CoDirector overview

CoDirector is PublishFi's built-in AI editing partner. It sits in the right sidebar of the video editor and turns your plain-language instructions into real edits — cutting, trimming, adding elements, rearranging clips, and more — without you ever touching a timeline slider. Think of it as a skilled editor on the other side of a chat window, always ready to act on what you describe.

Beyond making edits, CoDirector can hold a conversation with you. You can ask it to evaluate your content, brainstorm ideas, or explain what it just did — all without leaving the editor.

How to open CoDirector

Click the CoDirector button in the right sidebar of the video editor. The panel slides open and shows the conversation area along with the input at the bottom. To close it, click the X icon in the top-right corner of the panel.

Three modes

CoDirector operates in three distinct modes. You switch between them using the Edit and Chat buttons at the bottom of the input area, or by activating the microphone for voice.

Edit mode

Edit mode is the default. Type a natural-language instruction and CoDirector applies the edit directly to your timeline. Changes take effect in real time — clips are trimmed, elements are repositioned, audio is adjusted — all based on what you describe.

Edit mode examples:

• "Remove everything before I say 'let's get started'"
• "Cut out all pauses longer than one second"
• "Add a lower third with the text 'Jane Lee — Product Designer' in the bottom left"
• "Trim the video to exactly 60 seconds"

Chat mode

Chat mode is purely conversational — no edits are applied. Use it when you want to think through your approach, get feedback on your content, or ask a question before committing to a change. CoDirector will respond with analysis, ideas, or suggestions that you can then act on in Edit mode.

Chat mode examples:

• "What parts of this video feel slow or repetitive?"
• "How would you structure this video for a LinkedIn audience?"
• "What's the best place to add a call to action?"

Voice mode

Voice mode lets you speak your instructions instead of typing them. Click the microphone icon in the input area to begin. An animated orb appears showing CoDirector's current state — connecting, listening, thinking, or responding. See Voice mode for the full walkthrough.

Streaming responses

CoDirector streams its reply as it works. You can watch the response build in real time. If the edit is taking longer than expected, or you want to adjust your instruction mid-way, click the Stop button to interrupt the response immediately.

Feedback

Each CoDirector response includes a thumbs up and thumbs down button. Use these to rate the quality of the response. Feedback helps improve the results you get over time.

Tip: If an edit produces an unexpected result, press Ctrl+Z to undo it and try again with a more specific instruction. CoDirector works best when your instructions are concrete rather than general.