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      Creating and Uploading Animated Filters

      Enhance your content by adding engaging motion overlays in Slate. Learn how how to properly create, export, and use animated filters.

      What's in this article:

      What is an animated filter?

      An animated filter is a fixed-position, motion overlay that can be uploaded to your Slate account to put on top of any piece of content. Animated filters are .mov files. The max file size for video filters is 100MB but we recommend staying under 80MB.

      Creating and Uploading Animated Filters

      England-1

      You can create animated filters in any of the 4 dimensions supported in Slate (9:16, 4:5, 1:1, 16:9). 

      You will  want the majority of your animated filter to be transparent in order to see the photo and video content underneath. Animated overlays that have a built in transparency is pretty new technology, and so if your team uses a mix of Android & iOS (for Mobile Creation), or Windows and Mac (for Web Creation), then two files will need to be uploaded to support all platforms.

      1. Create a video filter in one of the available 4 dimensions in the video editing software of your choice
      2. a) If using the Android app or Windows Desktop for Web Creation – export your video using the Quicktime format and codec Apple Pro Res 4444 + Alpha.  This needs to be a .mov file. Your video filter must be exported in this codec in order to work.
        b) If using the iOS app or Mac for Web Creation – export your video using the Quicktime format and codec HEVC + Alpha.  This needs to be a .mov file. Your video filter must be exported in this codec in order to work. 
      3. Upload this file directly to the web brand dashboard! It may take 1-2 minutes to load for larger file sizes.
      4. If you run into any issues, send the .mov file to support@slateteams.com or your CSM. We'll handle loading it in for you!

      The max file size for video filters is 100mb but we recommend staying under 80mb. These will be compressed before being added to your app.

      NOTE: If you have issues with the animated video filter not maintaining its transparency after export, try exporting directly from After Effects or Premiere without using Adobe Media Encoder.

      Converting a Filter to HEVC

      To convert an animated filter that isn't compatible with Slate: 

      1. Right click on the video in your desktop folder
      2. Select 'Encode Selected Video Files' from the dropdown menu
        step 1 in macbook
      3. Under settings, select the drop down menu and change the file type to 'HEVC 2160p;'
      4. Check 'Preserve Transparency'
      5. Click 'Continue'
      6. The new file will export to the same folder the original file lives in
      7. Upload that filter to Slate, and confirm it shows the Apple icon at the top corner

      step 2 in macbook-1

      NOTE: This conversion workflow will only work on an Apple device.

      How to Use an Animated Filter

      An animated can be used the same way you would use a regular filter! Learn more about filters here.

      Available on:

      WebIconiOSLogoAndroidLogo

      FAQs:

      Q: Are animated filters part of my subscription?

      A: Animated filters are included in our Unlimited and Enterprise subscription tiers. Contact your account manager or email support@slateteams.com if you have any questions about upgrading your account

      Q: Can I upload custom sized animated filters?

       A: No. Although you can create in a custom workspace on web, filters and templates are only supported in the sizes listed above (9:16, 1:1, 4:5, or 16:9).

      Q: Can I control layering in the mobile app?

      A: No, you don't have the ability to send things forward or back, and assets lay as they were designed. Therefore, filters will always be on top of media.