Mappi logo
Rendering & troubleshooting

Why does my map video look blurry or choppy?

Article · 1 min readUpdated

For the sharpest result export at 1080p or 4K (Pro) with Faster export off, and choose 60 fps for the smoothest motion. A preview that stutters doesn’t affect the export, and videos often look softer after upload because platforms re-compress them.

Step by step

  1. Export at a higher quality

    Choose 1080p (HD) or, with Pro, 4K. 720p is meant for quick previews.

    Export options in Mappi with Quality, Frame rate, Faster export and Hide watermark
  2. Turn off Faster export for the final cut

    Faster export draws the map at a lower internal resolution, which softens thin lines and small labels a little. Phones, tablets and touchscreen computers don’t show the switch because they always draw the map this way, so for the sharpest lines export the final cut from a computer without a touchscreen.

  3. Use 60 fps for smooth motion

    Fast camera moves look smoother at 60 fps. If a leg still feels rushed, give it a longer travel duration.

The preview stutters but the export is fine

The preview plays live on your device, so on slower computers it can drop frames. Exports render every frame one by one, so they come out smooth even when the preview isn’t.

It looked sharp until I uploaded it

  • Social platforms re-compress every upload. Starting from 4K keeps more detail after compression.
  • Upload the original MP4, not a screen recording or a re-export from a messaging app.
  • Make small labels bigger so they survive compression. See change label fonts and colors.

Was this guide helpful?

Try it in the editor

Mappi is a map animation maker that runs in your browser. No download, and no account needed to start.

Open Mappi
  • Video guide: How to export a map animation in 4K0:33

    Export & formats

    How to export a map animation in 4K

    Export your map animation in 4K (3840 × 2160 for landscape) with Mappi Pro: set Quality to 4K in the Export options and download an ultra-sharp MP4.

    Pro

  • Video guide: How to make exports faster0:32

    Rendering & troubleshooting

    How to make exports faster

    Cut map video export time on slower computers: turn on Faster export, render at 30 fps, use 720p for drafts, and keep the editor tab in front.

  • Video guide: How to change label fonts, size and colors0:42

    Pins, labels & icons

    How to change label fonts, size and colors

    Style every destination label on your map animation: choose from 25 fonts, set the font size, text and halo colors, bold, italic and font effects.

Ready to get started?

Start creating
map animations today

Bring your routes, places, and stories to life with frame-perfect map animations. No editing skills required.