Smart timer overlays
Timer overlays let you show elapsed time, current time, or a countdown directly in your timelapse. Customise the font, size, colour, and position — then let Tau burn it into the final export automatically.
Benefits
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Multiple overlay types
Choose from a running stopwatch, live clock, or custom countdown. Each overlay type serves a different storytelling purpose. Will be adding more, and always open to suggestions.
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Custom fonts and styles
Pick from several font options and adjust size, colour, and opacity to match your brand or aesthetic.
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Flexible positioning
Place the overlay in any corner or along any edge of the frame. It stays exactly where you put it throughout the recording.
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Auto-rendered on export
The overlay is composited into the final video automatically. No post-processing or video editing required.
How to use
- 1
Start or open a recording
Either begin a new recording or open an existing one in Tau.
- 2
Open the Overlays panel
Navigate to the Overlays section in the recording settings.
- 3
Select an Overlay and add it to the Export
Click on your desired overlay and it'll appear in the preview
- 4
Customise appearance
Adjust font, size, colour, and position using the overlay controls.
- 5
Add to export
The overlay will be embedded into your exported after attaching it to your recording.
FAQ
- Can I add more than one overlay at a time?
- Yes you can try multiple combinations of overlays. Check the Overlays panel for everything that's available in your version of Tau.
- Can I change the font?
- Yes. Tau includes several font options in the overlay settings. Font size and colour are also adjustable.
- Does the overlay get permanently burned into the video?
- Yes — on export the overlay is composited into the video file. This keeps the output compatible with any platform without requiring a separate layer.
- Can I preview the overlay before recording?
- Yes. The live preview window shows the overlay exactly as it will appear in the final export.
Explore other features
- Record from any source Record your screen, your camera, or both at once. Capture coding sessions, design work, creative processes — from any source your system supports.
- Minimal editor Trim and export without the bloat of a full video editor.
- Export to multiple formats One click to MP4, GIF, WEBM ready for Twitter, YouTube, or wherever you share.
