Timelapse

3DPrintForge can automatically take photos during printing and compile them into a timelapse video. Videos are stored locally and can be played back directly in the dashboard.

Go to: https://localhost:3443/#timelapse

Enabling

1. Go to Settings → Timelapse
2. Enable Timelapse recording
3. Select Recording mode:
   • Per layer — one image per layer (recommended for high quality)
   • Time-based — one image every N seconds (e.g. every 30 seconds)
4. Select which printers should have timelapse enabled
5. Click Save

:::tip Image interval "Per layer" gives the smoothest animation because the motion is consistent. "Time-based" uses less storage space. :::

Recording settings

Setting	Default	Description
Resolution	1280×720	Image size (640×480 / 1280×720 / 1920×1080)
Image quality	85%	JPEG compression quality
FPS in video	30	Frames per second in final video
Video format	MP4 (H.264)	Output format
Rotate image	Off	Rotate 90°/180°/270° for mounting orientation

:::warning Storage space A timelapse with 500 images at 1080p uses approx. 200–400 MB before merging. The finished MP4 video is typically 20–80 MB. :::

Storage

Images and finished videos are stored in the folder configured under Settings → Timelapse → Storage folder:

/media/skynett81/Stuff/3dprintforge/timelapse/
├── PRINTER_ID/
│   ├── 2026-03-22_benchy/
│   │   ├── frame_001.jpg
│   │   ├── frame_002.jpg
│   │   └── ...
│   └── 2026-03-22_benchy.mp4

You can change the storage folder to an external drive to save space on the system disk.

Automatic compilation

When the print is done, images are automatically compiled into a video with ffmpeg:

1. 3DPrintForge receives the "print complete" event from MQTT
2. ffmpeg is called with the collected images
3. The video is saved in the storage folder
4. The Timelapse page is updated with the new video

You can monitor the progress under the Timelapse → Processing tab.

Playback

1. Go to https://localhost:3443/#timelapse
2. Select a printer from the dropdown
3. Click a video in the list to play it
4. Use the playback controls:
   • ▶ / ⏸ — Play / Pause
   • ⏪ / ⏩ — Rewind / Fast forward
   • Speed buttons: 0.5× / 1× / 2× / 4×
5. Click Fullscreen to open in full screen
6. Click Download to download the MP4 file

Deleting timelapse

1. Select the video in the list
2. Click Delete (trash icon)
3. Confirm in the dialog

:::danger Permanent deletion Deleted timelapse videos and raw images cannot be recovered. Download the video first if you want to keep it. :::

Sharing timelapse

Timelapse videos can be shared via a time-limited link:

1. Select the video and click Share
2. Set expiration time (1 hour / 24 hours / 7 days / no expiry)
3. Copy the generated link and share it
4. The recipient does not need to log in to view the video