Windows Movie Maker, despite its discontinuation by Microsoft, remains a cherished tool for many novice video editors. Primarily, Windows Movie Maker projects are saved as .MSWMM files, which are essentially project files, not actual video files. This article will delve into the file formats Windows Movie Maker uses and explores the options available for exporting your projects into usable video files.
Understanding the .MSWMM Project File
The .MSWMM file is not a video format in itself. Instead, it serves as a blueprint, containing instructions on how to assemble the various video clips, audio tracks, images, and effects you’ve incorporated into your project. Think of it as a recipe; it describes the ingredients and steps but doesn’t represent the finished dish. Trying to play an .MSWMM file directly in a media player will only result in an error. It’s simply a set of instructions only Windows Movie Maker (or a compatible editor) can interpret.
The key takeaway is that .MSWMM is a project file, not a playable video file. To create a viewable video, you must “publish” or “save” your project into a recognized video format. This process is often called “rendering” or “exporting.”
Exporting Your Movie: Available Video Formats
When you’re ready to share your masterpiece, Windows Movie Maker offers several export options. The specific formats available might vary slightly depending on the version of Windows Movie Maker you’re using, but the core options remain consistent. The most common and recommended export formats include:
- .WMV (Windows Media Video): This is Microsoft’s native video format and was the preferred choice for Windows Movie Maker. It generally offers a good balance between video quality and file size. .WMV files are widely supported on Windows computers and devices.
- .AVI (Audio Video Interleave): This is an older format that supports a variety of video and audio codecs. AVI files tend to be larger than WMV files, especially if they use uncompressed or lightly compressed codecs. However, they offer good compatibility with many media players and editing software.
- .MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14): While not always a default option directly in Windows Movie Maker (especially in older versions), you can often achieve .MP4 output by using a compatible codec or by converting the exported .WMV file to .MP4 using a third-party video converter. .MP4 is arguably the most versatile and widely supported video format today, playing on virtually any device or platform.
Choosing the Right Format: Quality vs. File Size
The best video format for your project depends on your intended use. If you’re primarily sharing videos on Windows computers or need a small file size, .WMV might be sufficient. For wider compatibility across different devices and platforms (including smartphones, tablets, and websites like YouTube), .MP4 is the superior choice. While .AVI offers decent compatibility, its larger file sizes make it less appealing in most modern contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to frequently asked questions that provide greater clarity and depth on the topic:
FAQ 1: Can I open an .MSWMM file in a regular video player?
No, you cannot. As mentioned earlier, the .MSWMM file is a project file, not a video file. It contains instructions for Windows Movie Maker on how to build the video. To view the video, you must first export it to a playable video format like .WMV, .AVI, or .MP4.
FAQ 2: What happens if I double-click an .MSWMM file?
If Windows Movie Maker is installed on your computer, double-clicking the .MSWMM file will usually open the project within the program. If Windows Movie Maker is not installed, you’ll likely receive an error message indicating that the file type is not recognized.
FAQ 3: How do I convert an .MSWMM file to a playable video format?
Open the .MSWMM project in Windows Movie Maker. Then, go to “File” > “Save Movie” or “Publish Movie.” Choose your desired video format (e.g., .WMV, .AVI) and resolution. The program will then render or export your project into the selected format. This process may take some time depending on the complexity and length of your project.
FAQ 4: What resolution should I choose when saving my video?
The ideal resolution depends on where you plan to share the video. For YouTube or other online platforms, a resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p) or 1280×720 (720p) is recommended. For viewing on smaller screens like smartphones, a lower resolution like 640×480 or 480×360 might suffice. Higher resolutions result in larger file sizes.
FAQ 5: What does “codec” mean, and how does it affect my video format?
A codec (coder-decoder) is an algorithm that compresses and decompresses video data. Different video formats utilize different codecs. The codec used significantly impacts video quality and file size. When exporting to .AVI, for example, you might have options to choose from various codecs like DivX, Xvid, or Cinepak.
FAQ 6: Why is my exported video file so large?
Large video file sizes are usually due to high resolution, high bitrates, or the use of uncompressed or lightly compressed codecs. Experiment with different output settings in Windows Movie Maker, such as lowering the resolution or bitrate, to reduce the file size.
FAQ 7: Can I directly export to MP4 from Windows Movie Maker?
Older versions of Windows Movie Maker might not natively support exporting to .MP4. In such cases, you can export to .WMV and then use a third-party video converter to convert the .WMV file to .MP4. Many free and paid video converters are available online.
FAQ 8: What are some good free video converters?
Popular free video converters include Handbrake, Freemake Video Converter, and Any Video Converter Free. These programs allow you to convert between various video formats, including .WMV to .MP4.
FAQ 9: Why is the video quality poor after I export it?
Poor video quality can be caused by low resolution, low bitrate, or the use of a lossy codec (a codec that discards some video data during compression). Try exporting at a higher resolution and bitrate, and experiment with different codec options to find a balance between quality and file size.
FAQ 10: Can I edit an .MSWMM file in another video editing program?
Generally, no. .MSWMM files are proprietary to Windows Movie Maker. Other video editing programs won’t be able to directly open and interpret them. You would need to export the project into a standard video format (e.g., .WMV, .AVI) and then import that video file into the other editing program. However, you would lose the editing history and timeline information stored within the .MSWMM project.
FAQ 11: Is Windows Movie Maker still available for download?
Microsoft officially discontinued Windows Movie Maker, and it’s no longer available for download from their website. However, you may find it on third-party websites, but downloading from unofficial sources is risky as it may contain malware. It’s generally recommended to consider modern, actively supported video editing software instead.
FAQ 12: What are some alternatives to Windows Movie Maker?
Many excellent alternatives to Windows Movie Maker are available, ranging from free to professional-grade. Some popular options include:
- DaVinci Resolve (Free & Paid): A powerful and feature-rich video editor suitable for both beginners and professionals. The free version offers many advanced features.
- OpenShot (Free): A user-friendly and open-source video editor with a simple interface.
- Shotcut (Free): Another open-source video editor with a wider range of features than OpenShot.
- Adobe Premiere Elements (Paid): A simplified version of Adobe Premiere Pro, geared towards novice video editors.
By understanding the .MSWMM project file and the available export options, you can effectively use Windows Movie Maker to create and share your videos, even as you consider transitioning to more modern video editing solutions. Remember to prioritize exporting your projects to widely compatible formats like .MP4 for maximum reach and usability.