> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://stage-precision.gitbook.io/grid/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://stage-precision.gitbook.io/grid/timeline/layer-types/media-layer.md).

# Media Layer

Play video files from a Timeline and use the Media Layer's internal Image Provider for Workflows, Pixel Mapping, image-based Effectors, and Blob Tracking.

<figure><img src="https://1761958297-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FDcGqBEYUYkl2mQzGbOue%2Fuploads%2F70gw6gCca2ZR1J2NvuwL%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=b919448b-1fa4-480e-b3f4-c7b9b6ca1aa8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The **Media Layer** is used to place and play video files directly on a Timeline.

Media files can either be dragged directly into the Timeline or assigned manually to a Media Item.

In addition to Timeline playback, the Media Layer generates an internal **Image Provider** from the currently played media. This makes the video content available to other image-based systems inside Grid Studio.

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## Adding Media

There are two ways to add media to a Timeline.

### Drag a Media File into the Timeline

Drag a video file directly into the Timeline.

Grid Studio automatically creates the required **Media Layer** and adds the file as a Media Item.

### Create a Media Layer Manually

A Media Layer can also be created manually using the normal **Add Layer** menu.

After creating the Layer:

1. Create a Media Item inside the Layer.
2. Select the Item.
3. Choose the desired media file in the Inspector.

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## Media Items

Each Media Item represents a section of a video file on the Timeline.

The start and end handles can be used to change the active section of the media.

Adjusting these handles also clips the corresponding section of the source file, allowing only the required part of a video to be used.

For general information about positioning, resizing, renaming, coloring, and deleting Timeline Items, see **Working with Layer Items**.

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## Image Provider

The Media Layer generates an internal **Image Provider** from the media currently being played.

This allows the Timeline video to be used as an image source elsewhere in Grid Studio.

The Image Provider can be used for applications such as:

* internal **Workflows**
* **Pixel Mapping**
* image-based **Effectors**
* **Blob Tracking** workflows

This makes the Media Layer useful not only for video playback, but also as a time-controlled image source for other Grid Studio systems.