Timeline View: Difference between revisions

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= Timeline View =
== Overview ==
== Overview ==
The '''Timeline View''' in [[ACT3AI|ACT 3 AI]] is the core workspace for arranging scenes, shots, and transitions in a linear sequence.   
The '''[[Timeline_View|Timeline View]]''' in [[ACT3AI|ACT 3 AI]] is the core workspace for arranging and editing [[Scenes|scenes]], [[Shots|shots]], and assets in chronological order.   
It enables creators to visually structure their [[Projects|projects]], synchronize video and audio, and refine pacing with intuitive drag-and-drop editing.
It provides a time-based editing interface where you can adjust pacing, synchronize [[Audio_Tracks|audio]], and preview your project before final rendering.


== Key Capabilities ==
== Key Features ==
* '''Drag-and-Drop Editing:''' Move [[Scenes|scenes]] and [[Shots|shots]] directly onto the timeline.   
* **Drag-and-Drop Editing:** Move [[Scenes|scenes]] and [[Shots|shots]] directly from the [[Script_Editor|script editor]] into the timeline.   
* '''Multi-Track Layout:''' Manage separate layers for video, [[B-roll|B-Roll]], audio, and effects.   
* **Zoom Controls:** Zoom in for frame-level precision or zoom out for full-scene overview. 
* '''Zoom & Scrub:''' Navigate from a full-scene overview down to frame-level precision.   
* **Layering:** Stack video, audio, overlays, and [[Digital_Actors|actor tracks]] for complex sequences.   
* '''Markers & Notes:''' Add annotations for team reviews or creative reminders.   
* **Preview Playback:** Play full sequences or selected sections.   
* '''Preview Integration:''' Play back segments instantly without leaving the timeline.
* **Locking & Muting:** Lock tracks to prevent edits or mute layers during playback.   
* **Credit Estimation:** View estimated [[Credit_System|credit usage]] for rendering sections.


== How to Use ==
== Workflow ==
# Open the [[Editor|Editor workspace]] and select **Timeline View** from the column dropdown.   
1. Open the [[Editor|Editor workspace]] and switch to Timeline View.   
# Drag a script block or [[Storyboard_Panels|storyboard panel]] into the timeline.   
2. Import or draft content via [[Import_Script|Import Script]] or [[AI_Wizard|AI Wizard]]. 
# Reorder blocks to adjust story flow.   
3. Drag script-generated blocks onto the timeline.   
# Use zoom controls or scroll to fine-tune timing.   
4. Arrange shots, adjust timing, and add transitions or overlays.   
# Play back any segment, loop sections, or send selected clips to the [[Render_Queue|Render Queue]].
5. Insert [[Audio_Tracks|audio tracks]], subtitles, or B-roll.   
6. Preview sequences before sending to the [[Render_Queue|Render Queue]].


== Collaboration ==
== Integration ==
* Multiple users can co-edit in real-time.   
* Linked to [[Storyboard_Panels|Storyboards & Panels]] for visual alignment. 
* Use color-coded markers for feedback.   
* Works with [[Set_Design|Set Design]] and [[Top_Down_View|Top-Down View]] for camera/actor placement.   
* Lock approved tracks so no accidental changes are made.
* Connected to [[Build_Video|Build Video]] for final assembly.   
* Sends output jobs to the [[Rendering_System|Rendering System]] and [[Render_Queue|Render Queue]].


== Best Practices ==
== Best Practices ==
* Start with a rough cut by dragging scenes into order before refining.   
* Keep timeline organized with labeled tracks.   
* Use short [[BRoll|B-Roll]] clips to smooth transitions.   
* Use **draft previews** before committing to 4K exports to save credits.   
* Keep audio and video tracks aligned by grouping them.   
* Group shots by [[Scenes|scene]] or [[Acts|act]] for easier navigation.   
* Frequently preview clips to verify pacing.   
* Regularly lock finalized sequences to avoid accidental changes.   


== Credit Usage ==
== Troubleshooting ==
* Editing operations themselves consume **no credits**.   
* **Timeline not updating** → Refresh or re-sync from [[Script_Editor|script editor]].   
* Rendering previews from the timeline consumes credits based on quality: 
* **Audio out of sync** → Adjust manually or re-align in [[Build_Video|Build Video]].  
** Draft (low-res) – minimal credits  
* **Performance lag** → Lower preview resolution or mute unused layers.  
** Medium / High – proportional per second  
* **Credit usage too high** → Preview shorter sections before full render.  
** 4K export – higher rate, shown in [[Credit_System|Credit System]]  


== Example Workflow ==
== Example Use Cases ==
{| class="wikitable"
* Editing a 30-second TikTok with jump cuts and overlays. 
! Task
* Assembling a full 5-minute short film with dialogue, B-roll, and effects. 
! Timeline Action
* Organizing multiple social ads within a single project timeline. 
! Credits
|-
| Arrange imported script
| Drag scenes into order
| 0
|-
| Add AI-generated B-Roll
| Place 5s establishing clip
| 5
|-
| Render preview (1080p, 20s)
| Generate from Timeline
| 20
|}


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Editor]]   
* [[Editor|Editor Workspace]] 
* [[Storyboard_Panels|Storyboard & Panels]]   
* [[Script_Editor|Script Editor]]   
* [[Import_BRoll|Import B-Roll]]   
* [[Storyboard_Panels|Storyboards & Panels]]   
* [[Build_Video]]   
* [[Set_Design|Set Design]] 
* [[Top_Down_View|Top-Down View]]   
* [[Build_Video|Build Video]]   
* [[Render_Queue|Render Queue]]   
* [[Render_Queue|Render Queue]]   
* [[Credit_System|Credit System]]   
* [[Export_Distribution|Export Distribution]]   


[[Category:ACT 3 AI Features]]


[https://act3ai.com/contact Contact Us] if you have any problems using our product, or if you have questions.
[https://act3ai.com/contact Contact Us] if you need help with Timeline View editing.

Latest revision as of 16:28, 27 August 2025

Overview

The Timeline View in ACT 3 AI is the core workspace for arranging and editing scenes, shots, and assets in chronological order. It provides a time-based editing interface where you can adjust pacing, synchronize audio, and preview your project before final rendering.

Key Features

  • **Drag-and-Drop Editing:** Move scenes and shots directly from the script editor into the timeline.
  • **Zoom Controls:** Zoom in for frame-level precision or zoom out for full-scene overview.
  • **Layering:** Stack video, audio, overlays, and actor tracks for complex sequences.
  • **Preview Playback:** Play full sequences or selected sections.
  • **Locking & Muting:** Lock tracks to prevent edits or mute layers during playback.
  • **Credit Estimation:** View estimated credit usage for rendering sections.

Workflow

1. Open the Editor workspace and switch to Timeline View. 2. Import or draft content via Import Script or AI Wizard. 3. Drag script-generated blocks onto the timeline. 4. Arrange shots, adjust timing, and add transitions or overlays. 5. Insert audio tracks, subtitles, or B-roll. 6. Preview sequences before sending to the Render Queue.

Integration

Best Practices

  • Keep timeline organized with labeled tracks.
  • Use **draft previews** before committing to 4K exports to save credits.
  • Group shots by scene or act for easier navigation.
  • Regularly lock finalized sequences to avoid accidental changes.

Troubleshooting

  • **Timeline not updating** → Refresh or re-sync from script editor.
  • **Audio out of sync** → Adjust manually or re-align in Build Video.
  • **Performance lag** → Lower preview resolution or mute unused layers.
  • **Credit usage too high** → Preview shorter sections before full render.

Example Use Cases

  • Editing a 30-second TikTok with jump cuts and overlays.
  • Assembling a full 5-minute short film with dialogue, B-roll, and effects.
  • Organizing multiple social ads within a single project timeline.

See Also


Contact Us if you need help with Timeline View editing.

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