smart timer overlays

benefits

• 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.

• custom fonts and styles

  pick from several font options and adjust size, colour, and opacity to match your brand or aesthetic.

• 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.

• auto-rendered on export

  the overlay is composited into the final video automatically. no post-processing or video editing required.

how to use

1. 1

   start or open a recording

   either begin a new recording or open an existing one in tau.

2. 2

   open the overlays panel

   navigate to the "overlays" section in the recording settings.

3. 3

   select an "overlay" and add it to the export

   click on your desired overlay and it'll appear in the preview

4. 4

   customise appearance

   adjust font, size, colour, and position using the overlay controls.

5. 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.

from the blog

• How to Add a Timer Overlay to a TimelapseA timelapse without a timer has no scale — 40 seconds could be an hour or a week. How to add one at capture time instead of fighting it in an editor.