How to Use Descript Layout Packs to Instantly Upgrade Your Videos

A layout pack is a set of pre-designed scenes that help you create polished, professional edits in Descript. Each "scene" tells Descript how you want your video to look in the frame and usually, it's cumbersome to set up manually. But now, you can use my free Layout Pack featuring over 120 individual layouts!

Descript Layout Packs

As a content creator, I'm always on the lookout for tools that can streamline my workflow and enhance the quality of my videos. Today, I'm thrilled to share some exciting news: Descript has finally introduced polished layout templates, and they're even better than I could have imagined!

Let me show you how to use these new templates and why they’re a game-changer for your video editing workflow.

What Are Descript Layout Packs?

A Descript Layout Pack is a bundle of polished, pre-designed scenes that instantly transform your video with clean, modern layouts. Each layout holds one scene, and you can mix and match styles to fit your brand.

You can find these in Descript’s layout gallery—or even create your own custom layout pack. No more starting from scratch or struggling with awkward animations.

How to Use Scenes in Descript (Before You Add Layouts)

Before diving into layout packs, you need to understand scenes—a key building block in Descript.

What Is a Scene in Descript?

A scene in Descript marks a visual shift in your video, like when you want a different layout, angle, or text on screen. Think of it like a chapter marker for visuals.

How to Create a Scene

Just follow these simple steps:

1. Place your cursor in the script where the change should happen.

2. Hit the / key.

3. A scene line will appear in the timeline—done!

How to Add a Layout Template in Descript

Now that you know how scenes work, here’s how to apply a layout from a Descript Layout Pack.

Step-by-Step: Adding a Layout

1. Open the Scenes sidebar.

2. Click Choose Layout under the Descript section.

3. Browse the available layout packs.

4. Select a template and it drops right into your timeline!

Descript takes care of the transitions, animations, and design polish.

How to Customize Descript Layout Templates

One of the best parts? These templates are fully customizable.

Personalize Your Video Layouts

• Swap in your own video or images

• Resize or reposition elements

• Tweak cropping and text styles

• Add or remove animations

You get the design polish without sacrificing your creative control.

How to Brand Your Own Layout Pack

Want to make a Descript layout pack that’s fully you? You can do that too!

Steps to Create a Branded Layout Pack in Descript

1. Duplicate an existing layout pack.

2. Swap out backgrounds with your own brand colors or gradients.

3. Change fonts and text styles to match your brand.

4. Add your logo to speaker layouts.

Now every video looks like your video—no designer required.

Bonus Feature: Smart Transitions in Descript

Descript has also added Smart Transitions—automated animations between scenes that make everything look smooth and intentional. They’re still in beta, but worth trying out for that next-level feel.

Why I Love Descript’s New Layout Packs

I’ve made plenty of mistakes recording videos—and Descript has always helped clean things up. But these new polished layout templates take it to a whole new level.

Now, I can create sleek, branded, scroll-stopping videos in way less time. And because I can reuse my branded layout pack, every video looks consistent across my channel.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use Descript Layout Packs?

If you're already using Descript, don’t skip these templates—they’re built to save time, look good, and simplify editing.

And if you’re new to Descript? This is the perfect feature to start with. The combo of easy scenes, layout packs, and smart transitions makes video editing feel fun again.

👉 Want more Descript tips? Grab my free updated Descript Cheat Sheet and check out my latest video tutorials. Let’s make editing less overwhelming and more rewarding!