Windows Movie Maker, while no longer officially supported by Microsoft, remains a familiar friend for many when it comes to basic video editing. The question of converting Windows Movie Maker projects to standard video formats is crucial for sharing, archiving, and continued use of those projects. Essentially, you need to “publish” or “save” your project file (.wlmp) into a universally compatible video format like MP4 or WMV.
Understanding the Fundamentals
Before diving into the “how-to,” it’s important to understand what’s actually happening when you “convert” a Windows Movie Maker project. A .wlmp file is not a video file itself; it’s a project file containing instructions for Windows Movie Maker on how to assemble your video from various media clips, transitions, and effects. The conversion process is essentially rendering this project into a playable video file. Because Windows Movie Maker is no longer officially available, if you encounter issues or lack access to the original software, you’ll need to rely on third-party solutions.
Methods for Converting Your Projects
Several methods can be used to convert your Windows Movie Maker project to a usable video format. Let’s examine the most common options:
Using Windows Movie Maker (If Available)
If you still have access to Windows Movie Maker, this is the most straightforward approach.
- Open your project: Open the .wlmp file within Windows Movie Maker.
- Click “File” and then “Save Movie.”
- Choose a preset: Windows Movie Maker offers various pre-configured settings for different devices and resolutions. Select the option that best suits your needs. Consider options like “For computer” or a specific resolution like “1080p” if available.
- Customize (optional): Click “For computer” and then “Create custom setting” for greater control over video and audio codecs, bitrates, and frame rates. Be cautious when changing these settings unless you understand their impact.
- Name and save: Choose a file name and location, then click “Save.” The software will begin rendering your video. The time it takes depends on the project’s complexity and the computer’s processing power.
Using Third-Party Conversion Software
If you no longer have Windows Movie Maker, or if you need greater control over output formats, third-party conversion software offers a viable solution. This involves using a converter that can either directly read .wlmp files (rare) or record the output of Windows Movie Maker if you can still run it.
- Finding a suitable converter: Unfortunately, directly converting .wlmp files using third-party tools is challenging because it’s a proprietary format. However, some older versions of video converters may support it. Research converters that claim .wlmp compatibility before purchasing or downloading anything.
- Recording the Screen (If Windows Movie Maker is Available): A reliable method if you have Windows Movie Maker installed is to use a screen recorder. Software like OBS Studio (free and open-source) allows you to record your screen as you play the .wlmp project within Windows Movie Maker. This captures the video as it is being output.
- Set up OBS Studio: Configure OBS Studio to record your desktop or the specific window where Windows Movie Maker is running.
- Play the Project: Open your .wlmp file in Windows Movie Maker and play it from start to finish.
- Stop Recording: Once the entire project has played, stop the recording in OBS Studio. You now have a video file of your project.
- Convert the Recorded File (If Necessary): Depending on the format OBS Studio saves your recording (often .MKV), you may need to further convert it to a more common format like .MP4 using a video converter.
Considerations for Third-Party Solutions
When using third-party software, prioritize safety. Download software only from reputable sources to avoid malware. Always read reviews and check the software’s legitimacy before installation. Remember that freeware may contain unwanted bundled software. Furthermore, some converters may impose watermarks or limitations on free versions.
Optimizing Your Video Output
After converting your video, take steps to ensure optimal playback and compatibility:
Choosing the Right Format
MP4 is generally the best choice for compatibility across devices and platforms. WMV is a good option if you need to maintain compatibility with older Windows systems. Other formats like MOV or AVI might be suitable for specific needs but may require additional codecs for some users.
Selecting the Appropriate Resolution and Frame Rate
Higher resolutions (like 1080p or 4K) provide sharper video, but they also result in larger file sizes. Choose a resolution that balances visual quality with practical file size limitations. A frame rate of 30fps is generally sufficient for most video content, while 60fps provides smoother motion for action-packed scenes.
Adjusting Bitrate
Bitrate determines the amount of data used per second of video. A higher bitrate results in better quality but also a larger file size. Experiment with different bitrates to find the optimal balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about converting Windows Movie Maker files to video format:
FAQ 1: Why can’t I just share my .wlmp file?
Because .wlmp files are project files, not video files. They require Windows Movie Maker (or compatible software) to be opened and rendered into a playable video. Sharing a .wlmp file without the recipient having access to Windows Movie Maker will render it useless.
FAQ 2: What’s the best video format to convert to for YouTube?
MP4 is the recommended format for YouTube. It is widely supported and offers excellent video quality. YouTube also provides specific encoding recommendations for optimal uploads.
FAQ 3: What if I don’t have Windows Movie Maker anymore?
If you no longer have Windows Movie Maker, using a screen recording software while playing the .wlmp project remains a viable workaround. Remember to convert the screen recording to a more standard video format after recording.
FAQ 4: Are there online converters that support .wlmp files?
While some online converters claim to support .wlmp files, their reliability and security are questionable. It is generally not recommended to upload .wlmp files to online converters due to potential privacy risks and the lack of guaranteed success.
FAQ 5: How can I reduce the file size of my converted video?
Reducing the bitrate is the most effective way to decrease file size. Lowering the resolution or frame rate can also help, but this will compromise video quality. Also, consider using a video compression tool after conversion.
FAQ 6: What does “codec” mean, and which one should I use?
A codec is a software algorithm used to encode and decode video data. For MP4, the H.264 codec is a popular choice because it provides good quality at a reasonable file size. Another, more modern option is H.265 (HEVC), which offers even better compression but may not be universally supported.
FAQ 7: Will converting my video reduce its quality?
Yes, converting a video often involves some loss of quality, especially if you’re compressing the file or using a lower bitrate. However, you can minimize quality loss by choosing appropriate settings and using high-quality codecs.
FAQ 8: How long does it take to convert a Windows Movie Maker project?
The conversion time depends on the project’s complexity (length, effects, transitions), the chosen settings (resolution, bitrate), and your computer’s processing power. Complex projects with high-resolution settings will take longer to convert.
FAQ 9: Can I convert multiple .wlmp files at once?
Windows Movie Maker does not support batch conversion. You would need to open and save each project individually. Some third-party converters may offer batch conversion features, but their compatibility with .wlmp files is questionable.
FAQ 10: Why does my video look pixelated after conversion?
Pixelation often indicates that the bitrate is too low for the resolution. Try increasing the bitrate in your conversion settings. It could also be due to using an outdated codec or a poor-quality source video.
FAQ 11: What should I do if the audio is out of sync after converting?
Audio sync issues can occur during conversion. Ensure that your source video and audio files are properly synchronized in Windows Movie Maker before exporting. Experiment with different conversion settings and codecs, as some combinations can cause synchronization problems. If using screen recording, ensure that both audio and video are captured properly.
FAQ 12: Is Windows Movie Maker still a safe software to use?
While Windows Movie Maker itself isn’t inherently unsafe, it’s no longer supported by Microsoft and therefore doesn’t receive security updates. This can make it potentially vulnerable to exploits. Use caution and only download it from trusted sources if you choose to use it. Also, be aware that unofficial versions of Windows Movie Maker available online may contain malware.
By understanding the process and utilizing the appropriate methods, you can successfully convert your Windows Movie Maker projects into widely compatible video formats, preserving your memories and creations for years to come.