> 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/timeline-recording-and-export-guide/recording-a-take.md).
# Recording a Take
Start and stop Timeline recordings, understand how Recording Blocks determine their start and end, and create multiple recording sections within the same Timeline.
Once the Timeline, recording timebase, and recording objects are prepared, the actual Take can be recorded.
Recording can run either in **Free Run** using Grid Studio's internal timing or against an external recording Timecode source.
***
## Start Recording
Press **Record** in the Timeline View or use the corresponding Timeline Action.
If the Timeline is running in Free Run, recording starts from the current Playhead position and continues using Grid Studio's internal timing.
If external recording Timecode is configured, the recording timestamps are based on that Timecode source.
The recording itself is still started manually unless a Workflow is used to automate it.
***
## Recording Block Start
A new Recording Block starts exactly at the moment **Start Recording** is triggered.
This defines the start position of the Block.
The Block is created in the Parameter Layer selected as the current recording target using the red **R**.
***
## What Gets Recorded
At the beginning of the Take, Grid Studio captures the initial state required for the recording.
After that, recording data is only written when Parameters actually change.
This means unchanged Parameters do not generate unnecessary recording Keys continuously.
The **Project FPS** defines the maximum temporal resolution available for those recorded changes.
If the incoming source updates more slowly than the Project FPS, recording data is only written when a new value becomes available.
***
## Recording Block End
The end of a Recording Block is defined by the **last recorded Parameter change**.
It is not automatically extended to the moment **Stop Recording** is pressed.
For example, if an object stops moving several seconds before the recording is stopped, the visible Recording Block can also end several seconds earlier.
This is expected behavior and does not necessarily indicate an incomplete recording.
***
## Stop Recording
Press **Stop Recording** to end and finalize the current Take.
No additional Save or Finalize step is required.
Once Stop Recording has been triggered, the resulting Recording Block is immediately available in the Parameter Layer.
Stopping the recording does not have to stop Timeline playback.
The Timeline can continue running after the current Take has ended.
***
## Recording Multiple Sections
Recording can be started and stopped multiple times while the Timeline continues to run.
For example:
1. Start Recording.
2. Record the first section.
3. Stop Recording.
4. Let the Timeline continue running.
5. Start Recording again later.
Each new recording creates a separate Recording Block starting at the current Playhead position.
A single Parameter Layer can therefore contain multiple separate Recording Blocks as long as they do not overlap.
***
## Overlapping Existing Recordings
If a new recording overlaps an existing Recording Block, Grid Studio asks how the new Take should be handled when recording is stopped.
The available choices are covered in detail in **Managing Takes**.
{% hint style="info" %}
If an existing Take should be preserved, use **Create New Layer** instead of replacing the current Block.
{% endhint %}
