Quickstart

Download CoAnimator for Windows, macOS or Linux. macOS requires version 13 or later. No CoAnimator account is needed for the desktop editor. AI providers and plugins have their own accounts or keys; a paid licence is optional.

Prepare your machine

The welcome guide and checklist help you connect an agent, prepare media tools and open a project. You can skip the guide and return from Settings. Prepare FFmpeg and FFprobe for export using media setup. Some installed-agent adapters also need Node/npm; ChatGPT and Grok in Chat and the packaged coa CLI do not.

Rendering happens locally. Agent requests, plugin services, downloads, publishing and licence validation use the network. Files or frames you send to an AI provider can leave your machine. See Licensing & platforms.

Your first render

Open a project

Choose Start blank in the welcome flow for an empty project, or use New to choose a template. Templates download on demand and can include format-specific agent guidance. You can also import an existing project.

Build and review

Open Agents to connect Claude, ChatGPT, Grok or an installed agent, then describe your video. Review the stage as edits load. You can also import footage and edit by hand. The project's Quick tour introduces chat, stage and timeline without sending a prompt for you.

Export

Choose Export and check resolution, frame rate, quality and duration range. Free exports have a 720p short side and a watermark. A valid paid licence unlocks higher resolutions and removes the watermark.

After installing coa, render from a terminal:

coa render my-demo

Local exports are not metered by CoAnimator credits. Model and plugin usage may be billed separately by the provider.

Continue with Editing, Exports, Skills or Projects.

Templates and inspiration

Use Follow us in the app toolbar, welcome guide or Settings to find CoAnimator templates, animation ideas and updates. Choose a link to open it in your browser.