Doc to Video takes a PDF, summarizes it, and builds a ready-to-edit video for you. Upload your file, let Pictory create the scenes and voiceover, then refine and export. This article walks through the full workflow and covers the file types and size limits supported today.
What you'll need
A Pictory account you're signed into
A PDF you want to turn into a video (see the limits below)
Before you start: supported files and limits
File type: PDF only right now. DOC, DOCX, TXT, and RTF are marked "coming soon" and are not yet supported.
File size: 50 MB maximum.
Length: PDFs under 50 pages give the best results. Longer files still work, but the summary quality drops as the document gets longer.
Step 1: Open the Doc to Video tool
From the Pictory home screen, find the "Or start with a tool" row and click Doc to video.
Step 2: Add your PDF
The "Turn documents into videos" window opens. You have three ways to add a file:
Drag and drop your PDF onto the upload area.
Click Browse to pick a file from your computer.
Click Try with a demo PDF to test the workflow with a sample file.
The upload area shows the current limits: "PDF (max. 50 MB)". Keep your file under 50 MB and, ideally, under 50 pages.
Step 3: Confirm and upload
Once your file is added, you'll see Upload complete with the file name. Click Upload to start.
Step 4: Let Pictory build your video
Pictory reads the PDF, summarizes it, and assembles a storyboard. You'll see a progress screen ("Building your storyboard") while it works. This takes a short while depending on the document length.
Step 5: Review and edit in the storyboard
When processing finishes, your project opens in the editor. The document is split into scenes, each with its own text, visuals, and voiceover.
Key areas of the editor:
Scene list (left): each scene with its script text. Click any scene to edit it. Use Edit full script to edit all the text in one place.
Tools rail (far left): Story, Visuals, Avatars, Audio, Layouts, Text, Elements, Styles, and Branding. Use these to swap visuals, change the voiceover, apply your brand kit, and adjust the look.
Preview (center): see how the current scene looks and plays.
Timeline (bottom): scene thumbnails and durations. Total video duration shows at the top right of the preview.
Aspect ratio (top left): the format dropdown (for example, Widescreen 16:9). Change it here if you need a different ratio.
Step 6: Generate your video
When you're happy with the storyboard, click Generate video in the top right. Pictory renders the final file, which you can then download or share.
Tips and troubleshooting
File won't upload? Check it's a PDF and under 50 MB. Other formats (DOC, DOCX, TXT, RTF) aren't supported yet.
Summary missed key points? Very long PDFs are harder to summarize well. Try a shorter file or split it into sections under 50 pages.
Want a different length or aspect ratio? Set the aspect ratio from the format dropdown in the editor, and trim scenes from the timeline.
What's next
Editing visuals and footage in the storyboard
Changing the AI voiceover
Applying your brand kit