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Windows Movie Maker is great for putting together videos and pictures, but when you add effects, you can make your movies really stand out. Effects and transitions can transform an ordinary movie into an extraordinary movie in no time at all. Here’s how to add effects and transitions in Windows Movie Maker:

Adding Special Effects

When you’re ready to add visual effects to your movie, simply click on Visual Effects in the menu at the top of the screen. Once you’ve selected Visual Effects, you’ll be presented with all available options. To add an effect, just click on it to see it applied to your movie. If you want to add more than one effect, click on the Multiple Effects option located underneath the effects preview box. You’ll once again be presented with options and you can add additional effects by selecting them.

Removing and Reordering Special Effects

If you’ve found that you added an effect but you no longer want it applied, Windows Movie Maker makes it easy to remove specific effects. Just click on the Add or Remove Effects option and you’ll be presented with a box that shows you all of the effects you have currently applied. Select the effect you want to remove from the Displayed Effects list and click Remove. Here, you can also add effects from the Available Effects list, and you can also change the order in which the Displayed Effects are applied.

Adding Transition Effects

A transition in Windows Movie Maker is where a clip introduces itself to the viewer. In this process, you can do things like have the clip dissolve into the screen and other neat changes. To add a transition, click on the Animations tab in the main ribbon menu. Click on the transition you would like to apply. Once this is done, you’ll be presented with a a visual representation of where the transition begins and ends on the playback timeline. You can change the duration of the transition by clicking on Duration.

Here, you can also adjust the duration of the transition by telling Windows Movie Maker how many seconds you want the duration to be. Underneath the Duration Selection box, you can also choose to apply the transition and duration to all clips in your movie’s timeline. While this is easy and may save you some time, it will make all of your clips the same, so consider using different transitions for different clips.

If you like working with digital video, check out: 5 Apps to Get the Most Out of Chromecast!

While Windows Movie Maker is easy to use, there are a number of tips and tricks you can apply to make it even more powerful. Take a look at the following to learn ways to work faster and smarter:

Save Your Work Often

Although this seems like common sense, you’d be surprised at just how many people forget to save their work often. The reason you want to do this is because any number of technical glitches could cause your computer to crash in the middle of a project, meaning you’re likely going to lose all of your hard work. On top of that, you never know when the power is going to go out, and when it does, you can kiss all of your hard work goodbye. Try to get into the habit of saving after each major change you make to your movie.

Adding Multiple Audio Sources

One of the more challenging aspects of Windows Movie Maker is how it handles audio. Essentially, there is only one audio track, so if you add multiple sources, they’re all going to be playing on top of one another. This can get especially difficult if you want to have music and narration in your video, but you don’t want the audio from the camera playing in the background. The way to get around this is to mute the video, export it, and then create a new project. Import your muted video and you’ll be able to add your music and narration without the background noise captured from the camera.

Don’t Use Copyrighted Material

Once again, it may seem like common sense, but you shouldn’t use copyrighted material in your video. Not only is it illegal, it’s going to get your movie taken down if you share it on YouTube. YouTube uses an algorithm that searches for copyrighted material in its users videos. So, even if no one watches your video, it will eventually get taken down, often sooner rather than later.

Break Clips Down First

If you’re going to import longer pieces of video into a project, it’s a good idea to split them into smaller pieces first. This can be done using Windows Movie Maker itself, but the process can be tedious. Instead, consider a simple file splitting tool, like Ultra Video Splitter, to get the job done. Then, you can import your smaller files and Windows Movie Maker will work faster and more efficiently. This can also potentially help cut down on the time it takes to render your movie.

Preserve your memories with this video: Make a Holiday Video With Windows Movie Maker!

If you’ve never edited digital video before, you may think that the process is hard; however, with some simple tips, editing in Windows Movie Maker can be a breeze. Windows Movie Maker has simplified the editing process so that virtually anyone can put together high-quality videos fast. Below are some simple tips to help you get started:

Trim Your Videos for Length

The trimming process in Windows Movie Maker is there to allow you to trim off footage from each clip. This is helpful for clips that don’t start or stop exactly where you want them to. A handy way to use the trim tool is to plan ahead when filming your video. Consider using a marker of some sort to designate on camera where you want the scene to begin. This gives you the chance to begin filming whenever you would like. When you import the footage into Windows Movie Maker, trim the clip back to where you displayed the marker on the screen.

Use Transitions to Keep the Viewer’s Attention

Transitions are important tools when it comes to editing. A transition is how scenes change from one to the next, and they can go a long way in changing an ordinary scene change into something that will get and keep your viewer’s attention. When editing, it’s a good idea to use different transitions for different scene changes. Using the same transition over and over can become repetitive and boring.

How Transition Effects Can Make a Difference in Windows Movie Maker

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Compare Multiple Takes

Another tip for editing is to compare multiple takes of the same scene. Once again, this begins with filming as you’ll want to do multiple takes to get the best one. Then import each take into Windows Movie Maker and play them back to back to compare. All you have to do from there is choose the best scene and repeat the process with the next scene. Once you have all of your best takes together, arrange them in sequence and export.

Consider Jump Cuts on Action

A jump cut is a simple transition where one scene suddenly turns into the next. This can be a bit jarring for the viewer, but if you make this transition during an action shot, it is less likely to be noticed. This is because the viewer will be able to follow the action from one scene or camera to the next, making it virtually seamless.

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Although Windows Movie Maker is a powerful tool for creating videos, you can make them look even better with these pre-production tips:

Create a Storyboard and Script

Any Hollywood big shot will tell you that having a storyboard and a script available before filming a movie is a necessity. A storyboard in Windows Movie Maker is essentially a visual representation of each scene drawn out so that everyone involved can see what is supposed to be going on. The script is the dialogue that will be taking place on screen. Even if you don’t have two people talking, a script in Windows Movie Maker will still need to represent who is doing what, what sounds they are making, and how they are reacting to their environment.

Look Into Filming Permits

Many areas require a special permit to be obtained prior to filming, even in public areas when using Windows Movie Maker as your editor of choice. While you can typically film in public areas for personal reasons, if you plan to film a movie to be released commercially, edited using Windows Movie Maker, you’re likely going to need to obtain permission and a permit from your local governing authority. If you fail to obtain a permit and you make money off of filming in public places, your local or state government may hit you with large fines and fees. To find out whether you need a permit or not, contact your local Chamber of Commerce.

Provide Catering

Catering services are often overlooked when it comes to shooting a movie on a small budget, but they can go a long way in bringing out the best in your crew. This also applies to any actors or crew that you bring in when editing in Windows Movie Maker.

When everyone is fed, especially on days and nights where shooting runs long, actors and staff tend to perform better. Without catering services, you may find tired, irritable, and even forgetful actors and crew. This just means that everything will have to be shot multiple times, only adding to the irritability of everyone. You don’t have to go overboard, but at least have snacks and drinks on-hand.

Have a Backup Power Plan

Even if you have power at the shoot, have a backup plan in mind. All kinds of things can happen, including someone down the street knocking out a power pole. Losing power during a shoot can mean serious time wasted, and it can also lead to serious time wasted when trying to import and edit your video clips in Windows Movie Maker. As a result, consider having a generator around that can at least power your cameras, lighting, and audio equipment in the event of a disaster. Even a small generator should be enough to help in the event of unforeseen circumstances and emergencies, preserving your film and your actors’ takes.

Don’t miss the following video to see how to make a holiday movie with Windows Movie Maker: video

If you like Windows Movie Maker for Windows Vista, check out VideoPad Video Editor

Windows Movie Maker already comes with a variety of cool special effects, but did you know that you can add even more? There are plenty of sites on the web that offer third-party special effects for Windows Movie Maker, and many of them are free. All you have to do is download them and add them.

Pro Windows Movie Maker Tips

Adding Third-Party Special Effects in Windows Movie Maker

To add new effects, find the ones you want online. Make sure you only download from trusted sources and don’t pass up effects simply because they’re free. Many free effects are just as good or even better than their paid equivalents. Once you’ve downloaded a new effect, open Windows Explorer by either manually navigating to it or by pressing the Windows button and typing “explorer” in the Run box.

Once you have Windows Explorer open, find your way to C:\Program Files\Movie Maker\Shared and open that folder. Once inside, create a new folder and give it a title that you’ll remember. Now, all you have to do is move your downloaded effects files to this folder. If you were running Windows Movie Maker while doing this, you will need to close the program and re-start it. When you do, you should see your new effects under View Video Effects. All you have to do now is simply run the added effect like you would any other.

The Benefits of Adding Third-Party Effects

While Windows Movie Maker already contains a lot of useful effects, there are many more out there that can add functionality to the program. Adding on new effects can help your movies to stand out from the crowd instead of just looking like everyone else’s creations. In addition, when you combine effects in Windows Movie Maker with third-party special effects, you can come up with new and innovative ways to tell your story or present information.

Getting Started: Tips and Tricks for Windows Movie Maker

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Avoid Using Too Many Effects

Although it’s easy to find and add new effects for Windows Movie Maker, you don’t want to use too many at once. Special effects can certainly spice up your movie, but too many can be a distraction and take away from your content. Try to follow the ‘less-is-more’ rule when deciding whether or not to add an effect. If the effect doesn’t truly add value to your movie, then it’s not worth adding.

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Not only are smartphones everywhere these days, but the cameras included in these devices have become more and more powerful and sophisticated. In fact, many people are able to take pictures and video using smartphones that rival professional equipment that typically costs nearly 10 times as much as the phone itself. However, lighting may be the most important element as it allows camera enthusiasts to achieve all kinds of professional looks.

When it comes to photography or videography, lighting is often considered a background element by hobbyists. The truth of the matter is that proper lighting often can make or break a photo or video. Below are some tips to get the best lighting when using a smartphone for photo or video shoots:

1. The Flash Isn’t Always Your Friend

When it comes to professional-grade cameras, flashes are typically constructed in such a way where they add, not detract, from the final image. With smartphones, however, manufacturers include simple flashes in order to allow you to take pictures and video in dark areas while still maintaining clarity. Instead of relying on a flash, consider letting natural light into the area to warm things up. Natural light is not only brighter, but it is less focused in most cases, meaning the subject will be illuminated from all angles equally rather than just from the point of a flash.

2. Keep Your Lens Clean

When lighting is used in photography, even the smallest amount of dust, dirt, or grime can be magnified on a smartphone’s camera lens. As a result, you’re going to want to make sure your camera’s lens is clean before each use. You can use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the lens, and you should avoid using things like paper towels as they can leave behind bits of paper and may even scratch the plastic or glass in front of the lens.

3. Try to Use Indirect Light

Even though today’s smartphone cameras are more sophisticated than ever, many are still not able to handle direct light. When a picture is taken with direct light, or light that is shining directly on a subject, the camera may have a hard time accurately displaying the image. This occurs because there is too much light on the subject. To remedy this problem, consider using indirect light. You can do this by shining a light on the subject, but then place an opaque, white umbrella backwards in front of the lighting source. This will diffuse the light while allowing it to illuminate the subject in a softer manner.

Check out this video to learn how to make a holiday video in Windows Movie Maker!

Adding effects in Windows Movie Maker is fast and easy, and effects can totally change the look and feel of your creation. Whether you want to make your video looks like it’s vintage with a black-and-white effect or you want to adjust the contrast and brightness of your video, you can do it in Windows Movie Maker. Below are some tips for getting the most out of special effects:

1. Don’t Overdo It

Although Windows Movie Maker provides you the ability to add effects, one of the easiest ways to mess up your movie is to overdo it. Effects need to be used sparingly and only when they are truly necessary and actually add value to your movie. You might think that your movie could gain a boost by putting in all kinds of effects, but you might actually ruin it by overloading it with effects.

2. Use Transitions to Smooth Out Changes

Although most scene changes are fine with a jump cut, many benefit from the use of transition effects. A jump cut is where a scene changes by simply switching from one shot to another. A transition effect, on the other hand, is where a scene might change by fading into a new scene. Transition effects in Windows Movie Maker can help the viewer to stay more engaged with the video, but once again, don’t go overboard.

3. Overlay Effects Can Change the Look and Feel

One way to change the entire look and feel of a scene in Windows Movie Maker is to use overlay effects. An overlay is basically what its name implies: it’s an effect that lays over the film. Overlays may be various colors, allowing you to brighten up a scene or make it darker. Overlays might also use special filters for specific colors. Keep in mind that you can download overlay effects for Windows Movie Maker from various sites across the web for free.

4. Use Title Effects to Spell Everything Out

A title effect is one that allows you to place text on the screen. While title effects are obviously good for titles, you can also use them to provide the viewer with information throughout a video. Additionally, you could provide captions or subtitles in your video for viewers who have difficulty with hearing or who speak a different language.

For even more fun with effects, click here to learn how to Make Videos From Your Photos!

When you watch a movie, it can be easy to transitions for granted. After all, who has time to pay attention to transitions between shots when you’re so engulfed in a film? Well, that’s kind of the point. Transitions serve as very powerful background elements that aren’t necessarily meant to be noticed, yet they are essential to keeping the action going. While you may not notice them, it’s very likely that a director or editor took some serious time to decide when, where, and how each transition should be in a movie.

Simple Transitions

When creating content in Windows Movie Maker, you can use simple transitions to move from one shot to the next. The simplest transition of all is called a “jump cut” and these types of transitions simply jump from one scene to the next. Jump cuts are the most commonly used transition in video and can be used to quickly move a scene along.

Editing Tips for Windows Movie Maker

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Fading Transitions

A fading transition is one in which one scene dissolves into another. This type of transition can be used in Windows Movie Maker to add a bit more drama or suspense to a scene change. As one scene dissolves into the next, it gives the viewer the chance to reflect on what just happened while anticipating what is to come. In some cases, a fade transition may be used to fade to black before the next scene begins. This, once again, provides the viewer with a chance to reflect on what has happened before moving into the next scene.

Special Effect Transitions

There are also special effect transitions that can be used in Windows Movie Maker. These transitions are ones that do things like take the image on the screen and flip it around to reveal the next scene. Although special effect transitions in Windows Movie Maker aren’t necessarily ideal for movies, they can be useful in catching and keeping the viewer’s attention during things like presentations. In addition, special effect transitions may not be the best when you want to convey a serious topic, but if you’re presenting light-hearted material, they may work to get some smiles.

Keep the Pace Moving

Finally, keep in mind that transitions in Windows Movie Maker are used to keep the pace moving. Even if your movie is slower in pace, you’ll want to have frequent transitions. Today’s video viewer has been conditioned by television and movies to expect a transition between various shots about every three seconds or so. If you simply have one static shot that never changes, the viewer might become bored. As a result, try to change up shots in Windows Movie Maker using transitions fairly often. You don’t have to make changes every few seconds, but you should at least try to insert transitions a few times per minute.

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