Count Generator

Documentation Documentation - English
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This generates a countdown or count-up leader traditionally used in film and television before program start.
This generator recreates classic film leader / broadcast countdown visuals, including numbers, timing marks, and optional reference sounds.

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Count is a generator, not a filter.
All controls are adjusted in the Properties tab of the generated clip.

What a count leader is (historical context)

Before digital playback, films and tapes required manual cueing and synchronization.
Countdown leaders were used to:

  • Signal that a program was about to start
  • Give projectionists and broadcasters time to cue playback
  • Synchronize sound and picture
  • Provide a reference point (“start at zero”)

These leaders were commonly seen:

  • At the beginning of cinema reels
  • Before television programs
  • On broadcast tapes and test transmissions

The rotating clock, quadrant background, and large numbers are all part of this legacy.

Generator behavior

  • Produces an animated video
  • Duration is explicitly defined by the user
  • Animation and numbers depend on style and direction
  • Must be evaluated during playback to understand timing

Parameters

Direction

Defines whether the count decrements or increments.

  • Down
    Classic countdown toward zero.

  • Up
    Count-up / chronometer behavior.

Style

Controls how time is represented visually.

Seconds

Displays only whole seconds.

  • Does not display the starting value
  • Displays 0 at the end
  • Example (Duration = 10 s, Down):
    9 → 8 → … → 1 → 0

Seconds +1

Displays the starting second value.

  • Displays the starting number
  • Does not display 0 at the end
  • The animated needle continues through the final second

Example (Duration = 10 s, Down):
10 → 9 → … → 1 (no visible 0)

Frames

Displays frame numbers based on the project’s frame rate.

  • Uses the project FPS
  • The counter spans the entire duration of the generated clip, starting from the total number of frames (countdown) or from zero (count-up).
  • Useful for frame-accurate timing

Timecode

Displays time in HH:MM:SS:FF format.

  • FF = frames
  • Matches standard video timecode representation

Clock

Displays time in HH:MM:SS format.

  • No frame display
  • Acts as a visual timer

Sound

Controls reference audio cues.

2-Pop

Plays a short beep exactly one second before the end.

  • Classic synchronization cue
  • Widely used in film and broadcast workflows

Silent

No sound.

Frame 0

Plays a short beep every second.

  • Useful as a rhythmic timing reference

Background (Clock | None)

Controls the visual style of the background.

  • Clock
    Animated film-leader style background with rotating sweep and quadrant divisions.

  • None
    Plain background with numbers only.

Drop Frame (checkbox)

Controls whether drop-frame timecode is used.

  • Relevant only when using Style > Timecode
  • Applies to NTSC-derived frame rates
  • Does not affect visual countdown styles

Duration (time input)

Sets the total length of the generated count.

  • Format: HH:MM:SS.mmm
  • Determines how many seconds, frames, or units are shown

Visual characteristics

  • Large, high-contrast numbers
  • Rotating clock-style sweep (when enabled)
  • Quadrant background reminiscent of film leaders
  • Designed for readability and timing clarity

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Contemporary use

Today, count leaders are used primarily as historical or stylistic elements, rather than technical necessities.

Common modern uses include:

  • Intro or outro sequences
  • Documentary or archival context
  • Retro or broadcast-era aesthetics
  • Clear visual timing before content starts
  • Creative transitions referencing cinema or television history

Use with other filters

Count generators are often combined with filters for creative or practical purposes:

  • Blur
    Soften the image for stylized transitions.

  • Grain / Noise
    Enhance film-era authenticity.

  • Color grading
    Convert to aged tones or colorize.

  • Blend modes
    Overlay the count on footage as a transitional element.

  • Fade In / Fade Out
    Smooth entry into the main content.

Usage notes and tips

  • Choose Seconds +1 if you want the starting value to be visible.
  • Use 2-Pop only when an audio reference is meaningful.
  • Match Duration carefully to your intended cue point.
  • Preview playback to verify timing behavior.

Limitations

  • Not intended for modern synchronization workflows
  • Visual behavior depends on selected style
  • No per-frame visual customization
  • Purely representational, not functional timing control
User Guide - Table of Contents