How to use DropFrame

DropFrame generates verified SMPTE LTC and Broadcast Wave (BWF) timecode files, and streams real-time LTC locked to a public global timecode — all free, in your browser, with nothing uploaded. Here's how to drive it.

1 · Pick a mode

The buttons across the top of the generator switch between four modes. Pick the one that matches what you need:

Global Time of Day real-time

Streams live LTC locked to the global timecode — feed it to a camera, recorder, or console as an internet-synced reference so everyone stays aligned. Choose the Time base (Global · UTC so every device worldwide reads identical frames, or Local for your timezone's wall clock), set the frame rate, and press Start. On Chrome/Edge you can pick an output device to route it to an interface; on Safari/Firefox it follows your Mac's system output. Output latency is measured and compensated automatically.

Single File one file

Renders one LTC/BWF file beginning at a Start timecode you set, with optional preroll (lead-in before the downbeat) and postroll. Good for a slate or a fixed reference clip.

Batch Files one per cue

Generates one file per downbeat across a Start → End timecode span, at an interval you choose (e.g. every 15 minutes). Ideal for show cues or scheduled segments. The schedule table previews every file; the download manager saves each one individually into your Downloads folder (no zip to unpack).

Continuous File one long file

One free-running file for the whole Duration. It automatically uses RF64/BW64 once it passes 4 GB, so long runs aren't a problem.

2 · Set the frame rate

Choose the Frame rate and Drop frame. DropFrame renders the exact rate you pick — it never rounds (so 29.97 stays 29.97). Drop-frame is available where it applies (29.97 / 59.94).

3 · Configure the Broadcast Wave file

• Sample rate / bit depth — 44.1–192 kHz, 16/24-bit PCM or 32-bit float.
• Output level — the LTC amplitude (e.g. −12 dBFS), so it sits right for the device reading it.
• BWF description — free text stored in the file. The bext chunk's TimeReference is set to your start timecode, so the file's internal timestamp is correct.

4 · Download

Hit the download button for your mode. Files are generated locally in your browser and land in your Downloads folder — nothing is uploaded. In Batch mode the download manager lists every file so you can grab them one at a time or all at once.

Lock your own app to the global timecode

Building something? Lock to the same public global timecode in about two lines with the free, keyless JS SDK — see the developer docs.