Windows Movie Maker 2011: User Guide
Windows Movie Maker 2011: User Guide
User Guide
Download, install and create video presentations using
Windows Movie Maker 2011,
part of the Microsoft Live Essentials package.
Windows Movie Maker 2011
User Guide
3
Title, Text and Credit Slides .....................................................................23
Title slide .............................................................................................23
Text slide .............................................................................................24
Credits .................................................................................................25
Chapter 4: Video ................................................................... 27
Video Editing Basics ................................................................................27
Video formats ......................................................................................27
Video sources ......................................................................................28
Video editing programs .......................................................................28
Edit Video Clips ........................................................................................28
Edit video clip length ..........................................................................28
Split a video clip .................................................................................29
Chapter 5: Audio Files .......................................................... 31
Import audio files ......................................................................................31
Edit Audio Files ........................................................................................32
Start location .......................................................................................32
Click and drag method ........................................................................32
Start time music tool ...........................................................................33
Adjust audio clip length ......................................................................33
Chapter 6: Finish Your Project ........................................... 35
AutoMovie Themes ..................................................................................35
Export your Movie Maker 2011 Project ...................................................36
Save movie ..........................................................................................37
Index ....................................................................................... 39
4 Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Getting Started
In this chapter, you will learn the following techniques:
How to download and install Movie Maker 2011
How to organize your files
How to create and save a Movie Maker 2011 project file
System Requirements:
5
2. Click the Downloads link.
3. Select Windows Live Essentials from the content menu.
4. Click the Download now button to download the entire Windows Live
Essentials 2011 package to your computer.
]
5. Click Save when prompted.
6 Chapter 1
6. Save the installation package to your computer's desktop in the Save As
window.
7. Click Save.
[
8. Click Close in the Download complete window.
NOTE: You can choose Run to install the Windows Live Essentials 2011
package directly from the Microsoft Downloads web site, but this may take
longer depending on the speed of your internet connection.
9. Double-click the install icon named wlsetup-web saved to your desktop.
Getting Started 7
10. Click Continue if prompted.
IMPORTANT
Install any needed system updates if prompted (Windows Vista
Service Pack 1 in the example graphic below). Click the
hyperlink below each requested system upgrade for download
and installation instructions.
Many of these system updates, especially service pack updates,
require a system reboot. Save and close all open files before
downloading and installing these updates.
8 Chapter 1
12. Click either Restart Now or Restart Later when the Done! prompt appears.
Getting Started 9
File Organization
Movie Maker 2011 requires careful file organization. Movie Maker 2011 projects
reference all imported graphic, video, audio, narration and text files.
You will have difficulty creating, editing and exporting a Movie Maker 2011
project that is not properly organized.
This is of particular importance if your Movie Maker 2011 project will be copied
to multiple computers for editing (this is common in a school setting where
students work on a variety of lab or school-provided computers).
10 Chapter 1
Create and save your Movie Maker 2011
project file
You will begin by creating and saving a Project File. Project files are used to create
and edit a Movie Maker 2011 project for final export. Project files can be edited
and re-exported as needed.
1. Select Start > Programs > Windows Live Movie Maker to open the
program.
2. Select Movie Maker Tab > Save project as. Save your project in your top-
level folder as described in File Organization on page 10.
IMPORTANT: Save your Project File often. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + S
for quick saves.
Getting Started 11
12 Chapter 1
Chapter 2: Script & Narration
In this chapter, you will learn about the following procedures:
Script preparation guidelines
Recording and saving narration files
Script Preparation
A thoroughly researched and written narration script will help you organize and
edit your project's graphic images, video clips, and audio files.
Review the following rules for writing a narration script and recording your
project narration:
z Write your narration script before you begin recording your narration track.
z Organize your narration script using the same structure as you would a written
essay. This includes (1) An introduction; (2) Thesis statement; (3) Main points
and sub-points, and (4) Conclusion.
z Double- or triple-space your narration script for easier reading during
recording. Include phonetic spelling of difficult-to-pronounce words and
names.
z Record your narration in a quiet area. Microphones will pick up ambient sound
around you.
z Practice recording your narration. You may have to record several takes before
you get a quality recording.
z Pay particular attention to microphone placement, breathing control, and your
vocal pitch and range. For example, do not narrate in a monotone voice.
z Record your narration in separate chunks. You do not have to record your
entire narration in one take.
13
Record your Narration
IMPORTANT: See Chapter 5: Audio Files on page 31 for instructions on how
to import and edit the narration track in your Movie Maker 2011 project file.
You can install recording software and record your narration directly on your
computer, or you may record your narration on a digital voice recorder.
14 Chapter 2
Chapter 3: Graphic Images
In this chapter, you will learn how to use the following design techniques:
Inserting graphic images into your project file
Adding transitions and captions
Inserting title, text and credit slides
File editing. Use a graphic editing program to edit graphic images. Programs
include:
z Adobe Photoshop
z Adobe Photoshop Express
z GIMP
z Google Piknik
z Windows Paint.
File formats. Graphic images must be saved in one of the following formats:
z JPEG
z GIF
z TIF
NOTE: JPEG is the preferred file format. It combines image quality with file size
compression.
File size. Setting proper graphic file size is essential; large graphic files sizes will
slow down production time and create project files that are too large to easily play
or post to web sites.
z Image resolution: 72 DPI.
z Image size: Width and height should not exceed 8" x 10".
NOTE: File size is particularly important when you import graphic images from
digital cameras. Digital camera resolution is often set to the maximum size of 36"
x 24". Images this large will slow processing time when you import, edit, save and
export your Movie Maker 2011 project.
15
Import Graphic Images
Import and insert the graphic images you uploaded and organized as described in
File Organization on page 10.
1. Click Home > Add videos and photos.
[
2. Double-click the folder that contains your graphic images.
3. Press the Ctrl key and click to select the images and video clips you want to
add to your project.
16 Chapter 3
4. Click Open.
[
Imported graphic image thumbnails will be added to the Storyboard on the
right side of the Movie Maker 2011 window. The Preview Monitor on the left
side of the screen will display individual graphic images and video clips.
Storyboard
Graphic Images 17
Edit Graphic Images
Apply a variety of visual effects to the graphic images inserted into your Movie
Maker 2011 project.
Apply Transitions. You can add transition effects between graphic images and
video clips.
1. Click the Animations tab.
2. Select a transition effect from the Transitions menu at the top-left of the
Movie Maker 2011 project window.
3. Click Apply to all.
4. Click the Play button in the Preview Monitor to preview your transitions.
Preview monitor
[
NOTE: You can press the Ctrl + Click keys to select individual graphic
images to apply transitions.
IMPORTANT: Be judicious in your use of transitions. Too many different
types of transitions in one project can be distracting and look unprofessional.
Apply Pan and zoom effects. Pan and zoom provides a Ken Burns effect to
individual images.
NOTE: Not all graphic images are suitable for pan and zoom effects. This should
be done on a picture-by-picture basis. Click Apply to all if you want the same pan
and zoom effect applied to all graphic images.
1. Click the Animations tab.
2. Press the Ctrl key and click to select an individual graphic image.
3. Select the appropriate pan and zoom effect from the Pan and zoom menu at
the top-right of the Movie Maker 2011 project window. The effect will be
applied automatically.
18 Chapter 3
4. Click the Play button in the Preview Monitor to preview your transitions.
Preview monitor
[
NOTE: Each graphic image and video clip thumbnail will have an icon
indicating transition and pan and zoom effects.
Remove animation effects. Remove effect from selected images or all images.
1. Select the Animations tab.
2. Click the None effect under Transitions or Pan and zoom menus.
3. Click Apply to all, or press the Ctrl + click keys to select individual graphic
images and video clips.
Set graphic image duration. You can control how long a graphic image
appears on-screen.
1. Click the Edit tab. The Edit tab should appear under the Video Tools heading.
2. Press the Ctrl + click keys to select an individual graphic image.
Graphic Images 19
3. Select the appropriate duration time from the Duration content menu.
Duration is measured in seconds. You can enter a custom duration time in the
Duration box.
The length of the selected graphic image thumbnail in the Storyboard will
change to reflect the new duration time.
4. Triple-click to highlight the text box that appears in the Preview Monitor.
20 Chapter 3
5. Enter the desired caption text.
The caption text appears below the graphic image thumbnail in the Storyboard.
Graphic Images 21
3. Select the appropriate effect from the Effects menu. Effects include fade in,
spin, and fly-in.
[
IMPORTANT: Be judicious in your use of text effects. Overuse or too many
different effect styles in one project can be distracting and look unprofessional.
Apply effects. A variety of effects, including black and white, sepia tone and
pixelate, can be applied to graphic images.
1. Click to select an individual graphic image.
2. Click the Visual Effects tab.
3. Select the appropriate effect from the Effects menu.
[
Click the No Effect option to remove an effect.
NOTE: Each graphic image and video clip thumbnail will have an icon
indicating transition and pan and zoom effects.
22 Chapter 3
Title, Text and Credit Slides
Follow the Graphic Image Duration instructions on page 19 to adjust the length of
title, text and credit slides.
4. Triple-click to highlight the text box that appears in the Preview Monitor.
5. Enter the desired title text.
6. Edit title text using the Font and Paragraph tools in Text Tools > Format.
You use these tools to edit font type, size, style, and alignment.
Graphic Images 23
7. Edit slide background in Text Tools > Format > Background color.
[
NOTE: You can apply effects to title slide text. See page 22 for instructions.
Text slide. You can insert text slides anywhere in your Movie Maker 2011
project.
1. Click an insertion point between graphic or video objects in the Storyboard.
2. Click the Home tab.
3. Click Title in the Add menu.
4. Triple-click to highlight the text box that appears in the Preview Monitor.
5. Enter the desired title text.
6. Edit the text using the Font and Paragraph tools in Text Tools > Format. You
use these tools to edit font type, size, style, and alignment.
7. Edit the text slide background in Text Tools > Format > Background color.
NOTE: You can apply effects to the slide text. See page 22 for instructions.
24 Chapter 3
Credits. Add a credits slide at the end of your project.
1. Click the Home tab.
2. Click Credits in the Add menu.
3. Triple-click to highlight the text box that appears in the Preview Monitor.
4. Enter the desired title text.
5. Edit title text using the Font and Paragraph tools in Text Tools > Format.
You use these tools to edit font type, size, style, and alignment.
6. Edit slide background in Text Tools > Format > Background color.
NOTE: You can apply effects to title slide text. See page 22 for instructions.
Graphic Images 25
26 Chapter 3
Chapter 4: Video
In this chapter, you will learn the following video techniques:
Video formats and specifications
Importing video clips
Editing video clips
27
Video sources. Video files can be imported from the following sources:
z Digital cameras
z Digital video cameras
z Mobile phones or smart phones
z Flash memory cards (your computer will require either a built-in or external
memory card reader)
z Data CDs or DVDs
z Web site downloads
z Webcam and screen capture programs (many newer laptop computers have
built-in webcams)
NOTE: Many video capture devices can be connected directly to your computer
with a USB, Fire Wire, or video connection for file upload. Consult your device
manual or online documentation.
Video editing programs. Video clips can be edited in your Movie Maker 2011
project file (see Edit Video Clips on page 28). You can also pre-edit clips before
you import them into your Movie Maker 2011 project folder for easier use. Video
editing programs include:
z Adobe Final Cut
z Adobe Premiere
z AVG 2011 (free down load)
z Avid FreeDV (free download)
z AVS Video Editor (free download)
z iMovie (Macintosh users)
z Kino (UNIX system users)
z Microsoft Movie Maker (Windows users)
z Pinnacle
z Sony Vegas
Edit video clip length. You can adjust the start and stop points of imported
video clips.
1. Click the Edit tab. The Edit tab will appear under the Video Tools heading.
2. Press the Ctrl + click keys to select an individual video clip. A vertical slider
bar will appear at the left edge of the video clip.
28 Chapter 4
3. Move the slider bar to the right. The Preview Monitor will play the video clip
as you move the slider bar.
4. Click the Set start point Trim tool. The video clip will begin where the slider
bar was set.
[
5. Move the slider bar to the right until you reach the desired end point of the
video clip. The Preview Monitor will play the video clip as you move the slider
bar.
6. Click the Set end point Trim tool.
The length of the trimmed video clip thumbnail in the Storyboard will change
to reflect the new duration time.
Split a video clip. You can split a video clip into two parts as needed. You may
have to do this to insert a graphic image or to show part of the video clip at a
different point in the presentation.
1. Click the Edit tab. The Edit tab should appear under the Video Tools heading.
2. Press the Ctrl + click keys to select an individual video clip. A vertical slider
bar will appear at the left edge of the video clip.
3. Move the slider bar to the right until you reach the split point. The Preview
Monitor will play the video clip as you move the slider bar.
Video 29
4. Click the Split tool.
[
The video clip will appear as two separate thumbnail images in the Storyboard.
IMPORTANT
Respect copyright and be careful what you share online. Copying
or sharing unauthorized materials violates the Microsoft service
agreement.
Audio and video files that are protected with digital rights
management (DRM) can't be used in Movie Maker. (Courtesy of
Windows Live Movie Maker Help Center,
http://explore.live.com/windows-live-movie-maker-help-center).
30 Chapter 4
Chapter 5: Audio Files
In this chapter, you will learn the following audio file techniques:
Importing audio files
Editing audio files
IMPORTANT
Movie Maker 2011 project files will play only one audio track at
a time. For example, you cannot have a song playing at the same
time as a narration track.
31
The imported audio files will appear in the Storyboard as a green bar above the
imported graphic images and video clips.
Storyboard
Preview monitor
Start location. Determine where an audio file will begin playing in your
presentation. You may use either (A) the Click and Drag method, or (B) the Start
time music tool.
32 Chapter 5
B. Start time music tool.
1. Click the Options tab. The Options tab will appear under the Music Tools
heading.
2. Click to select the green audio file thumbnail in the Storyboard.
3. Type a start time in the Start time box. You can use the up and down
arrows in the Start time tool to set a start time.
4. Click Set start time. The audio file will appear in its new start time setting.
Audio Files 33
7. Click Play in the Preview Monitor to review your changes.
IMPORTANT
Respect copyright and be careful what you share online. Copying
or sharing unauthorized materials violates the Microsoft service
agreement.
Audio and video files that are protected with digital rights
management (DRM) can't be used in Movie Maker. (Courtesy of
Windows Live Movie Maker Help Center,
http://explore.live.com/windows-live-movie-maker-help-center).
34 Chapter 5
Chapter 6: Finish Your Project
This chapter will cover the following procedures:
Applying AutoMovie themes
Exporting your Movie Maker 2011 project
AutoMovie Themes
AutoMovie Themes apply advanced transition, graphic and text effects to your
entire Movie Maker 2011 project.
Individual graphic image, title, text and credit slide effects such as transitions and
text effects may not integrate with the AutoMovie themes.
Review the various effects in the Preview Monitor before you apply them to your
project.
1. Click the Home tab.
2. Select the appropriate theme from the AutoMovie theme menu.
[
3. Select Default from the AutoMovie theme menu to undo a selection.
35
Export your Movie Maker 2011 Project
When you finish your Windows Movie Maker 2011 project, you have to export the
file so it can be played and viewed by others.
Always save your original Movie Maker 2011 project file. You can make revisions
as needed, and you can also export the project file in a variety of formats as
needed.
The Save movie setting you choose depends on the end user. Please follow the
guidelines below to determine the best Save movie settings.
36 Chapter 6
Save movie. Save your completed Movie Maker 2011 project file in the
appropriate format.
1. Click the Home tab.
2. Click the Save movie content menu.
3. Select the appropriate setting.
6. The progress bar will appear. The save process can take several minutes to
complete.
38 Chapter 6
Index
A delete a caption. 21
Audio duration 19
click and drag edit 32 edit 18
edit audio files 32 file editing programs 15
import 31 file organization 10
length 33 file size 15
start time music tool edit 33 file specifications 15
formats 15
AutoMovie 35
import graphic images 16
C pan and zoom effects 18
Credits 25 remove animation effects 19
D I
Download Movie Maker 5 Install Movie Maker 5
Duration N
graphic images 19 Narration
E record on your computer 14
Effects 22 record with digital voice recorder
14
Export
frame pixel size 36 P
movie settings 36 Pixel size, frame 36
save movie 37 project file 10
Export Movie Maker 2011 project 36
S
F Save Movie settings 36
File editing 15 Script preparation 13
File formats 15 Scripts 10
File organization Slides 23
audio files 10 credits 25
folders 10 text 24
graphic images 10 title slide 23
guidelines 10
System requirements 5
narration 10
script 10 T
top-level folder 10 Text slide 24
video clips 10 Themes 35
File size 15 AutoMovie 35
G Title slide 23
Graphics Transitions 18
caption effects 21 V
captions 20
Video 27, 31
Index 39
editing programs 28 Video formats 27
formats 27 W
length 28
sources 28 Windows Live Essentials
split a video clip 29 download and install 5
40 Index
2011 Andy Weingartner