Placeholder Layers

Placeholder layers let you visually mark where media should go in your project — whether it’s B-roll, a screen recording, images, or stock footage. They act as flexible placeholders that are easy to customize and replace, helping you plan your project’s structure before final assets are ready.

Adding a Placeholder Layer

  1. Open the Elements Panel by selecting the "Elements" tab from the right-side toolbar.

  2. Locate the Placeholder element in the panel.

  3. Choose a placeholder icon that best matches the media you'll add later.

    • Media – For B-roll, supporting visuals, or images

    • Camera – For webcam-style clips

    • Screen – For screen recordings or app walkthroughs

PlaceholderLayers.png

Customizing a Placeholder Layer

PlaceholderPanel.png

Select a placeholder layer to customize its properties:

Placeholder Notes

Add a note to describe what type of media should go in the placeholder. Access this option in the Properties Menu under "Placeholder Notes."
Opacity

Adjust the placeholder layer opacity.
Size and Position

Adjust the placeholder’s dimensions, rotation, and corner rounding using the size and position fields.
Border

Add a border for better visibility or styling.
Effects

Add effects like shadows to make the placeholder more prominent.
Animation

Add custom animations to your placeholder layer.

Replacing Placeholder Layers with Media

When you’re ready to replace the placeholder with actual media, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the placeholder to activate it.

  2. Use the Add Media button from the context menu above the placeholder.

  3. Select one of the following options:

    • Add File: Upload media from your computer.

    • Record: Capture video or audio directly.

    • Add Stock Media: Choose from Descript’s stock media library.

    • Generate Image: Use Descript’s AI tools to create a visual asset.

    • Alternatively, you can drag and drop media directly onto the placeholder.
  4. While the placeholder layer inserts the media, you will see a pulsating blue border.
    PlaceholderAddMedia.gif

Tips and best practices

  • Add clear notes: Include specific instructions in your placeholders to guide media selection and maintain consistency.

  • Plan media placement: Position placeholders early and strategically on the timeline to reduce rework later.

  • Adjust opacity: Lower opacity to preview layers beneath while refining your layout.

  • Highlight placeholders: Apply borders or effects to easily spot placeholders in complex projects.

  • Test early: Swap in sample media to confirm size and alignment before locking in your final edits