File basics

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Files and pages

A Stewdio File is a named unit of creative work. A File contains one or more pages: unbounded surfaces where you arrange your work. Use a section to group related content spatially. Sections have bounds and a background color, but no timeline.

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Compositions and layers

A composition groups layers inside a defined width and height. It has its own duration and timeline, and crops its content to its bounds. A composition can contain another composition. Image layers display image assets. Video layers display video assets. A Canvas is a layer drawn by a script, which can create graphics that change over time.

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Canvas inputs

Inputs are controls exposed by a Canvas script. They can hold text, numbers, colors, choices, or booleans. For example, a title animation might expose inputs for its text, color, and speed. Ask your assistant to expose the values you want to adjust. This lets you refine the result in the inspector without rewriting the script.

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Clips and animation

A clip controls when a layer is active inside a composition and which part of its own timeline is used. An animation changes a layer property or a number or color input over time. Keyframes specify values at particular times; easing controls how the value changes between them.

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Assets and blocks

An asset is a reusable resource used in a File, such as an image, video, or 3D model. A layer uses an asset to display it in your work. A block is a shareable, reusable part of a File. Inserting a block makes a fresh copy of its content in the destination File. To put these concepts into practice, follow the quickstart or export a composition.