How to Use the Video Editor on Windows 10

Windows 10 comes with its own video editor, and it's both free and easy to use. Here's how to get started with it.

Creating a personalized video is a great way to share memories and special occasions with friends or family. There are many free and paid tools available in the market to help you create one. However, these tools can be expensive and complex, especially for someone new to the multimedia world.

Fortunately, Windows 10 comes with in-built software to help you create videos, collages, or slideshows. The software is simple and easy to learn, with enough features to help you make a fun video in a short time. In this article, we will tell you about the features of this free software and how to create a simple video.

Understanding the Layout of the Windows Video Editor

The Windows Video Editor has a simpler interface when compared to its famous predecessor Windows Movie Maker. You can access the video editor by typing Video Editor in the Windows search bar and clicking Open. There are four main areas on the editor which you will frequently use while making a video.

• Home screen: You can import files, create a backup of an existing file or configure the editor's settings. You can also easily access your photos by clicking the Photos tab.
• Project library: All the media files you may want to create the video are added here. You can add images or videos from your laptop or the internet.
• Storyboard: The videos and photos you want to edit are added to the Storyboard located in the bottom panel of the Video Editor.
• Preview pane. You can preview the video by clicking the Play button.

Getting Started With the Windows Video Editor

There are two ways to create a video. You can choose the photos and videos, and the Video Editor will remix them to generate a video for you. Alternatively, you can start from a blank canvas, choose your media files, apply different effects and add text to the video.

How to Automatically Create a Video in Windows Video Editor

If you want to give Windows the reigns over your video, you can let it make a video for you.

1. On the Home screen, click the ellipsis next to the New video project and select Make a video for me.
2. Choose at least two media files, name your video, and click Create.
3. Enter a meaningful name of the video and click OK.
4. You can choose the remix option to apply a theme, music, and effects automatically to the video.
5. If you don't want to make further changes, click Finish video.
6. Select the video quality from the drop-down list and click Export.
7. Save the video.

How to Create a Video From a Blank Canvas in Windows Video Editor

Alternatively, if you want to have control over the video creation process, you can start from scratch

1. On the home screen, click the New Video project option.
2. Enter a meaningful name of the video and click OK.
3. In the Project Library, click the +Add icon to import the images or videos from your laptop or the internet.
4. Check the images you want to work with and click Place in the storyboard.

How to Edit a Video Windows Video Editor

You can enhance a video by adding text, music, filters, or 3D effects to the individual files. You can also set the duration of focus on each image or video clip. To apply these effects to the photo, ensure that you click the checkbox in the Storyboard.

How to Add Text in Windows Video Editor

You can add text to your photo or as a title card. A title card can be a fun way to introduce different sections of the video.

1. In the Storyboard, select the photo before inserting a caption and click Add title card. By default, the title card is added at the beginning of the video.
2. Select the title card and select Text.
3. Enter the text, select its style, and layout in the right panel. You can also change the background color
4. Drag the timestamps to set the duration for which the text is displayed. You can also move the Seek button to change the size and color of the text.
5. Click Done.

Alternatively, you can overlay text on a photo by selecting it and clicking the Text button.

How to Add Music in Windows Video Editor

You can add the default music provided by Windows or custom track to your video. Currently, you can apply only one track to the entire video. So, if you include a video with dialogue, it won't be audible.

Follow these steps to add a soundtrack:

1. On the top right of the home screen, select Background music.
2. Click the play button to listen to the music. You can sync the video with the music.
3. To add a music file from your laptop, click Custom audio and Add the audio file.
4. Click Done.

How to Add 3D Effects in Windows Video Editor

You can make your videos come alive with a 3D effect to enhance their look and feel. You can add an animation to the 3D effect or change the volume of a musical effect.

1. In the Storyboard, select the photo and click 3D Effects.
2. In the new window, click the 3D library and select the effect you want to apply. You can also look for an effect by typing in the search bar.
3. Select the effect you want to apply.
4. Click Done.

How to Add Filters in Windows Video Editor

Similar to filters available on social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram, you can apply filters to any photo or video clip in the Windows Video Editor.

1. In the Storyboard, select the photo or video clip.
2. Click Filters and select the filter.
3. Click the play button to preview the effect and click Done.

How to Add Motions in Windows Video Editor

You can make an image fade in, pan out of the frame, or tilt up using the Motions feature.

1. In the Storyboard, select the media.

2. Click Motions and choose the effect. You can hit the play button to preview the motion.

3. Click Done.

RELATED: The Best Free Video Editing Software for Any Platform

Performing Other Functions in Windows Video Editor

In addition to the above features, you can modify the duration for which the photo or video clip is displayed in the final video or remove the black bars that surround a photo.

You can also change the theme of the video, duplicate the project or modify the mode of the video by clicking the ellipsis in the top right panel.

After you are satisfied with the edits, click Finish video on the top right panel and select Export. The video is saved on your laptop. If you are logged in to OneDrive, the video is automatically backed up online.

Creating Simple Videos with Ease

The Windows Video Editor is a handy software with basic features. If you want to learn more about these features, you can reach out to the Microsoft community. There is no help option within the software. If you are looking for software with more advanced features, it is better to explore other paid tools.

Now that you know how to use the Windows Video Editor, try creating your first video and sharing it with your friends.

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