For precise navigating in the timeline you can zoom in or out using the slider on the bottom right.
Zooming in also helps seeing the values for algorithms, like color correction more precisely.
**Navigate to the desired frame**<br>
If you want to view a specific frame you can use the Shortcut "Ctrl+J". You also zoom in as mentioned above and then drag the orange marker to the desired time and use the arrow keys to jump one frame forward or backward. "Shift+Home" and "Shift+End" will select the first / last frame of your current working area.
**Navigating to the desired frame**<br>
If you want to view a specific frame you can use the Shortcut **Ctrl+J/Cmd+J**. You also zoom in as mentioned above and then drag the orange marker to the desired time and use the arrow keys to jump one frame forward or backward. **Shift+Home** and **Shift+End** will select the first / last frame of your current working area.
**Keyframes**<br>
Keyframes for Stabilization, Orientation & Color Correction are automatically created by VideoStitch Studio.
If you click on a keyframe marker on the timeline and drag it up or down this will affect the corresponding function (e.g. increasing or decreasing exposure).
If you want to add a new keyframe you can do so with the shortcut "Ctrl+K". You can jump between keyframes with the shortcuts "K" (next keyframe) and "J" (previous keyframe).
If you want to add a new keyframe you can do so with the shortcut **Ctrl+K/Cmd+K**. You can jump between keyframes with the shortcuts **K** (next keyframe) and **J** (previous keyframe).
## 3. Project and system information
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1. Current output and preview size (2048*1024 by default when creating a project)
2. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) memory currently used by VideoStitch Studio
3. Graphics card model and its GPU memory
3. Graphics card model and its GPU memory size
4. Rendered frame: The current frame selected in the timelime
While most 360° camera setups are synchronized hardware-wise nowadays, synchronization still is needed for DIY rigs. If you are using a DIY rig and not a 360° camera, synchronization is the first step in the stitching process otherwise you can skip this step.
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-*Make sure you think about syncronisation while shooting; a strong sound (e.g. clapping) or turning the whole camera 360° for motion based sync.*
To open the synchronization tool, navigate to the bar at the top, click on "Window" > "Synchronization". The synchronization tool appears on the top left of the user interface.
To open the synchronization tool, navigate to the bar at the top, click on *Window* > *Synchronization*. The synchronization tool appears on the top left of the user interface.
*Note: For optimal results make sure to select an appropriate work area which includes either a specific sound, a motion, like turning the camera or the strong change of lighting in the scene depending on the syncronizing mehtod you want to use.*
*Note: For optimal results make sure to select an appropriate work area which includes either a specific sound, a motion, like turning the camera or the strong change of lighting in the scene depending on the synchronizing method you want to use.*
There are three different approches to synchronizing your source videos.
#### 1.1.1 Audio based synchronization
#### Audio based synchronization
Videos are being automatically synchronized based on a loud sound, that stands out from the background noise. A loud clap or a dog training clicker can create such sounds, but it is still not recommended for noisy environments. Make sure the sound is within the working area!
#### 1.1.2 Motion based synchronization
#### Motion based synchronization
Videos are being automatically synchronized based on a strong motion of the camera rig itself.
If your rig allows it, a short, but strong spin would be ideal for this synchronization method.
Make sure both, the start and end of the spin are within the working area.
#### 1.1.3 Flash based synchronization
#### Flash based synchronization
Videos are being automatically synchronized based on a sudden change in lighting that needs to be visible from all cameras.
Turning on bright lights in a room or using synchronized professional flashes would work for this method.
Make sure the change of lighting is within the working area.
If your footage wasn't optimized for synchronization and it doesn't synchronize good enough with any of the automatic methods (ghosting on moving objects in the calibrated 360° panorama can be a sign for this) you can adjust the frame offset manually.
By clicking on "Manual" you will reach the Manual tab where you see the source video names and frame offset.
If your footage wasn't optimized for synchronization and it doesn't synchronize well enough with any of the automatic methods (ghosting on moving objects in the calibrated 360° panorama can be a sign for this) you can adjust the frame offset manually.
By clicking on *Manual* you will reach the Manual tab where you see the source video names and frame offset.
To get rid of the ghosting of moving objects in the 360° panorama go to a frame where you can clearly see the ghosting in the "Output" panel, enable input numbers ("Window" > "Output configuration" > "Show input numbers"), locate the source file that isn't synchronized well and the input number assigned to it and manually change the offset until no ghosting occurs. You can see the changes live in the "Output" and "Interactive" panel. Click play and see if there is any ghosting remaining – repeat if necessary.
To get rid of the ghosting of moving objects in the 360° panorama go to a frame where you can clearly see the ghosting in the *Output* panel, enable input numbers (*Window* > *Output configuration* > *Show input numbers*), locate the source file that isn't synchronized well and the input number assigned to it and manually change the offset until no ghosting occurs. You can see the changes live in the *Output* and *Interactive* panel. Click play and see if there is any ghosting remaining – repeat if necessary.
You can also link source videos by clicking the checkbox on the right if you are certain some source videos are already synchronized. VideoStitch Studio will use this information to enhance the automatic synchronization.
## 2. Calibration
## Calibration
**What is a calibration?**<br>
Calibration is essentially how the videos have to be moved around and stitched together to get a full 360° panorama. Make sure to synchronize your videos before heading to the "Calibration" tab.
Calibration is essentially how the videos have to be moved around and stitched together to get a full 360° panorama. Make sure to synchronize your videos before heading to the *Calibration* tab.
VideoStitch Studio provides you an automatic calibration tool, but it is also possible to import a stitching template from PTGui or Hugin.
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*stitched result after calibration (shown in "Output" panel)*
*stitched result after calibration (shown in *Output* panel)*
To open the calibration tool, navigate to the bar at the top, click on "Window" > "Calibration". The calibration tool appears on the top left of the user interface.
To open the calibration tool, navigate to the bar at the top, click on *Window* > *Calibration*. The calibration tool appears on the top left of the user interface.
### 2.1 Automatic calibration
### Automatic calibration
VideoStitch Studio is able to automatically calibrate your footage using custom camera settings.
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1. Select the used lens type (e.g Fullframe fisheye for GoPro)
2. Specify the FOV of your cameras (You'll most likely find this in your cameras manual or online!)
2. Specify the field-of-view (FOV) of your cameras (You'll most likely find this in your cameras manual or online!)
3. Click on "Calibrate on sequence"
3. Click on *Calibrate on sequence*
**Crop source videos**<br>
You can crop source videos.
This is especially useful for when you are filming with high FOV lenses.
Our example project uses 3 cams with a FOV of ~200°. You can adjust by grabbing the orange circle and drag it to the desired position. In our example we can easily crop out the parts we don't want to use for our 360° video.
Our example project uses 3 inputs with a FOV of around 200°. You can adjust by grabbing the orange circle and drag it to the desired position. The size of the cropping circle can quickly be adjusted with the scroll wheel. In our example we can easily crop out the parts we don't want to use for our 360° video.
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*To calibrate using specified frames:*
1. Click on the "Manual frame selection" checkbox
1. Click on the *Manual frame selection* checkbox
2. Select a frame by placing the orange marker on the desired frame
3. Click on "Add frame"
3. Click on *Add frame*
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you are satisfied with your frame list
5. Launch the calibration ("Calibrate")
5. Launch the calibration (*Calibrate*)
You can remove one or all frames by clicking on "Remove selected" and "Clear all".
You can remove one or all frames by clicking on *Remove selected* and *Clear all*.
### 2.2 Manual calibration
In some cases the automatic calibration might not be precise enough or doesn't work at all. There are multiple reasons for this; Objects close to the rig, not enough detail (e.g. blue sky) or not enough overlap between images.
To solve this VideoStitch Studio is compatible with templates from PTGui and Hugin *–* both are thrid party software solutions made specifically for stitching panoramic images.
To solve this VideoStitch Studio is compatible with templates from PTGui and Hugin – both are thrid party software solutions made specifically for stitching panoramic images.
***Note: VideoStitch Studio will import the exact position of every source file in the 360° sphere and all red masks. Most other adjustments will not be imported!
If you want to use masks make sure to only use the red masks.***
If you want to use masks make sure to only use the red masks.***
If you want to work with PTGui or Hugin you need to create the template using still images. VideoStitch Studio helps you with exporting images.
Go to "Edit" > "Extract stills to..." OR "Extract stills" and it will export image files you can use. Make sure to keep the names and order the same to be able to quickly apply the template in VideoStitch Studio once it is done.
Go to *Edit* > *Extract stills to...* OR *Extract stills* and it will export image files you can use. Make sure to keep the names and order the same to be able to quickly apply the template in VideoStitch Studio once it is done.
In the Calibration window select "Import a template" > "Browse calibration..." and select the file in the file browser. If you have used a template in the past and want to use it again simply click on "Recent calibrations" and apply the desired one.
In the Calibration window select *Import a template* > *Browse calibration...* and select the file in the file browser. If you have used a template in the past and want to use it again simply click on *Recent calibrations* and apply the desired one.
@@ -265,7 +265,7 @@ In the Calibration window select "Import a template" > "Browse calibration..." a
Color correction optimizes the stitched 360° video by automatically adjusting vignetting, camera response curves, exposure and white balance. Depending on the videos you want to stitch you can also choose to only adjust some of the settings.
To open the color correction tool, navigate to the bar at the top, click on "Window" > "Color correction". The color correction tool appears on the top left of the user interface.
To open the color correction tool, navigate to the bar at the top, click on *Window* > *Color correction*. The color correction tool appears on the top left of the user interface.
@@ -273,13 +273,13 @@ To open the color correction tool, navigate to the bar at the top, click on "Win
By clicking "Calibrate photometry" under "Photometric parameters" VideoStitch Studio will automatically calculate the response curves and vignetting of the used cameras to improve the blending of the stitched 360° panorama.
By clicking *Calibrate photometry* under *Photometric parameters* VideoStitch Studio will automatically calculate the response curves and vignetting of the used cameras to improve the blending of the stitched 360° panorama.
***Vignetting*** describes the light fall-off in the frame; corners usually appear darker than the center. Darker edges and corners are sometimes wanted in photography, but it is a problem for stitching and blending videos together.
**Vignetting** describes the light fall-off in the frame; corners usually appear darker than the center. Darker edges and corners are sometimes wanted in photography, but it is a problem for stitching and blending videos together.
Explaining ***camera response*** would take to much time here, but is basically the relation between the amount of real world light coming in and the video pixel values the camera takes.
"Vignette" and "Camera response" tabs will appear under "Photometric parameters".
*Vignette* and *Camera response* tabs will appear under *Photometric parameters*.
@@ -288,28 +288,28 @@ Explaining ***camera response*** would take to much time here, but is basically
### 3.2 Exposure compensation
VideoStitch Studio automatically analyzes the input videos and calculates exposure and white balance adjustments.
You can choose to either "Adjust on current frame" or "Adjust sequence" which calculates a new exposure (and white balance if selected) at a specific frame interval and applies an interpolated exposure (and white balance) to frames in between.
You can choose to either *Adjust on current frame* or *Adjust sequence* which calculates a new exposure (and white balance if selected) at a specific frame interval and applies an interpolated exposure (and white balance) to frames in between.
Allows you to change the interval between each exposure (& white balance) adjustment, frames in between will be interpolated.
**Adjust every**<br>
Allows you to change the interval between each exposure (and white balance) adjustment, frames in between will be interpolated.
Depending on how the light changes in you scene a lower value will deliver better results, if the lighting doesn't change in your scene, setting a higher frame interval is okay, too.
**Anchor**<br>
Allows you to anchor the exposure to a specified source video that has the correct color (even lighting – not pointing to a bright light source or too dark area).
This specified source video will be used as a reference for the color correction.
You can also pick "All" and VideoStitch Studio will compare colors between source videos automatically.
You can also pick *All* and VideoStitch Studio will compare colors between source videos automatically.
### 3.3 Manual Adjustments
You can manually adjust the exposure as well as the Red and Blue correction by heading to the timeline, expanding the "Exposure compensation" window and manually dragging the keyframe markers up (increase exposure/correction value) or down (decrease exposure/correction value).
You can manually adjust the exposure as well as the Red and Blue correction by heading to the timeline, expanding the *Exposure compensation* window and manually dragging the keyframe markers up (increase exposure/correction value) or down (decrease exposure/correction value).
@@ -328,29 +328,29 @@ Depending on how the cameras are arranged in your camera rig your panorama orien
*Wrong Orientation, too*
To open the stabilization & orientation tool, navigate to the bar at the top, click on "Window" > "Stabilization & Orientation". The stabilization & orientation tool appears on the top left of the user interface.
To open the stabilization & orientation tool, navigate to the bar at the top, click on *Window* > *Stabilization & Orientation*. The stabilization & orientation tool appears on the top left of the user interface.
*If you are not happy with the result you can set a different working area, click on "Reset sequence" and "Stabilize sequence" again.*
*If you are not happy with the result you can set a different working area, click on *Reset sequence* and *Stabilize sequence* again.*
### 4.2 Orientation
### Orientation
To change the orientation:
1. Select the frame on which you want to change the orientation
2. Click on "Adjust on current frame"
2. Click on *Adjust on current frame*
3. Click and drag your mouse on the output to straighten out the horizon and change orientation
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## 5. Output configuration
To open the output configuration tool, navigate to the bar at the top, click on "Window" > "Output configuration". The output configuration tool appears on the top left of the user interface.
To open the output configuration tool, navigate to the bar at the top, click on *Window* > *Output configuration*. The output configuration tool appears on the top left of the user interface.
@@ -376,29 +376,29 @@ Linear will render faster and is especially usefull for previewing your stitched
The *feathering* slider allows you to control how sharp or smooth the blending between source videos will be.
While a smoother blending is useful for scenes without sharp detail (e.g. blending blue sky) it might create some ghosting where parallax is visible. Sharp blending is useful for keeping all the detail (e.g. text or mosaic), some seames might look too hard.
Try to find the perfect level of sharpness for you scene by trying and checking in the live preview of the "Output" panel.
Try to find the perfect level of sharpness for you scene by trying and checking in the live preview of the *Output* panel.
## 6. Output rendering
## Output rendering
To export your 360° video or change the preview resolution you have to go to the "Process“ panel.
To export your 360° video or change the preview resolution you have to go to the *Process* panel.
### 6.1 General settings
### General settings
**File**<br>
Change the output filename and path. The file is created in the same directory as your input videos by default. Click on "Browse" and you can select thelocation in the file explorer.
Change the output filename and path. The file is created in the same directory as your input videos by default. Click on *Browse* and you can select thelocation in the file explorer.
**Size**<br>
Resolution of the live-preview and output. Remember the output will always automatically be a 2:1 format as VideoStitch Studio will render a 360*180 output.
Resolution of the live-preview and output. Remember the output will always automatically be a 2:1 format as VideoStitch Studio will render a 360°x180° output.
By clicking "Set optimal size" VideoStitch Studio will pick the maximal true resolution for the panorama video without interpolation.
By clicking *Set optimal size* VideoStitch Studio will pick the maximal true resolution for the panorama video without interpolation of pixels of the input images.
The optimal size may differ even if you always use the same rig. The reason for this is the difference in overlap for scenes with objects close by and open environments.
**Length**<br>
You can select if you want to output the whole video or just the current working area ("Process selected sequence") .
You can select if you want to output the whole video or just the current working area (*Process selected sequence*) .
@@ -406,16 +406,16 @@ You can select if you want to output the whole video or just the current working
Switch between ***MP4*** or ***MOV*** Video formats or export an image sequence as ***JPEG***, ***PNG*** or ***TIFF.***
**Codec**<br>
Choose your desired codec: ***ProRes***, ***H264***, ***H264 (Nvidia NVENC), HEVC (Nvidia NVENC)*** ***MPEG2*** and ***Motion JPEG***.
Choose your desired codec: ***ProRes***, ***H264***, ***MPEG2*** and ***Motion JPEG***.
**Profile** (ProRes)<br>
You can choose between Proxy, LT, Standard & High Quality.<br>
If you want to continue working on your 360° video in an editing software like Adobe Premiere or Davinci Resolve you usually want to export „High Quality“.
If you want to continue working on your 360° video in an editing software like Adobe Premiere or Davinci Resolve you usually want to export *High Quality*.
*File size = bitrate (kilobits per second) \* duration*<br>
Higher bitrate means higher quality and bigger filesize. The value heavily depends on your desired platform; if you are exporting specifically for a certain VR headset you can usually find the right values online.
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**Which encoding setting to pick?**<br>
Ask yourself what you are using your panorama video for; if you want to render a quick preview a small H264 is enough, if you want to edit your footage in an editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Davinci Resolve you need to export either a High Quality MOV or an image sequence for maximum quality.
### 6.3 Audio settings
### Audio settings
By default the audio settings are disabled, to activate the settings, click on the "Audio settings" checkbox.
By default the audio settings are disabled, to activate the settings, click on the *Audio settings* checkbox.
**Source**<br>
Select which source videos audio you want to use.
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If you want to prepare multiple videos for stitching and stitch them all later you can select "Send to batch". You will then be asked to create a copy of your project which is send to the VideoStitch Studio batch stitcher. You can close the current project and open the next, and also send it to the batch stitcher once done.
If you want to prepare multiple videos for stitching and stitch them all later you can select *Send to batch*. You will then be asked to create a copy of your project which is send to the VideoStitch Studio batch stitcher. You can close the current project and open the next, and also send it to the batch stitcher once done.
You can remove, reset or edit a project by right clicking on the project name in the batch stitcher.
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# Useful Tips & Troubleshooting
### 1. Building your own 360° camera rig
### Building your own 360° camera rig
- Make sure the FOV is big enough to cover the whole sphere and there is enough overlap between videos.
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- Keep the desired output resolution in mind.
### 2. Filming with a 360° camera rig
### Filming with a 360° camera rig
- Make sure to select the highest possible framerate for the resolution if your rig isn't synchronized in itself. This minimizes the offset between movements that happen in between frames.
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- Hiding lighting is hard in 360° videos, but you can place a cylindrical light below your camera (at the tripod).
### 3. Working with VideoStitch Studio - Troubleshooting
### Working with VideoStitch Studio - Troubleshooting
-**Live preview in Output and Interactive panel is very slow.**<br>
Try setting a lower "Size" in the "Process" panel.
Try setting a lower *Size* in the *Process* panel.
-**I see ghosting, but can't figure out which source videos are affected.**<br>
Enable „Show input numbers“ in the „Output configuration“.
-**Clicking „Set optimal size“ gives a different result for different scenes shot with the same camera rig.**<br>
-**Clicking *Set optimal size* gives a different result for different scenes shot with the same camera rig.**<br>
This is to be expected, as the stitching is dependend on the distance of objects to the camera because of the overlap between videos. A shot on the ocean would deliver a smaller resolution than a shot in a small room, because there is less overlap in the small room.
-**The stitched 360° video is too bright / dark!**<br>
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Keep in mind VideoStitch Studio imports the position of every source video and the red masks (mask out) from PTGui or Hugin, most other adjustments are not imported.
-**Stitchlines between images are looking to soft / hard!**<br>
Head to the "Output configuration" window, go to "Blending" and adjust the "Feather" slider.
Head to the *Output configuration* window, go to *Blending* and adjust the *Feather* slider.
### 4. Keyboard shortcuts
A list of all available keyboard shortcuts can be brought up by selecting *Help* > *Shortcuts* in the menu bar.
