Plan AI Video Render Settings Before Export

What you will prepare

This is not a click-by-click UI walkthrough. It is a practical decision sheet for choosing output settings before you start the final render in VMAI.

By the end, you will have a clear plan for:

• aspect ratio and resolution based on the first destination;
• when to separate a review render from the final render;
• whether subtitles should be burned in, kept as SRT/VTT, or both;
• format, FPS, and codec choices;
• transitions and image motion that support the story instead of distracting from it;
• Credit budget and version notes before rendering.

Step 1: Write a one-line export brief

Start by completing this sentence:

"

This video is rendered for where it will be published first, who will watch it, and which device they will likely use.

Examples:

Without this brief, every setting starts to look like a personal preference. Export settings should follow the job the file needs to do.

Step 2: Choose aspect ratio and resolution together

Do not choose resolution as a number alone. Pair it with the shape of the video.

VMAI's output settings include wide, vertical, and square resolution options. Some high-resolution choices can depend on the user's plan, so if the interface shows a lock or plan hint, confirm whether that level is actually needed for the first destination.

Ask:

• Does the first platform expect wide, vertical, or square video?
• Will subtitles cover the subject if they sit near the bottom?
• Is a lower-resolution review render enough for feedback?
• Does only the final version need the higher-quality setting?

Step 3: Decide the subtitle delivery mode

Subtitle delivery should be decided before rendering, because changing it later can mean another render.

VMAI includes a setting for rendering subtitles directly onto the video and choosing caption style. If you burn subtitles in, check style, position, font size, and contrast. If you also keep subtitle files, include language and version in the file name so they are easy to find later.

For English videos, watch for long lines that compete with the speaker or visual focus. Short captions are usually easier to read on mobile.

Step 4: Pick format, FPS, and codec for the practical workflow

VMAI lets you choose output format, FPS, and codec. Start with the practical receiver of the file.

Format

• MP4: a safe starting point for most sharing, upload, and playback use cases;
• MOV: useful for some production or editing workflows;
• MKV: useful for archive or specific playback environments.

FPS

• 24 fps: can fit narration-led or cinematic pacing;
• 30 fps: a common baseline for web and social video;
• 60 fps: useful for motion-heavy content, but can increase file and processing load.

Codec

• H.264: choose when compatibility matters most;
• H.265: choose when compression efficiency matters;
• VP9: consider for web playback contexts.

If you are unsure, render the review version with the most broadly compatible combination, then create a specialized version only when the destination requires it.

Step 5: Set transition and image motion defaults first

Transitions and image motion control how fast the video feels. More effect is not automatically better; clarity matters more.

Use these defaults:

• explanation-heavy video: softer transitions and smaller image movement;
• emotional or branded video: repeat a consistent motion style;
• short promotional clip: make the first scene clear, then keep the middle readable;
• text-heavy scene: reduce background movement so subtitles and visual text do not compete.

VMAI lets you adjust default transitions and image effects, while segment-level settings can take priority. Set the overall tone first, then adjust only the segments that need emphasis.

Step 6: Separate review renders from final renders

Trying to guess the final file in one render often takes longer. Give each version a job.

When comparing VMAI render results, keep a short note about why each version exists. That way the final pick is based on the export plan, not memory.

Final checklist

Before rendering, confirm that:

• the first publishing destination and viewing environment are clear;
• wide, vertical, or square output is chosen intentionally;
• review and final resolutions are either separated or deliberately the same;
• subtitle burn-in and subtitle-file reuse are decided;
• format, FPS, and codec choices have a practical reason;
• transitions and image motion do not compete with captions;
• Credit budget and plan limits have been checked;
• each render version will have a clear purpose.

Next step

For the strategy behind these choices, read The Render Settings Mistake That Wastes Good AI Videos. If your subtitle file still needs cleanup before export, follow Generate and Edit SRT/VTT Subtitles.