Canvas and reference tools

Choose the right canvas, clip frames and video, or prepare motion and depth references.

This guide includes newer client features, some of which may be awaiting release. Availability depends on the app version you have installed.

Prepare composition, motion and spatial references for a shot. Before opening a tool, check whether it should save a storyboard image, keyframe or technical reference.

Choose the right canvas

Tool	Purpose	Where to start
Prep-notes canvas	Collect project references, notes and discussion	Inspiration
2D canvas	Draw or compose a shot’s production reference	The shot’s source selector
Annotation canvas	Point out changes on an image or paused frame	Modify or Annotate on its preview

These canvases have different purposes and destinations. Drawing in prep notes does not automatically replace the storyboard.

Use the 2D canvas

Open it from the target shot’s source selector, use its drawing and layer tools, then save or output through the action offered by that entry. Return to the shot and check the expected destination.

Extract frames or clips

Open the video clipper from the target shot.
Import a video and use the filmstrip and playhead to find the moment.
Capture the current frame to save a still.
For technical references, you can also set a selection and extract a video clip.

Keyframe destinations accept still images, not video segments. Technical references can hold images or clips. An extracted reference clip is not an adopted Take.

Prepare a motion reference

Choose motion capture from the source selector, then use a camera or imported video. Camera use requires system permission. Check the body-skeleton preview and record or analyze it to export a skeleton video as a technical reference.

This produces a pose-reference video; it does not automatically rig and retarget an arbitrary 3D character.

Prepare a depth reference

Switch the motion/depth tool to Depth video. Import RGB footage, start processing, then save the result to technical references. Near areas appear lighter and distant areas darker. The output is a depth-reference video, not an editable 3D model.

Use the result in generation

Open the generation form’s reference selector and select the saved material from project assets. Whether image, video, motion or depth material can be used depends on the generation mode and model.