> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.loopdesk.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Export settings

> What each setting in the Output Inspector does, and which to choose.

The **Output Inspector** gives you detailed control over your exported video. If you're not sure what to choose, start with the recommended settings below.

![The Output Inspector, with settings for format, encoding, quality (CRF), resolution, encoding speed, audio codec, color space and audio, followed by the output estimate and the Start Export button](https://mintcdn.com/loopdesk/LqE1-2ycKVvbRs86/images/Output%20Inspector.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=LqE1-2ycKVvbRs86\&q=85\&s=be8377d48d8c46ec7e7d38a076f2af19)

## Recommended settings for most videos

For uploading to social platforms or sharing online, these settings are widely compatible:

| Setting | Recommended |
| - | - |
| Format | MP4 |
| Video encoding | H.264 |
| Resolution | 1080p, or 4K if your source footage is 4K |
| Audio codec | AAC |
| Color space | Default |

## Format

The format is the container for your video file.

| Format | When to use it |
| - | - |
| MP4 | The most widely supported format. A good default for social platforms, websites and most devices. |
| WebM | An open format designed for the web. |
| MKV | A flexible container. It isn't supported by as many players and platforms. |
| MOV | The Apple QuickTime format. Common in professional editing workflows. |

## Video encoding

The codec compresses your video.

| Codec | When to use it |
| - | - |
| H.264 | The most compatible codec. A good default. |
| H.265 | Produces smaller files at similar quality to H.264, but some devices and platforms don't support it. |
| VP8 | An older web codec, commonly used with WebM. |
| VP9 | A newer, more efficient web codec, commonly used with WebM. |
| ProRes | A high-quality codec for professional editing. It produces very large files. |

## Quality (CRF)

CRF (constant rate factor) sets the balance between quality and file size. Set it with the slider, or type a number. In Loopdesk, the CRF slider runs from 0 to 51.

* A **lower** value, toward 0, gives **higher** quality and generally a **larger** file.
* A **higher** value, toward 51, gives a smaller file with lower quality.

Use the estimated file size in the Output Inspector to check the effect before you render.

## Resolution

Choose from:

* 720p
* 1080p
* 1440p
* 4K

Higher resolutions look sharper but produce larger files and may take longer to render.

## Encoding speed

Encoding speed ranges from **Ultrafast** to **Very Slow**. Generally, slower settings compress more efficiently, giving a smaller file at the same quality, but they take longer to render.

## Audio

| Setting | Options |
| - | - |
| Audio codec | AAC or MP3. AAC is the more common choice for video. |
| Include audio | Turn this off to export a video with no sound. |

## Color space

| Option | When to use it |
| - | - |
| Default | Leave this selected unless you have a specific reason to change it. |
| BT.709 | The standard color space for HD video. |
| BT.2020 NCL | A wide-color-gamut color space. Use it only if your workflow and platform require it. |

## Output estimate

The Output Inspector shows the expected **resolution**, **frame rate**, **file size** and **duration** of your export. Check these before you render.


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