# Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions.

## Short Summary

This page lists common issues and how to resolve them.

## Loading and Performance

**Q:** Application starts but shows a black screen.  
**A:** Check that your graphics drivers are up to date. The application requires WebGL support.

**Q:** Application is slow or laggy when applying effects.  
**A:** Try these steps:

- Reduce workspace resolution (Width/Height) in Settings.
- Use simpler algorithms (CRT and Bayer are faster than Floyd-Steinberg and Pixel Sort).
- For video, pause playback while adjusting settings.
- Close other applications to free up system resources.

**Q:** Video playback stutters.  
**A:** This is normal for complex effects. Playback performance depends on effect complexity and video resolution. The final export will render all frames correctly.

**Q:** Large images or videos fail to load.  
**A:** Extremely large files may exceed available memory. Try reducing file size or resolution before loading.

## Export Issues

**Q:** Export button is grayed out.  
**A:** Ensure content is loaded (image, video, or 3D model) before attempting export.

**Q:** Video export fails or stops partway.  
**A:** Check available disk space. Video exports can be large. Also ensure output path is writable.

**Q:** Exported video has no audio.  
**A:** Currently, audio is not included in video exports. The application processes visual effects only.

**Q:** PNG export has black background instead of transparency.  
**A:** Check that "Transparent Background" option is enabled for ASCII algorithms that support it. Not all algorithms support transparency.

## 3D Mode Issues

**Q:** 3D model appears black or invisible.  
**A:** The model may have missing textures or materials. Try adjusting lighting or switching algorithms.

**Q:** Camera controls don't work.  
**A:** Ensure you are in 3D mode (not 2D image or video mode). If a 2D image or video is loaded, 3D camera controls are disabled.

**Q:** 3D model is too small or too large.  
**A:** Use Ctrl + Mouse Scroll to zoom in or out. You can also reset the camera using the reset button in 3D Controls.

## ASCII and Font Issues

**Q:** ASCII algorithm shows default font instead of selected font.  
**A:** Google Fonts require an internet connection to load. If offline, use system fonts or bundled fonts.

**Q:** Custom characters don't appear in ASCII output.  
**A:** Ensure the selected font includes the characters you specified. Some fonts may not support all Unicode characters.

## Compare Mode Issues

**Q:** Compare mode shows same image on both sides.  
**A:** This can happen if the algorithm produces output identical to input. Try adjusting algorithm parameters or switching algorithms.

**Q:** Split view line doesn't move.  
**A:** Ensure you are in Split view mode and try clicking and dragging on the viewport.

## Palette and Color Issues

**Q:** Custom palette doesn't save.  
**A:** Custom palettes are stored locally. Ensure the application has write permissions.

**Q:** Colors look different after applying a palette.  
**A:** This is expected. Palettes quantize colors to match the palette. Use gradient map for smoother color transitions.

## General Tips

- Restart the application if issues persist.
- Check for application updates.
- Reset settings to defaults using reset buttons if unexpected behavior occurs.

## If You Need Help

If the issue persists after trying these solutions, check the application documentation or contact support with:

- Description of the issue.
- Steps to reproduce.
- Operating system and version.
- Screenshot or screen recording if applicable.

* * *

See [faq](/content/docs/faq/index.html) for export-specific issues.