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The editing quality button in the toolbar below the video picks what the editor plays while you edit: Low-res (fastest), Hi-res (1080p) or Source (slowest). Low-res is on by default, and none of these options affect the quality viewers see when you share or export.
Your original files are untouched. Tella only uses the Low-res and Hi-res copies inside the editor.

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What do Low-res, Hi-res and Source play?

  • Low-res (fastest) plays small, lower-resolution copies of your clips. It keeps the editor the most responsive.
  • Hi-res (1080p) plays copies scaled down to at most 1080p at 30fps. Use it when you want a sharper picture than Low-res without the weight of your original files.
  • Source (slowest) plays your original files at full resolution and frame rate.
The button shows the mode you’re in, so you can always see what the editor is playing.

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Why is Low-res on by default?

Low-res helps the editor stay responsive, especially with:
  • Long videos
  • Videos with many clips
  • Large screen recordings (4K or 5K)
  • Older or lower-powered computers
Because the low-res files are only used while editing, there’s no downside to leaving it on.

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How do I change the editing quality?

  1. Open your video in the editor.
  2. In the toolbar below the video, click the editing quality button. It shows Low-res, Hi-res or Source.
  3. Choose Low-res (fastest), Hi-res (1080p) or Source (slowest).
Once a quality’s files have been generated, you can switch to it instantly, with no waiting. Low-res is saved with the video, so everyone editing it sees the same setting. The choice between Hi-res and Source is saved in your browser, because how heavy a file your computer can play smoothly depends on the machine.

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How long does it take to generate low-res and hi-res files?

The first time a video plays in Low-res or Hi-res, Tella generates those files in the background. For longer videos this can take a few minutes. You can keep recording or editing other videos while it runs. While the files generate, Tella plays your original media in the editor, and the button shows a spinner. If you add a new clip or video B-roll, playback switches to the generated copy automatically when it’s ready, so you can keep editing without reloading the editor. If a file can’t be generated, Tella stops retrying and plays the original instead of leaving generation stuck.

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Does editing quality affect what viewers see?

No. The editing quality only affects what you see in the editor. When you share or export your video, Tella always uses the original full-quality files.

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Troubleshooting

The editing quality can only change once your uploads and conversions finish. Wait for them to complete, then try again.
Generating low-res or hi-res files can take a few minutes for longer videos. You don’t need to wait on this screen. Your original media plays in the meantime, or you can record or edit other videos while it runs in the background.
If generation fails, Tella plays your original media instead. Please contact support so we can investigate the error.
Last modified on October 26, 2026