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

# Placeholder Layers

> Add placeholder layers to mark where media should go in your project.

Block out your project before the real footage exists. Drop a placeholder where B-roll, a screen recording, or a stock shot will eventually go, then swap in the finished asset when it's ready.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/descript-5bf56f3f/x_o3AVZ-HKjw1TIM/images/external/descript-35690638225805-bccf697618.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=x_o3AVZ-HKjw1TIM&q=85&s=24c48fd2b7186969d1ac025b6a444d30" alt="PlaceholderLayers.png" width="1182" height="601" data-path="images/external/descript-35690638225805-bccf697618.png" />
</Frame>

## Add a placeholder layer

1. Open the **Elements Panel** in the sidebar.
2. Locate the **Placeholder** section, then 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

## Customize a placeholder layer

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/descript-5bf56f3f/x_o3AVZ-HKjw1TIM/images/external/descript-35690638227853-fa4efd2574.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=x_o3AVZ-HKjw1TIM&q=85&s=f83690db993422707deb729c78a84bae" alt="PlaceholderPanel.png" width="1431" height="810" data-path="images/external/descript-35690638227853-fa4efd2574.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.                                |
| **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**](/effects-animations-transitions/overview)                      | Add effects like shadows to make the placeholder more prominent.                                       |
| [**Animation**](/effects-animations-transitions/apply-and-adjust-animations) | Add custom animations to your placeholder layer.                                                       |

## Replace placeholder layers with media

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

1. Click on the placeholder to activate it.
2. Use the **Add Media** button from the hover 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 Media**: Use Descript’s AI tools to create a visual asset.
   * Or, **drag and drop** media directly onto the placeholder.

You'll see a pulsing blue border as the placeholder is swapped for your media.