This guide will walk you through the process of creating your very first video template using the new Shotstack v2 Studio.
Whether you're building a simple social media post or a complex dynamic template, the workflow remains intuitive and flexible.
Step 1: Start a New Project
The foundation of any great video is a blank canvas. To get started:
Navigate to the My Templates tab in the left-hand sidebar.
Click the + Blank button located in the top-right corner of the template library.
This will open the Studio Editor and initialize a fresh workspace for you.
Step 2: Configure Project Settings
Before you start adding media, it is important to set up your canvas to match your output requirements.
By default, your project is initialized with a 1024 x 576 resolution, 25 FPS (Frames Per Second), and a White background.
If these settings work for your project, you can leave them as they are.
However, if you need to match specific platform requirements (like TikTok) or brand colors, you can customize each setting using the floating toolbar located on the right side of the canvas.
How to Change the Resolution (Aspect Ratio)
The resolution determines the shape and quality of your video.
Locate the Monitor Icon at the top of the right-hand floating toolbar.
Click it to reveal the preset menu.
Select a standard format like 1920 x 1080 (16:9) for YouTube, 1080 x 1920 (9:16) for TikTok/Reels, or enter Custom dimensions at the bottom of the list.
How to Change the Frame Rate (FPS)
The frame rate controls the playback smoothness.
Click the FPS button in the middle of the right-hand floating toolbar.
Select your desired rate from the dropdown menu (e.g., 30 FPS is standard for social media, while 24 FPS provides a cinematic look).
How to Change the Background Color
If your clips have transparency or don't fill the screen, this color will be visible behind them.
Click the Color Circle icon in the right-hand floating toolbar.
Use the color picker to select a new shade, or paste a specific Hex Code (e.g.,
#000000for black) into the input field to match your brand exactly.
Step 3: Add and Position Media
Shotstack v2 simplifies adding content to your timeline.
Open the Library: Click the Media icon (the mountain square) on the left vertical toolbar.
Upload or Select: Click Upload Files to bring in your own footage, or select an asset already in your library.
One-Click Placement: Simply click an asset in the library. It will appear on your timeline exactly where the playback cursor (playhead) is currently positioned.
Step 4: Add and Style Text
Adding a clear message or title is easy with the built-in text tools.
Insert Text: Click the Text icon ("T") on the left toolbar to instantly add a text layer to your project.
Open Properties: Select the text block on the canvas to add a text box and open the Properties Panel at the top of the editor.
Customize: From here, you can change the Font, adjust Colors, and set the Alignment or anchor to fit your design.
Step 5: Refine with Precise Controls
The top properties panel is your command center for fine-tuning how your layers behave over time.
Toggle Property Panel Views: You can switch between Asset Properties Settings in the Panel (square icon) and Clip Timing Settings (clock icon) to manage different settings for your asset.
Manage Timing: Under the Clip Timing view, you can set how your clip starts and ends by clicking the start or length property and rotating between Manual, Auto and End:
Start: Choose Manual to set a specific time, or Auto to have it snap to the end of the previous clip.
Length: Select Manual for a custom duration, Auto for the asset's natural duration, or End to extend the clip to the very end of the project.
Step 6: Export Your Video
Once you’re happy with the design, it’s time to see the final result.
Click the Export Video button in the top-right corner of the editor.
Click the green Export Video button in the sidebar that appears to begin the rendering process.
Once the render is complete, a Download button will appear, allowing you to save the high-quality MP4 directly to your device.
