Self-Tape Tools

Export is where your finished work becomes a send-ready file.

The export flow in iT Factor is designed to prepare clean deliverables without making you think like an editor. The most important ideas are simple: export starts in Take Review, only Final takes are included, and for most people one polished merged file is the right first choice.

Merged or separate Quality ladder MP4 or MOV

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If you are unsure what to choose, start with a merged video, Studio quality, and MP4. That is usually the cleanest path for most users.

Quick Start

The simplest good export choice for most people.

Start with

Final takes selected in Take Review
Merged Video
Studio quality
MP4

Change only when needed

Use Balanced or Data Saver for smaller files
Use Separate Files if casting asks for separate clips
Use MOV only when you specifically want an Apple-leaning format

Part 1

Where export starts and what it includes

Export begins in Take Review after you already have recorded material in the session.

Normal path

Open the project
Go to Take Review
Tap Export & Share

Export can include

Scene takes
Slate takes
Merged deliverables
Separate final take files when that mode is chosen

Important note

Keyframe photos support export presentation
They are not exported the same way as normal video takes

Think of export as the point where the app turns chosen material into a finished share-ready result, not as an extension of the recording screen.

Part 2

Merged Video versus Separate Files

The first major choice is whether you want one finished file or multiple individual files.

Merged Video is best when

You want one clean deliverable
You are sending a standard self-tape submission
You want the simplest polished export path

Separate Files is best when

Casting asks for separate clips
You need each included take as its own file
You want more control over file-by-file delivery

Most users should start with

Merged Video
Then only switch if the submission instructions require something else

For a normal self-tape, merged video is usually the easiest and cleanest answer. Separate files is more situational.

Part 3

Quality and professional compression

The quality ladder is there to help you choose the balance between file size and visual quality without drowning in technical language.

Quality choices

Data Saver (720p)
Balanced (1080p Cap)
Studio
Passthrough

Simple guidance

Studio is the best starting point for most uses
Balanced is the practical smaller-file option
Data Saver is for stricter file limits

Passthrough is for

People who intentionally want the least-compressed path
Larger files and more source-like behavior
Not most first-day exports

You do not have to speak compression language to make a good choice. If you want the safest default, pick Studio and move on.

Part 4

MP4, MOV, naming, and visual presentation

After quality, the next practical choices are format, filename behavior, and how the export presents itself visually.

MP4 is usually best for

Email
Upload portals
Casting websites
Maximum compatibility

MOV is usually best for

Apple-leaning workflows
Situations where you specifically want MOV

The export manager can also handle

Automatic filenames from project and session context
Preview and thumbnail behavior
Photo intro choices
Reordering included takes before the final file is created

If you are not sure, MP4 is the safer default. The automatic filename is usually enough too, so this is rarely the moment to over-customize.

Part 5

What happens after export

Export prepares the file and lets you share it, but that is still separate from marking the deliverable as submitted inside the app.

After export you can

Review the result
Share the file where it needs to go
Return to the session if you need a change

Remember this difference

Export prepares the file
Submitted tells the app it has actually been sent

Best finishing pattern

Review the exported file once
Share it
Mark submitted when it is truly out the door

This keeps reminders, project status, and your own workflow aligned. Export is the preparation step. Submitted is the completion step.

Quick Help

A few export details explained.

Final takes

Export is built around the takes you marked as Final. If something is missing, this is the first thing to check.

Merged Video

This combines selected material into one finished video and is usually the right starting point for a standard self-tape delivery.

Separate Files

This creates individual files and is better when casting wants separate clips instead of one combined submission.

Studio quality

This is the professional-quality starting point that makes sense for most users when they are not sure what to choose.

Passthrough

This is the least-compressed route and usually creates the largest files. Most first-time users do not need it.

Photo intro and thumbnail behavior

This affects the visual presentation of the export. It is separate from the main video takes themselves.

FAQ

Quick answers before you move on.

What is the easiest export choice for most people?

Merged Video, Studio quality, and MP4.

Why is something missing from export?

The most common reason is that the take was not marked as Final.

Should I choose MP4 or MOV?

MP4 is the more universal choice and usually the safest default for broad compatibility.

Does exporting mean the tape is submitted?

No. Export prepares the file. Submitted is the status that confirms it was actually sent.

Related Guides

Keep going when you are ready.

Take ReviewReturn to the session-level decision screen where export starts. Self-Tape Checklist for ActorsUse a fast final-send checklist before the file leaves your phone. How to Film a Professional Self Tape on iPhoneMake the material stronger before it ever reaches export.

Download iT Factor

Export with less second-guessing.

The right export flow should make delivery feel cleaner, not turn into a technical side quest.

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