---
title: "Overlays, Annotations, And Assets"
description: "Add titles, callouts, code snippets, spotlights, images, SVGs, watermarks, and precisely timed visual elements."
canonical_url: "/docs/overlays-annotations-assets"
markdown_url: "/docs/overlays-annotations-assets.md"
---

# Overlays, Annotations, And Assets

Add titles, callouts, code snippets, spotlights, images, SVGs, watermarks, and precisely timed visual elements.

Canonical URL: /docs/overlays-annotations-assets
Markdown URL: /docs/overlays-annotations-assets.md

Overlays help turn a raw recording into a clear story. Use them when the viewer needs a label, callout, visual beat, logo, imported image, watermark, or exact timing cue.

## Annotation Types

Fraime.it includes several built-in annotation types:

- Title Card for opening hooks, section breaks, or conclusions
- Lower Third for speaker names, feature names, or short context
- Callout for pointing at a region of the screen
- Code Snippet for readable code-focused emphasis
- Step Counter for structured walkthroughs
- Spotlight for dimming everything except the important region

Add overlays from the Overlays inspector, then select the overlay to edit content, style, timing, animation, and z-order.

## Imported Visual Assets

Use visual assets for logos, badges, product images, diagrams, and design elements.

- PNG and JPEG are useful for screenshots and raster art.
- SVG stays sharp when scaled or used with zoom.
- Imported assets live in the project package and can be reused in the timeline.
- Drag assets in the preview to position them and resize them visually.

Keep visual assets short and purposeful. If an imported image stays on screen too long, it can compete with the screen recording.

## Project Watermark

Use the Watermark card when a logo should stay visible across the whole project instead of appearing as a timed asset.

- Choose a PNG, JPEG, or TIFF logo.
- Drag the watermark in the preview to reposition it.
- Drag a corner handle or use percentage fields for exact size and placement.
- Adjust opacity so the logo supports the video without blocking the content.

The watermark is saved in the `.fraimeit` project and rendered into export. Subtitles stay above it for readability. For the full workflow, see [Project Watermark](/docs/project-watermark).

## Exact Timing

Selected annotations and visual assets expose Start, Duration, and End fields in the inspector.

- Start moves the beginning of the element.
- Duration changes how long it remains visible.
- End changes the element endpoint.
- Move to Current Time places the selected annotation at the playhead while preserving its duration.

Use numeric timing when an overlay needs to line up with narration, a cursor action, or the start of a new section. Use drag handles for rough placement, then refine with fields when precision matters.

## Canvas Placement

Most overlays can be positioned directly in the preview.

- Drag to place the element.
- Resize using preview handles when available.
- Keep overlays away from subtitles, important UI, and redaction masks.
- Review vertical and square aspect ratios after changing the project ratio.

For Shorts, use fewer words and larger visual hierarchy. A lower third that works in 16:9 may be too small for 9:16.

## Z-Order

Z-order controls which visual elements appear above others. Use it when a title, callout, asset, webcam, subtitle, or spotlight overlaps another element.

As a rule, privacy masks should remain visually obvious and should not be hidden behind decorative overlays. Review any section where overlays and redactions overlap.

## Animations

Animations can help an overlay enter, emphasize, or leave without feeling abrupt.

- Use subtle motion for documentation videos.
- Use stronger motion for launch clips or Shorts.
- Keep animation duration short enough that it supports the point instead of delaying it.

Avoid stacking several attention devices at the same moment. A callout, cursor pulse, zoom, and title can each help, but all together can make the viewer unsure where to look.

## Practical Uses

- Add a title card for the first few seconds of a product demo.
- Place a lower third when introducing a feature or speaker.
- Use a callout when the important control is small.
- Add a code snippet when the visible IDE text is too dense.
- Use a step counter for multi-step setup.
- Import a logo or product screenshot for a launch clip.
- Add a project watermark when every exported frame should carry the same brand mark.
- Use spotlight emphasis when the screen is visually busy.

## Export Review

Before exporting, check overlays at normal playback speed:

- Text is readable.
- Timing matches narration and cuts.
- Assets do not cover subtitles, controls, or sensitive data.
- Animations feel intentional.
- Z-order is correct through the whole section.

## Sitemap

See the agent-readable sitemap at [/sitemap.md](/sitemap.md).