Placeholder Layers

Placeholder layers are a versatile tool in Descript, allowing you to mark areas in your project where B-roll or other media should be added. These placeholders serve as visual reminders and can be easily replaced with various types of media, such as screen recordings, imported footage, stock media, or AI-generated content.

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. Click or drag and drop a Placeholder layer onto the timeline or canvas where you want to add B-roll media.


Customizing a Placeholder Layer

After adding a placeholder layer, you can customize its properties to suit your project:

  • 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.

    • Add from YouTube: Insert media via a YouTube URL.

    • 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.

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Tips for Effective Use

  • Be specific with notes: Use placeholder notes to provide clear instructions for the type of media to insert, ensuring consistency across your project.

  • Pre-plan media placement: Organize placeholders strategically on the timeline to avoid rework when adding media later.

  • Leverage opacity: Adjust placeholder opacity to see underlying layers or other elements while finalizing your layout.

  • Highlight placeholders: Use borders or effects to make placeholders more visible in dense projects.

  • Test replacements early: Replace a placeholder with sample media to ensure correct positioning and sizing before finalizing your edits.