12.1 Master vs. Delivery Export
What you're creating: Two export versions — a visually lossless master for archiving, and an optimized delivery file for web streaming.
Version 1: Master File
Your "forever" copy for archiving, high-end platforms, or future re-edits without generational quality loss.
- Codec: Apple ProRes 422/4444 or Avid DNxHR HQX
- Resolution: match your source (e.g., 1440p or 4K)
Version 2: Delivery File
The version most viewers will see — balance fidelity with file size.
- Container: MP4 with H.264, H.265, or AV1 — H.264 for compatibility, H.265/AV1 for smaller size at same quality
- Resolution: export at your original capture resolution — don't upscale
- Frame rate: match your source — usually 30 fps for tutorials, 60 fps if captured that way
- Keyframe interval: 2 seconds (standard for web playback)
- Audio: AAC, 48 kHz, 192–320 kbps for clear voice
12.2 Bitrate Guidelines
What you're creating: The right bitrate per resolution — clean web playback without bloated file sizes.
12.3 Quality Control Checklist
What you're creating: A pre-publish QC pass — watched at 100% zoom, scrubbed for glitches, and tested across devices.
- Watch at 100% zoom — check for small UI text, cursor trails, transparent overlays, and crushed blacks in dark mode UIs
- Scrub quickly across the timeline: look for dropped frames, editing glitches, and confirm VO sync with lip/click motion
- Test playback across devices — especially mobile and low-bandwidth scenarios
12.4 Aspect Ratio
What you're creating: A consistent 16:9 export — no unusual resolutions, no cropping or stretching for alternate formats.
Default to 16:9 unless the platform demands otherwise (e.g., Instagram Stories or TikTok)
Don't record in unusual resolutions like 1280×1024 — they won't scale cleanly
If exporting square or vertical versions, reframe the shot — don't just crop or stretch
Consistent aspect ratios also help with thumbnail design and end screen layout
