Getting started4
    Installing ScreenKiteSystem RequirementsSetting Up PermissionsPermissions & Access
    Recording7
    New RecordingRecording an AreaRecording a WindowRecording Full DisplayRecording iOS DevicesWebcam & MicrophoneSystem Audio
    Editing7
    Project Editor OverviewAuto ZoomConfiguring Zoom SettingsTimeline & TracksTrimming & SplittingAppearance CustomizationDevice Frames
    Shipping21
    Export SettingsKeyboard ShortcutsCommon IssuesImport Screen Studio ProjectsContinue RecordingSharing ScreenshotsB-Roll LibraryText-Based EditingScene TransitionsCursor & KeystrokesOverlays & MasksAudio & VoiceoverBackground MusicBackground Music Licenses and CreditsAgentic Video EditingWord-Level Generated CaptionsPreview QualityAI Chat AssistantEditor SettingsExport a Section (In/Out Range)Export to Final Cut Pro (FCPXML)
    ← ScreenKite homepage
    Guide/Editing/Preview Quality

    Preview Quality

    Choose High, Balanced, or Low preview resolution to keep the editor smooth on any Mac.

    Editing
    💡

    Prefer to have your agent do it? Copy this page as a prompt and paste it into Claude Code, Codex, Grok or Kimi.

    ClaudeClaudeOpenAIChatGPTGrokGrok

    Preview Quality sets the resolution of the live preview in the editor. A lower resolution means less work per frame, so playback stays smooth on large projects. It does not change your export.

    The control is the Quality button (speedometer icon) on the right side of the toolbar under the preview.

    Tiers

    TierResolutionUse it for
    High100%The default. Full detail, for a final check.
    Balanced66%Smoother playback on projects with many effects.
    Low50%The smoothest playback on heavy projects with many layers, masks or camera layouts.

    At 50%, ScreenKite draws about a quarter of the pixels of High.

    Change Preview Quality

    1. Open a project in the editor.
    2. Click Quality on the right side of the preview toolbar.
    3. Choose High, Balanced or Low.

    When you choose Balanced or Low, the button also shows the tier name. Your choice applies to all projects and stays after you restart ScreenKite.

    ✅

    Edit with Balanced or Low. Switch back to High for a last check before you export.

    Effect on Export

    Preview Quality has no effect on the exported video. The export uses your canvas size and the options in the Export Settings dialog.

    ← PreviousWord-Level Generated CaptionsNext →AI Chat Assistant

    On this page

    TiersChange Preview QualityEffect on Export