Video Effect Tutorial

Video Effect Tutorial

MainActor Sequencer provides a rich assortment of video effects. Effects are used to change the appearance of a graphic. This tutorial shows you how to use the Swirl effect, but all effects are created in the same way. To create the video, follow these steps:
  1. Start MainActor Sequencer
  2. Right-click on the timeline and select Insert Multimedia... from the pop-up menu to display a file dialog. Select a bitmap file in the file dialog.
  3. Upon opening the bitmap file, the MainActor Sequencer cursor will change and indicate where the bitmap file will be placed. Move the cursor to the beginning of the Va track and left-click to place the bitmap file on the timeline.
  4. Move the cursor over the right-hand side of the bitmap object and the cursor will change to a horizontal arrow indicating that you can resize the bitmap object. Left-click and hold, then drag the frame of the bitmap object until it extends to the 00:05 mark on the timeline, then release the mouse button.
  5. In the Browser window, make sure the effects button btn_vid_effects.gif is selected and click on the 2D class and then drag the Swirl effect (rightmost effect) and drop it on the bitmap object.
  6. Position the cursor over the bitmap object and right-click. Select Object Video Effects... from the pop-up menu.
  7. In the Video Effect Configuration window that appears, you will see the Swirl effect listed in the Active Video Effects list. Select Swirl and click on the Settings... button to display the Video Effect Settings window. Change the settings as you like and then press the Accept button to return to the Video Effect Configuration window. Click on the Accept button in that window.
  8. To create a video file, select Export... from the File menu and the Export window will appear. Change the settings to match what you want and then press the Save... button. A file dialog will appear that allows you to set the name of the file for your video. Pressing Save in the file dialog will display the Export Progress window which shows the video as it is being rendered.