Windows Movie Maker, a beloved but discontinued video editing program, creates project files with the extension .MSWMM. These aren’t actual video files; they are project files containing instructions for Movie Maker on how to assemble your video. To get a playable video file, you need to render or export this project into a standard video format like AVI. This article will guide you through the process and address common questions that arise.
Understanding the .MSWMM Dilemma
The key to converting your Windows Movie Maker project into an AVI file lies in understanding the difference between the project file and the actual video file. Think of the .MSWMM file as a recipe for your video, and the AVI file as the actual cooked dish. You can’t share the recipe and expect someone to see your video; you need to render it into a shareable format.
Exporting Your Project to AVI Directly from Windows Movie Maker (If Available)
If you still have Windows Movie Maker installed on your computer, the most direct route is to export your project directly from within the program. Here’s how:
- Open your .MSWMM project in Windows Movie Maker.
- Go to File > Save Movie. You might see options like “For Computer,” “For Email,” or “For DVD.”
- If you see “For Computer,” it’s usually the simplest option. Selecting this brings up a dialog box.
- In the “Save as type:” dropdown menu, look for AVI. If AVI is available, select it.
- Name your file and choose a location to save it.
- Click Save. Windows Movie Maker will now render your project into an AVI video file.
Important Considerations:
- Windows Movie Maker is no longer supported by Microsoft. It might be difficult to find and install on newer operating systems, and using it carries potential security risks.
- The AVI format offered by Windows Movie Maker may be outdated and might not be compatible with all modern devices or video players.
Alternative Methods for Converting .MSWMM Files
Since Windows Movie Maker is obsolete, you’ll likely need to explore alternative methods to convert your .MSWMM files. These typically involve using modern video editing software that can either open the .MSWMM project file directly (less common) or, more likely, rebuild your project using the original source files (videos, images, audio) referenced in the .MSWMM file.
Rebuilding Your Project in a Modern Video Editor
This is often the most reliable approach. Software like DaVinci Resolve (free), Adobe Premiere Pro (paid), Filmora (paid), and OpenShot (free, open-source) can handle your source files and create a new AVI (or other, more modern) video.
- Identify the Source Files: The .MSWMM file acts as a list. Open it with a text editor (like Notepad) and you’ll see references to the videos, images, and audio files used in your project. Make sure you have all these files.
- Import into a New Project: Create a new project in your chosen video editor and import all the source files.
- Re-edit: Reconstruct your video as you originally had it in Windows Movie Maker. This is the most time-consuming part, but it offers the most control.
- Export to AVI: Once you’ve recreated your video, export it as an AVI file. Most video editors offer a variety of AVI codecs and settings. Experiment to find what works best for you.
Using a Dedicated Video Converter (Least Recommended)
While some online articles suggest using dedicated video converters, these tools typically cannot directly convert .MSWMM files. These files are not video files; they are project files. A video converter would need to understand the instructions within the .MSWMM file, which most converters are not designed to do. Therefore, this method is generally ineffective and not recommended.
Understanding Codecs for AVI
Codecs (Coder-Decoders) are essential for encoding and decoding video data. When exporting to AVI, you’ll often be presented with a choice of codecs. Common options include:
- DivX/XviD: Popular codecs known for good compression and quality.
- H.264: A more modern codec that offers better compression than DivX/XviD, resulting in smaller file sizes for comparable quality. However, exporting to AVI using H.264 might not be universally supported.
- Uncompressed: This results in the highest quality but also the largest file size.
Choosing the right codec depends on your needs. For general compatibility, DivX/XviD is a safe bet. For smaller file sizes, explore options within your video editor, though be aware that not all editors allow every codec within an AVI container.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I directly upload an .MSWMM file to YouTube or Vimeo?
No. YouTube and Vimeo require standard video file formats like MP4, MOV, or AVI. You must render your .MSWMM project to a playable video file before uploading.
2. I no longer have Windows Movie Maker. Where can I download it?
While readily available through various online sources, downloading Windows Movie Maker is strongly discouraged due to potential security risks and lack of support. Using modern video editing software is a much safer and more effective approach.
3. I opened my .MSWMM file in Notepad and see a lot of text. What does it all mean?
The text you see represents the structure and settings of your Windows Movie Maker project. It includes information about the video clips, images, audio tracks, transitions, and effects used in your project, as well as their timings and properties. While you can’t directly make sense of all of it, you can use it to identify the source files.
4. Why is my AVI file so large?
AVI files can be large, especially if they use uncompressed video or older codecs. Consider using a more modern video format like MP4 (H.264 codec), which offers better compression and smaller file sizes while maintaining good video quality. You can do this by exporting to MP4 from a modern video editor after re-editing your source files.
5. What’s the best video editing software for beginners?
DaVinci Resolve (free version) is an excellent option, offering powerful features and a relatively intuitive interface. OpenShot is another free, open-source option that’s even simpler to use, though less feature-rich. Filmora is a paid option with a beginner-friendly interface.
6. Will converting to AVI degrade the quality of my video?
It depends on the codec and settings used during the conversion. Using a high bitrate and a good codec (like DivX/XviD) will minimize quality loss. Uncompressed AVI will have the highest quality but also the largest file size.
7. My AVI file won’t play. What could be the problem?
The issue could be due to a missing or incompatible codec. Try installing a codec pack like K-Lite Codec Pack or Combined Community Codec Pack (CCCP). Also, make sure your video player supports the codec used in the AVI file.
8. Can I convert an AVI file to a different format, like MP4?
Yes! Numerous video converters, both free and paid, can convert AVI files to other formats. Handbrake is a popular, free, open-source option. Most modern video editing software can also import AVI files and export them as MP4.
9. What is a “bitrate,” and how does it affect video quality?
Bitrate refers to the amount of data used to encode the video per unit of time (usually seconds). A higher bitrate generally results in better video quality but also a larger file size. Experiment with different bitrates to find a balance between quality and file size that suits your needs.
10. How do I find the original source files used in my .MSWMM project?
Open the .MSWMM file in a text editor like Notepad. Look for lines that begin with , or
11. Why is the audio missing after converting to AVI?
This might be due to an issue with the audio codec used during the conversion. Ensure that your chosen video editor or converter supports the audio codec used in your original source files, and select a compatible audio codec when exporting to AVI (e.g., MP3 or AAC).
12. Is it possible to recover my .MSWMM project if I accidentally deleted the source files?
Recovering deleted files is difficult and depends on whether they’ve been overwritten. Use data recovery software immediately after realizing the files are missing. However, even if recovered, the .MSWMM file is useless without the original source files; you’ll need those to rebuild the project. Prevention is key; always back up your important files.