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Low-res mode makes the editor faster by playing lower-resolution copies of your video while you edit. It is on by default, you toggle it with the Low-res button in the toolbar below the video, and it never affects the quality viewers see when you share or export. Your original high-res files are untouched; Tella only uses the low-res copies inside the editor.

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Why is low-res mode on by default?

Low-res mode 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 turn low-res mode off?

If you want to see the full-resolution files while editing, you can switch low-res mode off:
  1. Open your video in the editor.
  2. In the toolbar below the video, click the Low-res button to toggle it off.
Click it again to turn it back on. Once the low-res files have been generated, you can toggle between modes instantly, with no waiting.

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

The first time you open a video, Tella generates the low-res 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 low-res files generate, Tella plays your original media in the editor. If you add a new clip or video B-roll while low-res mode is on, playback switches to the low-res copy automatically when it’s ready, so you can keep editing without reloading the editor. If a low-res file can’t be generated, Tella stops retrying and keeps using the original when possible instead of leaving generation stuck.

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Does low-res mode affect what viewers see?

No. Low-res mode only affects what you see in the editor. When you share or export your video, Tella always uses the original high-res files.

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Troubleshooting

Low-res mode needs your uploads and conversions to finish first. Wait for them to complete, then try again.
Generating low-res files can take a few minutes for longer videos. You don’t need to wait on this screen. Record or edit other videos while it runs in the background.
If low-res generation fails, Tella uses the original media when available. Please contact support so we can investigate the error.
Last modified on September 28, 2026