Recording & Exporting
Capture your simulation as a video: resolution, aspect ratio, frame rate, format, and bitrate.
On this page
The Video Tab
Recording happens in the Video tab. Set your resolution, aspect ratio, frame rate, and format, then press record. The recorder captures the live canvas, including audio, into a downloadable video file. A job list shows the status of your recordings.
Resolution
720p and 1080p are available on every plan, including free. 2K and 4K are Studio Elite features. There is also a Custom Region option for exact dimensions, scaled to the resolution you pick.
| Option | Resolution | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 720p (HD) | 1280 × 720 | Any plan |
| 1080p (Full HD) | 1920 × 1080 | Any plan |
| 1440p (2K) | 2560 × 1440 | Studio Elite |
| 4K (Ultra HD) | 3840 × 2160 | Studio Elite |
1080p is plenty for short-form video and is available on every plan. Reach for 2K or 4K only when you specifically need it, since higher resolutions are much heavier to record.
Aspect Ratio
Pick the shape of your video to match where you are posting it. There is also a Custom Region option to crop a rectangle you draw yourself.
| Ratio | Shape | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 9:16 | Vertical | TikTok, Reels, YouTube Shorts |
| 16:9 | Landscape | YouTube, desktop |
| 1:1 | Square | Feed posts |
| 4:3 | Classic | Retro / standard |
For short-form platforms, always export 9:16. A vertical video fills the whole phone screen and consistently out-performs cropped landscape footage.
Frame Rate
Frame rate options are 24, 30, 48, 60, 90, 120, and 144 FPS. 60 FPS is the recommended default for smooth, satisfying motion. Rates above 60 need a powerful, plugged-in machine to hold steadily. Picking a resolution auto-tunes a sensible bitrate and frame rate, so you do not have to open the advanced controls for a first export.
60 FPS is the sweet spot: noticeably smoother than 30, without the hardware demands of 120+. Only reach for high frame rates if your machine holds them steadily.
Sync and Auto-Stop
Two options make recording repeatable. Turn on Sync Simulation so the capture restarts the run from its start when recording begins, essential when you want the exact same run every take, especially with a generated seed. Turn on Auto-Stop Capture and set Stop After to your target length so the recording ends on its own and you do not have to catch the ending by hand.
Record a second or two past your intended ending. Trailing frames are easy to trim and impossible to add back.
Format and Bitrate
You can export as MP4 (H.264) or WebM (VP9/VP8). The recorder automatically falls back to a format your browser supports. Bitrate controls quality versus file size, higher bitrate means better quality and larger files. Files download as .mp4 or .webm when the recording finishes.
Watermark and Plan
Free exports include a ballengine.app watermark and have a monthly export allowance, but they can still record at up to 1080p. Pro Creator removes the watermark and raises the export allowance. Studio Elite adds 2K and 4K resolution, unlimited exports, and a custom branded watermark you set yourself.
Smooth Exports
For the cleanest captures, enable hardware acceleration in your browser and keep heavy background tabs closed. If a long or high-resolution recording struggles on your device, lower the resolution or frame rate, or shorten the clip. The Troubleshooting → Optimization Center guide covers device tuning in detail.
Keep local recordings reasonably short for stability. If you need long, ultra-high-resolution renders, do them on a desktop machine on charger power.
Maximize Your Creation Potential
Ready to dive deeper? Check out our guides, pricing options, community showcases, and help center.