Helios
Overview
Helios is a programmatic video engine for developers that renders web animations built with standard web technologies (CSS, GSAP, Framer Motion, Three.js, canvas) to MP4 by controlling the browser's clock and capturing each frame, previewable in a browser and rendered via the command line.
Key Features
- Renders CSS, GSAP, Framer Motion, Three.js and canvas animations to MP4
- Browser preview before command-line rendering
- Frame-by-frame capture by controlling the browser clock
- Experimental browser-free 'portable renderer' in development
Best For
Developers who want to programmatically render web-based animations into video without learning a new animation API.
Pros & Cons
Cons
- Still in beta.
- Cannot be resold as a hosted rendering service without a separate commercial license.
Pulse Verdict
Editorial review by SEODataPulse · Editorial rating: 3.8/5 · Updated
This is an editorial assessment, not an average of customer ratings.
“A free, open-source beta tool that renders web animations (CSS, GSAP, Framer Motion, Three.js, canvas) to MP4 video frame by frame from the command line, free for commercial use.”
Pricing
Free for commercial use under the Elastic License 2.0; no seat fees or per-render limits. Reselling Helios itself as a hosted service requires a separate commercial license.
Pricing changes often — confirm current plans on the official site.