Getting started with Openshot

[Andy]

Here are some simple getting started instructions - these don't cover effects or transitions.

When you start Openshot, it is ready to accept files for editing. You can either drag & drop files into the Project Files tab (where it says 'Choose a Video or Audio file to begin') or select the menu item File>Import Files or the '+' icon on the toolbar.

Before going any further, you should save your project. Select the menu item File>Save Project As and choose your required options.

Once you have some files imported, they can be dragged to the timeline. Select a file from the Project Files tab and drag it onto a track. You can repeat this process as many times as required. If you need to trim the start or ending of the clip, select the resize tool - the tools sit above the timeline. You can also select the razor tool if you need to chop a chunk off of a clip.

When you have your clips arranged as you want them on the timeline, you can preview your video by pressing the Play icon underneath the Video preview.

If you want to export your video, select File>Export video. Another window will open. From here choose a project type - DVD, Web etc. Once you select this other options will become available. Select your required options and press the 'Export Video' button. A message box will notify you when the export is complete.

Various tasks can be performed using keyboard shortcuts, here is a list:

j = Seek backwards
k/spacebar = Play/Stop
l = Seek forwards
left arrow = single frame backwards
right arrow = single frame forwards
up arrow = go to the previous marker
down arrow = go to the previous marker
tab = toggles the between the trim and arrow (select) tools
Ctrl + Home = go to the start of the timeline
Ctrl + End = go to the end of the timeline
New in 0.9.54
Ctrl + Mouse Wheel - Zoom the timeline in & out

That's a brief guide to get a beginner up & running using the basic features.


Andy.

[davephillips]

Ah, keyboard accelerators, I love 'em.

Thanks for the tips, Andy, they're quite helpful.

Best,

Dave Phillips

http://linux-sound.org

[Andy]

Glad it's a help - of course all this will be in the documentation when it's finished.

BTW Dave, I always enjoy your audio articles in the Linux Journal - have you tried any of the Loomer Vst's? Aspect is a very good soft synth...

[karthink]

I have a simple question.

I have three videos I want to string together. No transitions, no effects, nothing. Just join the three videos to get one.

Dragging the videos onto Track 2 makes each one's duration really long (longer than the duration of the individual videos), and I have to carefully resize each one. It's nearly impossible to get the duration right by hand.

Shouldn't dropping videos into the bottom bar cause them to take up only as much space as their duration?

(EDIT: I must add that these are .mov files. Perhaps there's something wrong with mov support, I'm not sure.)

[Andy]

Shouldn't dropping videos into the bottom bar cause them to take up only as much space as their duration?

(EDIT: I must add that these are .mov files. Perhaps there's something wrong with mov support, I'm not sure.)

Yes, they should appear only as long as their duration. Is the length of the videos displayed correctly in the file project tree?

[karthink]

Now that you mention it, I noticed the length is listed wrong in the project tree as well. (I'm assuming this is the big window into which I drag and drop videos.)

A 7 second .mov file shows up as having a duration of 18 minutes or so.

[Andy]

If possible, please log a bug on Launchpad, following the guidelines here:

https://answers.launchpad.net/openshot/+faq/983

Also, please note what versions of Openshot/MLT etc. you have installed.

Thanks.

[Cenwen]

If i have done none error, it will be corrected in the next version 1.1.3 normally. Jonathan have fixed it .
And the 1.1.3 is in Launchpad (for us). so soon for you in the ppa.

[karthink]

If i have done none error, it will be corrected in the next version 1.1.3 normally. Jonathan have fixed it .
And the 1.1.3 is in Launchpad (for us). so soon for you in the ppa.

I was going to file the bug today. Does this mean I don't have to?

[Cenwen]

If you don't use the 1.1.3 yes.
But if you use the 1.1.3, no.
Thanks

[Rorkimaru]

Great intro. I wasn't aware of the keyboard hotkeys but I use them in all my other software so I think you've just spared me time and RSI =D. I Think that this thread should be stickied (if it's not already) and be organic. Two solutions to common problems with OpenShot are listed below. I think it would be a good idea to add them to the original post!

Suggested additions to the tutorial.

Initial Set up for expanded use:

In order to be able to export to the default Youtube settings
(among other formats) you will need to install the unstripped codec packages. Instructions to do so here are instructions:
https://answers.launchpad.net/openshot/+faq/1040

Step 1) Open Synaptic Package Manager
Step 2) Search on "libavformat"
Step 3) We need to install the alternate version of libavformat... the one with h.264 and mp3 codecs. These package names vary from distribution to distribution, but it should be something similar to:
a) libavformat-extra
b) libavformat-unstripped
Step 4) Close and re-launch OpenShot. You should now be able to use libmp3lame, h.264, and many other restricted formats.

In order to be able to use effects
You will need to install the frei0r plugin dependencies. Enter this code in the terminal;

sudo apt-get install frei0r-plugins

[npovey]

GIVE THEM MONEY!

RUNNING BOTH CORES AT ALMOST 200% ON EXPORT. AMAZINGLY FAST.

THANKS SO MUCH, GUYS AND GALS.