Why your exported video looks different from the preview

• Compare the local MP4 first, before judging a version uploaded elsewhere.
• Match source time and display size to separate background blur, cropping and color differences.
• Change one relevant setting and export again. Higher resolution cannot restore detail missing from the source image.

1. Separate the saved file from the uploaded version

Open the MP4 from the browser's downloads list. Compare this local file with the editor preview before judging a version uploaded to another platform.

If only the uploaded version looks different, the platform's processing or playback quality is also relevant. Check whether the original saved MP4 has the same problem before changing Sonoray settings.

2. Compare corresponding times at the same size

Choose a recognizable moment and pause both versions there. If the export starts partway through the source, MP4 time zero corresponds to the selected source start. For example, 5 seconds into an export starting at source time 10 corresponds to approximately 15 seconds in the source.

Make the viewing areas similar in size. One full-screen player and one small editor preview do not provide a fair comparison of fine text or background sharpness.

Inspect background text, edges and composition first, then visualizer position and cropping. The visualizer changes with the sound, so even a small timing difference can change its shape. Compare corresponding moments.

3. Check the setting relevant to the symptom

Only the background is blurry: open the original image at a similar size. Increasing output resolution cannot recreate missing detail in the source. Prepare a suitable image and select it under Setup → Background image using Replace image when one is already loaded.

The entire picture looks coarse: open Export and check Resolution and the dimensions below Export MP4. Also check whether the player is enlarging the video far beyond its output size.

Text or a subject is cropped: check Setup → Format and the background composition. If only the visualizer is cropped, use Adjust → Size & position. More pixels do not fix cropping.

Color or brightness differs: open the same MP4 in another player on the same device. Establish whether the difference persists before changing background or visualizer colors.

4. Change one setting and export again

Keep the same start and end points. Change just one relevant item—background, placement or resolution—and export a short MP4. Compare it with the previous file at the same moment and display size.

Once the change produces the intended result, export the required length.

If the appearance still differs at the same timestamp, contact Sonoray with your browser, output dimensions and the timestamp where it differs.