# Make your first video

> From your first sign-in to a finished video: what you see at each step, and what to press.

## Sign up

Sign in with Google, or with your email and a password. Montage makes your workspace for you and gives it 10 free credits.

A short welcome window opens: a word from Ben, one question (how you heard about Montage), then the plans. To start without paying, press **Start with 10 free credits** under the plans.

## Your first video, step by step

1. On **Your first video**, drop your footage, music or pictures, or **pick them**. No footage at hand? Under **Nothing at hand? Use mine**, pick one of Ben's three examples.
1. Each file shows two steps: **Upload**, then **Prepare**. Keep the page open while a file uploads. [What the steps mean](/docs/footage/getting-ready).
1. In **What should Montage make?**, describe your video. [How to describe it](/docs/start/describe).
1. Pick the shape if you want one: **Vertical**, **Square** or **Horizontal**.
1. Press **Make my video**. If a file is still on its way, the button says **Waiting for your footage…** and Montage starts by itself once it is ready.

## Once it is made

The video opens. It plays on the left; on the right are **Ask** (your conversation with Montage), **Comments** and **History**.

- To change something, write it in **Ask**: « Make the titles bigger. »
- To point at something, pause and click the picture: a comment opens at that spot and that moment.
- To take the file, press **Export** at the top. [Export a video](/docs/export).

> The Free plan makes **one video**. A second video needs a plan. [See the plans](/docs/start/plans).

## Questions

### Can I leave the page while my footage gets ready?

Once a file is uploaded, yes: it says « you can leave » and the preparing goes on without you. While it is still uploading, keep the page open.

### I ran out of free credits in the middle. Is my video lost?

No. Your video is kept, and **Export** still exports it, with the Montage mark. A plan gives you credits to keep changing it.

### Can I use Montage on my phone?

Yes, in your phone's browser. [Phone videos](/docs/footage/phone).