Converting a Windows Movie Maker project file (*.wlmp) to a universally compatible MP4 video file is essential for sharing and playing your creations on various devices and platforms. The *.wlmp file itself is not a video; it’s merely a project file containing instructions for Movie Maker to assemble your video from the source files (images, videos, and audio) you used. Therefore, you must export or save the project as a video file, and MP4 is the most widely supported and recommended format.
Understanding the Process: Why MP4 is King
While Windows Movie Maker was a popular, albeit now outdated, video editing program, its project files are inherently limited. They can only be opened and edited within Movie Maker itself. This is where the importance of converting to MP4 comes into play.
- Compatibility: MP4, short for MPEG-4 Part 14, is a highly versatile video format recognized by virtually all modern media players, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and online video platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.
- Compression Efficiency: MP4 offers a good balance between file size and video quality. It employs sophisticated compression algorithms, allowing you to create videos that are relatively small in size without significant loss of visual fidelity.
- Accessibility: MP4 files are easily shared via email, messaging apps, or cloud storage services due to their manageable size and widespread compatibility.
Essentially, converting your Windows Movie Maker project to MP4 unlocks your video for viewing and sharing on almost any device or platform. The conversion process essentially instructs Movie Maker to assemble all the elements referenced in your *.wlmp file into a single, playable video file in the MP4 format.
Step-by-Step Guide to Converting
The process of converting a Windows Movie Maker project to MP4 is straightforward. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide:
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Open Your Project: Launch Windows Movie Maker and open the *.wlmp project file you wish to convert. Ensure that all source files (videos, images, audio) used in the project are still located in the same folders on your computer as when you initially created the project. If any files are missing, Movie Maker will prompt you to locate them.
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Go to “Save Movie” or “Publish Movie”: In the Movie Maker interface, look for the “File” menu. Within the File menu, you’ll find options such as “Save Movie” or “Publish Movie” (the exact wording may vary depending on your version of Movie Maker). These options initiate the export process.
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Choose “For Computer” or “Recommended for this Project”: Select an appropriate preset for your video. “For Computer” is generally a good option as it provides a standard definition MP4 file. The “Recommended for this Project” option may choose settings based on the source footage used.
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Customize Settings (Optional but Recommended): Before saving, you can customize the video settings for more control over the output quality and file size. Look for a “More Settings” or “Advanced Settings” option (the wording may vary).
- Resolution: Higher resolutions (e.g., 1920×1080) result in sharper, more detailed videos but also larger file sizes. Lower resolutions (e.g., 1280×720) create smaller files but may sacrifice some visual quality.
- Bitrate: Bitrate refers to the amount of data used per second of video. Higher bitrates result in better video quality but larger file sizes. Experiment to find a balance between quality and file size.
- Frame Rate: The frame rate determines the smoothness of the video. A standard frame rate is 30 frames per second (fps).
- File Type: Ensure the selected file type is MP4 (or .mp4).
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Name and Save Your File: Choose a filename and location for your MP4 video file. It’s good practice to name your file descriptively.
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Wait for the Export Process: Movie Maker will now begin converting your project to an MP4 video. This process may take some time depending on the length and complexity of your project, as well as the processing power of your computer. A progress bar will indicate the status of the conversion.
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Test Your Video: Once the conversion is complete, locate the MP4 file you saved and play it back to ensure that the video and audio are working correctly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, the conversion process doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues and their potential solutions:
- Missing Source Files: If Movie Maker prompts you to locate missing source files, ensure that all the videos, images, and audio files used in your project are still in the same folders on your computer. If you’ve moved or deleted any files, you’ll need to locate them and re-link them within the project.
- Codec Issues: Codecs are algorithms used to encode and decode video and audio data. If you encounter errors during the conversion process, it may be due to a missing or incompatible codec. Try installing a codec pack like K-Lite Codec Pack (though be careful downloading anything you are unsure of).
- Software Compatibility: Movie Maker is an older program, and it may not be fully compatible with newer versions of Windows. If you experience persistent problems, consider upgrading to a more modern video editing software.
- Hardware Limitations: Converting video can be a resource-intensive process. If your computer is old or has limited processing power, the conversion may take a very long time or may even fail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about converting Windows Movie Maker projects to MP4:
FAQ 1: Can I convert a WLMP file without Windows Movie Maker?
No, you cannot directly convert a *.wlmp file to MP4 without Windows Movie Maker (or sometimes other third-party software specifically designed to read WLMP project files and export them, which is rare). The *.wlmp file is a project file; it doesn’t contain the video data itself. It only contains instructions for Movie Maker.
FAQ 2: What if I no longer have Windows Movie Maker?
You can try to reinstall Windows Movie Maker. However, it’s no longer officially supported by Microsoft. If you cannot install or run Movie Maker, consider using a more modern video editing software like OpenShot, DaVinci Resolve (free version available), or Shotcut. These tools offer similar functionality and can directly export to MP4. Some may allow you to import the WLMP project files, but success isn’t guaranteed.
FAQ 3: What is the best resolution to choose when saving my movie?
The best resolution depends on the intended use of the video. For online sharing, 1920×1080 (Full HD) is a good choice. For smaller screens or smaller file sizes, 1280×720 (HD) is sufficient. For very small screens, 640×480 (SD) might suffice.
FAQ 4: How do I reduce the file size of my MP4 video?
You can reduce the file size by lowering the resolution, bitrate, and frame rate when saving your movie. Experiment with different settings to find a balance between file size and video quality.
FAQ 5: What bitrate should I use for my MP4 video?
The recommended bitrate depends on the resolution and frame rate. For 1920×1080 at 30fps, a bitrate of 5-10 Mbps is generally suitable. For 1280×720 at 30fps, a bitrate of 3-5 Mbps is adequate.
FAQ 6: Will converting to MP4 reduce the quality of my video?
Yes, converting to MP4 involves compression, which can potentially reduce the video quality. However, with proper settings, the quality loss should be minimal and hardly noticeable. Using a higher bitrate will preserve more quality.
FAQ 7: Why is my MP4 video pixelated or blurry?
Pixelation or blurriness can be caused by low resolution, low bitrate, or excessive compression. Try using higher settings when saving your movie. Also, ensure that the original source footage is of good quality.
FAQ 8: Can I convert my WLMP file to other video formats besides MP4?
Yes, Windows Movie Maker usually offers other video formats like WMV and AVI. However, MP4 is generally the most compatible and recommended format.
FAQ 9: What are codecs, and why are they important?
Codecs are algorithms used to encode and decode video and audio data. They are essential for playing and editing video files. A missing or incompatible codec can cause errors or prevent a video from playing correctly.
FAQ 10: How long does it take to convert a WLMP file to MP4?
The conversion time depends on the length and complexity of your project, the settings you choose, and the processing power of your computer. A longer, more complex project with high-quality settings will take longer to convert.
FAQ 11: My audio is out of sync in the converted MP4 file. What can I do?
Audio sync issues can sometimes occur during the conversion process. Try re-saving the project and carefully checking the settings. You might also try converting to a different format and then using a separate video converter to convert that file to MP4.
FAQ 12: Is there a batch conversion option for WLMP files?
Windows Movie Maker doesn’t offer a built-in batch conversion feature. You’ll need to convert each *.wlmp project individually. If you need to convert multiple projects, consider using a modern video editor that offers batch processing capabilities or searching for third-party software that may support WLMP batch conversion (exercise caution with unknown software).