Timer Video Filter

The Timer filter overlays a time counter on the video. It can count up or down, display time in various formats, and be styled and animated like a title.

This filter generates visible graphics, not metadata, and therefore must be applied in a context where video output exists.

Where the Timer must be applied

For the timer to be visible, the filter must be added to:

• A video clip, or
• The Output track on top of the stack (top-left of the timeline panel)

Warning:

If the Timer filter is added to an empty video track, the timer will not be visible, because there is no image to render onto.

When applied to:

• A clip: timing is relative to that clip.
• Output: timing is relative to the full project timeline.

Time controls

Format

Selects how time is displayed (for example: HH:MM:SS.SSS).

• HH = hours
• MM = minutes
• SS = seconds
• SSS = milliseconds

Different formats control the level of precision shown.

Direction

Controls how the timer progresses.

• Up
  Counts upward from the starting value

• Down
  Counts downward toward zero

Start Delay (default: 00:00:00.000)

Delays when the timer becomes active.

• The “>” button sets the start delay to the current playhead position
• When applied to a clip, the delay is relative to the clip start
• When applied to Output, the delay is relative to the project start

Duration (default: 00:00:10.000)

Defines how long the timer runs.

• Default is 10 seconds
• The “>” button sets the duration so the timer ends at the current playhead position
• Like Start Delay, this is relative to the clip or Output context

Offset (default: 00:00:00.000)

Controls the starting value of the timer.

• Direction = Up
  The timer counts upward starting from the Offset value

• Direction = Down
  The timer counts downward starting from the Offset value

Speed (default: 1.00000)

Scales how fast the timer runs.

• 1.0 = real time (seconds)
• Higher values = faster counting
• Lower values = slower counting

This affects how Duration is interpreted.

Text appearance

Font

Selects the font used for the timer.

• Includes a color selector
• Font color can be keyframed
• A separate button selects the font family
• Optional Use font size checkbox enables manual font sizing

Outline

Controls the text outline.

• Color (keyframeable)
• Thickness (default 0)

Useful for improving readability over complex backgrounds.

Background

Adds a background behind the timer text.

• Color selector (transparent by default)
• Color can be keyframed
• Padding controls space around the text (default 0)

Opacity (0–100%)

Controls overall transparency of the timer overlay.

• Can be keyframed
• Affects text, outline, and background together

Position and size

Position / Size

Controls where the timer appears and how large it is.

• Both are keyframeable
• Can be adjusted numerically or directly in the viewer
• Viewer-based adjustment is often easier and more precise

Alignment

Controls how the timer fits within its bounding area:

• Horizontal: Left / Center / Right
• Vertical: Top / Middle / Bottom

Motion tracking integration

Load Keyframes from Motion Tracker

Loads motion-tracking data so the timer can follow moving objects or people.

This allows the timer to:

• Stay attached to a subject
• Move dynamically with the scene

Recommended use cases

• On-screen timers and countdowns
• Sports or performance timing
• Synchronization references
• Educational or instructional videos
• Motion-tracked overlays

Limitations

• Must be applied to a clip or Output to be visible
• Generates graphics, not metadata
• Timing behavior depends on clip vs Output context
• Requires motion tracking data to follow movement