The rich text editor enables you to adjust pronunciation, add pauses and variables to your script, and modify your avatar's gestures (such as frowns and verbal nods), making the writing and editing process seamless.

To add a pause to your script, simply right-click anywhere in the text and select the Pause option. Alternatively, you can select the pause button, as shown below.

Drag and drop to change its position, and click on it to adjust the pause duration (default is one second).

There is no limit to the number of pauses you can add to your script. However, we do recommend that you utilise the "play" button to test your pauses.

Firstly, what are variables? Simply put, variables allow you to create customisable videos at scale. This can be achieved through the API, but can also be done through Synthesia. Below, we will explain how.

You can add variables for images, text, videos, and any other elements that you would like to customise within your video. In the example below, we aim to personalise our video at scale by using the viewer's name.

To begin, write out the script for your video.

To personalise an element, highlight or select it and right-click to open the options menu. Then, select Variables.

After selecting variables, you will be prompted to give it a name. Choose something relevant to your personalisation. In this instance, we have named it First_Name.

The next step is to create your variable as a template. To do so, select Generate from the top right-hand side menu. Don't forget to also add your title and video description.

After selecting Generate, a pop-up screen will appear, allowing you to create your personalisation as a variable. Select Convert video to template.

Selecting Convert video to template will reopen your right-hand side menu, allowing you to create this template, make any amendments to your title or description, and enable or disable captions. In this example, we have enabled captions. Please be informed that any videos with public variables require being converted into a template.

Once you're happy select Publish template.

Your personalised template is now available in the My templates folder.

Now, let's move on to the fun part! Open your template; you can either create a personalised video or edit the template. For this occasion, we will choose to create the video.

After selecting Create video, all you need to do is personalise the video by adding your desired name. In this example, we have used the name Elena.

Once you have added the name, simply select Generate video. The elements within our template, including images, avatars, voices, and training materials, remain the same. However, the output is now personalised for Elena instead of Chris. Pretty cool, right?!

Create as many variables as you wish by repeating this process!

Sometimes, you may notice minor issues with the pronunciation of certain words.

To modify the pronunciation, highlight the word in question and either right-click to select Diction, or select the Diction option from the script box icons, as shown below.

Type your pronunciation preference as shown in the example below and press enter.

You can use learn more about pronunciation, phonetic spelling and abbreviation in our Diction Guide here.

Before generating your video, preview your script and by clicking on Play Script. This way you can identify any pronunciation issues prior to generating your video.
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To save time, if you have a long script, you can preview only part of your text. To do this, select the part you want to preview, and click Play.

When you have a long script, it's important to break it down into smaller paragraphs. This helps our system adjust the pacing of the video and fix minor pronunciation issues.

To find more information about our avatars and gestures follow this handy article.