# The Runtime UI Overview

Once you click "Play", your project transforms into a real-time application. The central hub for controlling this application is the **Runtime User Interface (UI)**, which is automatically managed by the Playmode actor. This guide provides a quick overview of each component of the UI.

<figure><img src="/files/8XhiGcYPf5qCpHMIZ4c4" alt=""><figcaption><p>Runtime UI</p></figcaption></figure>

The main interface consists of several icon-based buttons, typically on the left side of the screen. Here’s what they do:

* **🏠 Home:** Returns you to the main startup widget to switch navigation modes or quit.
* **🚶 Navigation Modes:** Opens a panel to switch between **Walking**, **Flying**, and **VR** modes.
* **☀️ Sun Control:** Opens a slider to change the sun's direction in real-time, allowing you to see your scene at any time of day.
* **📸 2D Image Render:** Opens the high-resolution 2d render (not screenshot). For best results, configure your output quality in the **Graphics Settings** first.
* **🎥 Video Render:** Opens the powerful real-time video rendering suite. This allows you to create and export cinematic videos directly from the application.
  * **➡️ For a step-by-step guide, please see our**  [**The Real-time Rendering Suite**](/shikordriftxr/the-runtime-ui-overview/real-time-rendering-suite.md)**.**
* **🔧 Graphics Settings:** Opens a panel where you can control the overall quality, resolution, and enable advanced features like Ray Tracing for your renders.


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