Error messages and what they mean

FlowChord tells you when something goes wrong, usually in a short message at the edge of the screen or on the project’s card. This page lists the messages you are most likely to meet, grouped by what you were doing, with what each one means and what to do. Look for the words you saw; the message on your screen is written the same way.

Tips

• Most messages that end with “try again” mean exactly that: the same action usually works the second time.
• When a project fails before its files are stored, or the chord service fails, what was taken goes back to your balance by itself. A project that failed for another reason gives it back when you delete it before anything of it was analysed.
• If a message keeps coming back, write to us from Support in the account menu, and say which message you saw and what you were doing.

Common problems

Uploading

Message	What it means	What to do
That file type isn't supported, use MP4, WebM or MOV	The video isn’t a kind FlowChord takes	Convert it to MP4 and pick it again
That video is too large, and this browser can't optimize it. Export it as MP4 (H.264) and try again	The video is over the size limit, and this browser can’t make it smaller	Use an up-to-date browser, or export a smaller MP4 from your camera or editing app
Couldn't optimize that file for upload	Making the file smaller stopped partway	Try again; if it repeats, convert the file to MP4 (H.264) first
The video upload failed	The upload didn’t complete, often because the connection dropped	Open the project and pick the same video again
The upload was interrupted	The page was closed before the upload finished	Open the project and pick the same video again; keep the tab open this time
FlowChord was just updated. Pick your files again	FlowChord was updated while your page was open	Pick your files again; nothing was charged
A project holds up to 4 videos and 4 audio files	A project has a limit of files of each kind	Remove a file before adding another
This browser can't show this video's picture, so the project will play here as sound only. Convert it to H.264 (MP4) or try another browser	This browser can’t show the picture of this video	Try an up-to-date browser, or convert the video to MP4 (H.264)
That file type isn't supported, use PDF, TXT, PNG, JPG or WebP	The chord sheet isn’t a kind FlowChord reads	Save it as a PDF, a text file or a photo

More in A file won’t upload or play.

Analysis

Message	What it means	What to do
We couldn't detect chords in this audio	FlowChord couldn’t find chords in the recording	Press Try again; check the recording has the guitar clearly in it
We couldn't read the audio from this video	FlowChord couldn’t read the sound of your file	Often an iPhone video with Spatial Audio; see the article below
Chord detection is temporarily unavailable	The chord service is down for a moment	Wait a few minutes and try again
The analysis stopped responding, try again	The analysis stopped answering	Press Try again
Unlock this video to detect its chords again	A free video has used up the analyses it includes	Unlock the video to have the whole song heard
The lyrics couldn't be detected	The lyrics couldn’t be heard; the chords are kept	Type the lyrics yourself in the editor

More in Chords or lyrics came out wrong.

Export

Message	What it means	What to do
The export failed, please try again	The video file couldn’t be finished	Try again; for a long song, close other tabs and export one cut at a time
Couldn't load your video for the export, please try again	Your footage couldn’t be downloaded for the export	Check your connection, reload the project and try again
Exported without audio — this browser can't include the soundtrack	The file was made without its sound	Export again from an up-to-date browser or a computer
Exported with the placeholder backdrop — this browser can't decode your video	Your footage couldn’t be read, so a plain background was used	Export again from an up-to-date browser or a computer

More in Export is stuck or fails.

Payments

Message	What it means	What to do
This video isn't paid for yet	Your balance doesn’t cover this song	Add funds, then try again
Couldn't open the checkout, please try again	Stripe’s payment page couldn’t be opened	Check your connection and try again
This free video's footage was deleted, so it can't be unlocked	A free video’s footage was deleted after its time ran out	Create a new project with the video
Your currency is set and can't be changed	Your balance’s currency is fixed after your first payment	Nothing to fix: Stripe can still show the price in your currency
Your bank refused the payment. Nothing changed	Your bank refused the plan payment	Try another card, or ask your bank

More in Problems paying or adding funds.

Storage

Message	What it means	What to do
Your storage is full. Delete a project you no longer use to free space	This file doesn’t fit in your storage	Delete a project you don’t need, then try again
You've reached your FlowChord storage limit. Delete a project you no longer use to free space and create a new project	There’s no room for a new project	Press Manage storage and free some space

More in Your storage is full.

Account

Message	What it means	What to do
Please log in again to continue	Your session ended	Sign in again; your work is saved
That code is invalid or expired. Please request a new one.	The sign-in code is old or mistyped	Use the newest code, or ask for a new one
Human verification failed. Please try again.	The quick check that you are a person didn’t pass	Reload the page and try again
That code did not work, check it and try again	The invite code wasn’t recognised	Check each letter, or join the waitlist

More in Problems signing in.