Understanding render progress
When you request a download and the video needs to be processed — either because it has never been rendered or because the project was edited since the last export — PublishFi queues a rendering job automatically. A progress indicator keeps you informed while the job runs, and the download starts on its own when rendering is complete.
Where render progress appears
Render progress is displayed on the project page, directly on the clip card that is being processed. Each clip being rendered shows:
- A percentage indicating how far along the render is (for example, 42%)
- A time estimate showing how long is left (for example, ~3 min left or Almost done)
- A stage label when available, describing what part of the process is currently running
The percentage and time estimate update automatically every few seconds without requiring a page refresh.
How the time estimate works
The ETA is calculated from how much of the render has completed relative to how much remains. In the very early stages of a render — roughly the first two percent — the estimate may not appear yet because there is not enough data to make a reliable prediction. Once the render is far enough along, a realistic estimate appears and continues to refine itself as processing continues.
The estimate uses plain language to describe what is left:
- Almost done — fewer than 30 seconds remaining
- ~1 min left — between 30 and 90 seconds remaining
- A specific number of minutes for longer renders
What happens when rendering finishes
When the render completes, the progress indicator disappears and the clip displays its preview thumbnail. If you triggered the render by requesting a download, PublishFi automatically starts the download as soon as rendering is done — you do not need to click anything again. The files begin downloading one by one without any further action on your part.
What to do while waiting
You do not need to stay on the project page while a render is in progress. You can navigate to other projects or switch to a different browser tab. The render continues running in the background regardless of where you go in the app.
If the download was triggered automatically and you are not on the page when it finishes, you can return to the project and download the files manually from the expanded clip view.
Tip: Rendering time depends on the length of your clip and the number of platform formats included in the export. A short clip with two formats typically finishes in under a minute. Longer videos or exports covering many platforms will take more time — the progress indicator gives you a realistic picture of what to expect.
