> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.atlabs.ai/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # When are credits charged? Credits are charged at **generation**, not at export or download. The moment you press **Generate**, the work is queued and the credits are committed โ€” whether or not you go on to export the video, edit it further, or keep it at all. The one exception is **4K export**, which costs credits of its own. Every other export option is free. This is the single most common source of unexpected credit spend, so it's worth understanding before you start a longer project. ### The rule in one line > **Generating spends credits. Exporting does not โ€” unless you export in 4K.** ### What this means in practice * Pressing **Generate** on a scene, a preview, or a full video commits the credits for that generation immediately. * **Exporting, downloading, or sharing a finished video costs nothing extra** at standard resolutions. You've already paid for it at generation. * **Exporting in 4K is charged separately.** The cost is shown before you confirm the export. * If you generate a video and then decide you don't want it, the credits are not returned โ€” the AI work has already been done. * If you start a generation on one project and then switch to another, the first generation **continues running and continues consuming credits**. * Editing a scene after generation triggers a *new* generation for that scene, and is charged again. ๐Ÿšจ **Common mistake:** starting a full video generation, then opening a second project and expecting the first one to stop. It doesn't. Both will run and both will be charged. ### What is *not* charged * **Failed generations.** If a generation errors out, credits are not deducted. Failed attempts won't appear as charges in your usage breakdown. * **Export and download at standard resolutions**, preview links, and YouTube publishing. (4K export is the exception โ€” see above.) * **Browsing, editing text, or changing settings** โ€” until you press Generate. ### Check the cost before you commit You never have to guess. Atlabs shows the exact credit cost before anything is charged. **At the start of a video.** When you click **Finalise Video** at the end of the wizard, the **"How would you like to start?"** panel opens and shows you three routes with their exact cost for *your* project: * **Storyboard** โ€” all scenes as still images * **Video Preview** โ€” the first 25 seconds with full motion and lip sync * **Full Video** โ€” all scenes with complete motion and lip sync The gap between them is large. On a 50-scene project, Storyboard and Preview typically land somewhere in the tens of credits, while Full Video can run to several hundred. Click the โ“˜ on any card for a breakdown. Nothing is charged until you press **Generate**. ๐Ÿ’ก **Tip:** The **resolution** and **model** dropdowns at the bottom of that panel change the price. Lowering the resolution updates all three figures immediately, so you can try a setting and watch the cost move before committing. **Later, for individual scenes.** On the storyboard, click **Select Scenes to Generate Motion** below the video player. Pick the scenes you want and the estimated cost appears before you confirm. ๐Ÿ’ก **Tip:** Generate your **Storyboard** (still images) first and review it. Regenerating a still image is far cheaper than regenerating motion. See [How can I save credits while creating videos?](https://help.atlabs.ai/en-us/article/how-can-i-save-credits-while-creating-videos-1189q6t/) ### Where your credits went To see exactly what was charged and why, go to **Account โ†’ Subscription โ†’ Usage**, and click **View Details** on any row. You'll get a per-scene breakdown split across Images, Voiceover, Motion, and Lip Sync, with the model used and the exact cost of each asset. --- **Related articles:** [Subscription and Credits](https://help.atlabs.ai/en-us/article/subscription-and-credits-twubzi/) ยท [How many credits a video costs?](https://help.atlabs.ai/en-us/article/how-many-credits-a-video-costs-vbq4sg/) ยท [How can I save credits while creating videos?](https://help.atlabs.ai/en-us/article/how-can-i-save-credits-while-creating-videos-1189q6t/) Need help? We've got your back โ€” reach out to us at [*support@atlabs.ai*](mailto:support@atlabs.ai).