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When you apply or switch a layout, Descript needs to know which clip is the talking head and which is B-roll. Visual roles are that label, so a Talking Head placeholder pulls in a Talking Head layer instead of just any video. Visual roles are assigned automatically upon upload, and in most cases, you shouldn’t need to adjust them. However, if content is landing in the wrong place or disappearing when you apply a layout, incorrect visual roles are usually the cause.
Before getting startedThis article is most relevant if you’re building or editing custom layout packs. If you’re using gallery layout packs without modifications, Descript manages visual roles automatically. Not sure what a layout pack is? Start here →

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Available visual roles

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Change a file’s visual role

Change a file’s visual role from the project files menu or from the layer properties panel.
  1. In the scene editor, select the layer to update.
  2. The Properties panel will open in the right-hand sidebar.
  3. Find the Visual role setting and choose a role from the dropdown.
Visual roles sidebar showing Talking head, Screen recording, Graphics, and Other role options Visual roles can also be adjusted via the Project File Actions menu.

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Tips and limitations

  • Descript treats avatars as Talking Head by default — you don’t need to set this manually.
  • Visual roles apply to media layers. Text layers and other non-media layers don’t have a visual role.
  • Changing a file’s visual role from the project file actions menu updates the role at the file level. This affects how the file is treated whenever it’s added to a scene.
  • Locking bypasses matching entirely and preserves the layer as-is whenever a layout is applied. Learn about locking layers.