WaveVisual Help Center


WaveVisual allows you to export your designs in PNG, SVG, JPEG, and PDF formats. If you are not sure which one to choose, here is a quick explanation:

- PNG images are high quality images that can be transparent.
- JPEG images usually have smaller file sizes but they cannot be transparent.
- SVG images are vector images that can scale up or down without losing any quality. These images would be the best choice if you want to import your sound wave design on another design tool.
- PDF is widely supported format for documents. It is often the top choice for printing. WaveVisual exports your design as a vector image before placing it in a PDF document. Vector images can be scale up and down while preserving the image quality.

**Video:** From the same **Download** tab you can also export **animated video** (**MP4**, **GIF**, **WebM**, **MOV**). If you need a **transparent background** for compositing in another editor, choose **MOV**—see [Can I export video with a transparent background?](https://app.notion.com/p/34192f3e5a7a81ec91e0e0fe6f2d4f17).


Example from the **Download** tab in the [editor](https://wavevisual.com/editor) (file type menu open):


![Editor Download tab: file types including PNG, JPEG, SVG, PDF, MP4, GIF, WebM, and MOV](/media/4446c67b-b8b7-4423-bd91-d38038792a9a-download-tab-file-formats-cli.png)



WaveVisual supports image exports in PNG, JPEG, SVG and PDF formats.

Which image file formats are supported by WaveVisual?


The export resolution depends on what you export from WaveVisual. **PNG** and **JPEG** images use fixed pixel dimensions (great for print and sharing). **PDF** and **SVG** are **vector** exports—the sound wave scales cleanly to any size. **Animated video** (MP4, GIF, WebM, MOV) uses the frame size you pick in the Download tab; see **Animated video exports** below.


## Fixed-resolution files


PNG and JPEG sound wave images are exported at **300 DPI** (dots per inch) for high-quality printing. The pixel size depends on the **canvas size** you chose; raster exports typically support up to **about 12,000 pixels** on the long edge—enough for prints about **40 in (about 102 cm)** wide at full resolution.


More size and quality choices are available in the editor. If you pick a lower setting, we render at that resolution (see options under the **Download** tab after purchase).


![PNG export: resolution slider and approximate print size (cm / in) in the Download tab](/media/80721bfd-a802-4bfb-9839-e6e2035d7288-export-resolution-download-tab.png)


## Vector files


PDF and SVG files are vector files. Their contents are described mathematically, so you can scale the sound wave to different output sizes without losing sharpness. An SVG can drive both a 600 px-wide preview and a 12,000 px-wide print export with the same geometry. PDF is a portable vector package that print shops handle reliably—often the best choice for sending artwork to print.


For still-image format tradeoffs (PNG vs JPEG vs SVG vs PDF), see **Which image file formats are supported by WaveVisual?** in this help center.


## Animated video exports


Video exports (**MP4**, **GIF**, **WebM**, **MOV**) use the frame size and format you select in the **Download** tab. Typical presets render up to **1080p** for HD and social platforms. **MOV** supports a **transparent** background (alpha) when you need to layer the waveform over other footage in another editor. **Video length** is capped at **60 minutes** (based on trimmed or full audio); trim longer clips in the editor if needed.


**Spotify-linked** tracks cannot be used for video export with muxed audio under our licensing rules—use **upload** or **record** for MP4, WebM, or MOV with your own audio. For full detail, see **Can I download the sound wave animation as a video?** in this help center.


⚠️  If you import a custom background image to your artwork, maximum lossless quality will depend on your image. Our sound waves are vector but your custom image will not be vector. Therefore, we cannot enhance its resolution. Please make sure that you upload the highest resolution available of your image.



Raster PNG/JPEG up to about 12k px long edge at 300 DPI. PDF/SVG vector sound wave. Video: MP4, GIF, WebM, MOV up to 1080p; MOV with alpha; length and licensing limits.

What is the export resolution?


Yes. You can export your sound wave design as **animated video**. The waveform bars animate in sync with your audio. Available formats in the **Download** tab include **MP4**, **GIF**, **WebM**, and **MOV**.


**How to export a video:**

1. Open your design in the [editor](https://wavevisual.com/editor).
2. Go to the **Download** tab.
3. Choose **MP4**, **GIF**, **WebM**, or **MOV** and pick options (for MP4, sizes include Optimized, 1080p, or Large where offered).
4. Export uses credits, like image downloads.

**Transparent background:** If you need **alpha** (transparent areas stay transparent for layering in an editor), export **MOV**—see [Can I export video with a transparent background?](https://app.notion.com/p/34192f3e5a7a81ec91e0e0fe6f2d4f17).


**Important:** Video export works only with **uploaded audio** (files you upload or record in WaveVisual). Spotify songs cannot be exported as video due to licensing. The maximum duration is 60 minutes (based on your trimmed or full audio).


For more details and tips, see our blog: [Understanding Video Export](https://wavevisual.com/blog/understanding-video-export) and [How to Export Your Sound Wave as a Video](https://wavevisual.com/blog/how-to-export-video-sound-wave).



Yes. Export animated video from the Download tab as MP4, GIF, WebM, or MOV. MOV supports transparent backgrounds (QuickTime Animation + alpha). Uploaded audio only for muxed video.

Can I download the sound wave animation as a video?


Once completing you design. You can purchase it by going to the Download tab. After the
payment, you will presented with download options. 


![sizzy-photo-studio-2022-07-18T143417.768Z.png](/media/9ca7a1d1-ac1d-40cb-a1a6-edbcbb3bec1b-sizzy-photo-studio-2022-07-18T143417_768Z.png)


You will also receive an email with a link to your design so that you can come back and download it later.



Download options for your soundwave art will be visible after purchasing your artwork.

How can I download a soundwave art?


## Short answer


Yes. **WaveVisual supports transparent-background video when you export as MOV** (QuickTime). The file uses **QuickTime Animation (qtrle)** encoding with an **alpha channel**, so transparent areas in your design stay transparent in apps like **CapCut**, **Premiere Pro**, **Final Cut Pro**, and **DaVinci Resolve**.


## Why MOV?


**MP4** and **GIF** exports are aimed at playback on the web and social platforms and **do not preserve an alpha channel**. **WebM** can keep transparency in some browsers, but CapCut and other NLEs don't reliably read WebM alpha—if you need to **layer your waveform over other footage** in a video editor, choose **MOV**.


## How to export

1. Open your design in the [editor](https://wavevisual.com/editor).
2. Open the **Download** tab.
3. Select **MOV** and run the export (same credit rules as other video exports).
4. Import the `.mov` file into your editor as an overlay track.

## Requirements and limits

- Video export uses **uploaded or recorded audio**, same as MP4/WebM. **Spotify-linked tracks** cannot be exported as video with muxed audio under our licensing rules—use an upload or recording when you need transparent video with sound.
- **Duration** follows the same limits as other video exports (trim long clips in the editor if needed).

For a broader overview of motion exports, see [Can I download the sound wave animation as a video?](https://app.notion.com/p/0c388c529c274ac4832edac24b037995) in this help center, and our blog posts [Understanding Video Export](https://wavevisual.com/blog/understanding-video-export) and [Your sound, in motion](https://wavevisual.com/blog/your-sound-in-motion).



Yes. Use MOV in the Download tab—QuickTime Animation with alpha for transparent overlays in video editors.

Can I export video with a transparent background?


You can add audio to your design in four ways:


### Upload your audio file


Upload a file from your device. Supported formats: WAV, AIF, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, OGG, MP3, M4A, WEBM. Maximum file size is 100MB.


For best quality, use lossless formats like WAV or FLAC. MP3 and M4A work fine for most designs. Your file is only used to create the waveform and is not stored on our servers.


### Record directly


Record audio using your microphone. Your browser will ask for microphone permission. The recording is saved as WebM and used to generate the sound wave — it is not stored on our servers.


Works best in a quiet environment. Supported in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.


### Search for a song


Search for a song by name or artist. WaveVisual uses Spotify's catalog — you don't need a Spotify account. Type at least 3 characters to search, then pick a track from the results.


Only songs available on Spotify will appear. If you can't find something, try the Spotify link option below.


### Paste a Spotify track URL


Paste a link to any Spotify track (format: `https://open.spotify.com/track/...`). WaveVisual will use it to generate your sound wave. Album or playlist links won't work — it has to be a track URL.


You don't need a Spotify account. **Important:** Spotify tracks are copyrighted, so WaveVisual can't play them back inside the editor—open the track on Spotify to listen. They also cannot be exported as MP4 video due to licensing restrictions. If you want in-editor playback or video export, use Upload or Record instead.


### What about YouTube, SoundCloud, or Apple Music?


We don't support those yet. Right now you can only use Upload, Record, Search songs, or Spotify link.


## Choosing a source

- **Voice message or spoken word** → **Record**
- **A song or audio file you own** → **Upload**
- **A song from Spotify** → **Search** or **Spotify link** (playback happens on Spotify, not inside the editor)
- **You need MP4 video export** → **Upload** or **Record** (Spotify tracks can’t be exported as video)

---


WaveVisual generates a sound wave from your chosen source. The audio itself is only used to create the visualization and is not stored on our servers.



Upload, Record, Search songs, Spotify link

What sources of audio or music can I use?


WaveVisual analyses the audio file you upload and create a waveform of bars with various heights that represents the loudness of the audio at any given moment. For example if your audio starts relatively silent and gets louder as it progresses, the sound wave WaveVisual will generate will be a series of bars that transition from shorter to longer.



How does WaveVisual generate audio waveforms?


The following audio file formats are supported by our editor:


WAV, MP3, M4A, AAC, AIF, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, OGG, WebM



Current audio formats supported on WaveVisual are WAV, MP3, M4A, AAC, AIF, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, OGG and WebM

Which audio file formats are supported?


Unfortunately, we do not have that feature yet.



Can I use a Youtube link to generate a sound wave?


The **unlimited** subscription gives you **unlimited designs and digital exports** while your plan is active, within fair-use limits.


**Credit pack** credits **never expire**. Unused pack credits stay in your account until you use them.


If you are on a **legacy** plan that included monthly subscription credits, rollover and expiry follow the terms from when you subscribed.


View your balance on [your account](https://wavevisual.com/my-account).



Unlimited means designs and exports while subscribed; pack credits never expire.

Do credits expire or roll over at the end of the month?


Adding a coupon code to your payment is pretty straight forward. You can do so buy clicking on the “Add coupon” button before selecting a payment method.


![sizzy-photo-studio-2022-02-15T203759.391Z.png](/media/d2dd7c28-afdc-473d-a42b-bc026b9567ad-sizzy-photo-studio-2022-02-15T203759_391Z.png)



Showing the location of the coupon code field within the payment form

How can I add a coupon code?


After we issue a refund from our side, it can take a little time before you receive your funds back in your account.


Card refunds typically take 3-5 working days to credit back into your account.


PayPal refunds typically re-appear in your account within 48 hours of requesting the refund.



A refund takes somewhere between 2 to 5 working days depending on the payment method used.

How long does it take to receive a refund?


After you add **uploaded** (or **sample**) audio, you will see **Play** in the **top toolbar** (left of Download). Click it to start playback and the sound wave animation.


![Uploaded audio: use Play in the top toolbar to hear your track and animate the waveform](/media/5d7ded3e-03f5-4216-a019-6de48faacba6-audio-play-button-editor.png)


For **Spotify** tracks, WaveVisual can't play the audio inside the editor. These songs are copyrighted, and we don't hold a license to stream or play full tracks outside Spotify's own app—only Spotify can legally play the complete song. Instead, use the **Spotify link** in the **top toolbar**—it opens the song on Spotify where you can listen. On larger screens the link often shows the **track title**; on smaller widths it may appear as **Play** with the Spotify icon.


![Spotify source: open the track on Spotify from the link in the top toolbar (title visible on larger screens)](/media/14c72bed-8f62-41bf-893b-1e3bf3755752-audio-spotify-link-editor.png)



Uploaded/sample audio: use Play in the top toolbar. Spotify: tracks are copyrighted, so open the song on Spotify via the link in the top toolbar to listen—we cannot play Spotify audio inside the editor.

How can I play my audio?


Our editor has a feature that allows you to generate and import QR codes into your artworks. When scanned, the QR codes lead back to WaveVisual and will present your designs. If you have uploaded an audio file, you can also listen to that audio on this page. This feature is placed under "QR Code" tab of our [design editor](https://wavevisual.com/editor).


To learn more about the customization options for QR codes, please refer to this article:


[bookmark](https://help.wavevisual.com/using-the-sound-wave-editor/v87wD4kkWzBich4tiwxpVK/adding-a-qr-code-to-a-sound-wave-art/pTgWfFX6DSG5YBwrAv8QEL)



Our editor supports QR codes to scan the artworks.

Can I scan the sound wave back?


Yes. Simply go to the "background" tab and you will find the option to upload an image.



Can I upload a background image to my sound wave artwork?


Designs are automatically saved and current browser location is accordingly updated. You can see the save status of your design at the top of your screen. As seen on the screenshots below.


![sizzy-photo-studio-2022-02-17T171019.693Z.png](/media/d5f0a53b-7ad1-4d5d-9483-d4d891c95fd1-sizzy-photo-studio-2022-02-17T171019_693Z.png)


Saved designs can always be viewed on [Your Designs](https://wavevisual.com/my-designs).



Designs on WaveVisual are automatically saved every time you make a change.

How can I save?


There isn’t a limitation for audio files in terms of length. However, there is a limit of a maximum of 100MBs for an audio file.



What are the maximum length and file size allowed for audio files?


Many websites that provide QR codes often have limits on the number of scans they support or an expiration date when a QR code will stop working. We don’t. WaveVisual is optimized in a way that our QR codes and short links can live on virtually forever without being a burden to our system. We have no motivation to expire these items at the moment.


If you encounter any issues, feel free to contact us via the live chat and we feel address them.



QR codes on WaveVisual will continue to work as long as WaveVisual exists.

Do QR codes created with WaveVisual expire?


Yes. You can add up to **6 sound waves** on a single artwork. Each waveform can have its own audio source (upload, record, Spotify, sample, etc.) and position on the canvas, while sharing the same visual style (colors, thickness, spacing).


In the editor:

- Use **+ Add Sound Wave** to add more waveforms (the button shows the current count, e.g. 3/6).
- Click a waveform on the canvas to select it and edit its source or move it.
- Use the waveform list in the source menu to switch between or remove waveforms (you always keep at least one).

![Two concentric circular sound waveforms on a single artwork](/media/whats-new-multi-waveform.png)



Yes. You can add up to 6 sound waves per design, each with its own audio and position.

Can I layer multiple waveforms on a single artwork?


WaveVisual uses “template” in a couple of places. They are not the same thing.

- **Wallpapers** live in the **Background** tab. They are ready-made gradient images you tap to fill the background. They do not change your wave style or text.
- **Design templates** live in the **Templates** tab (and on [wavevisual.com/templates](https://wavevisual.com/templates)). Each one is a full layout—wave style, colors, background, and text. Applying one keeps your audio.

Use a wallpaper when you only want a new background. Use a design template when you want a finished starting point for the whole artwork.


Related:

- [Gradient background templates](https://app.notion.com/p/627146698bcc4012a09fba4b38efcfc3)
- [Using design templates](https://app.notion.com/p/3d192f3e5a7a81e0ab78d3d25f34a737)
- [Saving your own templates](https://app.notion.com/p/3d192f3e5a7a8106b726cb53fc7a7c40)


Wallpapers change only the background. Design templates apply a full layout and keep your audio.

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Sound wave editor