USER MANUAL Table of Contents Slide 00 of 66

Transcription

1 USER MANUAL Table of Contents Slide 00 of 66

2 Table of Contents Table of Contents Getting Started What is Video Xpress Suite? System Requirements to Run Video Xpress Suite Windows System Requirements MAC System Requirements Subscribe to Video Xpress Suite Extend Subscription Preferences Shortcut Tools to Work Faster Know your Software Making Video of Photos Slideshow of Album Projects Animation & Music Animation Entrance Animation Exit Animation Create Playlist Adding or Editing Decors Various Tabs to Compose Slide Alignment Tools to Manage Objects Fine Tune Photos with Editing Tools Proceed to Output Generation Saving the Project Saving the Video in Universal Format Open Saved Project FAQ Table of Contents Page 01 of 66

3 1.0. Getting Started Welcome to Video Xpress Suite. This section is a welcome kit that will let you start and proceed to the software. After going through this section, you will be able to know Video Xpress Suite - Introduction System Requirements Video Xpress Suite Subscription Process Settings and Shortcut tools This Section explains 1.1. What is Video Xpress Suite? System Requirements to Run Video Xpress Suite Windows System Requirements MAC System Requirements Subscribe to Video Xpress Suite Extend Subscription Preferences Shortcut Tools to Work Faster Getting Started Page 02 of 66

4 1.1. What is Video Xpress Suite? Video Xpress is featured software provides you with the facility of making instant videos of Album projects designed in Album Xpress. The software automatically animates almost every individual object on the slide. It is loaded with a large number of transitions, effects; set of decors to edit previously designed Albums. Video Xpress Suite can be used for the complete new creation of Albums and the videos too. You have full control over the entry, stay, and exit of the objects on the slide. It is not necessary to bring album, you can also choose only photos and make a stunning video by decorating video with a set of decors. This manual explains the uses of Video Xpress Suite and serves as your guide as you navigate the world of fast and high-quality Video creation. Getting Started Page 03 of 66

5 1.2. System Requirements to Run Video Xpress Suite This section outlines the Minimum and Recommended system requirements for installing and running Video Xpress Suite in Windows and MAC operating systems Windows System Requirements Before installing Video Xpress Suite on Windows system, make sure you fulfil at least minimum system requirements. Having recommended system requirements installed on your computer will make the software run more smoothly. Table 1:1: Windows System Requirements Equipment Minimum Recommended Operating System! Microsoft Windows 7 and above Microsoft Windows 7 and above Processor 2.8 GHz 32-bit (x86) Processor 64-bit (x64) Processor Computer Memory 2 GB RAM 4 GB RAM Hard Disk Space $ 2 GB Free Hard Disk space 5 GB Free Hard Disk space Additional Space requirement for Input Ports Additional Requirements Saving Project Files Exporting Projects For Processing and Printing Saving Templates for Future Use DVD- ROM drive USB Port * Saving Project Files Exporting Projects For Processing and Printing Saving Templates for Future Use DVD- ROM drive USB Port * Internet # Internet # Important: It is anticipated that Video Xpress Suite will support future versions of the popular operating system!, however, it is advised to visit online portal of Video Xpress Suite for latest system requirements. Note: USB port * is required to connect Dongle which is available only for Video Xpress Suite Dongle version users. Alert: 1) Hard Disk Space $ requirements are approximately stated. 2) Internet # is required to register the software. Getting Started Page 04 of 66

6 MAC System Requirements Before installing Video Xpress Suite on MAC system, make sure you fulfil at least minimum system requirements. Having recommended system requirements installed on your computer will make the software run more smoothly. Table 1:2: MAC System Requirements Equipment Minimum Recommended Operating System! Mac OS X 10.6.x Leopard and above Mac OS X 10.6.x Leopard and above Processor An Intel Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 & An Intel Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 & above Processor above Processor Computer Memory 2 GB RAM 4 GB RAM Hard Disk Space $ 2 GB Free Hard Disk space 5 GB Free Hard Disk space Additional Space requirement for Saving Project Files Exporting Projects For Processing and Printing Saving Templates for Future Use Saving Project Files Exporting Projects For Processing and Printing Saving Templates for Future Use Input Ports Additional Requirements DVD- ROM drive USB Port * DVD- ROM drive USB Port * Internet # Internet # Important: It is anticipated that Video Xpress Suite will support future versions of the popular operating system!, however, it is advised to visit online portal of Video Xpress Suite for latest system requirements. Note: USB port * is required to connect Dongle which is available only for Video Xpress Suite Dongle version users. Alert: 1) Hard Disk Space $ requirements are approximately stated. 2) Internet # is required to register the software. Getting Started Page 05 of 66

7 1.3. Subscribe to Video Xpress Suite Subscribe to Video Xpress Suite. Launch the Video Xpress Suite. Launch Video Xpress Suite and Sign in with your username and password if you are an existing subscriber. You can trace your password with 'Forgot Password' option. Figure 1:1: Registration window If you are a new user, please sign up by entering your name, and desired password. Figure 1:2: Registration window Signing Up Once you sign up, you will be asked to add activation code. Provide activation code details. You can know about how to get this subscription voucher at 'Get Activation Code' link. Getting Started Page 06 of 66

8 Figure 1:3: Registration window Signing Up If you are using Video Xpress Suite Plus, then attach the dongle and Launch Video Xpress Suite. The registration screen will appear with a serial number automatically in it. Just fill in your name, and phone to register. Figure 1:4: Registration window You can do so on any number of PCs. your software will work as long as the dongle is connected. To run Video Xpress Suite as a trial, click on 'Run as Trial' option. Any Queries? info@albumxpresssuite.com Getting Started Page 07 of 66

9 1.4. Extend Subscription Album Xpress Suite Subscription can be extended anytime. Figure 1:5: Account Details' option You can extend the subscription from the 'Account Details' section of 'My Account' in software or from our website. Figure 1:6: 'Extend Subscription' option Use 'Extend Subscription' option and add voucher details to extend the subscription. Getting Started Page 08 of 66

10 Figure 1:7: 'Extend Subscription' window You can change the password using the 'Change Password' option. Getting Started Page 09 of 66

11 1.5. Preferences Clicking on the Preferences icon on the top right-hand corner and choose 'Preferences' option. Manage Language and Units of the software. 'Language' tab has following tools. o Preferred Language can be chosen from drop down. Select the aspect ratio for the video. Figure 1:8: Preferences 'Language' tab 'Aspect Ratio' tab has following tools. o Decide the aspect ratio of the video from Aspect Ratio tab. You have the options of 16: 9 and 4: 3 to generate the video. Figure 1:9: Preferences 'Aspect Ratio' tab Getting Started Page 10 of 66

12 1.6. Shortcut Tools to Work Faster Click on Shortcuts to view a list of Video Xpress Suite shortcuts. Table 1:3: Video Xpress Suite Shortcut Keys Works on Actions Windows MAC All Photo All All All All Move Left Left Arrow key Left Arrow key Move Right Right Arrow key Right Arrow key Move Top Top Arrow key Top Arrow key Move Bottom Bottom Arrow key Bottom Arrow key Move Left + Snap CTRL + Left Arrow key COMMAND + Left Arrow key Move Right + Snap CTRL + Right Arrow key COMMAND + Right Arrow key Move Top + Snap CTRL + Top Arrow key COMMAND + Top Arrow key Move Bottom + Snap CTRL + Bottom Arrow key COMMAND + Bottom Arrow key Crop Zoom In ALT + '+' ALT + '+' Crop Zoom Out ALT + '-' ALT + '-' Crop Left Pan ALT + Left Arrow key ALT + Left Arrow key Crop Right Pan ALT + Right Arrow key ALT + Right Arrow key Crop Top Pan ALT + Top Arrow key ALT + Top Arrow key Crop Bottom Pan ALT + Bottom Arrow key ALT + Bottom Arrow key Rotate X Increase ALT + X ALT + X Rotate X Decrease ALT + CTRL + X ALT + COMMAND + X Rotate Y Increase ALT + Y ALT + Y Rotate Y Decrease ALT + CTRL + Y ALT + COMMAND + Y Rotate Z Increase ALT + Z ALT + Z Rotate Z Decrease ALT + CTRL + Z ALT + COMMAND + Z Arrange Object Bring To Front SHIFT + Top Arrow Key SHIFT + Top Arrow Key Arrange Object Bring Forward SHIFT + Right Arrow key SHIFT + Right Arrow key Arrange Object Send to Back SHIFT + Bottom Arrow key SHIFT + Bottom Arrow key Arrange Object Send Backward SHIFT + Left Arrow key SHIFT + Left Arrow key Align Page based Top Left CTRL + 7 COMMAND + 7 Align Page based Top Center CTRL + 8 COMMAND + 8 Align Page based Top Right CTRL + 9 COMMAND + 9 Align Page based Center Left CTRL + 4 COMMAND + 4 Align Page based Center CTRL + 5 COMMAND + 5 Align Page based Center Right CTRL + 6 COMMAND + 6 Align Page based Bottom Left CTRL + 1 COMMAND + 1 Align Page based Bottom Center CTRL + 2 COMMAND + 2 Align Page based Bottom Right CTRL + 3 COMMAND + 3 Align Page based Top CTRL + T COMMAND + T Align Page based Bottom CTRL + B COMMAND + B Align Page based Left CTRL + L COMMAND + L Align Page based Right CTRL + R COMMAND + R Align Object based Top Left CTRL + SHIFT + 7 COMMAND + SHIFT + 7 Align Object based Top Center CTRL + SHIFT + 8 COMMAND + SHIFT + 8 Align Object based Top Right CTRL + SHIFT + 9 COMMAND + SHIFT Getting Started Page 11 of 66

13 All All All All All Align Object based Center Left CTRL + SHIFT + 4 COMMAND + SHIFT + 4 Align Object based Center CTRL + SHIFT + 5 COMMAND + SHIFT + 5 Align Object based Center Right CTRL + SHIFT + 6 COMMAND + SHIFT + 6 Align Object based Bottom Left CTRL + SHIFT + 1 COMMAND + SHIFT + 1 Align Object based Bottom Center CTRL + SHIFT + 2 COMMAND + SHIFT + 2 Align Object based Bottom Right CTRL + SHIFT + 3 COMMAND + SHIFT + 3 Align Object based Top CTRL + SHIFT + T COMMAND + SHIFT + T Align Object based Bottom CTRL + SHIFT + B COMMAND + SHIFT + B Align Object based Left CTRL + SHIFT + L COMMAND + SHIFT + L Align Object based Right CTRL + SHIFT + R COMMAND + SHIFT + R Equal Spacing Horizontally CTRL + SHIFT + H COMMAND + SHIFT + H Equal Spacing Vertically CTRL + SHIFT + V COMMAND + SHIFT + V Move Selection to Next Object TAB TAB Move Selection to Previous Object SHIFT + TAB SHIFT + TAB Add Next Object to current Selection CTRL + TAB COMMAND + TAB Add Previous Object to current Selection CTRL + SHIFT + TAB COMMAND + SHIFT + TAB Select All Objects on page CTRL + A COMMAND + A Cut Object(s) CTRL + X COMMAND + X Copy Object(s) CTRL + C COMMAND + C Paste Object(s) CTRL + V COMMAND + V Delete Object(s) DEL DEL Undo Object(s) CTRL + Z COMMAND + Z Redo Object(s) CTRL + Y COMMAND + Y Show Photo Information CTRL + SHIFT + I COMMAND + SHIFT + I Increase the size of Object from Top Left ALT + 7 ALT + 7 Increase the size of Object from Top Center ALT + 8 ALT + 8 Increase the size of Object from Top Right ALT + 9 ALT + 9 Increase the size of Object from Center Left ALT + 4 ALT + 4 Increase the size of Object from Center ALT + 5 ALT + 5 Increase the size of Object from Center Right ALT + 6 ALT + 6 Increase the size of Object from Bottom Left ALT + 1 ALT + 1 Increase the size of Object from Bottom Center ALT + 2 ALT + 2 Increase the size of Object from Bottom Right ALT + 3 ALT + 3 Decrease the size of Object from Top Left CTRL + ALT + 7 COMMAND + ALT + 7 Decrease the size of Object from Top Center CTRL + ALT + 8 COMMAND + ALT + 8 Decrease the size of Object from Top Right CTRL + ALT + 9 COMMAND + ALT + 9 Decrease the size of Object from Center Left CTRL + ALT + 4 COMMAND + ALT + 4 Decrease the size of Object from Center CTRL + ALT + 5 COMMAND + ALT Getting Started Page 12 of 66

14 Page View Decrease the size of Object from Center Right CTRL + ALT + 6 COMMAND + ALT + 6 Decrease the size of Object from Bottom Left CTRL + ALT + 1 COMMAND + ALT + 1 Decrease the size of Object from Bottom Center CTRL + ALT + 2 COMMAND + ALT + 2 Decrease the size of Object from Bottom Right CTRL + ALT + 3 COMMAND + ALT + 3 Flip Page composition Horizontally ALT + H ALT + H Flip Page composition Vertically ALT + V ALT + V Fit to Screen CTRL + F12 COMMAND + F12 Actual Size (1:1) CTRL + SHIFT + F12 COMMAND + SHIFT + F12 Zoom In + + Zoom Out Getting Started Page 13 of 66

15 2.0. Know your Software In the previous section, we learnt about software functionality. Now in this section, we will learn how to use this software to create slideshows. We will see various available ways to create videos. After going through this section, you will be able to know Making Video of Photos Making Video of Album Pages This Section explains 2.1. Making Video of Photos Slideshow of Album Projects Know your Software Page 14 of 66

16 2.1. Making Video of Photos You can create a video of the photos with effects. You can insert background, cliparts and much more. Choose 'Photo' option on Home Screen. Figure 2:1: Choosing 'Photo' option On the Select Photos window, you have the option of selecting the photos from Hard disk, CD/DVD or USB drive. Figure 2:2: Selecting Photos Know your Software Page 15 of 66

17 The top option bar helps you to view the photos in different ways o Thumbnail View. o o o Filmstrip View. o o Navigate the photos from and. Full View. List View. Starts the slide show. Edit Photos Edit Photo button at the lower option bar helps you to edit multiple photos at a time. On the Edit Photo window, access color correction options like BCG is to adjust the brightness, contrast and gamma; RGB is to adjust the color tones, Level is to adjust the input and output levels of the photo; and Curve is to adjust the RGB color. Figure 2:3: Edit Photo window If you do not wish to apply the changes on the current photo, click on Skip This Image. To apply changes to all the selected photos, click on Apply settings to all images. Click on Reset all button to reset all the changes done. Click on Save to save all the changes made. Clicking on Save will create a folder for the original image and will save the changes made on the copy of the image, without affecting the original image. You have more options for basic editing. (For Details, Refer Section 5.0 Fine Tune Photos with Editing Tools on Page 56) Resize Photos 'Resize' helps to resize all the heavy size photos to reduced photo size. A Resize window will open on the screen. Know your Software Page 16 of 66

18 Figure 2:4: Resize window All the photos selected appear in the window. You may deselect some photos to exempt them while resizing. If you do not want to resize any selected image, uncheck the checkbox. Select the desired percentage from Percentage drop-down menu if you want to resize the images percentage wise. From the Original and New tab, you can see the changes applied. The Quality tab indicates the quality of the images. The quality of images used here must be good to ensure clarity in the final product. Video Xpress Suite has an inbuilt Quality Indicator, which warns you whenever the photo quality goes below the required standards. Go to Size menu if you want to resize the images size wise. In the drop-down menu, you will see various available sizes. Select any existing size in which you want to resize images. Any unavailable size can be added to size collection. Figure 2:5: Resize window If you want to add unavailable size, click on Edit option. A window will appear. Here an Image size is been added to make you familiar with the process. To edit any of the available sizes, click on the desired size. The selected size will appear in the window. Know your Software Page 17 of 66

19 Figure 2:6: Editing available size Edit the desired parameters and save the changes with Save button. You can add new size by clicking on Add option located below available size list. Define the name for the new size in the Name text box. Figure 2:7: Adding a new size Define the units and DPI for the new size from Units and DPI options. You need to define the width and height of the new size in the Width and Height textbox. Save the size with Save button. Once you save the size, it will be added to the size list. In this way, you can add new sizes. Add more sizes by clicking on Add option. Once you finish adding sizes, close the window. Figure 2:8: New size saved From the drop-down menu, select the size for the resizing. Know your Software Page 18 of 66

20 Figure 2:9: Resize window If you want to maintain aspect ratio while resizing, check the Maintain Aspect Ratio checkbox. After choosing the images click on Save to overwrite the changes over the existing images. Rename Photos Let us rename the Photos. Select the photos to be renamed and choose to 'Rename'. A window will open. List of selected photos will be in the window. Define the new naming format prefix and numbering format. Name preview is displayed instantly in front of old photo names. Figure 2:10: 'Rename' window Click on Save to save the changes in File Name. You can set to crop or fit the photos while placing them on the slide. After the photo selection is done, move next with 'Next' option. In the Design Video window, you can view the Video ready with the selected photos and ready animation. Know your Software Page 19 of 66

21 Figure 2:11: Slideshow ready with Animation You can also manage animations and effects on the objects on the slide from Animation tab located on the right side of the window. Add song to the background of the video from the Songs tab located at the right side of the window. The Play Page option helps you to play the slide. The Play Project button helps you to view the whole project with the given effects. 'My Video' tab As you design one slide after the other, you can view the video slide wise on 'My Video' tab. You can alter the number of pages in the Video by clicking on Add and Delete buttons available in My Video tab. When you choose to reduce the number of slides, a textbox for confirmation of deletion of slides from the end appears. Clicking on Yes will let you proceed as desired. In this way, the video is ready to save and generate. Know your Software Page 20 of 66

22 2.2. Slideshow of Album Projects In Video Xpress Suite, ready Video projects can be imported and converted into slideshows. Choose 'Video' option on Home Screen. Figure 2:12: Choosing 'Video' option Browse through the computer and open the location folder of Video. Figure 2:13: Choosing Video Project Know your Software Page 21 of 66

23 On the Select Video window, you have some additional options at the right side of the window through which you can set parameters for the video creation. They are as follow: o o o Individual Page Design : If you select this option, all the pages of the panoramic Video will split into two and each page will appear as a separate slide. Spread Design : If you select this option, the pages will appear as they are designed in Video Xpress. Maintain Page Aspect Ratio while resizing to Video Frame Size : If you want to maintain aspect ratio while creating a video, check this check box. The Video is resized to the video size. Otherwise, keep the checkbox off. Select the desired Video and move on to the next process with Next button. You will be redirected to the Design Video window where you will see that slideshow is ready with the animation. Figure 2:14: Slideshow of Video Project You can change these effects if you want. You can insert more photos, add or edit background, add clipart, etc. The Play Page option helps you to play the page. The Play Project button helps you to view the whole video with the given effects. The Animation panel is to give effects and adjust their timings. There are various options available in the animation panel, which helps you to give effects to the selected object on the slide. If you want to give any entrance effect to any object, then first select the object and then select the Entrance option and from the available options select the desired effect. Add song to the background of the video from the Songs tab located at the right side of the window. Know your Software Page 22 of 66

24 You can find various tabs in Bottom Option Bar. 'Shape' tab Click Shape tab on the option bar to select a shape you would like to add to decorate the page. Double click on the shape or drag and drop onto the canvas. You can align and resize the shape or rotate it using the icon on the shape. Use the sliders on the new window to modify the shape to suit your requirements. Use the Color Picker to pick any color from the screen for your shape. After you add the shape into the design and customize it according to the need, you can give entrance and exit effect from Animation tab. You can elaborate some thoughts about photos and event by adding title on the page. Video Xpress provides you various ready presets of effects like Colorize, Blur, Opacity, Feather, Shadow, Glow, Outline, Rotation, Presets and Blend in Effects tab. You can apply any of them by double-clicking on required preset. You can also manage duration and delay from the Animation tab. As you update the design, you can preview the page thumbs in video page wise on 'My Video' tab. You can add or delete slides with Add and Delete buttons available in My Video tab. In this way, the slideshow is ready to save. Know your Software Page 23 of 66

25 3.0. Animation & Music All the objects on the slide even background of the slide can be animated. Add or edit existing effects on the slide. This section guides you about the animation and effects procedure. In addition to effects, Video Xpress also provides you with the facility of adding background music to the video. After going through this section, you will be able to know Entrance Animation Types Exit Animation Types Playlist Creation This Section explains 3.1. Animation Entrance Animation Exit Animation Create Playlist Animation & Music Page 24 of 66

26 3.1. Animation All the objects on the slide even background of the slide can be animated. Add or edit existing effects on the slide. This section guides you about the animation and effects procedure Entrance Animation 'Entrance' option in 'Animation' tab allows you to add, edit, manage and clear entrance animation on objects. Figure 3:1: Slideshow ready with Animation Animation tab provides you various options to give entrance effects to the various objects on the slide. Through this option, you can provide not only effects but also you can define duration and delay for the video. There are various options available in this Entrance tab. Let us see all of them one by one. The first option is Start. From start option, you can decide the starting point of the effect i.e. whether this effect should come with the previous effect or after the previous effect. There are two options given in the Start option. First is After Previous in which the selected effect will take place after the previous effect is played. The second available option is With Previous in which the effect is played while the previous effect is being played. Next option available is Delay. This option helps you to define the delay Next option given is Duration. Through Duration option, you can define the duration of the effect on the object. Animation & Music Page 25 of 66

27 There are various ready effects given in the software. You just need to select the object and click on the effect to see the preview of the effect on the object. Once you click on any effect, it will be applied to the object. There are various sub-options available for various kinds of effects. The first type of effect is Mask. In this option, you can find various masking effects for the entry of the selected object. You can click on the effect to apply it to the selected object. In Mask tab, you find an additional option of Invert. If you select this option, the masking effect you apply will be inverted and applied to the selected object. The second tab in effects is Zoom. You can give zooming effect to the selected object from this tab. Two options are available in this tab. One is Grow in which the selected object grows up on the display. Second is Shrink in which the object shrinks and appears on the slide. Next effects option is Move. In this option, various arrows are given and the selected object comes from the direction shown in the arrow, which you choose. There are various directive arrows given in this tab like the top left, top centre, top right, etc. Choose the desired one and see the immediate preview. The last effects tab is Fade. If you give the Fade effect to the object on the slide, the object slowly appears on the slide. Apart from several effects, you can also manage the opacity of the objects. To give opacity effect to the selected object, check the opacity checkbox and then give effect. You can manage the rotation of the object from the rotation tab. You can rotate the object in three perspectives i.e. X, Y and Z. You can rotate objects in clockwise or anticlockwise order. If you do not want to give any effect to any object, then select the object and click on Clear button available on the bottom side of Animation tab. When you apply any Entrance effect on any object, a green box with an arrow in it appears on that object. It indicates that this object has an entrance effect. To go to the selected effect, click on the green box and you will be able to see the selected effect in the Animation tab. Note: If no object is selected and you apply any effect, then that effect will be applied to the background of the slide. In this way, you can give effect to the objects on the slide, manage the duration and make the video. Give effects to all the slides of the video and see the preview of individual slides from Play Page option. To see the preview of the whole video, click on the Play Project button. You will see the preview of the whole video. Animation & Music Page 26 of 66

28 When you play the whole video, you can pause the Video with Pause button. You can also stop the video with the Stop button and restart it with the Play button. You can remove all entrance effects on the current slide that too in a single click. Right-click on the slide and from Entrance Animation option, select the Reset all option. All the entrance effects on the slide will be removed. Similarly, you can apply the same effect on all the objects on the slide. For that apply the effect on any of the object, then select the object and right click on the same, you will find Entrance Animation option. In that select Apply to all and with Play page option see the preview Exit Animation From Exit tab, you can manage the exit effects of the objects. All the effects, which are available in the Entrance tab, are also available in the Exit tab. The only difference is these effects are applied on the exit of the object. Figure 3:2: Slideshow ready with Animation Animation tab provides you various options to give exit effects to the various objects on the slide. Through this option, you can provide not only effects but you can also define duration, hold and delay for the video. There are various options available in this Exit tab. Let us see all of them one by one. The first option is Exit. From exit option, you can decide the exit point of the effect i.e. whether this effect should exit with the previous effect or after the previous effect. There are two options given in the Exit option. First is After Previous in which the selected effect will take place after the previous effect is played. The second available option is With Previous in which the effect is played while the previous effect is being played. Animation & Music Page 27 of 66

29 Next option available is Hold. This option helps you to define the holding period of the object on the slide Next option given is Duration. Through Duration option, you can define the duration of the effect on the object. There are various ready effects given in the software. You just need to select the object and click on the effect to see the preview of the effect on the object. Once you click on any effect, it will be applied to the object. There are various sub-options available for various kinds of effects. The first type of effect is Mask. In this option, you can find various masking effects for the exit of the selected object. You can click on the effect to apply it to the selected object. In Mask tab, you find an additional option of Invert. If you select this option, the masking effect you apply will be inverted and applied to the selected object. The second tab in effects is Zoom. You can give zooming effect to the selected object from this tab. Two options are available in this tab. One is Shrink in which the objects shrinks and disappears from the slide. Second is Grow in which the selected object grows up and disappears from the slide. Next effects option is Move. In this option, various arrows are given and the selected object exits towards the direction shown in the arrow, which you choose. There are various directive arrows given in this tab like the top left, top centre, top right, etc. Choose the desired one and see the immediate preview. The last effects tab is Fade. If you give the Fade effect to the object on the slide, the object slowly faints and disappears from the slide. Apart from several effects, you can also manage the opacity of the objects. To give opacity effect to the selected object, check the opacity checkbox and then give effect. You can manage the rotation of the object from the rotation tab. You can rotate the object in three perspectives i.e. X, Y and Z. You can rotate objects in clockwise or anticlockwise order. If you do not want to give any effect to any object, then select the object and click on Clear button available on the bottom side of Animation tab. When you apply any Exit effect on any object, an orange box with an arrow in it appears on that object. It indicates that this object has an exit effect. To go to the selected effect, click on the orange box and you will be able to see the selected effect in the Animation tab. Note: If no object is selected and you apply any effect, then that effect will be applied to the background of the slide. In this way, you can give effect to the objects on the slide, manage the duration and make the video. Animation & Music Page 28 of 66

30 Give effects to all the slides of the video and see the preview of individual slides from Play Page option. To see the preview of the whole video, click on the Play Project button. You will see the preview of the whole video. When you play the whole video, you can pause the Video with Pause button. You can also stop the video with the Stop button and restart it with the Play button. You can remove all exit effects on the current slide that too in a single click. Right-click on the slide and from Exit Animation option, select the Reset all option. All the exit effects on the slide will be removed. Similarly, you can apply the same effect on all the objects on the slide. For that apply the effect on any of the object, then select the object and right click on the same, you will find Exit Animation option. In that select Apply to all and with Play page option see the preview. Animation & Music Page 29 of 66

31 3.2. Create Playlist In addition to animation, Video Xpress Suite also provides you with the facility of adding background music to the video. Apart from effects, you can also add the background song from the Songs tab. In Songs tab, you can see the total project playtime. Figure 3:3: 'Songs' tab You can add songs according to the duration of the project. Add button is given at the top of the Songs tab from where you can add the song to the video. You can add more than one song i.e. you can create the playlist. If you do not want any song, you can delete the song as well. Just select the song you want to delete and press Delete button. The song will be deleted. In this way, the video is ready to save and generate. Animation & Music Page 30 of 66

32 4.0. Adding or Editing Decors Video Xpress generates automatic videos of photos and albums. You can add and edit the decors of the slide with the help of various tabs available at the option bar. After going through this section, you will be able to know Various tabs in Video Xpress Suite This Section explains 4.1. Various Tabs to Compose Slide Alignment Tools to Manage Objects Adding or Editing Decors Page 31 of 66

33 4.1. Various Tabs to Compose Slide ' While working in Video Xpress Suite, you have several tools to work with. These tools are categorized into different tabs to let you access them with great comfort. As we have tried the video, it's time to view the video creation tools so that you can use them and make your video perfect in less time. 'Photo' tab 'Photo' tab is a gateway to import photos on design. Let us start from the basic tools in 'Photo' tab. First, we will have a look at 'Photo' tab and canvas area. Figure 4:1: Canvas area and 'Photo' tab Now there is a drop-down menu in 'Photo' tab that offers the list of paths accessed by you recently. You can choose any path. The photos in the selected path will be displayed in the tab. You can delete any path in the list that you no longer want to access. You may need to access some other path that is not listed over here. In that case, 'Browse' option helps you to load new paths in 'Photo' tab. External window opens up and here you can browse and load the folder. Once you select the folder, photos in it will open up in 'Ph oto' tab. Now here is a hidden tool that can help you access photos faster. If you load the main folder, all the subfolders will be displayed in the tab. This way, you can save on browsing time and access folders faster. This also avoids clutter in the drop-down menu. Adding or Editing Decors Page 32 of 66

34 Figure 4:2: 'Photo' tab 'Browse' option Now let us learn about adding photos on canvas. It is very simple. Whether you want to add photos one by one or add them in bulk. Everything is simple. Let us try adding one photo at a time. There are two ways to do it. You either drag and drop a photo on canvas area or just double click on the photo in 'Photo' tab. The photo is added to the canvas. Now let us see how to add multiple photos. In the 'Photo' tab, select the photos you want to add on canvas. Now select photos. Please remember, holding control key is mandatory to select multiple photos. Once you select required photos, use the 'Add Photo(s)' option available in 'Photo' tab. Within a glimpse, photos will be taken to the canvas. Align tools using various alignment tools in the window. Let us see other tools in 'Photo' tab. You can set any photo as Background. There are three ways to do it. Let us see each way. Select the photo in the 'Photo' tab. Now use the 'Set as Background' option in 'Photo' tab. The photo will be applied as Background on the slide. Alternatively, you could just drag and take to the bottom margin area. Once the 'Set Photo as Background' option appears near your mouse cursor, drop the photo and the photo will be applied as Background on the slide. Now the third way to set a photo as Background. If the photo you want to set as Background is added on canvas, just select the photo and right click on it to access quick access toolbar. Now you will see 'Set as Background' option. Use this option and the photo will be set as Background of the slide. The photos can be sorted into different orders like Date, Modified Time, Name, etc. and that too in ascending and descending order. There is a sorting parameter called 'Used', which sorts the photo according to its used status. Therefore, you can see all unused photos at the same place. There is another useful tool in 'Photo' tab. This can be used to filter the photos based on its used or unused status. Choosing 'Unused' option here displays only the unused photos. This gives you an idea of which photos to be used on rest of the video slides. Although the 'Photo' tab has the above-stated tools, photos on the canvas still offer some more tools. Let us look at each of them. Once the photo is on canvas, select the photo. Zooming In/Out While working on the Video, you can focus attention on a specific area of the photo by zooming in or take a look at the larger picture by zooming out. You can use a combination of these options to obtain the desired level of accuracy on the slide. Adding or Editing Decors Page 33 of 66

35 Table 4:1: (a) Zooming in; (b) zooming out (a) (b) Click on the photo you want to work on and then use the scroll wheel of the mouse to zoom in or zoom out as per your requirement. Photo Quality Indicator The quality of photos used in a Video must be good to ensure clarity in the final product. Video Xpress Suite has an inbuilt quality indicator, which warns you whenever the photo quality goes below the required standards. Once the photo is placed into the frame, the indicator warns you if the resolution is inappropriate for the quality output. Panning Panning lets you view specific areas of the photo by moving the photo up or down and sideways in the canvas area. This gives access to the areas that would otherwise remain obscure given the size of the photo. Place the cursor over, which then changes to or the hand symbol. Now use your mouse to take hold of the photo and move it around to get to the area you wish to work on. Swapping Photos Many times you need to swap photos on a slide as you go along to. However, the borders if applied to the photos are not swapped. Select the photos you wish to swap by keeping the Ctrl key pressed. When both the photos are selected, the Swap option appears. Click on the option to swap the photos. On each selected photo, its current size appears at top center and left the center of the photo. While moving photos on the canvas, if you want to move photo horizontally in the straight line, hold the 'Shift' key on your keyboard and move the photo. In the same way, to move photo vertically in the same line, hold the 'Alt' key and move the photo. Adding or Editing Decors Page 34 of 66

36 Figure 4:3: Photo Size Photo size Used Photo Indicator While designing Video you may be dealing with a large number of photos and managing them might turn out to be a cumbersome task. Video Xpress Suite helps you sort the photos and manage them better by indicating the photos that have been used and the number of times they have been used in the Video. This helps you plan the Video with the remaining photos and avoid using the same photos multiple times without being aware that you are doing so. Green tab on the photo: This indicates the photos used in Video on another slide. Blue tab on the photo: This indicates the photos used in Video on the current slide. The number on the tab: This indicates the number of times the photo has been used in the Video. 'Background' tab 'Background' tab offers tools related to Background of the slides. Backgrounds are the base of the video slides that hold photos and justify every design. Let us have a look at the 'Background' tab and tools offered in it. First, we will have a look at 'Background' tab and canvas area. Adding or Editing Decors Page 35 of 66

37 Figure 4:4: Canvas area and 'Background' tab Album Xpress Suite provides a collection of Backgrounds and that too of various themes. Apply the desired Background by double-clicking on it. You could also drag and drop the Background to apply it on that slide. If the Background has some other size, which is not similar to your canvas area size, the Background will be fit to canvas automatically by software. You can set the Background as it has appeared or expand it over the canvas and set it the way you want. Let us set the Background by expanding it over the slide. A 'Fit to Size' checkbox is present in 'Background' tab. Uncheck this check box to expand the Background on the slide. The background which is expanded on canvas can be zoomed and panned and can be set the way you want. To do so, take your cursor to the center of the Background where a Sun star symbol is present. This symbol appears only if Background is expanded over the canvas, now as you take cursor over the sun star, the cursor turns into the 'Hand' symbol. Now click and hold it. Zoom or pan the Background to bring the required part inside the canvas. Now there is a drop-down menu in 'Background' tab that offers the list of paths that are accessed by you recently. You can choose from any path. The Backgrounds in the selected path will be displayed in the tab. You may need to access some other path that is not listed over here. In that case, 'Browse' option helps you to load new paths into 'Background' tab. External window opens up and here you can browse and load the folder. Once you select the folder, Backgrounds in it will open up in 'Background' tab. You could also fill Background with a solid color. Either use 'Color Picker' to pick the color from the canvas area or simply use the color palette to choose the Background color. Adding or Editing Decors Page 36 of 66

38 Removing Background from canvas is easy. Remove Background with 'Remove' option. Video Xpress Suite offers you 'Ready Tone' option. In this option, you can generate 18 ready tones of applied Background. You can apply different ready tones of the same Background on different slides of the video to make it a theme-based video. 'Clipart' tab 'Clipart' tab has a set of cliparts and tools related to managing the appearance of cliparts on the slide. Let us have a look at the 'Clipart' tab and tools offered in it. First, we will have a look at 'Clipart' tab and canvas area. Figure 4:5: Canvas area and 'Clipart' tab Add the desired Clipart by double-clicking on it. You could also drag and drop the Clipart on the slide to add it. Now there is a drop-down menu in 'Clipart' tab that offers the list of paths that are accessed by you recently. You can choose from any path. The Cliparts in the selected path will be displayed in the tab. You can delete any path in the list that you no longer want to access. You may need to access some other path that is not listed over here. In that case, 'Browse' option helps you to load new paths into 'Clipart' tab. External window opens up and here you can browse and load the folder. Once you select the folder, Cliparts in it will open up in 'Clipart' tab. Video Xpress Suite offers you 'Ready Tone' option. In this option, you can generate 18 ready tones of applied Clipart. Adding or Editing Decors Page 37 of 66

39 To reset the ready tone, use the Reset button. 'Border' tab 'Border' tab offers borders for photos. Let us start from the basic tools in 'Border' tab. First, we will have a look at 'Border' tab and canvas area. Figure 4:6: Canvas area and 'Border' tab There are two ways to add a border to photos. Either select a photo and double click on the border that you want to apply. Alternatively, you could drag and drop the border on the photo. Now there is a drop-down menu in 'Border' tab that offers the list of paths that are accessed by you recently. You can choose from any path. The borders in the selected path will be displayed in the tab. You can delete any path in the list that you no longer want to access. You may need to access some other path that is not listed over here. In that case, 'Browse' option helps you to load new paths into 'Border' tab. External window opens up and here you can browse and load the folder. Once you select the folder, borders in it will open up in 'Border' tab. Removing border from the photo is easy. Choose the photo and use 'Remove' option in 'Border' tab. Video Xpress Suite offers you 'Ready Tone' option. In this option, you can generate 18 ready tones of the applied border. The borders can be freely transformed on the slide. Use the White dots available on the applied border to drag it on the slide. Adding or Editing Decors Page 38 of 66

40 There are some additional tools in the 'Border' tab to manage border. Let us have brief look at the tools one by one. o Flip Vertical o Flip Horizontal : To flip the border vertical. : To flip the border horizontally. o Rotate CW90 : To rotate the border 90 degrees. o Rotate CW180 : To rotate the border 180 degrees. o Rotate CW270 : To rotate the border 270 degrees. Rotating Photos Rotating photos in a Video keeping the creative design in mind adds to the overall look of the slides. Video Xpress Suite gives you the option of either rotating the photo within the frame or rotating the whole picture along with the frame. To rotate the photo within the frame: keep your cursor on the rotate option that is seen when you select a photo. Once the hand symbol appears, use the mouse to rotate it in the direction of your choice. To rotate the photo along with the frame: Unlock the photo by clicking on. Now keep your cursor on and use the mouse to rotate the photo with the frame when the hand appears. Table 4:2: Rotating: (a) the photo in the frame; (b) the photo with the frame (a) (b) The objects on video canvas which you have unlocked will stay in 'Unlock' state unless and until you lock them again 'Mask' tab 'Mask' tab offers masks for photos. Let us start from the basic tools in 'Mask' tab. First, we will have a look at 'Mask' tab and canvas area. Adding or Editing Decors Page 39 of 66

41 Figure 4:7: Canvas area and 'Mask' tab There are two ways to add a mask to photos. Either select a photo and double-click on a mask that you want to apply. Alternatively, you could drag and drop the mask on the photo. Now there is a drop-down menu in 'Mask' tab that offers the list of paths that are accessed by you recently. You can choose from any path. The masks in the selected path will be displayed in the tab. You can delete any path in the list that you no longer want to access. You may need to access some other path that is not listed over here. In that case, 'Browse' option helps you to load new paths into 'Mask' tab. External window opens up and here you can browse and load the folder. Once you select the folder, masks in it will open up in 'Mask' tab. Removing mask from the photo is easy. Choose the photo and use 'Remove' option in 'Mask' tab. The masks can be freely transformed on the slide. Use the White dots available on the edges of the photo to drag it on the slide. There are some additional tools in the 'Mask' tab to manage mask. Let us have brief look at the tools one by one. o Flip Vertical o Flip Horizontal : To flip the mask vertical. : To flip the mask horizontally. o Rotate CW90 : To rotate the mask 90 degrees. o Rotate CW180 : To rotate the mask 180 degrees. o Rotate CW270 : To rotate the mask 270 degrees. Adding or Editing Decors Page 40 of 66

42 'Shape' tab 'Shape' tab has a set of shapes and tools related to managing the appearance of shapes on the slide. Let us have a look at the 'Shape' tab and tools offered in it. First, we will have a look at 'Shape' tab and canvas area. Figure 4:8: Canvas area and 'Shape' tab Album Xpress Suite provides a collection of Simple and artistic shapes. Add the desired Shape by double-clicking on it. You could also drag and drop the Shape of the slide to add it to that slide. The shape can be resized using the black dragging points available on the edges of the shape. You can even rotate the shape and set it in the style you want. Move and place the shape at the place you want. Shapes can be customized using the 'Custom' panel available in the 'Shape' tab. Figure 4:9: Shape customizing options Manage the width of the outline from the slider or define width manually Fill the shape with color picker, color palette, or texture and manage the opacity of the color fill with slider or define the numbers manually Manage the color of the outline from the color palette and color picker and opacity of outline color from slider or define number manually Adding or Editing Decors Page 41 of 66

43 Customize the outline, fill and color and match the shape with the slide theme. 'Title' tab 'Title' tab allows you to add titles to the slide. There are set of versatile tools that will make the title look best on the video slide. Let us see 'Title' tab and tools offered in it. First, we will have a look at 'Title' tab and canvas area. Figure 4:10: Canvas area and 'Title' tab Style Panel Shadow Panel Outline Panel First, use the white space to insert the title on the slide. There are three panels in the window. o Style Panel: This panel allows you to set the style of the panel. Figure 4:11: Style Panel Title fill options Select font type and size for the title Opacity of the title fill Effects and alignment of title Adding or Editing Decors Page 42 of 66

44 Set the font type and size from Style Panel. Similarly, titles can be dragged to increase its size. You can also apply the effects like bold, italic and underline from the Style Panel. The alignment of the title can also be managed. The title can be filled with solid color or any texture. Let us fill the title with texture. Click on the 'Texture' option. You will see Browse option. Once you click on the option, you will be redirected to a window where you can select the image you want to insert as texture. Album Xpress Suite provides you 50 ready textures. Figure 4:12: Ready textures by Album Xpress Suite You may browse and use your own textures as well. Select the texture image and click on Open option. The texture will appear in the title. You may set the texture in the Tile and Stretch style. These options get visible after you click on 'Texture' option. You can manage the opacity of the title fill from the opacity slider. You can also insert the values manually. o Shadow Panel: You can give shadow effect to the title from this panel. There are various tools on the panel to customize the shadow effect. Adding or Editing Decors Page 43 of 66

45 Figure 4:13: Shadow Panel Reset shadow Color of the shadow Axis of the shadow Blur and opacity level of the shadow Use the color picker or color palette to select the color for the shadow. Axis of the shadow can be manipulated. You have got X and Y sliders to manage axis. You can either use the sliders or enter the values manually. The blur and opacity level of the shadow can be manipulated from the respective slider. Reset the shadow with Reset option. o Outline Panel: Title can be given an outline with the desired effect. Figure 4:14: Outline Panel Reset outline Color of the outline Width and opacity of the outline The color of the outline can be selected via color picker or color palette. Width and opacity of the outline are customizable and can be managed with either sliders or value box. The outline can be reset with the help of Reset option Album Xpress Suite also provides some ready presets for the title, which can be applied on one click. 'Effects' tab 'Effects' tab has set of effects for your photos. In addition, these effects have ready presets that simplify your work of applying effects. Let us see 'Effects' tab and tools offered in it. Adding or Editing Decors Page 44 of 66

46 First, we will have a look at 'Effects' tab and canvas area. Figure 4:15: Canvas area and 'Effects' tab Select the Photo and then open the 'Effects' tab. Now choose from the available effects. You will see that the presets of the effect chosen are showing the preview of how that preset will look on the photo. This way, you can have better judgment. It saves your time of applying preset and then judging the composition. There are 10 different options under this category. They are Colorize, Blur, Opacity, Feather, Shadow, Glow, Outline, Rotation, Presets, and Blend. Apply the desired effect on the photo. o Colorize: Click on the photo to be modified and then click on the colorize preset to apply the effect to the photo. To manually make changes or customize, use the Custom panel available on the right side of the tab and change the color, opacity, and level using Color Picker and sliders. Reset the effect with Reset option. o Blur: You could give a blurred appearance to some photos to make the slide visually more appealing. Click on the photo you need to blur and then select the preset of your choice under this option. Use the Custom panel available on the right side of the tab and increase or decrease the level or blurriness using the slider. o Opacity: Add opacity to the photos by selecting the presets available under this option. You could also manually choose the level of opacity from the Custom panel available on the right side of the tab. o Feather: Apply the feather effect to the photos by clicking on the photo and then selecting the preset of your choice. Use the Custom panel available on the right side of the tab to change the values of the feather manually using the slider. o Shadow: To apply the shadow effect to the photos, click on Shadow and then choose from the available presets. Use the Custom panel available on the right side of the tab and to apply the shadow by doing settings manually. Adding or Editing Decors Page 45 of 66

47 o Glow: Apply the required presets under the Glow option by clicking on the photo and then clicking on the preset. Use the Custom panel available at the right side of the tab for changing your blur, color, and opacity values. o Outline: Select the photo and click on the preset of your choice to apply the outline. To customize the outline, Use the Custom panel available on the right side of the tab and create the outline of your choice by filling in the values in these fields. o Rotation: The photos on the Video slide can be rotated using the predefined presets under the Rotation option. Use the Custom panel available on the right side of the tab to change the values for the x, y, and z-axis and give the photo a 3-D effect. You could also flip the photo horizontally and vertically by using and, respectively. o o Presets: This option gives you certain inbuilt effects that you could use for the photos. Click on the photo and then click on the desired preset to apply it. Blend: There are 12 blending modes that help you achieve the desired effect for the photo. Click on the photo and then select the blend option of your choice to apply. Apart from photos, effects can be applied to cliparts. Adding or Editing Decors Page 46 of 66

48 4.2. Alignment Tools to Manage Objects 'Lock/Unlock Object(s)' tab Video Xpress Suite generally locks the objects on the page. This ensures precise designing. In addition, it restricts accidental moves while you are working on the video. Let us have a look at canvas area and 'Lock/Unlock Object(s)' tab. Figure 4:16: Canvas area and 'Lock/Unlock Object(s)' tab You can lock and unlock objects in two ways. Instant 'Unlock' option is given on each object in its top left-hand corner. A click on this icon unlocks the object and you can freely move it anywhere on the page. Once you are done with the placement of the object, you can re-lock the object using 'Lock'. Now sometimes, the objects may be overlapped with each other and hence 'Lock' or 'Unlock' options are hidden behind another object. This time, it may find difficult for you to move such objects using a mouse. This time 'Lock/Unlock Object(s)' tab helps you to lock or unlock the objects. Just select the objects and choose the desired options from 'Lock/Unlock Object(s)' tab. 'Arrange Object(s)' tab A beautiful effect can be created by arranging objects on each other. While doing this, you may want to bring some objects forward and send some objects behind other objects. Video Xpress Suite makes it easy. Manage the position of the objects using 'Arrange Object(s)' tab. Let us have a look at canvas area and 'Arrange Object(s)' tab. Adding or Editing Decors Page 47 of 66

49 Figure 4:17: Canvas area and 'Arrange Object(s)' tab 'Arrange Object(s)' tab option in brief. has four options to manage object position. Let us know each Table 4:3: 'Arrange Object(s)' tab Option Action Keyboard shortcut Send to Back Sends selected object behind all the objects. Shift + Down Send Backward Send the object one-step behind. Shift + Left Bring to Front Bring selected object in front. All the other objects are sent behind the selected object. Shift + Up Bring Forward Bring object one-step forward. Shift + Right Using keyboard shortcuts makes the placement of the objects easy and fast. Another way to access the 'Arrange Object(s)' tab is to right click on the selected object and choose 'Arrange' option. This way, you can manage designing faster. 'Page Based Alignment' tab Perfect page balancing is possible with 'Page Based Alignment' tab. A balanced page looks beautiful and it adds to the perfection of the video. While designing video, several times you may need to align the objects with reference to the page. This time, op tions under 'Page Based Alignment' tab will help you to align better. Let us have a look at canvas area and 'Page Based Alignment' tab. Adding or Editing Decors Page 48 of 66

50 Figure 4:18: Canvas area and 'Page Based Alignment' tab 'Page Based Alignment' tab Let us know each option in brief. has 15 options to align objects with reference to the page. Table 4:4: 'Page Based Alignment' tab Option Action Keyboard shortcut Top Left Aligns the selected object at the top left corner of the selected page. Ctrl + 7 Top Center Aligns the selected object at the top center of the selected page. Ctrl + 8 Top Right Aligns the selected object at the top right corner of the selected page. Ctrl + 9 Center Left Aligns the selected object at center left of the selected page. Ctrl + 4 Center Aligns the selected object at the center of the selected page. Ctrl + 5 Center Aligns the selected object at the center right of the selected Right page. Ctrl + 6 Bottom Left Aligns the selected object at bottom left a corner of the selected page. Ctrl + 1 Bottom Aligns the selected object at the bottom center of the Center selected page. Ctrl + 2 Bottom Aligns the selected object at the bottom right corner of the Right selected page. Ctrl + 3 Top Aligns the selected object at top of the current position. Ctrl + T Bottom Aligns the selected object at bottom of the current position. Ctrl + B Adding or Editing Decors Page 49 of 66

51 Left Aligns the selected object at the left of the current position. Ctrl + L Right Aligns the selected object at the right of the current position. Ctrl + R Horizontal Aligns the selected object at the horizontal center of the Center current position. Shift + H Vertical Aligns the selected object at the vertical center of the current Center position. Shift + V Using keyboard shortcuts makes the alignment of the objects easy and fast. Another way to access the 'Page Based Alignment' tab is to right click on the selected object and choose 'Align to Page' option. This way, you can build page faster. 'Object Based Alignment' tab While designing page, you may need to align objects with reference to other objects like at the center of other objects. Here 'Object Based Alignment' tab helps you to manage positions of objects. Let us have a look at canvas area and 'Object Based Alignment' tab. Figure 4:19: Canvas area and 'Object Based Alignment' tab 'Object Based Alignment' tab has 15 options to align objects with reference to other objects on the page. Let us know each option in brief. Table 4:5: 'Object Based Alignment' tab Option Action Keyboard shortcut Top Left Aligns the selected object at the top left corner of the Ctrl + Shift Adding or Editing Decors Page 50 of 66

52 selected object area. Top Center Aligns the selected object at the top center of the selected object area. Ctrl + Shift + 8 Top Right Aligns the selected object at the top right corner of the selected object area. Ctrl + Shift + 9 Center Left Aligns the selected object at center left of the selected object area. Ctrl + Shift + 4 Center Aligns the selected object at the center of the selected object area. Ctrl + Shift + 5 Center Aligns the selected object at the center right of the selected Right object area. Ctrl + Shift + 6 Bottom Left Aligns the selected object at bottom left a corner of the selected object area. Ctrl + Shift + 1 Bottom Aligns the selected object at the bottom center of the Center selected object area. Ctrl + Shift + 2 Bottom Aligns the selected object at the bottom right corner of the Right selected object area. Ctrl + Shift + 3 Top Aligns the selected object at top of the current position. Ctrl + Shift + T Bottom Aligns the selected object at bottom of the current position. Ctrl + Shift + B Left Aligns the selected object at the left of the current position. Ctrl + Shift + L Right Aligns the selected object at the right of the current position. Ctrl + Shift + R Horizontal Aligns the selected object at the horizontal center of the Center current position. Ctrl + Shift + H Vertical Center Aligns the selected object at the vertical center of the current position. Using keyboard shortcuts makes the alignment of the objects easy and fast. Ctrl + Shift + V Another way to access the 'Object Based Alignment' tab is to right click on selected objects and choose 'Align to Object' option. This way, you can build page faster. 'Equal Spacing Between Objects' tab While designing page, you plan to place a trail of photos. Arranging these photos at an equal distance is a tedious task. Now here, Video Xpress Suite has an 'Equal Spacing Between Objects' tab which helps to equalize the space horizontally and/or vertically in a single click. Let us have a look at canvas area and 'Equal Spacing Between Objects' tab. Figure 4:20: Canvas area and 'Equal Spacing Between Objects' tab Adding or Editing Decors Page 51 of 66

53 'Equal Spacing Between Objects' tab has two options to equalize the space between three or more objects. Let us know about each option in detail. Table 4:6: 'Equal Spacing Between Objects' tab Option Action Keyboard shortcut Horizontal Vertical Equalizes the horizontal spacing between three or more selected objects. Equalizes the vertical spacing between three or more selected objects. Using keyboard shortcuts makes the task easy and fast. Alt + Shift + H Alt + Shift + V Another way to access the 'Equal Spacing Between Objects' tab is to right click on selected objects and choose 'Equal Spacing' option. This way, you can build page faster. 'Equal Size (Photos)' tab While designing page, you may want to make some photos of the same size. This may be a tedious task. 'Equal Size (Photos)' tab offers size equalization tools. Let us have a look at canvas area and 'Equal Size (Photos)' tab. Figure 4:21: Canvas area and 'Equal Size (Photos)' tab 'Equal Size (Photos)' tab has three options to equalize the size of selected photos. Let us know about each option in detail. Adding or Editing Decors Page 52 of 66

54 Option Width Height Size Table 4:7: 'Equal Size (Photos)' tab Action Equalizes the width of selected photos. Equalizes the height of selected photos. Equalizes the size of selected photos. Select the photo to which size you want to bring all the photos. Now select remaining photos by holding control key. Choose the desired option from 'Equal Size (Photos)' tab. Another way to access the 'Equal Size (Photos)' tab is to right click and choose 'Equal' option. This way, you can build page faster. 'Rotate Object(s)' tab Sometimes a tilt adds to the beauty of the video. Tilt photos and other objects using various rotating options in 'Rotate Object(s)' tab. Easy ways to manage rotation using sliders. Let us have a look at canvas area and 'Rotate Object(s)' tab in detail. Figure 4:22: Canvas area and 'Rotate Object(s)' tab 'Rotate Object(s)' tab option in detail. has tools to manage the rotation of selected objects. Let us know about each Table 4:8: 'Rotate Object(s)' tab Option Action Z, X, and Y Rotate objects with sliders in respective axis 90o and 270o Rotate objects in 90o and 270o Flip Flip objects horizontally and vertically Image Rotation It rotates images within the frame. Use value box or slider to rotate photo within the Adding or Editing Decors Page 53 of 66

55 frame. 'Edit Photo' tab For a photo to be a part of a video, it needs to be enhanced and features of the photo should be beautified. Here, 'Edit Photo' tab helps you by offering a complete set of editing tools. You will find all the editing tools over here that can make your photos perfect for the video you are designing. Let us have a look at canvas area and 'Edit Photo' tab. Figure 4:23: Canvas area and 'Edit Photo' tab 'Edit Photo' tab has tools to edit photos in different ways depending on your requirements. Let us know about each option in brief. Know more about these editing tools in Section Fine Tune Photos with Editing Tools on Page 56. 'Undo' option You can undo the changes you performed recently with 'Undo' option. 'Redo' option You can redo the changes you undid recently with 'Redo' option. 'Zoom in' option You can Zoom in the canvas to design precisely with 'Zoom in' option. Adding or Editing Decors Page 54 of 66

56 'Zoom out' option You can Zoom out the canvas to have a complete view of design using 'Zoom out' option. 'Fit to Screen' option Fit canvas to screen size using 'Fit to Screen' option to exercise 'Fit to Screen' option.. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F12 'Actual Size' option Zoom the canvas to its actual size using 'Actual Size' option + Shift + F12 to exercise 'Actual Size' option.. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl Adding or Editing Decors Page 55 of 66

57 5.0. Fine Tune Photos with Editing Tools Video Xpress Suite has inbuilt photo editing tools. You can do basic editing like adjusting brightness and contrast. After going through this section, you will be able to know about Available Editing Tools Reverting Editing Saving Edits Video Xpress Suite has Basic Filters that help in the editing of photos to be used in Videos. Features such as BCG correction, RGB color modification, Curve, Level, Crop, and Rotation will be explained in detail in this section. You could access these options on the option bar. This section deals with the filters one by one. Figure 5:1: Edit Photo window Basic Filters BCG (Brightness, Contrast, and Gamma) Color Correction To adjust the brightness, contrast, and gamma of the photo, click on the BCG button on the Edit Photo window. Move the sliders for the three parameters forward and backwards to achieve the desired effect. Figure 5:2: The BCG option Alternatively, you could enter the values for the parameters in the value boxes above the respective sliders. Clicking on the Auto Contrast button at the top will adjust the contrasts automatically The changes can be reset by clicking on Reset Fine Tune Photos with Editing Tools Page 56 of 66

58 RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) Color Correction To adjust the color tones of the photos, you could use the RGB color correction option. Modify the color tone by altering the degree of Red, Green and Blue on the color sliders. Figure 5:3: The RGB option Alternatively, you could enter the values manually in the value boxes above the respective sliders. Clicking on the Auto Color button at the top will adjust the color automatically. The changes can be reset by clicking on Reset. Curve Color intensities can be adjusted by clicking on Curve button on the option bar of the Edit Photo window. Figure 5:4: The Curve option Select the color to be adjusted (RGB i.e. red, green or blue) from the drop list under the Channel button. Adjust the intensity by clicking on the curve and moving it as per your requirement. Level To adjust the input and output levels of the photo, click on Level button on the option bar of the Edit Photo window. Figure 5:5: The Level option Select the color for which the input and output levels need to be modified (RGB i.e. red, green or blue) from the drop list under the Channel button. Modify the Input and Output level values in the value boxes as required. Blur To give the photo a blurred effect; click on 'Blur button on the option bar of the Edit Photo window. Fine Tune Photos with Editing Tools Page 57 of 66

59 Adjust the blur level from slider forward and backwards to achieve the desired degree of blurring. Figure 5:6: The Blur option The changes can be reset by clicking on Reset. Colorize To give a color film effect to the photo, click on Colorize option on the option bar under Basic Filters. Figure 5:7: The Colorize option Select the color from Color Picker or Color Palette. Adjust the opacity and level from the slider. The changes can be reset by clicking on Reset. Feather Click on Feather option to give feather effect to the photo. Adjust the feather effect by moving the slider forward and backwards or by inserting the value in the value box. Figure 5:8: The Feather option It will help you to soften the hard edges of the photograph. Figure 5:9: The Feather effect applied to the photo The changes can be reset by clicking on Reset. Opacity Click on Opacity option to give opacity effect to the photo. Figure 5:10: The Opacity option Adjust the opacity by moving the slider forward and backwards or by inserting the value in the value box. The changes can be reset by clicking on Reset. Fine Tune Photos with Editing Tools Page 58 of 66

60 Figure 5:11: Applying Opacity to the photo Crop To crop the photo to the desired dimensions and orientation, click on Crop button on the Edit Photo window. Figure 5:12: The Crop option Change the aspect ratio by clicking on the Aspect Ratio box and select the required value. Select the orientation you desire by selecting either Landscape or Portrait. You can enter the values for the width and height after selecting the unit you want to work with. Table 5:1: Cropping: (a) Landscape; (b) Portrait Uncheck the Maintain Aspect Ratio checkbox option if you would like to proceed with freehand cropping of the photo. (a) (b) Rotate Select the Rotate option on the option bar and then rotate the photo to the desired angle using the slider. Figure 5:13: The Rotate option The changes can be reset by clicking on Reset. Uncheck the Show Grid box to remove the grid lines. Fine Tune Photos with Editing Tools Page 59 of 66

61 You also have the option of using grid lines on the photo to help align it better while rotating. You could activate the grid lines by checking the Show Grid checkbox. Figure 5:14: Using grid lines on the photo Other Options on Edit Photo window Apart from the options that are available under Basic filters, there are few other aids in the Video Xpress Suite that help you as you proceed with designing the Video. These are discussed below. Correction Tool The correction tool appears with all options and can be used to correct any error that might happen while using the filters or add to the effects already created. The brush size and feather tool can be altered by using the respective slider or by entering the value of your choice in the value box.! Remember to keep the Ctrl key pressed to activate the correction mode and to keep the Shift key pressed to undo the change. Original and Before and After Images Original Image: In the course of working on the photos, you might decide to retain an original image or make a fresh set of changes. In such cases, you could load the original image once again by clicking on Load Original. Once the Load Original option is clicked, the software asks for confirmation by displaying a text box. This text box warns that all changes made to the photo so far will be lost. You could click on Yes to proceed. Clicking on No will take you back to the photo with changes. Before and After Images: After making a change, you could view how the photo looked just before the change was made by clicking on Before and how the photo looks after the change by clicking on After. This aids in better decision-making. Saving the Changes There are two Save options in the lower right-hand corner of the Edit Photo window. Save : Clicking on this option causes the old file to be rewritten and the new copy now exists for your reference. Save Copy : Clicking on this option will allow you to save a copy of your work. A text box allowing you to name the copy appears and clicking on Ok after entering the name creates a new copy of your work. Fine Tune Photos with Editing Tools Page 60 of 66

62 6.0. Proceed to Output Generation Video Xpress Suite allows you to save the file for future use and export it as required. These features add to the versatility of the software and simplify working on it to a great extent. After going through this section, you will be able to know about Saving the Project Exporting the Video in Viewable Format This Section explains 6.1. Saving the Project Saving the Video in Universal Format Proceed to Output Generation Page 61 of 66

63 6.1. Saving the Project Once the video project is ready, it is time to get the project saved to make it available for editing or viewing. Save the project using 'Save Project' option. The default path for saving the project is displayed in the textbox as My Documents/\My Video Projects. You could either save the project in this path or provide the path of your choice to save the project. Figure 6:1: 'Design Video' window Saving Project Click on Ok to save the project or on Cancel to abort the process. Proceed to Output Generation Page 62 of 66

64 6.2. Saving the Video in Universal Format After a slideshow is saved, it needs to be generated in universally viewable format. Once the saving process is done, click on Save Video option to start the Generating process. Once you click on the Save Video icon, you will see a window appeared on the screen. In this window, you have to specify the output type and some other details. You can generate video in any of the three universal formats available in the Video Xpress Suite. You have the options of AVI, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4. In addition to the format of the video, you have to select the preset for the video i.e. the quality of output you require for the video. You have 4 options given as follow: o HD 1080p o HD 720p o TV Quality o Mobile Quality Neatly, you have to give a name to the video project from the Name option. Specify the saving path for the project from Path option. The default path for saving the video project is displayed in the textbox as My Videos \ My Xpress Videos. You could either save the project in this path or provide the path of your choice to save the project. Click on Ok to generate the video or on Cancel to abort the process. Figure 6:2: 'Design Video' window Saving Video Proceed to Output Generation Page 63 of 66

65 7.0. Open Saved Project Video Xpress Suite gives you the great advantage of the opening and editing the saved projects as many times as you want. After going through this section, you will be able to know about Open the Projects for Re-editing To open a project that has been saved, click on the Home icon of Video Xpress Suite. You will be redirected to the Home page where you can see Open option at right bottom side. Click on Open option. The projects you have saved are now displayed on the screen. Through Browse button, you can give the path to the folder where you have saved your project. Figure 7:1: Open window Select the project you wish to work on and then click on Open button. Open Saved Project Page 64 of 66