Timer Video Filter

Documentation Documentation - English
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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.

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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)

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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
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