---
title: "Export a demo as a video (MP4/GIF)"
slug: "/help/demos/publish/export-as-video"
topic: "demos"
last_updated: "2026-07-29T09:44:26.027Z"
---

## **Overview**

**Export as video** lets you turn a Walnut demo into a downloadable video file — either an **MP4** or a **GIF** — so you can share it in places where an interactive demo isn't a fit (email, social, slide decks, or async recap videos).

Walnut renders the export server-side using the current published version of your demo, including guide steps, hotspots, and narration. When the render finishes, we email you a link to download the file so you don't have to wait in the browser.

---

## **Before You Start**

- Export as video is being rolled out gradually. If you don't see it, reach out to your Walnut CSM.
- You need edit access to the demo to export it.
- The demo should be **published** — the exporter uses the latest published snapshot.

---

## **Export a Demo**

1. Open the demo you want to export.
2. Click **Create & Share** (or **Get link**).
3. Open the **Export as video** tab.
4. Choose your format — **MP4** or **GIF**.
5. Adjust the **transition speed** if you want faster or slower step-to-step motion. The default is **1.5 seconds** per transition.
6. Click **Export**.

Walnut queues the render and closes the modal. You'll receive an email at your account address when the file is ready to download.

---

## **What Gets Included**

The render walks your demo the same way a viewer would, so the export captures:

- All screens in playback order
- Guide steps, hotspots, and coach-marks
- Narration audio pinned to each visual (for MP4)
- Any transitions you've configured

Guides can be **excluded** from the export if you want a chromeless walkthrough — see the "Exclude guides" toggle on the export screen.

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## **Emailed Result and Retry**

- The result email links back to the authenticated app; clicking it takes you to the downloadable file.
- If a render fails or is throttled, Walnut re-queues it automatically. If it ultimately fails, you'll see a **Retry** action from the email or the Create & Share modal.

---

## **Format Differences**

| **Format** | **Best for** | **Notes** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **MP4** | Sharing in email, decks, LMS, social | Includes narration audio; higher fidelity |
| **GIF** | Inline previews, silent loops | No audio; smaller file, quicker to render |

---

## **FAQs**

### **How long does an export take?**
It depends on demo length. Walnut sizes the render budget to the demo's playback duration and emails you when it's done.

### **Do exports reflect edits I make later?**
Each export is a snapshot of the demo at the time of the render. Re-export the demo after publishing new edits to pick them up.

### **Can I set a custom transition speed?**
Yes. The default is 1.5 seconds per transition; you can shorten or lengthen it in the export panel before starting the render.

:::note[Reviewer to confirm]

Confirm exact tab label ("Export as video" vs. "Export to video"), the format toggle wording, and whether the GIF path is a separate CTA or a format switch on the same tab.

:::