StreamLive ProExport a video in 4K from the editor
Export a video in 4K from the StreamLive Pro editor: what source you need, the exact sizes of 4K vertical and square files, and why a 4K export can come out 1080p.
To export in 4K, open the video in the StreamLive Pro editor, press Export, and choose 4K under Resolution on the Video tab. A 4K file needs a 4K source: with the source aspect ratio the editor never enlarges a smaller video, so 4K on a 1080p source gives 1080p. With a cropped ratio such as 9:16, the file is built at the exact 4K size for that shape.
Before you start
- A 4K source. An uploaded 4K file, or a live broadcast recorded in 4K. Recording a live in 4K is on Pro and Studio: in the browser studio, open the camera settings and tick Prefer 4K (if supported). The camera itself has to deliver 4K. See the /pricing?lang=en for plans.
- Upload size. One upload can be up to 6 GB. 4K files are large: for example, a file recorded at 50 Mbit/s reaches 6 GB in about 16 minutes (6 x 8,000 / 50 = 960 seconds).
- Format. The editor exports MP4. MOV, WebM and GIF are shown in the window but locked, with the note "Only MP4 is supported right now".
- Trial exports carry a watermark; the export window says so before you start.
Steps
- Open the project. In the menu choose Video editor and open the video.
- Press Export. Press Export. The export window opens on the Video tab.
- Choose 4K. Under Resolution pick 4K.
- Choose the frame rate. 24, 30 or 60. Keep the frame rate of the source; 60 makes a bigger file and only helps if the source is 60.
- Choose the shape. Aspect Ratio: Source (no crop) keeps the original frame. 9:16, 1:1, 4:5 and 16:9 crop the centre of the frame to that shape.
- Choose the captions. Burned into the picture, as a separate subtitle file next to the video, or none.
- Read the estimates. The window shows an estimated file size and render time for these choices.
- Render. Press Render and Download. The render runs on our servers; you can keep editing or close the tab. Earlier exports stay in My downloads.
The exact sizes
With a cropped aspect ratio, 4K is twice the size of the 1080p version of that shape:
| Aspect ratio | 1080p file | 4K file |
|---|---|---|
| 16:9 | 1920 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 |
| 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 | 2160 x 3840 |
| 1:1 | 1080 x 1080 | 2160 x 2160 |
| 4:5 | 1080 x 1350 | 2160 x 2700 |
With Source (no crop), the resolution caps the short side of the picture and never enlarges it. A 3840 x 2160 source stays 3840 x 2160 at 4K and becomes 1920 x 1080 at 1080p. A vertical 2160 x 3840 phone video at 1080p becomes 1080 x 1920, not a narrow strip.
A cropped shape is always built at the size in the table, even from a smaller source. A 1080p source exported at 4K in 9:16 is enlarged, and looks no sharper than the 1080p export. For a sharp vertical 4K file, start from a 4K source.
When 4K is worth it
| Situation | 4K or not |
|---|---|
| A vertical Short cut from a horizontal 4K recording | 4K source, export 1080p 9:16: the crop has enough pixels to stay sharp |
| A full YouTube video recorded in 4K | Export 4K, Source |
| A phone viewer only | 1080p is enough and uploads faster |
| A 1080p recording | Export 1080p; 4K adds size, not detail |
See Turn a horizontal video into vertical for the arithmetic of the vertical crop.
What can go wrong
- I chose 4K and got 1080p. The source is 1080p and the aspect ratio is Source. The editor does not enlarge. Use a 4K source.
- Prefer 4K is switched off by itself. The account's plan does not include 4K recording; a message says so. 4K recording is on Pro and Studio.
- The 4K live recording is 1080p. The camera or the browser did not deliver 4K. The setting asks for 4K "if supported".
- The render takes long. 4K is about four times the pixels of 1080p. The time in the window is an estimate.
- The upload of a 4K file fails. It is larger than 6 GB. Trim it in another tool or record shorter parts.
Related pages
- All export options: Exporting from the editor — formats and render settings
- Where recordings are kept: Recordings and storage — what is kept and for how long
- The editor's timeline: Video editor timeline basics
Frequently asked questions
Can I export a video in 4K?
Yes. In the export window choose 4K under Resolution. The source has to be 4K for a real 4K file.
Why did my 4K export come out in 1080p?
With the source aspect ratio, the editor never enlarges the video. A 1080p source stays 1080p even when 4K is chosen.
What size is a vertical 4K video?
2160 x 3840 pixels for 9:16. A square 4K file is 2160 x 2160, and 4:5 is 2160 x 2700.
Which plans can record a live broadcast in 4K?
Pro and Studio. Creator and the trial do not include 4K recording.
Can I export 4K as MOV?
No. The editor exports MP4 today; MOV, WebM and GIF are shown locked.
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