Update Storyboard Elements

Overview

The Update Storyboard Elements API allows you to modify existing render elements generated from the Create Storyboard Preview API. Use this endpoint to update background visuals, scene text, or background music URLs before rendering the final video using the Render from Preview API.

This endpoint only updates existing elements in the storyboard. You cannot add new elements — only modify elements that were generated during preview creation. Each element is identified by its unique id.

The storyboard preview job must be in a completed status before you can update its elements. Use the Get Job API to verify the job status.

When to Use This API

Scenario	Description
Replace background visuals	Change a scene’s background image or video URL
Update scene text	Modify the text content displayed on a scene
Change background music	Replace the background music track URL
Adjust element timing	Modify `startTime` or `duration` of elements

Workflow

API Endpoint

PUT https://api.pictory.ai/pictoryapis/v2/video/storyboard/{jobid}/elements

Path Parameters

jobid

string

required

The job ID returned from the Create Storyboard Preview API. The job must be in completed status.

Request Headers

Authorization

string

required

API key for authentication

Authorization: YOUR_API_KEY

Content-Type

string

required

Must be application/json

Request Body

The request body is a JSON array of element objects. Each object must include the required fields (id, elementType, type, startTime, duration) along with any properties you want to update. Only elements with matching id values in the existing storyboard will be updated.

string

required

The unique identifier of the element to update. Must match an existing element id from the storyboard preview renderParams.elements array.Examples: backgroundElement_20260306230202544742ecd40c041449..., bgMusic, voiceOver, SceneText_202603062302035443dd4953bf12...

elementType

string

required

The type category of the element. Must match the existing element’s elementType.Values:

backgroundElement — Scene background image or video
audioElement — Background music or voice-over audio
SceneText — Scene text overlay (displayed on scenes)
layerItem — Layer items such as title text, avatars, or overlays

type

string

required

The media type of the element. Must match or be compatible with the element.Values:

video — Video media
image — Image media
audio — Audio media
text — Text content

startTime

number

required

The start time of the element in seconds. Must be >= 0.

duration

number

required

The duration of the element in seconds. Must be > 0.

Element Attributes Reference

Any additional properties included in the element update object will be merged with the existing element. Below is a comprehensive reference of all attributes for each element type.

Element IDs are auto-generated unique strings (e.g., backgroundElement_20260306230202544742ecd40c041449dac21bb737c799201). Always retrieve the actual IDs from the preview job response rather than constructing them manually.

Element Types Summary

Element	`elementType`	`type`	`id` Pattern	Description
Scene Background	`backgroundElement`	`video`, `image`	`backgroundElement_{uniqueId}`	Background visual for each scene
Scene Text	`SceneText`	`text`	`SceneText_{uniqueId}`	Sentence-level text overlay on a scene
Title/Layer Text	`layerItem`	`text`	`{uniqueId}`	Title text, headings, or overlay text
Layer Visual	`layerItem`	`video`, `image`	`{uniqueId}`	Overlay images, videos, or avatars
Background Music	`audioElement`	`audio`	`bgMusic`	Background music track
Voice-Over	`audioElement`	`audio`	`voiceOver`	AI-generated narration audio

Background Element (`backgroundElement`)

The background element is the full-screen visual behind each scene. One background element exists per scene.

Media Properties

Property	Type	Description	Example
`url`	string	Full-resolution media URL used for final video rendering	`"https://cdn.com/video-hd.mp4"`
`visualUrl`	string	Media URL used for preview playback. Can be a lower-resolution video or even a thumbnail image for faster preview loading. When rendering the final video, `url` is used instead	`"https://cdn.com/video-preview.mp4"` or `"https://cdn.com/preview-thumb.jpg"`
`type`	string	Media type of `url`: `video` or `image`	`"video"`
`visualType`	string	Media type of `visualUrl`. Can differ from `type` — e.g., `visualType` may be `image` (thumbnail) while `type` is `video` (full render)	`"image"`
`backgroundColor`	string	Solid background color in RGBA format. Used as fallback or when no media URL is set	`"rgba(0, 0, 0, 1)"`

Display Properties

Property	Type	Default	Description
`width`	string	`"100%"`	Element width as a percentage of the video frame
`xPercent`	string	`"0%"`	Horizontal position offset as percentage
`yPercent`	string	`"0%"`	Vertical position offset as percentage
`objectMode`	string	`"cover"`	How the media fits the frame. `cover` fills and crops to fit, `fit` letterboxes to show entire media
`cursor`	string	`"default"`	Mouse cursor style in the editor

Video Playback Properties

Property	Type	Default	Description
`loop`	boolean	`true`	Whether to loop video playback when it reaches the end
`mute`	boolean	`true`	Whether to mute the video’s built-in audio track
`segments`	array	`[]`	Time segments for video clipping. Each segment: `{ "start": 0, "end": 10 }`

Visual Effects

Property	Type	Description	Example
`colorOverlay`	object	Semi-transparent color overlay on top of the background	See below
`colorOverlay.hide`	boolean	Whether the overlay is hidden	`false`
`colorOverlay.bgColor`	string	Overlay color in RGB format	`"rgb(22,91,110)"`
`colorOverlay.opacity`	number	Overlay opacity from 0 (transparent) to 1 (opaque)	`0.65`

Metadata

Property	Type	Description	Example
`library`	string	Source library where the media was selected from	`"getty"`

Full Background Element Example

{
  "id": "backgroundElement_20260306230202544742ecd40c041449dac21bb737c799201",
  "elementType": "backgroundElement",
  "type": "video",
  "url": "https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2262113992/video/professor-lectures.mp4",
  "backgroundColor": "rgba(0, 0, 0, 1)",
  "xPercent": "0%",
  "yPercent": "0%",
  "width": "100%",
  "objectMode": "cover",
  "loop": true,
  "mute": true,
  "segments": [],
  "startTime": 0,
  "duration": 7.6,
  "colorOverlay": {
    "hide": false,
    "bgColor": "rgb(22,91,110)",
    "opacity": 0.65
  },
  "cursor": "default",
  "visualUrl": "https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2262113992/video/professor-lectures.mp4",
  "visualType": "video",
  "library": "getty"
}

Scene Text (`SceneText`) and Layer Text (`layerItem` with `type: "text"`)

Text elements display text content on top of scenes. SceneText elements represent the per-sentence text overlay for a scene, while layerItem text elements represent titles, headings, or additional text overlays.

Content Properties

Property	Type	Description	Example
`text`	string	Text content to display. Supports `<strong>` tags to highlight keywords using `keywordColor`	`"AI will <strong>save time</strong>"`

Font & Styling Properties

Property	Type	Default	Description	Example
`fontFamily`	string	`"Arial"`	Font family name	`"Space Grotesk"`
`fontWeight`	number	`400`	Font weight (400 = normal, 700 = bold)	`400`
`fontSize`	string	`"16"`	Font size in pixels	`"32"`
`fontColor`	string	—	Text color in RGB or RGBA format	`"rgb(255,255,255)"`
`keywordColor`	string	—	Color applied to text wrapped in `<strong>` tags	`"rgba(248, 173, 151, 1)"`
`textAlign`	string	`"left"`	Text alignment: `left`, `center`, or `right`	`"center"`
`decoration`	array	`[]`	Text decorations. Values: `"decor-bold"`, `"decor-italics"`, `"decor-underline"`, `"decor-linethrough"`	`["decor-bold"]`
`case`	string	`"none"`	Text case transformation: `none`, `case-uppercase`, `case-lowercase`, `case-capitalize`, `case-smallcapitalize`	`"none"`
`lineHeight`	number	`1.3`	Line height multiplier for spacing between lines	`1.48`

Text Background Properties

Property	Type	Default	Description	Example
`textBackgroundColor`	string	`"rgba(0,0,0,0)"`	Background color behind the text or as a fill for the full-width box	`"rgba(22, 91, 110, 1)"`
`textBackgroundRadius`	array	`[0,0,0,0]`	Border radius for the text background box: `[topLeft, topRight, bottomRight, bottomLeft]`	`[8, 8, 8, 8]`
`boxBackground`	boolean	`false`	Whether text has a visible background box	`false`

Text Shadow Properties

Property	Type	Default	Description	Example
`dropShadowColor`	string	`"rgba(0,0,0,0)"`	Drop shadow color in RGBA format	`"rgba(0,0,0,1)"`
`dropShadowBlur`	number	`0`	Shadow blur radius	`3`

Layout & Position Properties

Property	Type	Default	Description	Example
`width`	string	`"90%"`	Text box width as percentage of the video frame	`"70.00%"`
`fullWidth`	boolean	`false`	Whether text spans the full viewport width with padding	`false`
`preset`	string	—	Position preset anchor. See Position Presets	`"bottom-left"`
`opacity`	number	`1`	Element transparency from 0 (invisible) to 1 (opaque)	`1`
`draggable`	boolean	`true`	Whether the element can be repositioned in the editor	`true`
`resizable`	boolean	`false`	Whether the element can be resized in the editor	`false`
`canChangeWidthOnly`	boolean	`true`	Restrict resizing to width only (height adjusts automatically)	`true`
`snapTo`	boolean	`true`	Snap to alignment guidelines when dragging	`true`
`midHandle`	boolean	`false`	Use center handle for resizing	`false`
`cropable`	boolean	`false`	Whether the element can be cropped	`false`

Bullet Properties

Property	Type	Default	Description	Example
`bullet`	boolean	`false`	Display a bullet point beside each text line	`false`
`bulletColor`	string	`"#e30022"`	Bullet point color	`"#e30022"`
`bulletWidth`	number	`15`	Bullet point width in pixels	`15`

Animation Properties

Property	Type	Description	Example
`animation`	array	Array of animation objects for entry and exit effects	See below
`animation[].name`	string	Animation name: `Blur`, `Drift`, `Fade`, `Wipe`, `Show`, `Elastic`, `Typewriter`, `TextReveal`, `Bulletin`, `None`	`"Blur"`
`animation[].type`	array	Animation phase: `["entry"]` or `["exit"]`	`["entry"]`
`animation[].writingStyle`	string	How text animates in: `character` (per letter), `word` (per word), `line` (per line), `paragraph` (all at once)	`"paragraph"`
`animation[].speed`	object	Animation speed configuration	`{ "value": 2 }`
`animation[].speed.value`	number	Speed value (higher = faster)	`2`
`animation[].direction`	string	Direction of animation: `up`, `down`, `left`, `right`	`"up"`

Computed Properties (read-only)

Property	Type	Description
`textLines`	array	Pre-calculated line break and character position data used by the rendering engine. Each entry contains character positions (`charX`), highlight flags (`h`), and line dimensions (`ht`). This is auto-generated — when updating text content, you must set `textLines` to an empty array `[]` so that line breaks and character positions are recalculated during preview and render

Full Scene Text Element Example

{
  "id": "SceneText_202603062302035443dd4953bf1294b4283d4b8ba0259fd1a",
  "elementType": "SceneText",
  "type": "text",
  "text": "By <strong>automating</strong> <strong>tasks</strong> like <strong>content generation</strong>, <strong>visual design</strong>, and <strong>video editing</strong>, AI will <strong>save time</strong> and <strong>enhance consistency</strong>.",
  "fontFamily": "Space Grotesk",
  "fontWeight": 400,
  "fontSize": "32",
  "fontColor": "rgb(255,255,255)",
  "keywordColor": "rgba(248, 173, 151, 1)",
  "textBackgroundColor": "rgba(22, 91, 110, 1)",
  "dropShadowColor": "rgba(0,0,0,0)",
  "dropShadowBlur": 3,
  "textAlign": "left",
  "decoration": [],
  "case": "none",
  "lineHeight": 1.465625,
  "textBackgroundRadius": [0, 0, 0, 0],
  "boxBackground": false,
  "width": "70.00%",
  "preset": "bottom-left",
  "opacity": 1,
  "draggable": true,
  "resizable": false,
  "snapTo": true,
  "midHandle": false,
  "canChangeWidthOnly": true,
  "cropable": false,
  "startTime": 7.6,
  "duration": 11.1,
  "animation": [
    {
      "writingStyle": "line",
      "name": "Drift",
      "type": ["entry"],
      "speed": { "value": 1 },
      "direction": "left"
    },
    {
      "name": "None",
      "type": ["exit"]
    }
  ]
}

Full Title/Layer Text Element Example

{
  "id": "2026030623020497002befca37e444fb880a281abadc0c756",
  "elementType": "layerItem",
  "type": "text",
  "text": "AI's Impact on Educators and Creators",
  "fontFamily": "Space Grotesk",
  "fontWeight": 400,
  "fontSize": "48",
  "fontColor": "rgb(255,255,255)",
  "keywordColor": "rgba(248, 173, 151, 1)",
  "textBackgroundColor": "rgba(0,0,0,0)",
  "dropShadowColor": "rgba(0,0,0,0)",
  "dropShadowBlur": 3,
  "textAlign": "center",
  "decoration": [],
  "case": "none",
  "lineHeight": 1.48125,
  "textBackgroundRadius": [0, 0, 0, 0],
  "boxBackground": false,
  "width": "90.00%",
  "fullWidth": false,
  "preset": "center-center",
  "opacity": 1,
  "draggable": true,
  "resizable": false,
  "snapTo": true,
  "midHandle": false,
  "canChangeWidthOnly": true,
  "cropable": false,
  "startTime": 0,
  "duration": 7.6,
  "animation": [
    {
      "writingStyle": "paragraph",
      "name": "Blur",
      "type": ["entry"],
      "speed": { "value": 2 },
      "direction": "up"
    },
    {
      "name": "None",
      "type": ["exit"]
    }
  ]
}

Audio Element (`audioElement`)

Audio elements represent background music (bgMusic) or voice-over narration (voiceOver).

Audio Properties

Property	Type	Description	Example
`url`	string	Audio file URL (MP3 or compatible format)	`"https://tracks.melod.ie/.../track.mp3"`
`fade`	boolean	Whether to apply fade in/out effect to the audio. Typically `true` for background music	`true`

Segments

Property	Type	Description	Example
`segments`	array	Array of audio segment objects. Each segment defines a playback range with its own volume level. Segments correspond to individual scenes in the video	See below
`segments[].startTime`	number	Start time of the segment in the video timeline (seconds)	`0`
`segments[].duration`	number	Duration of the segment (seconds)	`7.6`
`segments[].volume`	number	Volume level for this segment (0 to 1). Background music typically uses `0.1`, voice-over uses `1`	`0.1`
`segments[].audioTime`	number	Offset position in the audio file to start playback from (seconds)	`0`

Full Background Music Element Example

{
  "type": "audio",
  "id": "bgMusic",
  "elementType": "audioElement",
  "fade": true,
  "url": "https://tracks.melod.ie/track_versions/23517/MEL565_15_1_Utopia.mp3",
  "segments": [
    { "startTime": 0, "duration": 7.6, "volume": 0.1, "audioTime": 0 },
    { "startTime": 7.6, "duration": 11.1, "volume": 0.1, "audioTime": 7.6 },
    { "startTime": 18.7, "duration": 7.6, "volume": 0.1, "audioTime": 18.7 },
    { "startTime": 26.3, "duration": 11, "volume": 0.1, "audioTime": 26.3 },
    { "startTime": 37.3, "duration": 8.5, "volume": 0.1, "audioTime": 37.3 },
    { "startTime": 45.8, "duration": 9.1, "volume": 0.1, "audioTime": 45.8 },
    { "startTime": 54.9, "duration": 10.9, "volume": 0.1, "audioTime": 54.9 }
  ],
  "startTime": 0,
  "duration": 100000
}

Full Voice-Over Element Example

{
  "type": "audio",
  "id": "voiceOver",
  "elementType": "audioElement",
  "url": "https://audios-prod.pictorycontent.com/polly/production/projects/.../voiceover.mp3",
  "segments": [
    { "startTime": 0, "duration": 7.6, "volume": 1, "audioTime": 0 },
    { "startTime": 7.6, "duration": 11.1, "volume": 1, "audioTime": 7.6 },
    { "startTime": 18.7, "duration": 7.6, "volume": 1, "audioTime": 18.7 },
    { "startTime": 26.3, "duration": 11, "volume": 1, "audioTime": 26.3 },
    { "startTime": 37.3, "duration": 8.5, "volume": 1, "audioTime": 37.3 },
    { "startTime": 45.8, "duration": 9.1, "volume": 1, "audioTime": 45.8 },
    { "startTime": 54.9, "duration": 10.9, "volume": 1, "audioTime": 54.9 }
  ],
  "startTime": 0,
  "duration": 100000
}

Layer Visual Element (`layerItem` with `type: "video"` or `"image"`)

Layer visual elements are overlay images or videos displayed on top of the background, such as avatars, logos, or decorative graphics.

Property	Type	Default	Description	Example
`url`	string	—	Full-resolution media URL used for final video rendering	`"https://cdn.com/avatar-hd.mp4"`
`visualUrl`	string	—	Media URL used for preview playback. Can be a lower-resolution video or a thumbnail image for faster preview loading	`"https://cdn.com/avatar-preview.mp4"` or `"https://cdn.com/avatar-thumb.jpg"`
`type`	string	—	Media type of `url`: `video` or `image`	`"video"`
`visualType`	string	—	Media type of `visualUrl`. Can differ from `type` (e.g., `image` thumbnail for a `video` render)	`"image"`
`objectMode`	string	`"cover"`	How media fits: `cover` (fill and crop) or `fit` (letterbox)	`"cover"`
`width`	string	—	Element width as percentage	`"25%"`
`height`	string	—	Element height as percentage (optional)	`"30%"`
`preset`	string	—	Position preset anchor	`"bottom-right"`
`xPercent`	string	—	Horizontal position when no preset	`"70%"`
`yPercent`	string	—	Vertical position when no preset	`"60%"`
`opacity`	number	`1`	Transparency (0 to 1)	`1`
`loop`	boolean	`true`	Loop video playback	`true`
`mute`	boolean	`false`	Mute video audio	`true`
`aspectRatio`	number	—	Width/height ratio	`0.5625`
`flipHorizontal`	boolean	`false`	Mirror the element horizontally	`false`
`flipVertical`	boolean	`false`	Mirror the element vertically	`false`
`maskShape`	string	`"rectangle"`	Mask shape: `rectangle` or `circle`	`"circle"`
`library`	string	—	Source library (e.g., `avatar`, `giphy`)	`"avatar"`

Position Presets

The preset property defines a named anchor position for text and layer elements within the video frame:

Preset	Description
`top-left`	Anchored to top-left corner
`top-center`	Anchored to top-center
`top-right`	Anchored to top-right corner
`center-left`	Anchored to middle-left
`center-center`	Centered in the frame
`center-right`	Anchored to middle-right
`bottom-left`	Anchored to bottom-left corner
`bottom-center`	Anchored to bottom-center
`bottom-right`	Anchored to bottom-right corner
`full-width-top`	Full width, anchored to top
`full-width-center`	Full width, centered vertically
`full-width-bottom`	Full width, anchored to bottom

Text Animations

Text elements support entry and exit animations. The animation array contains animation configuration objects:

Animation Name	Description
`Blur`	Text fades in with a blur effect
`Drift`	Text slides in from a specified direction
`Fade`	Simple fade in/out
`Wipe`	Text wipes in from a direction
`Show`	Instant appearance
`Elastic`	Bouncy elastic entrance
`Typewriter`	Characters appear one by one
`TextReveal`	Text reveals progressively
`Bulletin`	News bulletin style animation
`None`	No animation

Writing Styles control the granularity of the animation:

Writing Style	Description
`character`	Animate one character at a time
`word`	Animate one word at a time
`line`	Animate one line at a time
`paragraph`	Animate the entire text block at once

Response

// No content returned. The elements have been updated successfully.

A 204 No Content response indicates the elements were updated successfully. The updated elements will be reflected when you:

Retrieve the job details using the Get Job API
Render the video using Render from Preview

Code Examples

Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual API key and YOUR_JOB_ID with the storyboard preview job ID.

Update Background Visual

curl --request PUT \
  --url https://api.pictory.ai/pictoryapis/v2/video/storyboard/YOUR_JOB_ID/elements \
  --header 'Authorization: YOUR_API_KEY' \
  --header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  --data '[
    {
      "id": "backgroundElement_20260306230202544742ecd40c041449dac21bb737c799201",
      "elementType": "backgroundElement",
      "type": "video",
      "startTime": 0,
      "duration": 7.6,
      "url": "https://your-cdn.com/new-background.mp4",
      "visualUrl": "https://your-cdn.com/new-background.mp4",
      "visualType": "video"
    }
  ]'

Update Scene Text

// Find the scene text element to update
const sceneTextElement = renderParams.elements.find(
  el => el.elementType === 'SceneText' && el.startTime === 7.6
);

const response = await fetch(
  `https://api.pictory.ai/pictoryapis/v2/video/storyboard/${jobId}/elements`,
  {
    method: 'PUT',
    headers: {
      'Authorization': 'YOUR_API_KEY',
      'Content-Type': 'application/json'
    },
    body: JSON.stringify([
      {
        id: sceneTextElement.id,
        elementType: 'SceneText',
        type: 'text',
        startTime: sceneTextElement.startTime,
        duration: sceneTextElement.duration,
        text: 'By <strong>automating</strong> repetitive <strong>tasks</strong>, AI frees up time for <strong>creative work</strong> and <strong>strategic thinking</strong>.',
        textLines: [] // Clear textLines so line breaks are recalculated
      }
    ])
  }
);

if (response.status === 204) {
  console.log('Scene text updated successfully');
}

Update Background Music

const response = await fetch(
  `https://api.pictory.ai/pictoryapis/v2/video/storyboard/${jobId}/elements`,
  {
    method: 'PUT',
    headers: {
      'Authorization': 'YOUR_API_KEY',
      'Content-Type': 'application/json'
    },
    body: JSON.stringify([
      {
        id: 'bgMusic',
        elementType: 'audioElement',
        type: 'audio',
        startTime: 0,
        duration: 100000,
        url: 'https://your-cdn.com/new-background-music.mp3'
      }
    ])
  }
);

if (response.status === 204) {
  console.log('Background music updated successfully');
}

Update Multiple Elements

// Update background visuals, scene text, and music in a single request
const elements = renderParams.elements;

// Find elements by type
const bg1 = elements.find(el => el.elementType === 'backgroundElement' && el.startTime === 0);
const bg2 = elements.find(el => el.elementType === 'backgroundElement' && el.startTime === 7.6);
const sceneText = elements.find(el => el.elementType === 'SceneText' && el.startTime === 7.6);

const response = await fetch(
  `https://api.pictory.ai/pictoryapis/v2/video/storyboard/${jobId}/elements`,
  {
    method: 'PUT',
    headers: {
      'Authorization': 'YOUR_API_KEY',
      'Content-Type': 'application/json'
    },
    body: JSON.stringify([
      // Replace scene 1 background with a custom image
      {
        id: bg1.id,
        elementType: 'backgroundElement',
        type: 'image',
        startTime: 0,
        duration: 7.6,
        url: 'https://your-cdn.com/intro-background.jpg',
        visualUrl: 'https://your-cdn.com/intro-background.jpg',
        visualType: 'image'
      },
      // Replace scene 2 background with a custom video
      {
        id: bg2.id,
        elementType: 'backgroundElement',
        type: 'video',
        startTime: 7.6,
        duration: 11.1,
        url: 'https://your-cdn.com/demo-footage.mp4',
        visualUrl: 'https://your-cdn.com/demo-footage.mp4',
        visualType: 'video'
      },
      // Update scene text — set textLines to null so line breaks are recalculated
      {
        id: sceneText.id,
        elementType: 'SceneText',
        type: 'text',
        startTime: 7.6,
        duration: 11.1,
        text: 'Updated scene text with <strong>highlighted keywords</strong> for emphasis.',
        textLines: []
      },
      // Replace background music
      {
        id: 'bgMusic',
        elementType: 'audioElement',
        type: 'audio',
        startTime: 0,
        duration: 100000,
        url: 'https://your-cdn.com/corporate-music.mp3'
      }
    ])
  }
);

if (response.status === 204) {
  console.log('All elements updated successfully');
}

Important Notes

Only existing elements can be updated

You cannot add new elements to the storyboard. Only elements that already exist in the renderParams.elements array (returned from the storyboard preview job) can be updated. Elements are matched by their unique id.

Element IDs come from the preview response

After creating a storyboard preview and polling the job to completion, the response includes renderParams.elements — an array of all elements with their id values. Element IDs are auto-generated unique strings. Always retrieve the actual IDs from the response rather than constructing them manually.

Updates are merged, not replaced

When you update an element, the properties you provide are merged with the existing element properties. Properties you do not include in the update remain unchanged. For example, updating only the url of a background element will keep its existing loop, mute, objectMode, and other properties.

Remove textLines when updating text content

When updating the text property of a SceneText or layerItem text element, you must set textLines to an empty array []. The textLines array contains pre-calculated line break positions and character coordinates that are specific to the original text. If you change the text but keep the old textLines, the rendering engine will use stale layout data, causing incorrect line breaks and character positioning. Setting textLines to [] ensures the system recalculates the layout during preview and video rendering.

Scene text supports HTML highlighting

Scene text (SceneText) elements support <strong> tags for keyword highlighting. For example: "This is <strong>important</strong> text" will render “important” with the element’s keywordColor.

Updates persist for rendering

Once elements are updated, the changes are saved to the storyboard job. When you subsequently render the video using Render from Preview, the updated elements will be used in the final render.

Create Storyboard Preview

Generate a storyboard preview with elements to update

Render from Preview

Render the final video from the updated storyboard

Render Storyboard Video

Render video directly from storyboard input

Get Job Status

Check job status and retrieve render params

Getting started

Videos

Video Storyboard

Pictory Jobs

Smart Layouts

Avatars

VoiceOvers

Music Search

Media Management

Branding - Video

Pictory Projects

Video Templates

Video Summary and Transcription

Vimeo Integration

AWS Integration

​Overview

​When to Use This API

​Workflow

​API Endpoint

​Path Parameters

​Request Headers

​Request Body

​Element Attributes Reference

​Element Types Summary

​Background Element (backgroundElement)

​Media Properties

​Display Properties

​Video Playback Properties

​Visual Effects

​Metadata

​Scene Text (SceneText) and Layer Text (layerItem with type: "text")

​Content Properties

​Font & Styling Properties

​Text Background Properties

​Text Shadow Properties

​Layout & Position Properties

​Bullet Properties

​Animation Properties

​Computed Properties (read-only)

​Audio Element (audioElement)

​Audio Properties

​Segments

​Layer Visual Element (layerItem with type: "video" or "image")

​Position Presets

​Text Animations

​Response

​Code Examples

​Update Background Visual

​Update Scene Text

​Update Background Music

​Update Multiple Elements

​Important Notes

​Related APIs

Create Storyboard Preview

Render from Preview

Render Storyboard Video

Get Job Status

Overview

When to Use This API

Workflow

API Endpoint

Path Parameters

Request Headers

Request Body

Element Attributes Reference

Element Types Summary

Background Element (`backgroundElement`)

Media Properties

Display Properties

Video Playback Properties

Visual Effects

Metadata

Scene Text (`SceneText`) and Layer Text (`layerItem` with `type: "text"`)

Content Properties

Font & Styling Properties

Text Background Properties

Text Shadow Properties

Layout & Position Properties

Bullet Properties

Animation Properties

Computed Properties (read-only)

Audio Element (`audioElement`)

Audio Properties

Segments

Layer Visual Element (`layerItem` with `type: "video"` or `"image"`)

Position Presets

Text Animations

Response

Code Examples

Update Background Visual

Update Scene Text

Update Background Music

Update Multiple Elements

Important Notes

Related APIs