Settings and edit scope
| Control or concept | Meaning and boundary |
|---|---|
| Project | Preserves editable data; it is not a video. |
| 720p | Basic’s full-length previs limit, with a Basic watermark. In portrait orientation, 720 is the short side. |
Check the result
You can reopen the saved project and watch the exported video. Check both rather than relying on a completion message.
Troubleshooting and recovery
The guide loads a practice scene, so back up current work first. Keyframes, paths and advanced camera movement require Pro or an active trial.
If the result is unexpected, stop playback, check the selected item and time, and use Undo before making another change. Keep a backup rather than repeatedly overwriting the project.
Keep learning
Include your app version, operating system and the error message. Never include your license or API key.