Skip to main content
Video layers (CAKeyframeAnimation with CGImage contents) display animated videos and GIFs.

Creating a Video Layer

Method 1: Local Files

  1. Click Add Layer in the Layers Panel.
  2. Select Video Layer….
  3. Choose an MP4, MOV, or GIF file from your computer.
  1. Click Add Layer in the Layers Panel.
  2. Select Import from Link.
  3. Paste the URL of the video/GIF and click Import.
Note: GIFs must be imported as Video Layers to maintain their animation. They will be automatically converted to frame-based animations.

Video Properties

These properties are found in the Video tab of the Inspector Panel.

Performance Limitations

To ensure your wallpaper runs smoothly on a mobile device:
  • Max Frame Rate: 30 FPS.
  • Max Duration: 12 seconds recommended.
  • Auto Reverses: Toggle this to make the video play forward then backward for a seamless loop.

Calculation Mode

Controls how frames transition:
  • Linear: Smoothly blends between frames.
  • Discrete: Sharp jumps between frames (useful for pixel art or stop-motion).

Common Properties

Video layers support all standard properties in the Geometry and Compositing tabs.

Geometry

  • Position (X, Y): Location on the canvas.
  • Bounds (W, H): Match this to your video’s aspect ratio to avoid stretching.
  • Rotation: Rotate your video in 2D or 3D.

Compositing

  • Opacity: Adjust transparency from 0% to 100%.
  • Corner Radius: Round the corners of your video.

Performance Warning

Video layers are the most resource-intensive layer type. Using too many can drain battery or cause the wallpaper to lag. Use them sparingly!

Troubleshooting

”My video doesn’t play”

Check:
  • Is the file format supported? (MP4, MOV, GIF).
  • Is the Opacity set to 0%?
  • Try re-importing the file if the processing failed.

”The video is stretched”

Solution:
  • Adjust the Width and Height in the Geometry tab to match the original video’s resolution.

Next Steps

Image Layers

Use static images for better performance

Creating Animations

Use animations for simple movements

Export Your Project

Test the video on your device