---
title: "Projects, requests, templates and jobs"
canonical_url: https://docs.zvid.io/docs/concepts/glossary/
source: docs/concepts/glossary.md
content_revision: 6338386a1dd87e4a
---

# Projects, requests, templates and jobs

A Zvid integration turns a **project** into an output through a **render job**. Keep the project data, submission request and job result separate in your code.

| Term | Meaning | Where to find it |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Project | The composition: output size, visual elements, audio, scenes and subtitles | The `payload` field of a render request; [project reference](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/structure/) |
| Element | One image, text block, clip or other item | A `visuals` or `audios` array, or subtitle configuration |
| Scene | A sequential segment with its own local timeline | `payload.scenes[]`; [scene reference](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/structure/scenes/) |
| Request envelope | The object POSTed to the render API | `payload` **or** `template`, plus variables, overrides and supported request options |
| Template | A saved reusable project with variable defaults | An owned `tpl_…` ID; [template guide](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/templates/template-basics/) |
| Variables | Values substituted into a project | Defaults inside the project; request-time values in the envelope |
| Override | A supported output setting applied for a submission | Envelope `overrides`, not an arbitrary deep patch of an element |
| Preview | For template API calls, free resolution and validation | Returns a resolved project and stats, not rendered media |
| Render job | One asynchronous operation producing media | Submission `jobId`; lookup `GET /api/jobs/{id}` |
| Bulk batch | A group of individual render jobs | One design with many variable sets; [bulk guide](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/automation/bulk-rendering/) |
| Editor draft | A saved, editable composition | A `prj_…` project and an editor link |
| Output | Completed video or image | A completed job's result URL |

## Choose a route

- **One-off JSON:** send a complete project under `payload`.
- **Reusable design:** create a template, preview its variables, then render its `template` ID with the desired values.
- **Many personalized outputs:** use bulk rendering within the account's batch limit.
- **Interactive AI creation:** connect the [MCP server](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/ai-assistants/) and use the selected profile's draft/approval workflow.
- **Visual authoring:** build in [the editor](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/editor/overview/), then validate against the hosted API before automating the exported JSON.

## Read an example at the right level

An **element fragment** describes one item. Place it in the named array of a project. A **project payload** describes the composition but still needs the `payload` request wrapper. A **complete request** includes that wrapper and can be submitted once credentials and referenced assets are configured.

For a complete first request and rendered output, follow [Quick Start](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/quick-start/). Then read [layout](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/concepts/layout/), [timing](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/concepts/timing/), and [validation](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/validate-and-estimate/) before combining features.