Understanding KineMaster's Layer System
The layer system is the heart of KineMaster's editing power. Unlike simpler mobile editors, KineMaster lets you stack multiple elements — videos, images, stickers, text, and audio — on top of each other in a timeline. Understanding how layers work unlocks nearly every advanced feature in the app.
What Is a Layer in KineMaster?
A layer is any element you place on top of your primary video track. Think of it like transparent sheets stacked over your main footage — each sheet can contain different content that composites together into a single final video.
KineMaster supports the following layer types:
- Video Layer — Additional video clips overlaid on the main track.
- Image Layer — Photos, logos, PNGs with transparency, graphics.
- Text Layer — Animated or static captions, titles, subtitles.
- Sticker/Effect Layer — Built-in animated overlays and decorative elements.
- Audio Layer — Music, sound effects, voiceovers.
- Hand-writing Layer — Animated drawing/writing effects.
How to Add a Layer
- Open a project and position your playhead on the timeline.
- Tap the Layer button (➕ icon) on the right panel.
- Choose the layer type you want to add.
- Select your content (from local files, Asset Store, or create new text).
- The layer appears as a coloured bar beneath the main video track.
Layer Types in Detail
Video Layers (Picture-in-Picture)
Adding a video layer places a second clip over your main footage — commonly called picture-in-picture (PiP). You can resize, reposition, and rotate the overlay using pinch and drag gestures. This is perfect for:
- Reaction video overlays
- Tutorial screen recordings with a camera feed
- Split-screen style edits
Image Layers
Image layers support PNG transparency, making them ideal for adding logos, watermarks, and graphic overlays. Key controls include:
- Opacity slider for blending
- Blending modes (Multiply, Screen, Overlay, etc.)
- Crop and mask options
- Animation entry/exit effects
Text Layers
Text layers are among the most-used features in KineMaster. You can:
- Choose from dozens of fonts (including downloaded Asset Store fonts)
- Apply coloured backgrounds or outlines
- Add animated In and Out effects (fade, slide, bounce, etc.)
- Adjust size, spacing, and alignment
Sticker & Effect Layers
These come from the KineMaster Asset Store and range from animated emoji to cinematic overlays. Once downloaded, they behave like image layers but with pre-built animation built in.
Controlling Layer Order
Layers stack visually based on the order they appear in the timeline panel. Elements added later appear on top. You can reorder layers by pressing and holding a layer bar, then dragging it up or down.
Layer Settings Panel
Tapping any layer bar reveals its settings on the right side of the screen:
| Setting | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Opacity | Controls how transparent the layer is (0–100%) |
| Blend Mode | Changes how the layer mixes with layers below it |
| Animation | Sets entry, exit, and overall animations |
| Chroma Key | Removes a specific colour (e.g. green screen) |
| Shadow/Outline | Adds drop shadows or borders (text layers) |
Tips for Working with Layers
- Use PNG images with transparent backgrounds for clean logo overlays.
- Keep the layer panel tidy — too many simultaneous layers can slow playback on older devices.
- Preview frequently using the play button to check how all layers look composited together.
- Use Chroma Key on video layers to remove green-screen backgrounds for creative compositing.
Mastering layers is what separates basic KineMaster edits from truly polished, professional-looking videos. Experiment with combining layer types to build up complex scenes from simple elements.