> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.automatstudio.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Troubleshooting
> Solutions to common issues and problems in Automat Studio
If you're experiencing issues with Automat Studio, you're in the right place. This guide covers common problems and their solutions, organized by category.
***
## Getting Started Issues
### I can't create a scene without a location
This is expected behavior. You must create at least one location before you can create a scene, as scenes require a location to be assigned.
**Solution:**
1. Navigate to [Location Studio](tutorial/location-studio)
2. Create at least one location
3. Return to scene creation and select your location from the dropdown
**Prerequisite reminder:** Always create locations before scenes, and ensure you have characters before assigning them to scenes.
### I don't see the option to create custom aesthetics
Custom aesthetics are only available on the **Independent** and **Hollywood** plans. If you're on a different plan, you'll have access to the six default aesthetics but won't be able to create custom ones.
**Solution:**
* Check your current plan in account settings
* Use one of the six default aesthetics available on all plans
* Consider upgrading your plan if custom aesthetics are important for your workflow
***
## Image Generation Problems
### Generated images don't match my description
AI image generation may not perfectly reflect every detail in your prompt, especially with shot attributes like lens type and camera angles. This is a current limitation that will improve over time.
**Solutions:**
1. **Be more specific** — Add more detail to your description about visual elements you want emphasized
2. **Try different models** — Enable "show models" and experiment with different AI models (see [Models section](models/index) for recommendations)
3. **Generate multiple times** — Each generation is unique; try several iterations
4. **Refine iteratively** — Use previous generations as reference and refine your description based on what worked
> ⚠️ **Note:** Shot attributes (like lens and shot type) may not be precisely reflected in generated images due to current AI limitations—but this will improve over time!
### Character or location images look inconsistent
If your characters or locations vary too much between generations, here are some strategies:
**Solutions:**
1. **Use more detailed descriptions** — Include specific physical attributes, clothing, colors, and distinctive features
2. **Save and reuse** — Once you get a character or location you like, save it and reuse it across scenes
3. **Apply project aesthetics** — Using a consistent aesthetic can help maintain visual coherence (see [Aesthetics guide](tutorial/aesthetics))
4. **Reference previous generations** — Some models work better when you reference or build upon previous successful generations
### Image generation is slow or stuck
Image generation typically takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the model and complexity.
**Solutions:**
1. **Be patient** — Wait at least 2-3 minutes before assuming it's stuck
2. **Check your connection** — Ensure you have a stable internet connection
3. **Try a different model** — Some models are faster than others
4. **Clear and retry** — Cancel the generation and try again with a simpler prompt
5. **Check server status** — High server load can cause delays
***
## Video Generation Issues
### Video generation takes too long
Video generation typically takes 2-3 minutes. You can navigate away from the page while it processes in the background.
**Solutions:**
1. **Wait patiently** — Video generation is more resource-intensive than image generation
2. **Work on other shots** — Automat processes in the background, so you can continue working
3. **Check the progress indicator** — Look for status updates in the shot interface
4. **Reduce shot duration** — Shorter clips generate faster
You can navigate away from the page while rendering—Automat will keep processing in the background. Check back later to see if your video is ready.
### Generated video doesn't animate smoothly
Motion quality can vary based on the source image and the model used.
**Solutions:**
1. **Start with a better first frame** — Ensure your first frame is clear and well-composed
2. **Adjust motion settings** — Experiment with motion strength and camera path settings
3. **Try different models** — Some models handle motion better than others
4. **Regenerate** — Each generation is different; try multiple attempts
5. **Use Generate Video Direct** — This alternative method might work better for your specific shot (see [Generate Video Direct](tutorial/shot-studio/generate-video-direct))
### Video won't generate from my first frame
**Solutions:**
1. **Ensure first frame is saved** — Make sure you've clicked Save on your first frame
2. **Check frame selection** — Confirm the correct frame is selected in the shot gallery
3. **Verify shot details** — Ensure duration, camera movement, and other settings are configured
4. **Try regenerating the first frame** — Sometimes a different still works better for animation
***
## Aesthetic Problems
### Custom aesthetic processing failed
If your custom aesthetic creation fails, try these steps:
**Solutions:**
1. **Check image quality** — Ensure your uploaded images are clear and in supported formats (JPG, PNG, WebP)
2. **Reduce image count** — Try processing with fewer images (start with 2-3 instead of 5)
3. **Use consistent images** — Images should share similar visual styles for best results
4. **Check file size** — Very large images may cause processing issues; resize if necessary
5. **Retry the process** — Sometimes a temporary server issue; try again after a few minutes
> 💡 **Tip:** The more consistent your reference images are in style, the more cohesive your resulting aesthetic will be. Choose images that share similar visual qualities.
### Aesthetic isn't applying to my project
**Solutions:**
1. **Check project settings** — Ensure the aesthetic is selected in your project settings
2. **Re-apply aesthetic** — Try changing to "None" and then back to your aesthetic
3. **Verify it's processed** — Custom aesthetics must be fully processed before use
4. **Create new project** — Some aesthetics work better when selected during project creation
***
## Model Selection Issues
### I don't know which model to use
**Solutions:**
1. **Start with recommended models** — These are tested for best results in Automat Studio (see [Models guide](models/index))
2. **Use supported models for experimentation** — Try different models to find what works for your style
3. **Enable "show models"** — This option lets you see and select from available models
4. **Check model documentation** — Each model has different strengths; see the [Models section](models/index) for details
**Recommended models** produce the best results for narrative filmmaking. **Supported models** may not provide the same level of quality but can be useful for specific styles or experimentation.
### Model keeps producing poor results
**Solutions:**
1. **Switch to recommended models** — Recommended models are optimized for Automat Studio workflows
2. **Refine your prompts** — Better descriptions often yield better results regardless of model
3. **Try multiple models** — Different models excel at different things; experiment to find the best fit
4. **Check model status** — Some models may have temporary issues; try again later
***
## File Upload & Data Issues
### Can't upload images for custom aesthetics
**Solutions:**
1. **Check file format** — Supported formats include JPG, PNG, and WebP
2. **Verify file size** — Very large files may fail; try resizing images to under 10MB each
3. **Check upload limit** — Maximum of 5 images for custom aesthetics
4. **Try different browser** — Some browsers handle uploads better than others
5. **Check your plan** — Ensure you're on a plan that supports custom aesthetics
### Lost work or changes not saving
**Solutions:**
1. **Save frequently** — Always click Save after making changes to characters, locations, scenes, or shots
2. **Check internet connection** — Unstable connections can prevent saves
3. **Use shot history** — Previous renders are stored; you can revert to earlier versions
4. **Don't navigate away too quickly** — Wait a moment after clicking Save before leaving
***
## Workflow & Navigation
### I'm confused about the workflow order
The recommended workflow is:
1. [Create a Project](tutorial/create-a-project)
2. [Create Characters](tutorial/character-studio)
3. [Create Locations](tutorial/location-studio)
4. [Create Scenes](tutorial/create-a-scene)
5. [Create Shots](tutorial/shot-studio)
**Within each shot:**
* Generate First Frame
* Generate Video
* Add Dialogue and Lipsync
* Apply VFX
* Add SFX
See the complete [workflow guide](tutorial/index) for detailed instructions.
### Can't find where to create a shot
**Solutions:**
1. **Start with a scene** — Shots are created within scenes
2. **Navigate to scene view** — Open your scene and look for "Create Shot" button
3. **Check you have prerequisites** — Ensure your scene has a location and characters assigned
4. **See [Create a Scene](tutorial/create-a-scene)** — Step 4 covers shot creation
***
## Performance & Technical Issues
### App is slow or unresponsive
**Solutions:**
1. **Refresh the page** — Sometimes a simple refresh resolves temporary issues
2. **Check browser** — Ensure you're using a modern, up-to-date browser
3. **Clear cache** — Clear your browser cache and cookies
4. **Close other tabs** — Reduce system load by closing unnecessary browser tabs
5. **Check internet speed** — Slow connections can make the app feel sluggish
6. **Try different browser** — Some browsers perform better than others
### Images or videos won't load
**Solutions:**
1. **Refresh the page** — Often resolves loading issues
2. **Check internet connection** — Ensure you have a stable connection
3. **Wait a moment** — Large files may take time to load
4. **Try different browser** — Browser compatibility issues can prevent media loading
5. **Clear browser cache** — Corrupted cache can prevent media from loading
***
## Still Need Help?
If you've tried these solutions and still need assistance:
Browse common questions and answers about Automat Studio
Reach out to our support team for personalized assistance
Click the speech bubble icon in the app menu to share your thoughts
Review the full step-by-step guide for creating your film