# Preview and playback

> Play, step frames, zoom the monitor, go fullscreen, save frames, and use proxy playback.

Formats Studio docs · Core editing · https://formats.app/docs/preview · Updated 2026-09-27

## Play and navigate

- Play and pause with the preview controls or `Space`.
- Step one frame at a time with `←` and `→` for frame-accurate checks.
- Jump to the start of the timeline with `Home` and the end with `End`.
- Read the timecode display to confirm the exact playhead position.

## Frame the view

- Adjust preview zoom to inspect detail; this does not change the export canvas.
- Use **Fullscreen** when reviewing motion or framing, and Exit Fullscreen to return.
- Use **Save frame** to write the current frame to an image file.
- Transform, mask, and edit overlays appear on the monitor when a matching item is selected.

## Playback performance and audio

- When proxies exist, Formats Studio uses them for smoother playback of heavy media; exports still use the originals.
- The monitor volume control affects local playback only.

> **Note:** Exports use the project mix, so monitor volume never changes the rendered audio.

## Related

- [Timeline basics](https://formats.app/docs/timeline): Tracks, adding clips, selection, split and join, deleting, snapping, ranges, sequences, and zoom.
- [Effects and looks](https://formats.app/docs/effects-color): Apply quick Looks, stack GPU effects, import LUTs, and isolate corrections.