How to Convert Movie Maker File: A Comprehensive Guide

Movie Maker files, often saved as .wlmp, are essentially project files and not actual video files. To convert a Movie Maker file, you need to open the .wlmp project in Windows Movie Maker and then save the project as a video file in a commonly used format like MP4 or WMV.

Understanding the .wlmp Format

The .wlmp file extension represents a Windows Live Movie Maker project file. This file doesn’t contain actual video data; instead, it holds instructions and references to the video clips, audio tracks, transitions, effects, and other elements you’ve used in your project. Think of it as a recipe rather than the completed dish. Therefore, you can’t simply “convert” a .wlmp file directly using a general video converter. The correct procedure is to re-render the project into a playable video format.

Step-by-Step Guide to Converting a .wlmp File

Here’s how to effectively convert your Movie Maker project into a video file:

1. Open your .wlmp file in Windows Movie Maker: Double-click the file or launch Windows Movie Maker and select “Open project.”
2. Review and finalize your project: Ensure all edits, transitions, effects, and audio adjustments are to your liking. This is the final chance to make changes before rendering.
3. “Save movie” in your desired format: Click on the “File” menu, then select “Save movie.” A submenu will appear offering several pre-defined quality settings (e.g., “For high-definition display,” “For computer”).
4. Choose a suitable format and quality: The most common and widely compatible formats are MP4 (recommended for general use) and WMV. Consider the intended playback device and quality requirements when selecting a preset. Higher quality settings will result in larger file sizes.
5. Name your file and choose a save location: Give your converted video a descriptive name and select a location on your hard drive where you want to save it.
6. Click “Save” to begin the rendering process: Windows Movie Maker will now process your project according to your settings and create a new video file in the chosen format. This process can take a considerable amount of time depending on the complexity and length of your project.
7. Monitor the progress and be patient: A progress bar will display the status of the rendering process. Avoid interrupting the process, as it could corrupt the final video file.
8. Play and verify the converted video: Once the rendering is complete, navigate to the save location and play the newly created video file to ensure it meets your expectations.

Alternatives to Windows Movie Maker

While Windows Movie Maker was a popular and simple video editing program, it is no longer officially supported by Microsoft. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider these options:

• Windows Photos App (Video Editor): This built-in Windows application offers basic video editing features similar to Movie Maker.
• OpenShot: A free and open-source video editor that’s surprisingly powerful and user-friendly.
• DaVinci Resolve (Free Version): A professional-grade video editor with a steep learning curve but offers incredible capabilities, even in its free version.
• HitFilm Express: Another free video editor that provides a wide range of features and effects.
• Commercial Options: Adobe Premiere Elements, Corel VideoStudio, and CyberLink PowerDirector are all popular paid video editing software packages.

If you choose to switch to a new video editor, you will likely need to re-create your project from scratch. .wlmp files are specific to Windows Movie Maker and are not compatible with other video editing programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why can’t I just change the .wlmp extension to .mp4?

Changing the file extension won’t work. The .wlmp file is not a video file; it’s a project file containing instructions for Windows Movie Maker. Changing the extension simply renames the file but doesn’t convert the data inside.

2. What if I don’t have Windows Movie Maker anymore?

If you no longer have Windows Movie Maker installed, you will need to either reinstall it (unofficially, as Microsoft no longer supports it) or re-create your project in a different video editing program mentioned above.

3. Which video format is best for converting my .wlmp file?

MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is generally recommended due to its excellent compatibility across various devices and platforms. It offers a good balance between video quality and file size. WMV (Windows Media Video) is another option but is less universally compatible.

4. How can I reduce the file size of my converted video?

You can reduce the file size by selecting a lower resolution, bit rate, or frame rate during the “Save movie” process. Experiment with different settings to find a good compromise between file size and video quality. Consider using a video compression tool after exporting the video if further reduction is needed.

5. My converted video is blurry or pixelated. How can I improve the quality?

Ensure you select a higher quality preset when saving the movie. Avoid selecting options like “For email” or “For portable device,” as these are designed for small file sizes and lower quality. If the source footage is low-resolution, increasing the output resolution won’t magically improve the quality.

6. Can I convert a .wlmp file on a Mac?

No, Windows Movie Maker is only available for Windows operating systems. To convert a .wlmp file on a Mac, you’ll need to either use a virtual machine or Boot Camp to run Windows and Windows Movie Maker or re-create the project in a Mac-compatible video editor.

7. I’m getting an error message when trying to save my movie. What should I do?

Error messages can be caused by various issues. Try these solutions:

• Ensure all source files (videos, images, audio) are still in their original locations and haven’t been moved or deleted.
• Close and reopen Windows Movie Maker.
• Restart your computer.
• Check for corrupted or unsupported files in your project.
• As a last resort, try reinstalling Windows Movie Maker.

8. What is a codec, and why is it important?

A codec (coder-decoder) is a software that compresses and decompresses video and audio data. Different video formats use different codecs. If you encounter issues playing a converted video, it may be due to a missing codec on your system. Installing the necessary codec pack might resolve the problem.

9. Is it possible to convert a .wlmp file to another project file format for a different video editor?

No, .wlmp files are proprietary to Windows Movie Maker and cannot be directly converted to other project file formats. You’ll need to re-create the project from scratch in the new video editor.

10. What if I want to edit the converted video further?

Once you’ve converted the .wlmp project to a video file (e.g., MP4), you can import it into any video editor and edit it further. However, you won’t be able to access the original project’s layers and effects directly. You’ll be editing the finalized video file.

11. How long does it take to convert a .wlmp file?

The conversion time depends on several factors, including the length and complexity of the project, the selected output format and quality, and the processing power of your computer. Simple projects might take minutes, while complex projects could take hours.

12. Can I automate the process of converting multiple .wlmp files?

Unfortunately, Windows Movie Maker doesn’t offer batch processing capabilities. You’ll need to convert each .wlmp file individually. If you have many files to convert, consider using a scripting solution (requires advanced technical knowledge) or explore alternative video editors that support batch processing.