Appearance
Requirements
Use this page to check that your computer and browser can run Celestium before you start. The app runs in a web browser, so there is nothing to install.
Browser
Use a current version of Chrome or Edge on a desktop or laptop computer. These are the browsers the app asks for when you render a video.
| Browser | Render a video |
|---|---|
| Chrome | Yes |
| Edge | Yes |
| Safari 26 or newer | Only if the browser reports the required video encoder |
| Firefox and older Safari | No |
Rendering a video is the only feature that checks your browser. The rest of the app has no browser check, but we recommend Chrome or Edge for everything.
Why video needs Chrome or Edge
Video is rendered on your own computer with a fast H.264 video encoder built into the browser. When you open the export dialog, the app checks for this encoder. If your browser does not have it, the dialog shows Video export needs Chrome or Edge. and offers no way to export. Open the same show in Chrome or Edge to continue. There is no slower fallback.
The soundtrack needs a second encoder for AAC audio. If a browser has the video encoder but not the audio one, you can still export, but the Include audio option is turned off and the video is silent. See Render a video.
Graphics card
The 3D viewport uses WebGL, so hardware acceleration must be on in your browser. Any recent computer can open the app. A stronger graphics card helps when you have many drones, the 3D map turned on or a high-resolution screen.
You can see how your computer is coping in the status bar at the bottom of the editor. The FPS number is green at 50 or more, amber from 30 to 49 and red below 30.
If the viewport feels slow
Open the viewport settings (the cog at the bottom right of the viewport) and turn off Bloom, or turn off the 3D map in Environment. See Viewport and app settings.
Screen
The editor needs room. It places three columns above the timeline, with these default sizes:
| Area | Default size | Smallest size |
|---|---|---|
| Hierarchy and Drones panel (left) | 260 px wide | 180 px wide |
| Viewport (centre) | The remaining width | 320 px wide |
| Properties panel (right) | 320 px wide | 220 px wide |
| Timeline (bottom) | 240 px tall | 80 px tall |
A screen of 1920 by 1080 or larger gives you a comfortable viewport with the default layout. You can drag the dividers between panels to resize them, and the app remembers your sizes. There is no phone layout, so phones and small tablets are not practical.
Mouse and keyboard
A mouse with a right button and a scroll wheel is the best tool for this app.
| Action | Mouse | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pan the camera | Left drag | Slide over the map |
| Orbit the camera | Right drag, or Shift + left drag | Look around the show |
| Zoom | Wheel | Zoom toward the cursor |
| Add a clip | Right-click a timeline row | Clips are added from this menu |
A laptop trackpad works if you can right-click (usually a two-finger click) and scroll with two fingers. Shift + drag replaces the right drag for orbiting.
You also need a keyboard. Space plays the show, Shift + A opens the Add menu, and the app shows ⌘ on a Mac and Ctrl on other systems. The full list is in Keyboard shortcuts.
Internet connection
You need to stay online while you work:
- Shows are stored in the cloud. The editor saves about 10 seconds after your last change, and at least every 20 seconds while you keep editing.
- Baking runs on our servers, and the baked show streams back to your browser.
- The 3D map loads from the internet, with credit to Google shown in the viewport.
Your browser also keeps a copy of each show on your computer. If the server cannot be reached when you open a show, the editor opens that local copy instead. Check the save state in the status bar: Saved means your work reached the server.
Keep browser storage
The app uses your browser's storage for sign-in, panel sizes and local copies. Private windows and "clear browsing data" remove these. Your saved shows stay safe on the server, but you have to sign in again.
Downloads
Videos and flight files are saved by your browser as normal downloads. If your browser asks for permission to download files from this site, allow it.
Next
Continue with Sign in and workspaces.