Time Overlay guide
How to convert a PNG sequence to ProRes 4444 with alpha (ffmpeg)
To convert a Time Overlay PNG sequence to ProRes 4444 with alpha, run the bundled conversion script or a one-line ffmpeg command - both keep the alpha and color quality in a single file editors prefer. The PNG sequence export already ships with that script for macOS, Linux, and Windows.
Recommended Time Overlay export: PNG sequence export, then convert with ffmpeg.
Step 01
Install ffmpeg
macOS: `brew install ffmpeg`. Windows: download from ffmpeg.org and add the bin folder to PATH. Linux: `sudo apt install ffmpeg` or your package manager equivalent.
Step 02
Download the Time Overlay PNG sequence
Export 'PNG Sequence' from the Time Overlay generator. The downloaded zip includes the frames plus `convert-to-prores.sh`, `convert-to-prores.bat`, and a README.
Step 03
Run the bundled script
Unzip the archive. On macOS or Linux, run `./convert-to-prores.sh` from a terminal. On Windows, double-click `convert-to-prores.bat`. The script writes `output.mov` next to the frames.
Step 04
Manual one-liner if you prefer
Run `ffmpeg -framerate 30 -i frame-%04d.png -c:v prores_ks -profile:v 4444 -pix_fmt yuva444p10le output.mov` from inside the frames folder.
Time Overlay tips
ProRes 4444 alpha is large but lossless. Use it as a master, then transcode for delivery if file size matters. Premiere, DaVinci, and Final Cut all import this file as transparent media without further setup.
Not sure which export format to pick? Compare every transparent overlay format by editor and browser support.