> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.layz.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to create a video

> Compare the three layZ production paths: dashboard tools and editor, Workflows, and MCP chat. Includes step outlines and when to use each.

layZ supports three production paths. They share the same account, credits, media, and editor projects. Pick one path per video, or combine them (for example, download in chat, finish in the editor).

## Path comparison

| | Dashboard tools + editor | Workflows | MCP (Connect AI) |
| - | - | - | - |
| **Where you work** | Browser UI | Guided steps in `layz.ai/app/templates` | ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, etc. |
| **Best for** | Precise timeline control | Repeatable commentary pipelines | Hands-off or agent-driven production |
| **You decide** | Every cut, caption, and effect | Step completion and approvals | Prompts, approvals in guided mode |
| **Same credits?** | Yes | Yes | Yes |

## Path A: Tools then editor (manual)

Use this when you want full control.

**1. Gather footage**

[Download](https://docs.layz.ai/tools/video-downloader.md) public URLs or upload local files into a project / Media.

**2. Clean and enhance**

Run [text/watermark removal](https://docs.layz.ai/tools/text-watermark-remover.md) and/or the [enhancer](https://docs.layz.ai/tools/video-image-enhancer.md).

**3. Edit**

Create or open a project in the [AI Video Editor](https://docs.layz.ai/video-editor/editor-overview.md). Add captions, voiceover, graphics, and music.

**4. Export**

Use [Export](https://docs.layz.ai/video-editor/export.md). Review the temporary export, then download.

Full walkthrough: [Edit an existing project](https://docs.layz.ai/guides/edit-an-existing-project.md).

## Path B: Workflows (guided)

Use this for commentary-style Shorts with a fixed module order.

**1. Open Workflows**

Go to [Workflows](https://layz.ai/app/templates).

**2. Start Generic Commentary**

Open the official template and start a run. See [Generic Commentary](https://docs.layz.ai/workflows/generic-commentary.md).

**3. Complete each step**

Download → optional clip / text removal → script → voiceover → editor → export.

**4. Keep or reopen the run**

Opening a run refreshes [workflow file retention](https://docs.layz.ai/account/billing-and-credits.md#workflow-file-retention).

End-to-end guide: [Make a commentary video](https://docs.layz.ai/guides/make-a-commentary-video.md).

## Path C: MCP from chat

Use this when your AI should drive production.

**1. Connect a client**

Follow [MCP overview](https://docs.layz.ai/mcp/overview.md) and your client guide (Cursor, Claude, or ChatGPT).

**2. Start with a clear prompt**

Example: `Start Generic Commentary for https://… and work through every step until export.`

**3. Approve when asked**

In guided script mode, approve the exact narration before voiceover. See [Workflows and commentary (MCP)](https://docs.layz.ai/mcp/workflows-and-commentary.md).

**4. Open the project link**

Use the workflow or editor URL the agent returns to review and download.

More prompts: [Example prompts](https://docs.layz.ai/mcp/example-prompts.md).

## Which path should I choose?

> [accordion] I want to learn the product visually
>
> Start with Path A. You will see every control the MCP later automates.

> [accordion] I make the same style of commentary every day
>
> Use Path B (Generic Commentary) or a [custom template](https://docs.layz.ai/workflows/custom-templates.md).

> [accordion] I already live in Claude or Cursor
>
> Use Path C. Keep the dashboard open only for review, billing, and manual fixes.

> [accordion] Can I mix paths?
>
> Yes. Example: MCP downloads and removes text, then you open the same files in the web editor for final polish.


## Related topics

- [How to enhance a video](https://docs.layz.ai/guides/enhance-a-video.md)
- [How to download a video](https://docs.layz.ai/guides/download-a-video.md)
- [How to make a commentary video](https://docs.layz.ai/guides/make-a-commentary-video.md)
- [Make YouTube Shorts with AI on layZ](https://docs.layz.ai/guides/make-youtube-shorts-with-ai.md)
- [Troubleshooting](https://docs.layz.ai/guides/troubleshooting.md)


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