Getting Started with Alight Motion

Alight Motion is one of the most powerful mobile video editing and motion graphics apps available today. Whether you're creating social media content, animated logos, or cinematic edits, Alight Motion gives you professional-grade tools right in your pocket. This guide will help you navigate the app from day one.

Understanding the Interface

When you first open Alight Motion, you'll encounter a few key areas:

  • Project Dashboard: Where all your saved projects live. Tap the "+" icon to start a new one.
  • Timeline: The horizontal strip at the bottom of the editor where you arrange and trim your clips and layers.
  • Layer Panel: Displays all active layers — video, audio, shapes, text, and effects — stacked vertically.
  • Properties Panel: Appears when you select a layer, giving you controls for position, scale, rotation, opacity, and more.
  • Preview Window: The main canvas where you see your composition in real time.

Step 1: Create Your First Project

  1. Tap the + New Project button on the home screen.
  2. Choose your canvas resolution. For Instagram Reels or TikTok, select 1080 × 1920 (9:16). For YouTube, use 1920 × 1080 (16:9).
  3. Set your frame rate — 30 fps is standard; use 60 fps for smoother motion.
  4. Tap Create to open the editor.

Step 2: Import Media

Tap the + Add Layer button and choose from:

  • Video/Image: Import footage or photos from your gallery.
  • Shape Layer: Add geometric shapes you can animate.
  • Text Layer: Insert titles and captions with custom fonts.
  • Audio: Add background music or sound effects.

Step 3: Basic Editing on the Timeline

Once your media is on the timeline, you can:

  • Trim clips by dragging the edges of a layer left or right.
  • Reorder layers by pressing and holding, then dragging up or down.
  • Split a clip by placing the playhead at the desired point and tapping the scissors icon.
  • Adjust speed via the layer properties to create slow-motion or time-lapse effects.

Step 4: Add Your First Effect

Select any layer, then tap the FX button in the properties panel. Alight Motion offers dozens of built-in effects including:

  • Blur and glow effects
  • Color correction and LUTs
  • Distortion and warp effects
  • Chromatic aberration and film grain

Stack multiple effects on a single layer for complex looks.

Step 5: Export Your Project

When you're happy with your edit, tap the Export button (the arrow icon in the top right). Choose your format:

  • MP4 (H.264): Best for sharing on social media.
  • GIF: Great for short loops.
  • PNG Sequence: For use in other editing software.

Tips for Beginners

  • Save your project frequently using the save icon — Alight Motion does not auto-save by default.
  • Use the Undo button (curved arrow) liberally — it supports multiple undo steps.
  • Zoom in on the timeline by pinching outward for more precise edits.
  • Watch the official Alight Motion social channels for inspiration and updates on new features.

With these fundamentals in place, you're ready to explore the deeper features Alight Motion has to offer. Practice by recreating simple edits you admire, and gradually work your way up to keyframe animations and motion graphics.