Introduction to Windows Movie Maker

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the process of editing screencasts using Windows Live Movie Maker, commonly referred to as Movie Maker. Having downloaded your MP4 file in a previous module, we are now set to begin the editing phase.

Overview of Windows Movie Maker

Windows Live Movie Maker offers a user-friendly interface that consists of various components such as tabs, groups, panes, tools, and a ribbon. Each tab on the ribbon groups similar functions together for easier access. For example, the "Add" group in the Home tab includes options to add media like videos, photos, titles, captions, and credits to your project.

Adding Videos to Movie Maker

To start editing your video, the first step is to add it to Movie Maker:

Open Windows Live Movie Maker by clicking the Start button, navigating to All Programs, and selecting Windows Live Movie Maker.
Once the program is open, navigate to the Home tab and click on "Add videos and photos."
In the dialog box that appears, go to your Desktop to locate your video file.
Select the desired video file and click "Open" to add it to your project.

After completing these steps, your video should now be visible in the Movie Maker timeline, ready for further editing.

Conclusion

In this module, we introduced the basic functionality of Windows Movie Maker and walked through the initial steps for adding a video file. The next steps will involve learning how to split videos, trim clips, and make other changes to enhance your screencast.

Keyword

Windows Movie Maker
Editing
Screencast
Interface
Tabs
Groups
Add Media
Video File

FAQ

Q: What is Windows Movie Maker?
A: Windows Movie Maker is a user-friendly video editing software that allows users to create and edit videos.

Q: How do I add a video to Windows Movie Maker?
A: To add a video, open Movie Maker, select 'Add videos and photos' from the Home tab, navigate to your video file, and click 'Open.'

Q: Can I add titles and captions in Movie Maker?
A: Yes, Movie Maker allows you to add titles, captions, and credits through the 'Add' group in the Home tab.

Q: What can I do after adding a video to Movie Maker?
A: After adding a video, you can split, trim clips, and make various other edits to enhance your video.