How to Use Video Mode
Turn any of your renders into a short cinematic clip — perfect for client presentations, social posts, and listing pages.
Before You Start
Video Mode works from a single source image — usually one of your finished ArchRender renders, but any architectural image will work.
You'll need credits in your account. Video generations cost more than still renders because the model produces many frames.
Generations run in the background. You can leave the page or keep working on other projects — we'll notify you when your clip is ready.
Step 1 — Open Video Mode
There are two ways in:
From the sidebar — select Video and upload or choose a source image.
From any render — click the Video button below a finished render in your project. This launches Video Mode with that render already loaded as your source image, so you can skip straight to picking a motion.
Step 2 — Choose a Source Image
If you came in from the sidebar, upload a render or drag one in from your computer.
The aspect ratio of your video matches your source image — vertical, square, and widescreen all work. Pick a source image whose shape suits where the video will live (vertical for Reels and Stories, widescreen for presentations and websites).
Tip: Higher quality, well-lit renders produce noticeably better video. If your source image is soft or noisy, the video will be too.
Step 3 — Pick a Duration
Option | Length | Cost |
|---|---|---|
Short | 5 seconds | 5 credits |
Long | 10 seconds | 9 credits |
Short clips are great for hero loops and social. Long clips give you more time for slower, more cinematic camera moves.
Step 4 — Choose a Camera Motion
Pick how the camera should move through the scene. Each preset gives the AI a clear direction so the result feels intentional rather than random.
Dolly forward — Camera moves straight toward the subject, pushing into the scene along the depth axis (the subject grows larger as you advance).
Pan left — Camera stays in place and rotates horizontally to the left, sweeping the view across the scene from right to left.
Pan right — Camera stays in place and rotates horizontally to the right, sweeping the view across the scene from left to right.
Orbit right — Camera circles around the subject in a clockwise arc (when viewed from above), keeping the subject centered while revealing it from new angles on the right side.
Orbit left — Camera circles around the subject in a counter-clockwise arc, keeping the subject centered while revealing it from new angles on the left side.
Crane up — Camera rises vertically while staying aimed at the subject, lifting the viewpoint upward for a higher, more elevated perspective.
Step 5 — Add Direction (Optional)
Use the Additional direction field to refine the result. Keep it short and visual. Examples:
"soft natural light, camera pushes slowly through the doorway"
"golden hour, gentle breeze through the trees"
"overcast afternoon, calm water reflections"
You don't need to describe the building — the source image already does that. Use this field for mood, light, and pacing only.
Step 6 — Generate
Hit Generate Video. Credits are deducted up front. Estimated time appears on screen — typically a couple of minutes for Short, longer for Long.
If something goes wrong on our end, your credits are automatically refunded and you'll see a notification. You're never charged for a failed generation.
Step 7 — Review and Download
When the clip is ready you'll get a notification — even if you've navigated away. From the result screen you can:
Play the clip inline
Download the MP4 to your computer
View in project to see it alongside your renders
All videos are saved to the project the source image came from, under the Videos tab.
Tips for Better Results
Match motion to subject. Orbit works best on standalone buildings; push-in works best on entries, doorways, and interiors.
Don't over-direct. One mood cue (e.g. "golden hour") usually beats a paragraph of instructions.
Start with Short. 5-second clips are cheaper and let you test motion presets before committing to a 10-second version.
Use your best render. Video amplifies whatever's in the source image — including artifacts. Upscale or re-render first if needed.
Choose your source image with the final platform in mind. Since the video inherits the source image's shape, pick vertical renders for social and widescreen renders for presentations.
FAQ
Can I animate an image I didn't make in ArchRender? Yes — any architectural image you upload will work.
What if I run out of credits mid-generation? You can't start a generation without enough credits. The Generate button is disabled and we'll show how many credits the clip costs before you commit.
Where do my videos live? Inside the project the source image belongs to, under the Videos tab. They're stored alongside your renders so you can download or share them anytime.
Is Video Mode final? It's currently in Beta. Quality and motion presets will keep improving — your feedback shapes what we ship next.