Converting Movie Maker Files to MP4: A Comprehensive Guide

Converting a Movie Maker project file (.wlmp) to an MP4 video requires a two-step process: first, you must render or export the Movie Maker project as a video file (like .wmv), and then convert that video file to the MP4 format using a video converter. This guide breaks down both steps in detail, offering various methods and troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth conversion process.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Challenge: WLMP vs. MP4

The WLMP file is not a video file; it’s a project file. Think of it like a recipe – it contains instructions on how to arrange your video clips, audio tracks, transitions, and effects. You can’t directly play a WLMP file on most devices. MP4, on the other hand, is a widely supported video container format playable on almost all devices, browsers, and platforms. Therefore, the core of the conversion process lies in transforming the instructions (WLMP) into a playable video (MP4).

Step 1: Exporting Your Movie Maker Project

Before converting to MP4, you must export your Movie Maker project into a compatible video format. Here’s how:

Exporting as a WMV File

Open your WLMP file in Windows Movie Maker (or Windows Live Movie Maker). Make sure you have the project exactly as you want it.
Click on “File” and then “Save movie”. Here, you’ll be presented with several preset options tailored to different devices (e.g., “For computer,” “For email,” “For high-definition display”).
Choose a preset. Selecting “For computer” usually provides a good balance between video quality and file size. You can also opt for a more specific setting, such as “High-definition display” for better visual fidelity.
Name your file and select a location. Give your video a descriptive name and choose where you want to save it on your computer.
Select “Windows Media Video file (*.wmv)” as the file type. This is the default and most compatible option for Movie Maker.
Click “Save”. Movie Maker will now render your project into a WMV video file. This process can take some time depending on the project’s complexity and length.

Customizing Export Settings (Advanced Users)

For greater control over the output video, you can customize the export settings:

Instead of choosing a preset, select “Create custom setting.” This allows you to adjust parameters like:
- Bitrate: Higher bitrate results in better quality but larger file size.
- Frame rate: The number of frames per second. 24fps is standard for movies, while 30fps or 60fps is common for smoother video.
- Resolution: The video’s dimensions (e.g., 1920×1080 for full HD).
- Audio format: Typically, AAC or MP3.
Carefully consider each setting to balance quality, file size, and compatibility. Incorrect settings can lead to poor video or audio quality.
Experiment with different settings to find the optimal balance for your needs.

Step 2: Converting WMV to MP4

Once you have your WMV video file, you can convert it to MP4 using several methods:

Using a Free Video Converter (Recommended)

Several free video converters offer reliable and easy-to-use solutions. Some popular options include:

Handbrake: A powerful and versatile open-source converter available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It provides extensive customization options for advanced users but is also straightforward for beginners.
VLC Media Player: While primarily a media player, VLC also offers basic video conversion capabilities.
Freemake Video Converter: A user-friendly option with a wide range of supported formats. (Note: be cautious during installation and uncheck any bundled software.)

Example: Converting with Handbrake

Download and install Handbrake.
Open Handbrake and click “Open Source” to select your WMV file.
Choose a preset. Handbrake offers several presets optimized for different devices and resolutions. The “Fast 1080p30” preset is a good starting point.
Specify the output file name and location.
Ensure the “Format” is set to “MP4”.
Click “Start Encode”. Handbrake will begin converting your WMV file to MP4.

Using an Online Video Converter

Online video converters offer a convenient way to convert videos without installing any software. However, be mindful of potential limitations:

File size limits: Many online converters restrict the maximum file size you can upload.
Privacy concerns: Uploading sensitive videos to online converters may pose a privacy risk. Choose reputable services.
Conversion speed: Online conversion speeds can be affected by internet connectivity and server load.

Popular online converters include:

CloudConvert: Supports a wide range of formats and offers advanced options.
Zamzar: Simple and easy to use.
FreeConvert.com: A good option with no watermarks or file size limits.

Before using an online converter, always read their terms of service and privacy policy.

Using a Professional Video Editing Software

If you have access to professional video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve, you can import the WMV file and export it as an MP4. These tools offer the most control over video quality and encoding settings.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of converting Movie Maker files to MP4:

1. Why can’t I directly save a Movie Maker file as MP4?

Windows Movie Maker (and Windows Live Movie Maker) doesn’t natively support exporting directly to the MP4 format. It primarily saves projects as WMV. MP4 support was added in later versions of Windows, but these didn’t come with Movie Maker pre-installed. This is why a two-step conversion process is necessary.

2. Is WMV or MP4 better?

MP4 is generally better due to its superior compatibility and wider support across various devices and platforms. While WMV is a decent format, MP4 is more universally accepted. MP4 also offers better compression, meaning smaller file sizes with comparable video quality.

3. What bitrate should I use when converting to MP4?

The ideal bitrate depends on the resolution and frame rate. For 1080p (Full HD) video at 30fps, a bitrate of 5-10 Mbps is generally recommended. For 720p (HD), 3-5 Mbps is sufficient. Experiment to find the best balance between quality and file size.

4. Will converting reduce the quality of my video?

Yes, any video conversion can potentially result in some quality loss. However, using a good converter and appropriate settings can minimize the impact. Choosing a higher bitrate during conversion will help preserve quality.

5. How can I reduce the file size of my MP4 video?

Reduce the bitrate, lower the resolution, or use a more efficient video codec (like H.265) during conversion. Handbrake offers excellent options for optimizing file size.

6. What if my video has no audio after converting?

This usually indicates a codec issue. Ensure your converter supports the audio codec used in your original WMV file (usually WMA). If necessary, try a different audio codec during conversion (AAC is a good choice for MP4).

7. My video looks distorted after converting. What’s wrong?

Distortion can be caused by incorrect aspect ratio settings or resolution issues. Make sure the aspect ratio (e.g., 16:9 or 4:3) is correctly set during conversion. Also, ensure the output resolution matches the original video resolution.

8. Can I convert a WLMP file on my phone?

Direct conversion on a phone is difficult, as WLMP is a project file that needs Movie Maker. The best approach is to first export your project as a WMV file on a computer and then use a mobile video converter app to convert the WMV to MP4.

9. Is it safe to use online video converters?

While many online video converters are legitimate, it’s crucial to be cautious. Stick to reputable services with clear privacy policies. Avoid uploading sensitive videos and consider using a desktop converter for added security.

10. Movie Maker keeps crashing when I try to export. What can I do?

This often indicates a problem with your project or Movie Maker installation. Try:

Restarting your computer.
Updating your graphics drivers.
Simplifying your project (remove complex effects or transitions).
Reinstalling Movie Maker.
Try exporting smaller sections of your project.

11. Why is my converted MP4 video choppy or laggy?

This can be caused by a low frame rate or insufficient bitrate. Increase the frame rate (if appropriate) and bitrate during conversion. Also, ensure your device meets the minimum system requirements for playing the video.

12. Are there alternatives to Windows Movie Maker?

Yes! Numerous alternatives exist, including:

DaVinci Resolve (Free and Paid): Professional-grade editing software with a free version.
OpenShot Video Editor (Free): A user-friendly, open-source video editor.
iMovie (Free on macOS): A simple and intuitive video editor for Mac users.
Shotcut (Free): Free, open source and cross-platform video editor.

By following these steps and considering the FAQs, you can successfully convert your Movie Maker projects to MP4 and enjoy your videos on any device. Remember to prioritize a reliable conversion tool and appropriate settings to maintain video quality and ensure a seamless experience.