What is the difference between Smart, Natural, and Slo-Mo motion modes?

Smooth Operator offers three motion modes that control how the camera moves between anchors. Each mode is designed for a different editing style. You can switch modes at any time using the segmented picker on the toolbar.

Smart (Hybrid Auto) — The default mode

Best for: General editing and quick results.

In Smart mode, the app automatically handles the connection between anchors:

Move blocks are created automatically when you add anchors.
The camera speed adapts to audio and scene content for natural-looking movement.
The video plays at normal speed (no slow-motion).
This is the simplest mode — add anchors and the app does the rest.

When to use Smart:

You are new to Smooth Operator and want good results quickly.
You are editing talking-head or interview footage where the movement should be subtle.
You want the app to help you time the moves to the content.

When NOT to use Smart:

You want precise manual control over each transition.
You are creating complex multi-step camera paths.

Natural (Physics) — Full manual control

Best for: Creative, custom camera movements.

In Natural mode, you have complete control:

Move blocks are NOT automatically created. You must manually add them between anchors.
Camera movement uses a spring-based physics simulation for smooth, organic motion.
You can leave gaps between anchors for instant cuts with no transition.
You can mix and match move types (Smooth, Dolly In, Pan, Handheld, etc.).

When to use Natural:

You want to create complex, multi-step camera choreography.
You need specific move types at specific moments.
You are working on creative projects where you want full control.

When NOT to use Natural:

You want quick, automatic results without tweaking each transition.

Slo-Mo (Timing) — Precise timing with slow motion

Best for: Exactly timed moves with slow-motion effects.

In Slo-Mo mode, you control exactly how long each move takes:

Move blocks are automatically connected, like in Smart mode.
You set the exact duration of each move (the solver ensures smooth acceleration).
You can enable Speed Adjust to create slow-motion when the camera is zoomed in.
The video duration can change — audio sync may shift when using slow-motion.

When to use Slo-Mo:

You need exact move durations (e.g., "this push-in must take exactly 3 seconds").
You want slow-motion during zoomed-in sections.
You are creating social media content where timing is critical.

When NOT to use Slo-Mo:

You need to preserve original audio sync (slow-motion can shift audio timing).
You do not need precise timing control.

Quick comparison

Feature	Smart	Natural (Physics)	Slo-Mo (Timing)
Auto-connect anchors	Yes	No	Yes
Manual move blocks	No	Yes	No
Slow-motion capable	No	No	Yes
Video duration preserved	Yes	Yes	Can change
Preserves audio sync	Yes	Yes	May shift
Best for	Quick edits	Creative control	Precise timing

How to switch modes