How do I create my first Smooth Operator project?

When you open Smooth Studio (the Smooth Operator app) for the first time, you will see the Projects screen. This is where all your video projects live. Here is how to get started.

Step 1: Open the Projects screen

On iOS, you will see a list of projects with thumbnails. On Mac, the sidebar on the left shows your projects. If this is your first time, the list will be empty with a message like "No Projects — Import a video to get started."

Step 2: Tap the Import button

Tap or click the "+" button or the "Import Video" button. This opens the Import sheet.

Step 3: Choose your video source

You can import from two places:

Photos Library: Choose a video from your device's Photos app. You will need to grant Photos access permission if prompted.
Files: Pick a video file from your device or cloud storage.

On Mac, you can also drag a video file from Finder onto the app window.

Step 4: Optionally attach motion data

If you have a motion.json file from a previous recording (for example, from a gimbal or action camera), you can attach it by tapping "Attach motion.json." If you do not have motion data, you can skip this — it is completely optional.

Step 5: Name your project

The app suggests a name based on the current date and time (like "05-06-2026-14:30:00 import"). You can rename it to anything you like, such as "Wedding Ceremony" or "B-Roll Compilation."

Step 6: Auto-Process or manual edit

If you attached motion data, the Auto-Process Wizard appears. This lets you pick a camera motion style and have the app generate camera moves automatically. You can skip this and edit manually instead.

If you did not attach motion data, your project opens directly in the editor, ready for you to add camera movements.

What happens next

Your project opens in the editor with:

A Preview showing your video with the current camera framing
A Timeline along the bottom where you add camera anchors and moves
A default anchor at the start of your video (slightly zoomed in at 1.5x)

You are now ready to start creating virtual camera movements.