Simple video tools for creators without a subscription

Platform note

What this workflow is for

This workflow is for small creator tasks that come up all the time: trimming clips, making picture-in-picture videos, converting GIFs, cropping videos, shrinking file sizes, making quick slideshows, and preparing clips for sharing.

• Create simple picture-in-picture videos.
• Convert animated GIFs to MP4.
• Build MP4 clips from images.
• Crop images, GIFs, and videos.
• Downscale videos before sharing or uploading.
• Convert supported videos to MP4.
• Create motion clips from still images.
• Turn photos into slideshow videos.
• Make black and white video or GIF versions.
• Work locally without uploading files to a web editor.

Workflow 1: Make a picture-in-picture video

Picture-in-picture is useful for reaction-style videos, tutorials, demonstrations, face-cam overlays, screen recordings, and showing one clip on top of another.

1. Open Video Tools.
   In Grafiq, open More → Video Tools.
2. Add the main video.
   Import the primary clip into the timeline.
3. Choose an overlay video.
   Use the overlay video controls to choose the smaller video that should appear on top.
4. Set overlay timing.
   Choose when the overlay starts and which part of the overlay video should be used.
5. Choose size and position.
   Place the overlay in a corner or other available position.
6. Preview the edit.
   Use Quick Preview to check timing, placement, and audio.
7. Export the MP4.
   Save the finished video as a new MP4 file.

Workflow 2: Convert GIFs to MP4

Animated GIFs can be large and awkward to use in some video workflows. Grafiq GIF Tools can convert GIFs to MP4 and help you reuse animated content more easily.

1. Open GIF Tools.
   Open GIF Tools from Grafiq.
2. Choose the GIF.
   Browse to the animated GIF you want to convert.
3. Preview the GIF.
   Confirm the animation is the one you want.
4. Convert to MP4.
   Use the Convert to MP4 option and choose where to save the video.
5. Review the result.
   Open the exported MP4 and confirm playback.

Workflow 3: Crop a video, GIF, or image for a platform

Different platforms and projects need different shapes. Crop Studio can help you crop media into square, widescreen, vertical, or custom framing.

• 1:1: Square framing for icons, thumbnails, product images, or profile-style media.
• 16:9: Widescreen video framing.
• 9:16: Vertical phone-style framing.
• Free: Custom crop when you do not need a preset shape.

1. Open Crop Studio.
   Add the image, GIF, or video you want to crop.
2. Choose an aspect ratio.
   Pick a preset such as 1:1, 16:9, or 9:16.
3. Draw or adjust the crop box.
   Make sure the important part of the image or video stays inside the crop.
4. Export the cropped copy.
   Save the cropped media as a new file.

Workflow 4: Make video files smaller

Large videos are harder to send, archive, upload, or test. Downscaler can create smaller copies for sharing or review.

1. Open Downscaler.
   Choose the video or batch of videos you want to reduce.
2. Adjust the reduction amount.
   Start with a moderate reduction.
3. Preview when available.
   Check a short sample before exporting a long video.
4. Export a smaller copy.
   Save the reduced version and compare it with the original.

Workflow 5: Create motion from still images

Still images can become useful creator assets when they move. Motion Effects can turn one image into a short zoom, pan, or parallax-style clip.

• Create a slow zoom-in clip from a photo.
• Create a pan across a wide image.
• Create depth or parallax-style motion where supported.
• Use the result as an intro, background, insert, or slideshow element.

Workflow 6: Turn photos into a slideshow video

Cinematic Slideshow is useful when you want a finished video made from multiple still images.

1. Add photos.
   Choose the images you want in the slideshow.
2. Arrange the order.
   Put the images in the sequence you want.
3. Set timing and motion.
   Use simple pacing, motion, and transitions.
4. Preview the slideshow.
   Check the full flow before exporting.
5. Export the video.
   Save the finished slideshow as a video file.

Workflow 7: Convert formats for compatibility

Sometimes the problem is not editing — it is compatibility. Converter can help turn supported videos into MP4 or convert image files into more useful formats.

• Convert supported videos to MP4.
• Convert images to JPEG, PNG, WEBP, BMP, or TIFF where supported.
• Prepare files for other Grafiq tools.
• Create more compatible copies for sharing or uploading.

Good uses for this creator workflow

• Make a simple reaction-style video.
• Create a small face-cam or picture-in-picture overlay where supported.
• Turn GIFs into MP4 clips.
• Crop media for square, vertical, or widescreen layouts.
• Make video files smaller before sharing.
• Create short motion clips from still images.
• Make quick slideshow videos from photos.
• Create black and white versions of video, GIF, or image assets.
• Convert media into formats that are easier to use.

What Grafiq is not trying to replace

Grafiq is not meant to replace a professional video editor for complex timelines, color grading, advanced effects, multicam projects, or large productions. It is meant to be a small utility toolbox for common jobs that creators often need between larger tools.

What to watch out for

• Video export re-encodes files, so quality, file size, and processing time can change.
• Large videos can take time to preview or export.
• Always preview before doing a long export.
• On Intel Macs, Video Tools overlays are opaque rectangle only.
• GIFs can be large and color-limited; MP4 is often better for longer motion.
• Downscaling makes files smaller but can also soften detail.
• Keep original media files until you confirm the exported copies look right.