Movie Maker, despite its age and eventual discontinuation by Microsoft, remains a beloved and accessible video editing tool for many. Saving your work is crucial to avoid losing precious hours of creativity. The secret to successfully saving a Movie Maker project lies in understanding the distinction between saving the project file (which is just a blueprint) and exporting the finished movie (which is the actual video file).
Understanding the Core Concepts
Movie Maker works by compiling your various clips, images, audio, and effects into a timeline. The “project file” (.wlmp) you save isn’t the final video; it’s a set of instructions telling Movie Maker how to assemble the final video. Think of it as a recipe – you need the ingredients (your media files) to bake the cake (the finished movie).
Saving the project file allows you to reopen and edit your work later. However, to watch and share your creation, you need to export the project as a video file (e.g., .mp4, .wmv). This process renders all the elements together to create a playable video.
Saving Your Movie Maker Project File (.wlmp)
The process of saving a Movie Maker project file is straightforward:
- Go to File > Save Project or File > Save Project As. The “Save Project As” option is useful for creating multiple versions of your project.
- Choose a location on your computer to save the file. Ideally, create a dedicated folder for your video projects to keep everything organized.
- Give your project a descriptive name. This will make it easier to find later.
- Click Save. Your project is now saved as a .wlmp file.
Remember, this file is not a playable video. It only contains the instructions for Movie Maker to build your video. If you move, delete, or rename any of the source media files (images, videos, audio), Movie Maker will be unable to locate them when you reopen the project, leading to errors.
Exporting Your Movie as a Video File
To create a shareable video, you need to export your project:
- Go to File > Save Movie. This will open a submenu with various export options.
- Choose a preset resolution and format. Movie Maker offers several presets, such as “For computer,” “For email,” “For DVD,” and “For HD display.” Choosing the right preset depends on where you plan to watch or share your video. “For computer” or “For YouTube” are good general-purpose options.
- Alternatively, choose “For recommended project”. This allows the software to use the best video and audio settings based on your project’s files.
- For more control, select “Create custom settings.” This option lets you specify the video resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and audio settings. It’s useful for advanced users who need precise control over the output quality and file size.
- Name your video file. Use a descriptive name to make it easy to identify.
- Choose a location to save the video. Make sure you have enough disk space available.
- Click Save. Movie Maker will now begin rendering your video. This process can take a while, depending on the complexity and length of your project.
- A progress bar will display the rendering status. Once completed, you’ll be able to watch your finished video.
Addressing Common Saving Issues
Movie Maker, being an older program, can sometimes exhibit quirky behavior. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
- “Codec Missing” Error: This often occurs when your video contains a format that Movie Maker doesn’t natively support. The solution is to install the appropriate codec (a software component that encodes and decodes video and audio). The K-Lite Codec Pack is a popular and comprehensive option.
- Crashing During Export: This can be caused by several factors, including corrupted media files, insufficient system resources, or software conflicts. Try breaking your project into smaller segments and exporting them separately. Ensure you have enough RAM and free disk space.
- Loss of Media Files: As mentioned earlier, if you move, delete, or rename your original media files, Movie Maker will lose track of them. Before starting your project, it’s best practice to consolidate all your media files into a single folder to avoid accidental relocation.
FAQs: Your Movie Maker Saving Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions that provide further insight into saving Movie Maker projects:
What is the difference between saving a project file and exporting a movie?
Saving a project file (.wlmp) saves the instructions on how to build your video, while exporting a movie renders the final video file in a playable format (e.g., .mp4, .wmv). Think of the project file as the recipe and the exported movie as the finished dish.
Why can’t I play the .wlmp file?
The .wlmp file is not a video file. It’s a project file that only Movie Maker can understand. You need to export the project as a video file to watch it.
What is the best video format to export my Movie Maker project as?
MP4 (H.264 codec) is generally considered the best format for its compatibility across various devices and platforms. It offers a good balance between video quality and file size.
How do I reduce the file size of my exported video?
You can reduce the file size by lowering the resolution, bitrate, and frame rate. Experiment with different settings to find a balance between file size and video quality.
Can I save my Movie Maker project in a different format than .wlmp?
No, Movie Maker primarily saves project files in the .wlmp format. Other, outdated versions of the software may use .MSWMM files. To create a watchable file, you must export to a playable video format.
What happens if I move my source media files after saving the project file?
Movie Maker will be unable to locate the files, and your project will be incomplete. A warning will display when you open the project again. Always keep your media files in a consistent location.
How do I fix the “Codec Missing” error?
Install the necessary codec for the video format that’s causing the error. The K-Lite Codec Pack is a comprehensive solution.
Can I export my Movie Maker project directly to YouTube?
While older versions of Movie Maker offered direct YouTube upload, newer versions lack this feature. You’ll need to export the video file to your computer first and then upload it to YouTube manually.
What if Movie Maker crashes during the export process?
Try breaking your project into smaller segments and exporting them separately. Also, ensure you have enough RAM and free disk space on your computer. Consider closing other resource-intensive applications.
How can I back up my Movie Maker project?
To back up your project, you need to back up both the .wlmp file and all the source media files (videos, images, audio) used in the project. Copy them to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
My exported video is choppy. What can I do?
This may be due to low frame rate during the exporting stage, or that your computer struggles to play the resolution of your created video. Experiment with different export settings, and consider exporting at a lower resolution. Also, close unnecessary applications while playing the video.
I am unable to find the “Save Movie” option.
Older versions of Movie Maker use the option “Publish Movie,” as opposed to “Save Movie.” They function the same way, and can be used to make the video a playable format.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of saving your Movie Maker projects ensures that your creative endeavors are preserved and readily accessible. By understanding the difference between project files and exported movies, addressing common issues, and following the best practices outlined in this guide, you can safeguard your silver screen dreams and share your creations with the world. Remember to always back up your project files and source media files to prevent data loss. Happy editing!