Your first video: template to export

Start with two actions: download a .motion package from the template library, then give it to an assistant that can read files and run code. Ask: “Guide me through creating my video.” Prepare the inputs, approve a plan, review a real preview and export.

Choose an assistant · Claude and Codex walkthroughs · Five tips

1. Choose and keep the original

Check the demo, style, aspect ratio, pacing and required assets. Keep the downloaded package and create a separate project folder. For downloads shared through GitHub, verify the author, version and source.

.motion is a template package, not a playable video or an Apple Motion project. If the assistant cannot recognize it, have a local tool inspect the package. A personal download may contain a key; keep it private.

2. Check the environment and updates

Give the assistant the real template path and assets. Read the package instructions, version, license, editable parameters, entry point and dependencies. Structures vary; follow the actual package.

Ask: “Check for updates, explain the changes and preserve my current project.” Save a new copy before applying updates and check their effect on existing work. Checking for updates does not mean every project must upgrade.

Some templates need Node.js, a browser, FFmpeg or fonts. First-time setup can take longer. Follow the tool's permissions and your choices for downloads, installations and paid services. Preserve errors for diagnosis.

Chat, file uploads, code generation or a separate AI video feature do not by themselves establish that the client can execute this template. Use the assistant and handoff guide when execution tools are unavailable.

3. Supply inputs and approve a plan

Tell the assistant your audience, topic, publishing platform, aspect ratio and target duration. Supply the title, full script or real narration audio, images, clips, logo, data and their intended uses. Specify caption language, voice, music, sound effects and any paid-generation budget. Identify missing assets.

For example: “Make a 30-second portrait video for new creators about preparing their first post. My script and photos are in the asset folder. Preserve the template's motion style. Propose a shot and asset plan before producing a preview.”

Approve the script, shots, asset placement and estimated duration first. Use actual narration and renders for final timing. Confirm the service, voice, rights and costs before generating media. A template download does not include third-party generation credits. Replace example facts and assets with your own verified inputs.

4. Review a real preview

Open the actual preview file or review page. A description, workflow animation or still image is not a complete video review. Check overflow, captions, crops, transitions and audio sync.

Give specific feedback: “At eight seconds, shorten the title. At twelve seconds, use my second image. Lower the music and preserve the other motion.” Review each set of changes in a saved version.

Text and asset changes may use parameters; motion and style changes may need code. Agree on the concrete changes and save a separate version before changing an approved design.

5. Export and check the result

Export using the template's instructions. Request the video path, editable project, assets and revision notes. Play the entire video and check aspect ratio, resolution, duration, opening, ending, captions, sound and synchronization. Look for missing assets, black frames, clipping, placeholders or private information.

Save the video and project before sharing. Publishing a video and redistributing a template are different activities. Check the license for the package, fonts, images, music and voices separately.

6. Keep notes for next time

One template and production session per project makes revisions easier to follow. Keep preferences and decisions. When switching assistants, transfer the original package, assets, current project, preview, dependencies and revision notes.

Start with a short video and build complexity gradually. Read five tips and common fixes.

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