How to create your first Powtoon

This article covers the core steps to create and publish your first Powtoon. Whether you are starting from a template or a blank canvas, the process is the same regardless of your subscription plan.

Before you start

To create a Powtoon, you need an active Powtoon account. If you have not yet signed up, create your account at powtoon.com before continuing.

All plan types — including trial accounts — can complete the steps below. Some Export options and advanced features are available on paid plans only. See the Notes section at the end of this article for details.

Step 1: Open the My Powtoons page

1. Log in to your Powtoon account. You are taken to the My Powtoons page automatically.
2. Click + Create (or the equivalent new-Powtoon button visible on your dashboard). A creation options panel opens.

Step 2: Choose how to start

1. Select one of the following starting points:
   • Template — browse the template library and click any template to preview it. Templates are the fastest way to get a polished result.
   • Blank canvas — choose an aspect ratio (widescreen 16:9 is standard; square aspect ratio works well for social media) and start from scratch.
2. Click Use this template or Create blank to open your new Powtoon in Powtoon Studio.

Step 3: Edit your Powtoon in Powtoon Studio

Powtoon Studio is the video editor where you build and customize your Powtoon. The main areas you will use are the stage (the central canvas), the timeline at the bottom, and the toolbar on the left.

1. Click any text element on the stage to edit the copy. Type your own text and press Enter or click outside the element to confirm.
2. Click any image, character, or shape to select it. Use the toolbar options to swap, resize, or reposition the element.
3. To add a new element (text, image, character, or shape), click the relevant icon in the left toolbar and drag or click to place it on the stage.
4. To add or remove slides (called scenes), use the scene panel on the left side of the screen. Click + to add a new scene or right-click an existing scene to duplicate or delete it.
5. Use the timeline at the bottom to adjust when each element appears and how long it stays on screen.

► Your Powtoon saves automatically as you work. You do not need to save manually.

Step 4: Preview your Powtoon

1. Click the Play button above the stage to preview your Powtoon from the current scene.
2. Review the timing, text, and animations. Return to the stage to make any adjustments.

Step 5: Export your Powtoon

1. When you are happy with your Powtoon, click Export in the top-right corner of Powtoon Studio.
2. Choose your preferred export format. The most common option is MP4 file (full video download).
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your export settings. The export process will begin and you will be notified when your file is ready to download.

► If you have already exported this Powtoon before, the button may appear as Publish rather than Export. Both actions follow the same flow.

Notes

1. Export to MP4 file and certain other export formats require a paid subscription (Lite, Professional, Advanced, Pro+, Agency, or Business). Trial accounts may have limited export options. See the Powtoon plans page for a full comparison.
2. If you do not see a feature mentioned in this article, it may not be available on your current plan. Check your plan details on the My Powtoons page under account settings.
3. For a deeper look at any Powtoon Studio feature — such as adding music, working with characters, or adjusting timing — search the help center for the relevant topic.