> 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/how-the-hld-content-pipeline-works.md).

# How the HLD content pipeline works

## Step 1: Create your content

Video content for HLDs is created **outside of Looking Glass software**, using tools you already know.

Common creation tools include:

* [Video tools](/content-pipelines/creating-with-video-editors.md) (After Effects, Premiere, Resolve)
* [3D tools](/content-pipelines/creating-videos-with-3d-tools.md) (Blender, Cinema 4D, Unity)
* [AI and generative tools](/content-pipelines/creating-videos-with-genai.md)

At this stage, the most important thing to understand is:

{% hint style="info" %}
Holographic content must be authored with **depth, camera position, lighting, and framing** in mind. What looks good on a flat screen may not look correct in an HLD.
{% endhint %}

👉 See: [Content guidelines for HLD](/creative-guidelines/products.md)

## Step 2: Preview and validate with HLD Author

Once you have content, you preview it using [**HLD Author**](/apps-and-tools/hld-author.md).

HLD Author allows you to:

* Preview how content will actually appear on an HLD
* Check depth, cropping, and composition
* Catch issues before deployment

**Important:**\
HLD Author supports both **content preparation** and **lightweight content creation**. You can adjust and convert existing videos, create animated or depth-treated output from still images, render imported 3D media, preview the result, and export an MP4 for your playback target. Use the dedicated content pipelines in Step 1 when you need more advanced source authoring.

👉 Learn more: [Using HLD Author](/apps-and-tools/hld-author.md)

## Step 3: Export for playback

From HLD Author, you export a version of your content that is optimized for HLD playback.

This ensures:

* Correct resolution and encoding
* Reliable performance
* Consistent results across different HLD sizes

👉 Learn more: [Media specs and encoding](/resources/media-specs-and-encoding.md)

## Step 4: Play content on the HLD

Final playback is handled by the **HLD Demo Media Player**.

This is where you:

* Load content onto the system
* Control playback
* Loop or sequence holograms for exhibitions, retail, or events

👉 Learn more: [HLD Demo Media Player](/managing-content/using-the-demo-media-player.md)

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

## Advanced workflows

For more advanced installations, HLDs can be integrated with:

* Professional digital signage computers, like BrightSign
* Existing content management software
* Real-time applications run from a Windows, Mac, or other computer
  * These are non-video interactive applications made with Unity or Unreal. Examples can include applications that have a touch screen / interactive component (i.e. product selector)

👉 Learn more:

* [BrightSign digital signage player](/managing-content/brightsign-digital-signage-player.md)
* [Creating real-time apps](/content-pipelines/creating-real-time-apps.md)

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

## How this differs from Light Field workflows

HLDs are optimized to show content and make it feel like it's right there, floating in a holographic volume.

If you’re looking to render a full holographic light field or visualize complex 3D data structures that require depth perception, you’re likely looking for **Light Field Display documentation** instead.

👉 Go to[ Light Field Docs](https://docs.lookingglassfactory.com)