Windows 11 comes with Clipchamp as its primary video editing tool. However, for those who only need to perform basic tasks like trimming, splitting, or adding music to their videos, the classic Video Editor in the Photos Legacy app is often a more efficient choice.
Exploring the Photos Legacy Video Editor
The updated Photos app in Windows 11 boasts several features such as text recognition, iCloud synchronization, and a generative erase tool. However, the traditional video editing functionalities available in earlier versions are missing from this new setup.
Microsoft has shifted its focus to Clipchamp, which includes templates and online functionality, catering to those who prefer cloud-based solutions. Yet, for users who appreciate the straightforwardness of the legacy editor, it’s still accessible.
To access the Photos Legacy app, launch the modern Photos app on your Windows 11 system. Click the gear icon located in the top-right corner to enter Settings. Scroll down to find the Get Photos Legacy option, click on it, and you’ll be directed to the Microsoft Store to download the older version.
After installation, open the Photos Legacy app and navigate to the Video Editor tab. Click on New video project, assign it a name, and then click OK. Within the classic interface, click Add to import your desired video clips and photos.
Trimming, Splitting, and Adjusting Clips
When you start editing, the first task typically involves trimming unnecessary sections. Once your clips are on the timeline, select a clip and utilize the options above to trim, split, or rotate.
To trim a clip, navigate the two sliders at either end of the timeline; pull them in to isolate the desired portion. For splitting, position the blue playhead at the cut location, then click Done.
If a clip is misaligned, press Ctrl + R to rotate it in 90-degree increments, repeating as needed for the correct orientation. Moreover, if clips show varying resolutions that result in unwanted black borders, you can click the Crop icon to adjust visibility or zoom in on the clip edges.
To alter the entire project’s aspect ratio, click the three-dot icon in the upper right corner for your preferred setting. After your fundamental edits, arrange the clips on the timeline in the desired order.
Inserting Text into Your Video
Additions of text, such as subtitles or labels, are straightforward in this editor. Select the desired clip, and click the Text button in the toolbar.
You can select from various text styles, ranging from minimalistic to stylized designs. Once you find a suitable style for your video, go to the Layout tab to position the text as needed.
Additionally, a left-side slider allows you to control the duration the text appears on screen. After adjusting everything to your satisfaction, click Done to lock in your changes.
Modifying Playback Speed
Speed adjustment is essential for enhancing video pacing. You can easily slow down or speed up certain sections of your video through the editor.
Select the clip you wish to modify on the timeline, then click the Speed button. A slider will appear to adjust the playback speed between 1x up to 64x for acceleration, or down to 0.02x for slow-motion effects.
Adding Motion, Filters, and 3D Effects
Video editing transcends mere cuts and adjustments, also encompassing creative enhancements. The Photos app Video Editor offers options for inserting motion effects, filters, and even 3D elements.
For camera motions, select a clip and choose the Motion option, featuring presets like zoom, pan, and tilt.
Filters provide a quick way to alter your footage’s brightness and mood, akin to popular apps like Instagram or TikTok. Though you cannot fine-tune filter intensity, they modify the overall appearance of your content effectively.
Incorporating 3D Effects enables you to add whimsical animations like lightning, butterflies, and floating objects, complete with sound effects for realism; you can choose to mute these if they conflict with your original audio.
Incorporating Background Music
Background music significantly enriches video storytelling. Whether you need soothing instrumentals or an upbeat track, adding music is easy.
To access the built-in music library, click on the Background music button at the top. You’ll see various tracks available for preview. After selecting a fitting track, adjust the volume level slider and click Done to apply it.
For audio files stored on your PC, select Custom audio and click Add audio file, then drag and place your audio on the timeline as needed. While you can also layer multiple soundtracks, this editor is best suited for simple audio setups without intricate layering requirements.
Finalizing Your Video
If your project necessitates an intro or outro, utilize the Add title card option to customize your text and background according to your theme, adjusting its on-screen duration as required.
Once satisfied with your video edits, click the Finish video option located in the top-right corner. Choose your desired resolution and click Export to complete the process.
While a multitude of advanced video editing applications exists for Windows, they often cater to professionals or are packed with features that may overwhelm average users. For straightforward offline editing without the need for logins or extensive training, the Photos Legacy app stands out as a practical solution that efficiently meets basic video creation needs.
Related Articles:
Essential Windows Privacy Setting to Disable Immediately
16:57
A Complete Guide on Downloading and Installing Windows 11 Version 25H2
16:54
Transform Your PC with This Windows 11 Mod for an OS Makeover
10:02
Leave a Reply