CineMath Help Center
Everything you need to know to get the most out of CineMath. From getting started to advanced workflows. Need more help?
Getting Started
How do I download and install CineMath?
CineMath is available on the App Store for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Simply search for "CineMath" in the App Store or visit our download page. System requirements: iOS 16.0+ for iPhone/iPad, macOS 13.0+ for Mac.
What should I do when I first open CineMath?
When you first open CineMath, you'll see the Speed Change Calculator by default. On Mac, you'll see a keyboard shortcuts popup on first launch - choose "Got It" to continue. No setup or account creation is required - all calculators work immediately.
Do I need an internet connection to use CineMath?
No! CineMath works completely offline. All calculations are performed locally on your device, so you can use it anywhere without an internet connection. Your calculation history is also stored locally for privacy.
How do I navigate between different calculators?
Use the horizontal scrolling row of calculator type buttons, or swipe left and right to navigate. Each calculator is clearly labeled and has its own dedicated interface. On Mac, you can also use keyboard shortcuts to switch between calculators.
What are the 10 calculators included in CineMath?
CineMath includes: Speed Change Calculator, Target Length Calculator, Target Bitrate Calculator, Upload Time Calculator, Time to Data Calculator, Data to Time Calculator, Aspect Ratio Calculator, Timecode Calculator, Frames to Timecode Calculator, and Timecode to Frames Calculator. Each serves specific professional cinema and video production needs with frame-accurate precision.
Calculator Guides
How do I use the Speed Change Calculator?
Select your source frame rate from the first dropdown, then select your target frame rate from the second dropdown. The result shows the speed percentage needed. For example, 24fps → 25fps = 104.17% speed (4.17% faster). Perfect for international format conversions and speed ramping planning.
When should I use the Target Length Calculator?
Use this when you have footage of a certain duration but need it to fit a specific time slot. Enter your current clip length and desired target length, and it calculates the required speed percentage and effective frame rate. Essential for broadcast timing requirements.
How does the Target Bitrate Calculator work?
Enter your target file size, frame rate, and runtime duration. It calculates the required bitrate in Mbps. Remember to account for audio bitrate (typically 128-320 kbps) and leave 10-15% headroom for variable bitrate encoding.
What is the Upload Time Calculator used for?
Enter your file size and upload speed to estimate upload duration. Perfect for planning client deliveries and scheduling uploads during off-peak hours. Remember that actual upload speeds are often lower than advertised speeds.
How do the Data calculators work?
Time to Data calculates total storage needed based on data rate and duration. Data to Time calculates maximum recording time based on available storage and data rate. Both are essential for shoot planning and storage management.
How do I use the Aspect Ratio Calculator?
Enter your source resolution (width × height) and select your target aspect ratio from the dropdown. It shows the new dimensions needed while maintaining proper scaling. Choose between fit (letterbox/pillarbox) or fill (crop) methods.
What can I do with the Timecode Calculator?
Perform arithmetic with timecode values: add two timecodes together, subtract to find differences, multiply by a factor, or divide by a factor. Always ensure your frame rate setting matches your project settings for accurate calculations.
Platform Features
What are the key differences between iPhone, iPad, and Mac versions?
All versions have identical calculators and features. iPhone is optimized for portrait use with horizontal scrolling calculator types. iPad offers larger touch targets and enhanced spacing. Mac includes comprehensive keyboard shortcuts, menu bar integration, and resizable windows.
What keyboard shortcuts are available on Mac?
Key shortcuts include: ⌘N (New Calculation), ⌘S (Save), ⌘Y (History), ⌘R (Reset), ⌘T (Toggle Theme), ⌘0 (Reset Window Size), ⌘? (Show Shortcuts), and ⌘K (Clear All Fields). Use Tab to navigate between input fields.
How do I optimize CineMath for iPad workflows?
Use Split View to work alongside other apps like Notes or Files. Apple Pencil provides precise input for small fields. External keyboard support includes the same shortcuts as Mac. Stage Manager compatibility allows windowed mode on iPadOS 16+.
What iPhone-specific tips should I know?
Swipe horizontally through calculator types instead of tapping. Double-tap input fields to select all text. Pull down on any screen to dismiss the keyboard. Shake to undo text input. The app is optimized for one-handed portrait use.
How do I access the Mac menu bar features?
The Mac version includes full menu bar integration: File menu (New Calculation, Clear Fields), Edit menu (Reset to Default), View menu (Theme options, Reset Window Size), and Help menu (Keyboard Shortcuts, Documentation, Support).
Advanced Features
How does the calculation history work?
Valid calculations are automatically saved to history. Access via the History button (📋) or ⌘Y on Mac. Features include search & filter, bulk selection, export options, and duplicate detection. All data is stored locally on your device for privacy.
Can I customize the app appearance?
Yes! Choose between System (follows device settings), Light, or Dark themes. Access via Settings tab or ⌘T on Mac. The interface automatically adapts to screen size, orientation, and accessibility settings for optimal usability.
How accurate are CineMath calculations?
CineMath uses double-precision floating-point arithmetic and industry-standard formulas. All calculations are frame-accurate and suitable for professional film and video production workflows. Timecode calculations respect drop-frame vs non-drop-frame formats.
What export and sharing options are available?
Tap any calculation result to copy it to clipboard with one tap. History entries can be shared via email, messages, or cloud storage. The app focuses on real-time calculations with immediate copy functionality for seamless workflow integration.
How do I optimize my workflow with CineMath?
Learn keyboard shortcuts on Mac, use history frequently as your calculation notebook, save before switching calculators, and master the one-tap copy feature. Start with Speed Change for frame rate work, use Target Length for time constraints, and plan storage needs with Data calculators.
Troubleshooting
Why does the result still show "Ready for your calculation"?
This means not enough input values have been provided. Check the input status badge for completion progress. Fill in at least half the required fields and verify all dropdowns have selections. Some calculators need specific minimum inputs to generate results.
My calculation results seem incorrect - what should I check?
Double-check all unit selections (MB vs GB, Mbps vs MB/s), verify frame rate matches your project settings, ensure timecode format is correct (drop-frame vs non-drop-frame), and cross-reference with known good calculations. Unit mismatches are the most common cause.
Why isn't my calculation history saving?
Calculations must be complete before saving. Check for duplicate detection alerts, verify the calculation shows a valid result (not "Ready for calculation"), and try manual save with the Save button. Incomplete calculations won't be saved automatically.
Keyboard shortcuts aren't working on Mac - how do I fix this?
Ensure CineMath window has focus by clicking in it. Close any open modal dialogs first, try clicking in an input field then using shortcuts. If shortcuts completely stop working, restart the app. Some shortcuts require specific contexts to function.
The app is running slowly or crashing - what can I do?
Try smaller input values if using very large numbers. Close other apps to free memory and restart CineMath if consistently slow. Update to the latest version from the App Store. For persistent issues, restart your device and contact support with specific reproduction steps.
How do I get help if I'm still having issues?
Contact support@cinemath.app with your device type and OS version, app version (found in About dialog), specific calculator you were using, input values that caused the issue, expected vs actual results, and screenshots if applicable.
Tips & Best Practices
What are the most important workflow optimization tips?
Master the one-tap copy feature for moving results to other apps. Learn keyboard shortcuts on Mac for 3-5x faster operation. Use calculation history as your reference library. Double-tap to select all text in input fields. Save calculations before switching calculator types.
How should I plan storage needs for video shoots?
Use Data to Time calculator with your camera specs (resolution, frame rate, bitrate) and available storage. Add 20% overhead for metadata and container formats. Consider multiple camera angles in multicam shoots. Plan for backup storage by doubling your estimate.
What are common professional workflows with CineMath?
Speed Change for international format conversions (24fps↔25fps), Target Length for broadcast timing requirements, Bitrate Calculator for delivery specifications, Upload Time for client delivery planning, and Timecode Calculator for precise edit timing and EDL work.
How do I ensure calculation accuracy for professional work?
Use precise frame rates (23.976 vs 24) for professional work. Account for container overhead in bitrate calculations. Test real-world upload speeds before relying on estimates. Include audio data in total bitrate planning. Verify timecode frame rates match project settings.
What are the best practices for different platforms?
iPhone: Use landscape for complex calculators, master swipe gestures. iPad: Utilize Split View with reference apps, leverage Apple Pencil for precision. Mac: Learn all keyboard shortcuts, resize window to fit workflow, use menu bar for quick access to features.
Need more help?
Our team is here to help with technical support, feature questions, or workflow optimization. We love helping filmmakers get the most out of CineMath.