Movie Maker, while a simple and user-friendly video editing program, often leaves users seeking more versatile file formats. Converting your Movie Maker project file to AVI unlocks compatibility across a wider range of devices and software, making it a crucial step for broader sharing and editing flexibility.
Understanding Movie Maker File Formats
Movie Maker, particularly older versions, doesn’t directly “save” in a single video format. Instead, it saves a project file (often with extensions like .wlmp or .mswmm) that contains instructions on how to assemble your video from source clips, transitions, and effects. This project file isn’t playable on its own. To get a playable video, you need to render or export the project into a video format like AVI.
AVI (Audio Video Interleave) is a popular container format developed by Microsoft. It’s known for its good quality and compatibility with a wide range of devices and platforms. While more modern formats like MP4 are generally preferred due to smaller file sizes and better compression, AVI remains a viable option, especially when dealing with legacy systems or specific software requirements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Converting to AVI
The process involves opening your Movie Maker project and exporting it in AVI format. Note that newer versions of Windows might not have Movie Maker pre-installed. In those cases, you might need to download an older version or consider alternative video editing software.
Using Movie Maker (If Available)
- Open Your Project: Launch Movie Maker and open the project file (e.g., .wlmp).
- Go to “Save Movie”: Click on the “File” menu and navigate to “Save Movie.”
- Choose “For Computer” or Custom Settings: You’ll likely see options like “For Computer,” “For Email,” or “For Devices.” Choosing “For Computer” will use preset settings suitable for general playback. For more control, choose “Create custom settings…”
- Select AVI: In the “Create custom settings…” window, you should be able to define the video format. Look for an option to export as AVI or “Windows Media Video file (*.avi).” This is crucial – some options might offer other formats wrapped in an AVI container, which isn’t the same. Make sure it specifies AVI encoding.
- Configure Video and Audio Settings (Optional): If you selected “Create custom settings…”, you’ll have options to adjust the video codec (e.g., DivX, XviD, Uncompressed), frame rate, bitrate, audio codec, and audio bitrate. Higher bitrates generally result in better quality but larger file sizes. Experiment to find a balance that suits your needs. Uncompressed AVI will have the best quality but the largest file size.
- Save the Video: Choose a location to save your AVI file and click “Save.” Movie Maker will then begin rendering the video. Rendering time depends on the project’s complexity and the settings you chose.
Using Third-Party Video Converters
If you no longer have Movie Maker, or you want more advanced control over the conversion process, third-party video converters are a great alternative. Many options are available, both free and paid.
- Download and Install a Video Converter: Popular choices include HandBrake, Freemake Video Converter, Any Video Converter, and Movavi Video Converter. Choose one that suits your needs and operating system. Be cautious about downloading software from untrusted sources.
- Import Your Movie Maker Project’s Output: Since you can’t directly import a .wlmp or .mswmm file into most converters, you’ll need to first export the project as a more common video format from Movie Maker (if available). Export to WMV (Windows Media Video) if possible, as this is the most compatible intermediate format.
- Open the WMV (or other exported video) in the Converter: Launch the video converter and import the WMV file (or the file format you exported from Movie Maker).
- Choose AVI as the Output Format: Select AVI as the desired output format.
- Configure Settings (Optional): Most converters offer options to customize video and audio settings, such as codec, resolution, frame rate, and bitrate. Similar to Movie Maker, experimenting with these settings will affect the final quality and file size. Consider the intended playback device when choosing settings.
- Start the Conversion: Click the “Convert” button to begin the process. The conversion time will vary depending on the size and complexity of the video, as well as the processing power of your computer.
Considerations for Choosing a Codec
The codec you choose significantly impacts the quality and size of the AVI file.
- DivX and XviD: These are popular codecs that offer a good balance between quality and file size. They are widely compatible with various media players and devices. They are lossy codecs, meaning some information is lost during compression.
- Uncompressed: This codec preserves the original video quality but results in significantly larger file sizes. It’s suitable for editing or archiving purposes where quality is paramount.
- MJPEG: Another relatively high-quality option, MJPEG is generally easier to decode than DivX or XviD, making it suitable for older hardware.
FAQs: Addressing Common Conversion Challenges
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the conversion process:
FAQ 1: Why can’t I directly convert a .wlmp or .mswmm file in most video converters?
These files are project files, not video files. They contain instructions for assembling the video but don’t contain the actual video data. You need to use Movie Maker (or a compatible program) to render the project into a playable video format before you can convert it to AVI.
FAQ 2: What video codec should I use when exporting to AVI?
DivX or XviD are good choices for general use due to their balance of quality and file size. Uncompressed is best for archiving or further editing, but results in huge files.
FAQ 3: What if Movie Maker is not installed on my computer?
You might need to download an older version of Movie Maker. Alternatively, use a third-party video editor and converter like HandBrake or Freemake Video Converter. Be sure to export the project from Movie Maker (if you can find it and install it) into a video format that these tools can read (WMV is usually a safe bet).
FAQ 4: My AVI file is too large. How can I reduce the file size?
Lower the bitrate during the conversion process. Also, consider using a more efficient codec like DivX or XviD. You can also reduce the resolution of the video, but this will impact visual quality.
FAQ 5: The converted AVI file has poor video or audio quality. What can I do?
Increase the bitrate for both video and audio during the conversion process. Ensure you’re using a high-quality source video. Choosing a less aggressive compression algorithm can also help.
FAQ 6: What is the best resolution for my AVI video?
The best resolution depends on the intended playback device. For computer playback, 720p (1280×720) or 1080p (1920×1080) are common choices. For older devices or smaller screens, a lower resolution might be sufficient.
FAQ 7: How can I convert multiple Movie Maker projects to AVI at once?
Some video converters offer batch conversion capabilities. This allows you to add multiple video files to the queue and convert them all at once.
FAQ 8: My video converter doesn’t recognize the WMV file that I exported from Movie Maker. What should I do?
Try updating the video converter to the latest version. If that doesn’t work, try a different video converter or try exporting from Movie Maker to a different format, like MPEG.
FAQ 9: Is it legal to convert videos using these methods?
It’s generally legal to convert videos you’ve created yourself. However, converting copyrighted material without permission is illegal.
FAQ 10: How do I ensure the converted AVI file is compatible with my DVD player?
DVD players often require specific codecs and resolutions. Consult your DVD player’s manual to determine the supported formats. Often, MPEG-2 codec with a resolution of 720×480 (NTSC) or 720×576 (PAL) is required. You might need a dedicated DVD authoring software after converting to AVI.
FAQ 11: I’m getting an error message during the conversion process. What could be the issue?
The error message can indicate a variety of issues, such as a corrupted source file, an incompatible codec, or a problem with the video converter. Try updating the converter, checking the source file, or using a different codec. Make sure you have enough disk space for the output file.
FAQ 12: Are there online video converters that can convert Movie Maker projects to AVI?
While online converters exist, they typically require a video file as input, not a Movie Maker project file. So you would still need to export from Movie Maker to a video format first. Additionally, be wary of uploading sensitive or personal videos to online converters due to potential security risks. Desktop converters are generally safer for privacy.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Movie Maker Projects
Converting your Movie Maker projects to AVI provides enhanced flexibility and compatibility. By understanding the steps involved, choosing the right codecs, and addressing common conversion challenges, you can easily transform your video creations into a format suitable for various devices and platforms. Remember to prioritize video quality and file size based on your specific needs, and consider utilizing third-party converters for greater control and efficiency.