Getting Started with SpeedPainter AI: A Beginner's Guide
Turn any image into a hand-drawn speed paint video with SpeedPainter AI. Step-by-step setup, the best image and settings to pick, aspect ratios, and credits explained.
Welcome to SpeedPainter AI
SpeedPainter AI turns a finished image into a hand-drawn speed paint video — line work builds first, then color, with a drawing hand on the canvas. No drawing skill, no screen recording, no editing timeline. If you can upload a photo, you can make a speed paint.
This guide walks a complete beginner from upload to a finished, platform-ready video.
What a speed paint video is
A speed paint video shows an artwork being created in an accelerated, watchable reveal. Creators lean on them because they:
- Hold attention — a reveal makes people stay to see the finish.
- Show the craft behind a final image.
- Out-reach static posts on most feeds.
- Tell a story in a few seconds.
Create your first video in three steps
Step 1 — Upload your image
Upload a clear JPG or PNG (these are the supported formats). Best results come from images with:
- A clear subject and strong contrast.
- Limited clutter — one focal point reads better than a busy scene.
- Enough resolution that detail is visible; avoid tiny, heavily compressed files.
Portraits, character art, product shots, illustrations, and posters all work especially well. Transparent PNGs are preserved through the pipeline.
Step 2 — Choose your settings
Start from a preset, then customize only if you need to:
| Goal | Preset | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Fast test render | Quick | Checking composition before spending more credits |
| Balanced result | Standard | Social posts, portfolios, most creator workflows |
| Highest detail | Detailed | Commercial clips, hero assets, polished presentations |
| Full control | Custom | Hand-tuning every parameter below |
In Custom you can set:
- Sketch duration and color-fill duration (set color-fill to 0 for a sketch-only video).
- Output quality — 1080p, 2K, or 4K.
- Aspect ratio — see the next section.
- Hand effect — no hand, or one of several drawing-hand styles.
- Canvas — clean white, or a black or green chalkboard look.
Step 3 — Generate and download
Press generate and watch the reveal render. When it's done you can download the MP4, post it to social media, or use it in client work under the appropriate plan license.
Pick the right aspect ratio
Match the frame to where the video will live. SpeedPainter has a guided picker with four recommended ratios up front and more behind an expander:
| Ratio | Use it for |
|---|---|
| 9:16 (Vertical) | Reels, TikTok, Shorts |
| 1:1 (Square) | Feed posts, covers, thumbnails |
| 16:9 (Landscape) | YouTube, websites, presentations |
| 4:5 (Social Portrait) | Feed posts and ads |
| Auto | Keep your image's original ratio — never cropped |
Not sure? Leave it on Auto. It keeps your original framing intact, which is the safest choice for finished artwork you don't want cropped. When the canvas ratio differs from your image, "Smart Cover" keeps the full subject on a clean background.
Higher detail needs more resolution, so widescreen 21:9 caps at 2K while every other ratio supports up to 4K.
How credits work
Generation runs on credits: 1 credit = 1 second of video. A 30-second speed paint uses 30 credits. Paid plans include a monthly credit allowance — there are no daily quotas, so you can spend the allowance whenever you like. Review the pricing plans to match an allowance and license to your workflow.
Tips for the best results
Choose the right image
- Clear focal point, strong contrast.
- Avoid cluttered compositions.
- Higher resolution renders cleaner brushwork.
Experiment with settings
- Longer sketch phases suit detailed line art.
- A faster color fill creates a more dramatic reveal.
- A drawing hand adds a human touch; turn it off for a clean stroke-only look.
Pro tip: generate the same image at Quick first to lock the composition, then re-run at Standard or Detailed once you're happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my first speed paint video?
Upload a clear JPG or PNG to SpeedPainter, choose a preset, pick an aspect ratio for your platform, then generate. If you're testing a new image, run Quick first before spending more credits on Standard or Detailed.
What image works best with SpeedPainter AI?
Images with a clear subject, strong contrast, and limited clutter produce the best results — portraits, product shots, illustrations, and digital artwork especially. Avoid tiny screenshots or heavily compressed files, because the generated brush sequence needs visible detail.
Which file formats can I upload?
JPG and PNG. Transparent PNG backgrounds are preserved through the pipeline. Other formats such as WebP aren't accepted, so convert to JPG or PNG first.
Which preset should beginners choose?
Standard, in most cases — it balances generation speed, quality, and length. Use Quick for fast tests and Detailed for a polished final clip. Generate one preview before hand-tuning Custom settings.
What aspect ratio should I choose?
Use 9:16 for Reels/TikTok/Shorts, 1:1 for feed posts, and 16:9 for YouTube. If you don't want your image cropped at all, choose Auto to keep its original ratio.
Do I need screen recording software?
No. SpeedPainter generates the drawing process from a finished image, so there's nothing to record. If you'd rather film your own drawing instead, OBS Studio is a common free option.
What can you make with it?
Beginners often ask "what is this actually good for?" Here are real renders for the most common starting points — each one is a single uploaded image, generated with the default flow:
A pet or personal photo
Turn a beloved pet or family photo into a warm hand-drawn portrait reveal — great for gifts and personal posts.
Your illustration or artwork
Reveal a finished illustration line-first, then color — share your work as process video, not just a static image.
A product you sell
Make a product shot more watchable for ads, listings, and short clips.
A teaching visual
Turn a diagram or lesson graphic into a clear draw-on explainer.
Same three steps every time — upload, pick settings, generate. Browse more finished examples in the gallery.
What's next?
- Create a series — turn several artworks into a consistent set of reveals.
- Try different looks — swap canvas backgrounds and hand effects.
- Post and compare — see which ratios and pacing perform best for your audience.
Browse finished examples in the gallery to compare styles and pacing before you start.
Ready to make your first speed paint? Start generating now and bring your images to life.