Drone Flyover
Plan a camera flight with waypoints, preview it and export a video.
Drone Mode lets you plan a flight using a map and preview the camera movement through the design. Add waypoints, adjust their camera settings and timing, then preview before exporting. Your account must include access to the animated presentation modes. The video export has its own quality, resolution and frame-rate controls; it does not record the browser window.
Switch to Drone Flyover mode
Open Presentation and select Drone Mode using the plane control. Use the map to edit the route and the scene view to check the camera. These are controls within the presentation workspace; the exact layout follows the active presentation view.
Place waypoints on the map
Click anywhere on the top-down map to drop a waypoint. Add at least two waypoints to define a path — a line connects them in the order they were placed. Drag any waypoint to reposition it; the 3D preview updates immediately so you can judge each angle as you go.
Tune each waypoint's camera settings
Pause playback, then select a waypoint. Adjust Time (s), Altitude, Camera tilt, Field of view and Camera heading. Altitude follows the project measurement units. Use Aim at object when available, then click the object to aim that waypoint at it. Move toward Down or Horizon to change camera tilt. Use Delete waypoint to remove an unwanted point.
Or use Auto-generate orbit path
Click Auto-Generate Orbit Path to generate a route around the current design. If you already have waypoints, confirm Replace only when you want to discard the previous route. Inspect and adjust the generated path before export; the automatic path is a starting point rather than a guarantee of clear views.
Set flight duration, speed, and looping
Adjust the flight duration and speed in Settings. The initial duration is 30 seconds. Loop Flight previews repeated motion; exported looping flights use constant-speed timing. Duration and speed affect the finished video timing, so preview again after changing them.
Preview and refine
Press the Play button to run the flight in the 3D preview, or drag the timeline scrubber to jump to any moment. Watch for jarring camera jumps between waypoints and adjust altitude, tilt, or waypoint timing until the motion feels smooth. Repeat as needed — changes take effect immediately.
Export the flyover video
Click Export Flyover Video to choose the export quality, resolution and frame rate, then Export Video. The app prepares the scene and exports the flight into a silent video file. See Video Export for output sizes, progress, cancellation and saving. Use Save to Document Center in the Drone Flight panel to store a reusable flight configuration instead of exporting a video.
Set lighting, weather and season before export. Video dimensions are chosen in the export dialog; resizing the browser is not how you choose output resolution.
Prepare at least two waypoints before previewing or exporting. Pause playback to edit waypoint settings. Confirming Replace during automatic path generation replaces the previous waypoints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose the video resolution and frame rate?
Yes. Export Flyover Video offers 1K, 2K and 4K resolutions and 30 or 60 fps. These are separate from the size of the live browser view.
Can I save a flight without exporting a video?
Yes. Save to Document Center stores the current flight configuration as a project deliverable. It requires an open project drawing and at least two waypoints.
Why does playback pause before the flight starts?
The app prepares the scene and required plant detail before playback. Follow the preparation progress. If preparation fails, use the displayed error and retry after resolving it.