Windows Movie Maker, despite its age, remains a surprisingly capable and user-friendly video editing tool for basic projects. Changing the file type of your finished movie involves understanding the save settings offered within the program, essentially choosing the appropriate output format during the export process. This guide will walk you through exactly how to do that, and address common questions that arise during the process.
Understanding File Types and Windows Movie Maker
Before diving into the “how,” it’s crucial to understand why file types matter. Different file types (video codecs and containers) offer varying levels of compression, quality, and compatibility with different devices and platforms. Windows Movie Maker, unfortunately, offers a limited range of file types for export compared to more modern software, but it can still produce usable video files for many purposes.
Windows Movie Maker’s Output Options
Windows Movie Maker primarily outputs video in the WMV (Windows Media Video) format. This format is generally compatible with Windows-based devices and software. However, it may require conversion for playback on Macs or other platforms. Understanding the implications of this limitation is key to making informed decisions about your project.
Saving Your Movie in Windows Movie Maker: The File Type Choice
While direct selection of file types like MP4 or MOV isn’t a built-in option, Windows Movie Maker offers several preset saving options that indirectly determine the output format and its characteristics. This is the key to “changing” the file type.
Saving for Specific Devices
One way to “change” the file type is by selecting “Save movie” then choosing an option under “For computer.” These options prioritize specific devices or uses. Selecting an option like “For email” will result in a smaller, lower-quality WMV file, while “For high-definition display” will produce a larger, higher-quality WMV.
Custom Saving Options
For more control, choose “Save movie” then select “Create custom setting.” This allows you to adjust parameters such as:
- Name: Give your custom setting a descriptive name.
- Width and Height: Define the video resolution (e.g., 1280×720 for HD).
- Bit rate: Control the video’s compression and quality. Higher bit rates mean better quality but larger file sizes. Experiment with different bit rates to find a balance.
- Frame rate: The number of frames displayed per second (e.g., 24, 25, or 30 fps). Higher frame rates result in smoother motion.
- Audio format: Choose the audio codec (e.g., Windows Media Audio) and settings.
While this doesn’t directly let you pick MP4, manipulating these settings allows you to optimize the WMV output to suit your needs.
Converting WMV to Other File Types
Since Windows Movie Maker’s native output is WMV, converting the file after saving is often necessary to achieve compatibility with a wider range of devices and platforms.
Using Video Conversion Software
Several video conversion programs can efficiently convert WMV files to other formats like MP4, MOV, AVI, and more. Popular options include:
- Handbrake: A free and open-source video transcoder.
- Freemake Video Converter: A user-friendly option with a wide range of output formats.
- Any Video Converter Free: Another popular free converter with good format support.
Online Conversion Tools
Numerous online video converters also exist, allowing you to upload your WMV file and download it in a different format. While convenient, be cautious when using online converters and avoid those that seem untrustworthy or require you to download suspicious software. Ensure the site uses HTTPS for secure connections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about changing file types in Windows Movie Maker:
FAQ 1: Can I directly save my Windows Movie Maker project as an MP4?
No, Windows Movie Maker does not natively support saving directly to MP4. The primary output format is WMV. You will need to use a separate video converter to convert the WMV file to MP4.
FAQ 2: What is the best video converter to use for converting WMV to MP4?
Handbrake is widely considered one of the best free and open-source video converters. It offers excellent control over conversion settings and is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Freemake Video Converter and Any Video Converter Free are also solid choices.
FAQ 3: How do I choose the right bit rate when creating a custom setting?
The ideal bit rate depends on the resolution and frame rate of your video. For HD video (720p), a bit rate of 5-8 Mbps is usually sufficient. For Full HD (1080p), 8-12 Mbps is a good starting point. Experiment to find a balance between quality and file size. Higher bit rates generally mean better quality.
FAQ 4: Will converting my WMV file to MP4 reduce the quality?
Yes, converting video files almost always involves some loss of quality. However, the degree of quality loss depends on the converter used, the settings chosen, and the original quality of the WMV file. Using a high-quality converter and appropriate settings can minimize the loss. Select a constant quality setting in converters like Handbrake for best results.
FAQ 5: What is a video codec, and why is it important?
A video codec is an algorithm used to compress and decompress video data. Different codecs offer different levels of compression, quality, and compatibility. Common codecs include H.264 (used in MP4), WMV, and AVI. Choosing the right codec is essential for ensuring your video looks good and plays correctly.
FAQ 6: My converted video is blurry. What can I do?
Blurry video often results from using a low bit rate during conversion. Increase the bit rate in your video converter settings. Also, ensure that the resolution of the output video is at least as high as the resolution of the original WMV file. Upscaling a low-resolution video will not improve its quality.
FAQ 7: Why is my converted video’s audio out of sync?
Audio syncing issues can occur if the video converter is not properly configured or if the original WMV file has problems. Try a different video converter or adjust the audio settings in your current converter. Some converters allow you to manually adjust the audio sync.
FAQ 8: Is it better to use an online video converter or dedicated software?
Dedicated video conversion software generally offers more features, control, and reliability than online converters. Online converters can be convenient for quick conversions, but they may have limitations on file size, formats, and settings. Also, be mindful of privacy and security concerns when uploading files to online converters.
FAQ 9: Can I edit the converted video further after converting it to MP4?
Yes, you can edit the converted MP4 video in other video editing software. However, re-encoding the video multiple times will likely degrade the quality further. Try to minimize the number of times you encode the video.
FAQ 10: What are the best settings for converting WMV to MP4 for YouTube?
For YouTube uploads, use the H.264 codec, a resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p) or higher, a frame rate of 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, or 60 fps, and a bit rate of 8-12 Mbps for 1080p. Ensure the audio is AAC. Refer to YouTube’s recommended upload settings for the most up-to-date specifications. YouTube has detailed guidelines for video uploads.
FAQ 11: Why is my WMV file so large?
WMV files can be large if they were saved with a high bit rate and resolution. When creating your custom setting in Windows Movie Maker, experiment with lower bit rates to reduce the file size.
FAQ 12: Will updating Windows Movie Maker give me more file format options?
Unfortunately, Microsoft no longer supports or updates Windows Movie Maker. Therefore, updating the program will not add new features or file format options. Using a video converter remains the best approach for achieving the desired file type.
By understanding the nuances of saving and converting video files, you can overcome the limitations of Windows Movie Maker and create videos suitable for a wide range of applications. Remember that experimentation and careful attention to detail are key to achieving the best results.