> 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/content-pipelines/creating-videos-with-3d-tools.md).

# Creating videos with 3D tools

Create Hololuminescent™ Display (HLD) content straight from 3D applications like Blender and Cinema4D. The idea is simple: place your subject inside the alcove, make sure it casts a grounded shadow (and optional subtle floor reflection), and render to a plain background (usually white or off-white). The HLD then combines your video with its fixed holographic volume to produce real depth on its display.

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

## Templates and guides

We provide templates for select tools that allow you to get up and running quickly to render your content. These templates include a camera with alcove reference, a shadow-catcher floor, and a compositor setup for the solid background.

Currently, we have specific guides and templates for the following tools:

{% content-ref url="/pages/RaGpAg7kHctqZ9Bo4r42" %}
[Blender](/content-pipelines/creating-videos-with-3d-tools/blender.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/P2vzOsBO1g1d2UJJVPxu" %}
[Unreal Engine](/content-pipelines/creating-videos-with-3d-tools/unreal-engine.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

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

## What you’ll make

A vertical (9:16) video where a person, character, or product sits inside the alcove:

* **Solid background** (white/off-white) so the display’s optical stack can layer your video into the hologram cleanly—no alpha channel needed. **Don't render the alcove**, it's just a reference.
* **Grounded shadows** to make the content feel like it lives within the holographic alcove. Avoid shadows on side walls and heavy back-wall shadows. See more [here](/creative-guidelines/products.md) and [here](/creative-guidelines/characters.md).
* **Subtle floor reflections (optional)** for content close to the ground to enhance presence.
* **Subject placement** within the [safe area](https://hlddocs.lookingglassfactory.com/content-pipelines/media-specs-and-encoding#safe-areas) of the alcove; do not overlap the roof or sit outside the box.

Example content:

{% columns %}
{% column %}

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/oJaHJsHwvZiKKCJWsvVD" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/MRDNBlgQcxvMVkLuQMew" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

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

## Encoding settings

To get the most out of the resolution of our displays, we usually render our content at 4K resolution, at a 9:16 aspect ratio, resulting in a 2160x3840 video. You can find more information on our encoding settings [here](/resources/media-specs-and-encoding.md).

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

## Previewing and exporting for HLD playback

Once you’ve exported your video, we recommend opening it in [**HLD Author**](/apps-and-tools/hld-author.md).

HLD Author lets you:

* Import supported 3D media directly or adjust a video rendered from your 3D tool
* Tune framing, model transforms, lighting, shadows, animation, and export-camera motion
* Preview your content on a simulated Hololuminescent Display
* Export the correct MP4 for the included [HLD Demo Media Player](/managing-content/using-the-demo-media-player.md), BrightSign, or standard portrait-video playback

This is the easiest way to refine the result and confirm framing, depth, and orientation before deployment.

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

## Resources

* **Creative guidelines:** [Characters](/creative-guidelines/characters.md) and [Products](/creative-guidelines/products.md) for framing, motion, and lighting tips.
* **Preparing media for deployment**: Learn how to use [HLD Author](/apps-and-tools/hld-author.md) to prepare content to be loaded onto the included [HLD Demo Media Player](/managing-content/using-the-demo-media-player.md).
* **Video editor workflows:** [Premiere Pro](/content-pipelines/creating-with-video-editors/adobe-premiere-pro.md) / [After Effects](/content-pipelines/creating-with-video-editors/adobe-after-effects.md) templates (safe areas, shadows, reflections).
* **General information:** See more about Hololuminescent displays on our [main website](https://lookingglassfactory.com).