> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hlddocs.lookingglassfactory.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hlddocs.lookingglassfactory.com/apps-and-tools/hld-author/hld-author-desktop-legacy.md).

# HLD Author desktop app (legacy)

{% hint style="warning" %}
This page documents the discontinued HLD Author desktop app and is retained only for legacy reference. The desktop app is no longer supported or updated. Use the current [HLD Author web app](/apps-and-tools/hld-author.md) unless Looking Glass Support specifically asks you to use an archived desktop build.
{% endhint %}

<a href="https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/static-files.lookingglassfactory.com/HLDAuthor/PublicReleases/v0.1/HLD+Author-Setup-0.1.0.exe" class="button primary">Download HLD Author for Windows</a>

<a href="https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/static-files.lookingglassfactory.com/HLDAuthor/PublicReleases/v0.1/HLD-Author-macOS.pkg" class="button primary">Download HLD Author for Mac</a>

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/_I3BzaPSshc>" %}

HLD Author is a desktop application for previewing and preparing video content for use with the HLD [Demo Media Player](/managing-content/using-the-demo-media-player.md). It allows you to validate how a video will appear on an HLD and, if needed, export a version that is compatible with the Demo Media Player included with your display.

HLD Author is intended for quick validation and preparation of video content. It is not currently used for content creation — to create content, see our content pipelines for [video editors](/content-pipelines/creating-with-video-editors.md), [3D tools](/content-pipelines/creating-videos-with-3d-tools.md), [GenAI](/content-pipelines/creating-videos-with-genai.md), and [real-world footage](/content-pipelines/filming-real-world-content.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
For the current web app workflow, including videos, images, 3D media, HLD Simulation Preview, and BrightSign or General exports, see [HLD Author](/apps-and-tools/hld-author.md).
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/NcADKswLKk8ooiQsJXXk" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/c9iOfQCNhVrT1i8EbZYP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## What is HLD Author?

HLD Author is a desktop application that helps you:

* Preview how your video will appear on an HLD without requiring physical access to the display
* Validate whether a video is compatible with the HLD Demo Media Player
* Export a properly formatted version **only when required** for the Demo Media Player

Please note that the Demo Media Player export described on this desktop-app page is not intended for third-party digital signage solutions, like BrightSign players or Yodeck, because those tools have their own video processing conventions. For current web app exports, use [HLD Author](/apps-and-tools/hld-author.md) and choose the **BrightSign** or **General** target when appropriate.

If you need advanced, scriptable, or batch video processing, we provide another tool, **HLD Encoder** (coming soon).

<figure><img src="/files/c9iOfQCNhVrT1i8EbZYP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Loading your video

To begin, click **Load Video** and select a video file from your computer. Supported formats are `.mp4`, `.avi`, and `.mov`.

Once loaded, your video will appear in the HLD preview. You can use this preview to evaluate framing and overall presentation before exporting.

### Camera controls

* **Left-click + drag**: Rotate around the display
* **Scroll wheel**: Zoom in and out

These controls help you understand how your content reads from different viewing angles.

<figure><img src="/files/c9iOfQCNhVrT1i8EbZYP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Video validation

When a video is loaded, HLD Author automatically checks whether it is compatible with the Demo Media Player.

<figure><img src="/files/j4SZNdzhoEO4TNBmcO8S" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If the video does not meet the required specifications, a popup will appear explaining that the video must be re-encoded to work correctly with the Demo Media Player.

You may dismiss this warning and continue previewing. Re-encoding is **not required** for previewing.

To understand what changes HLD Author applies during export, see our documentation on [media specs and encoding](/resources/media-specs-and-encoding.md).

<figure><img src="/files/c9iOfQCNhVrT1i8EbZYP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Exporting for the Demo Media Player

Click **Export** to generate a Demo Media Player–compatible version of your video.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Only use the Demo Media Player export described here if you plan to use the HLD Demo Media Player.** Do **not** use rotated Demo Media Player exports with other digital signage players such as BrightSign.
{% endhint %}

#### Export Behavior

* The exported file will have `_HLD_encoded` appended to the filename
* Audio is preserved
* A progress bar shows export status
* You may set the output location manually or use the folder button to browse
* When complete, you can open the export folder directly

The exported video is compatible with **all HLD sizes** (16″, 27″, and 86″) when used with the Demo Media Player. The device selector dropdown is only used to preview in a realistic simulation of that HLD and does not affect export behavior.

<figure><img src="/files/c9iOfQCNhVrT1i8EbZYP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Sample content and tutorials

On the left side of the app, you’ll find sample videos demonstrating different types of HLD content, including:

* Real people
* Animated characters
* Product visuals

Each sample includes a **“See how it’s made”** link that opens a relevant tutorial explaining the content creation approach at a high level.

These examples are intended to provide inspiration and context, not prescriptive workflows.

<figure><img src="/files/c9iOfQCNhVrT1i8EbZYP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Documentation and support

* **Docs and guides** (bottom left) link to content creation workflows, including DCC tools and AI-generated content
* **Support** (top right) links to FAQs and ways to contact our support team

If you are new to the HLD ecosystem, these resources provide additional background on how the display works and how to create effective content.

<figure><img src="/files/c9iOfQCNhVrT1i8EbZYP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Advanced workflows

If you need:

* Batch processing
* Command-line control
* Integration into automated pipelines

See HLD Encoder (coming soon), which is designed for advanced and production-scale video preparation.

<figure><img src="/files/c9iOfQCNhVrT1i8EbZYP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Known issues

* The archived Windows desktop build requires the [HEVC Windows Video Extension](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9nmzlz57r3t7?hl=en-US). Previews may not work without it. This limitation applies to the discontinued desktop build; use the current [HLD Author web app](/apps-and-tools/hld-author.md) for the supported workflow.

<figure><img src="/files/c9iOfQCNhVrT1i8EbZYP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Support

If you have any feature requests or issues and need support, please contact us at <support@lookingglassfactory.com> or join our [Discord](https://look.glass/discord).