10.5 Exporting Videos

Available with the Following Subscriptions: All Subscriptions
Available for the Following Roles: All Roles
 

The Export Video feature in cmBuilder plays through, then exports a video file of the Scenario's Presentation to share with stakeholders, providing an alternative to shared links and slide images. It may be a good idea to export a video as a backup option, incase an internet connection is not available.

💡Note: Safari does not currently support recording a tab, video export is not available for Safari.

How to Export a Presentation Video

To export a presentation video, click the blue Export/Share button (1) in the upper right hand corner of a Scenario. From the side panel that appears click the Presentation Video button (2), a pop up will appear titled Export presentation video. 
 

1. Select which file type and method you want to export:

   MP4 (Recommended):

   • Exports at a consistent 60 FPS for smooth playback.
   • While recording, the browser tab is used to render and capture each frame, slow or laggy playback is normal.
   • The final video will export at full 60 FPS, with video length equal to presentation playback time.
   • NOTE: All major browsers supports this method of recording, however there are rare exceptions where some browsers may not, and WebM will be the only option available. 

   WEBM (Legacy):

   • The exported video frame rate is based on your computers rendering capabilities.
   • Has additional controls of customizing recording at a slower speed, for use in a video editor to post-process and have more controls of the final FPS.

   • Learn more about increasing video smoothness of the WebM exports at the end of the article.

     
     
     

   • Choose Video settings 
     • Video quality (applies to both MP4 and WebM): Available options depend on your screen resolution:

       • Most users → 720p or 1080p

       • 4K monitor → 4K option

       • Note: the higher the quality, the larger the file size and slower the rendering process will be.

     • Recording speed (webM only option):

       • Recording speed: 1× (default) down to 1/16×. The output video will record and play at this speed.
          

2. Click Next (3).

   
    

3. cmBuilder will ask to see the browser tab for recording purposes, click Allow (1)

   NOTE: This screen may differ depending on your browser settings. Ensure you select the correct tab by toggling between selections.
    

4. Click the play button (2 above) to start the recording.
    
5. After the presentation plays through completely, cmBuilder will exit presentation mode and the video file will automatically download as an MP4 or WebM video file. A pop up may appear to specify download location depending on your browser settings. 

Increase the smoothness of the final output (FPS)

1. 💡Note: the steps below are only applicable when using the WebM version for video recording.

2. Set a slower speed for the initial recording and use a video editor to post-process and return the speed back to normal.

3. Select a slower speed for the initial recording
   1. Example, if your current FPS = 15 and the ideal output is 60 FPS. Set Recording speed to 1/4.
   2. To get an idea of how much to slow down, use the App Performance tab to see the current FPS.
   3. Select the slow-down factor based on the ratio of the current FPS to the desired final output.
4. The final output will be the slow-downed version when the recording is completed.
5. Use a video processing software to speed it back up to the original speed.
   1. We recommended Microsoft's main (free) video editing software Clip Champ, but any video editor works.

Follow this video to learn the best practices for exporting .WEBM videos of your site simulations from cmBuilder:

Increase the smoothness of the final output (FPS)

Set a slower speed for the initial recording and use a video editor to post-process and return the speed back to normal.

1. Select a slower speed for the initial recording
   • Example, if your current FPS = 15 and the ideal output is 60 FPS. Set Recording speed to 1/4.
   • To get an idea of how much to slow down, use the App Performance tab to see the current FPS.
   • Select the slow-down factor based on the ratio of the current FPS to the desired final output.
2. The final output will be the slow-downed version when the recording is completed.
3. Use a video processing software to speed it back up to the original speed.
   • Some recommended software options are: iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, and Camtasia.