Import

ASCII Motion can import content from several sources to bring external assets into your project.

Import Menu

Click the Import button in the top toolbar to access import options:

Import Types

Image/Video Import

The most feature-rich import option. Opens a side panel with controls for:

• Position & Size - Control dimensions and canvas placement
• Pre-processing - Adjust brightness, contrast, and other image properties before conversion
• Character Mapping - Choose how brightness maps to characters
• Text Color Mapping - Map image colors to a color palette
• Background Color Mapping - Add colored backgrounds to cells
• Transparency - Remove specific colors (color keying)

Supports: JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, WebP, SVG, MP4, WebM, OGG, AVI, MOV

→ Image/Video Import Guide

JSON Import

Import canvas data from previously exported JSON files. This preserves:

• All cell data (characters, colors, positions)
• Animation frames (if exported as animation)

JSON import is useful for:

• Loading exported artwork back into ASCII Motion
• Sharing projects with others
• Backing up and restoring work

→ JSON Import

Session Import (.asciimtn)

Open complete project files that preserve your full workspace state:

• All frames and animation data
• Canvas dimensions
• Custom palettes (character and color)
• Project settings

Session files are the recommended format for saving and resuming work.

→ Session Import

Quick Comparison

Import Modes

When importing content that adds frames, you can choose how it integrates with existing content:

Overwrite Mode

Replaces frames starting from the current frame position. Existing frames after the insertion point are replaced.

Append Mode

Adds new frames after the last existing frame. Your current content is preserved.