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Export formats

Updated on August 5, 2026

Imagine offers five export formats. Each one fits a different need — from printing to re-editing. Choose the one that matches what you plan to do with the file.

PNG — image with transparent background

PNG captures the canvas as a raster image. It is the only format that supports Transparent background: when that option is on, areas with no content become transparent in the downloaded file.

When to use it:

  • You want to paste the image into another document or presentation and have the background adapt to the page color.
  • You need the best possible quality without compression.

JPG — image with a solid background

JPG also captures the canvas as an image, but always with a solid background. You can choose the color with the Background color picker. The file is lighter than PNG at the cost of slight compression.

When to use it:

  • The destination is a website, an email, or any place where file size matters more than perfect quality.
  • You do not need transparency.

PDF — printable document

PDF produces a document sized to the exact dimensions of the exported area. Internally, the process converts the canvas to an image and embeds it in the PDF, making it ideal for printing or attaching to a submission.

When to use it:

  • You are submitting work that will be read or printed.
  • The recipient does not have Imagine and does not need to edit the content.

MP4 — animated video

MP4 renders the full step sequence of your presentation as a video. It has additional options:

  • FPS — frames per second: 24, 30, or 60.
  • Quality — Low, Medium, or High; affects file size and sharpness.
  • Include audio — if the presentation already has audio, you can include it in the video.

The job is queued on the server and may take several minutes depending on the length and resolution chosen. When it finishes, a preview player appears in the dialog alongside the Download button.

When to use it:

  • You are uploading the explanation to YouTube, a learning platform, or any video hosting site.
  • You want the recipient to watch the presentation without opening Imagine.

The Include audio toggle is only enabled when the presentation already has audio — for example because you imported an .imgin file that included it.

.imgin — project file

The .imgin format is Imagine's native format. It saves the full presentation: canvas elements, step sequence, layers, groups, and — if present — audio. You can import it back into Imagine to keep editing from where you left off.

When to use it:

  • You want an editable backup of your work.
  • You are sharing the presentation with someone who also uses Imagine and wants to modify it.
  • You are moving the presentation from one device to another.

This format requires no resolution or color settings; it downloads immediately when selected.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between PNG and JPG? PNG can have a transparent background and does not lose quality, but it is heavier. JPG always has a solid background and compresses the image, so it takes up less space.

Is the PDF vector or an embedded image? The PDF embeds an image of the canvas. It is not a vector PDF, so zooming in a lot may reveal the resolution you chose.

Can I reopen a PNG or JPG in Imagine? No. Image formats are for viewing or printing only. Only .imgin is a project file that Imagine can reopen and edit.

Why does MP4 take longer than the other formats? Because the server has to render every frame of the animation. The time depends on the number of steps, the resolution, and the quality setting.

Next step

  • Exporting your work — how to open the export dialog and configure each option.
  • Presentation mode — present live instead of exporting a video.
  • Sharing — share the presentation with a link without exporting it.