Chalkreel

Support

Questions, problems or ideas? Email steve.do@polymath.la — we usually reply within a few business days. For a problem with a video, include what you asked for and, if you can, the text under Export log at the bottom of the player.

Frequently asked questions

My pictures don't appear in the video

ChatGPT can't always hand pictures to Chalkreel. The dependable way: save the pictures, then tap + on a scene in the player (or Add picture) and pick them from your device or your ChatGPT files — several at once fill that scene and the following ones. If you'd rather ask ChatGPT, attach the pictures as uploads in the same message (a pasted link must be a public https address). Each scene holds up to two pictures. Pictures added in the player are not part of what ChatGPT sent, so if ChatGPT re-creates the video, add them again.

The voice-over takes a while or is silent

The AI voices are made when the video first plays, line by line; this usually takes a few seconds but can take up to a minute when the service is busy. The player shows its progress, and Export MP4 waits for the voices before it starts. Once made, a line plays instantly. If a line never arrives, play again later or ask ChatGPT to re-create the video.

Exporting the MP4 in Safari (or another browser)

The MP4 is encoded in your browser, which needs H.264 video encoding: current Chrome and Edge, and Safari 17 or later (macOS Sonoma / iOS 17 and newer). Firefox works only where H.264 encoding is available. If your browser can't, the Export button says why — try Chrome or Edge, or use Download project. If the download doesn't start, use the Save link the player shows when the export is ready. Keep the chat open while it exports.

Opening a project in the Chalkreel apps

Download project saves a .doodlevid.zip file. Open it with Chalkreel for iOS (from the Files app or a share sheet, or import it inside the app) or Chalkreel for Windows (drop the file onto the window or use Import). You can then edit every scene, element, voice and timing, and export at other sizes.

How do I change the video?

Ask ChatGPT in plain words — “make scene 2 longer”, “switch to a chalkboard”, “add a presenter”, “make it vertical for TikTok”, “no music”. Chalkreel redraws the whole video with the change.

ChatGPT answers but no player appears

Mention Chalkreel by name (“…with Chalkreel”) or pick it from the apps in the composer, and make sure the app is connected under Settings → Apps.

Some text doesn't show up

The handwriting fonts cover Latin, Greek, Cyrillic and Vietnamese. Chinese, Japanese and Korean characters and emoji are not drawn yet.

Is it free? Why is there a mark on my video?

Yes — Chalkreel for ChatGPT is free, with no account or purchase. MP4 exports are 720p with a small “Made with Chalkreel” mark.

What happens to my data?

Nothing is stored on our side. See the privacy policy for exactly what is sent where.