Window Movie Maker Tutorials

The video editor Window Movie Maker comes free with the Windows operating system. It is not a separate purchase but may require a separate download.

Newest version - created for Windows 7 and Vista

First made available in 2009, Windows Live Movie Maker (WLMM) is not just an update but a transformation and simplification of the prior version of Windows Movie Maker that was made available for Windows XP users. Though different, it is easier to use. It has so far not come bundled with the operating system, requiring a separate download. There is free download of WLMM at Microsoft's site.

For video editors it provides 60 transitions, 18 pans and zoom options, and 20 visual effects plus video trim, split, and fade capabilities. This can be used on photos or videos.

Here are some recommended useful tutorial sites:

5 minute screen movie overview of how to use Windows Live Movie Maker to edit movies.

Some 20 minutes of screen movies that provide more detail on editing

Old version - created for Windows XP

The Windows Movie Maker 2.0 version should come bundling with the XP operating system. It is generally found in the accessories folder but you can place a shortcut to the application anywhere to make access convenient. If you do not have the latest version of Windows Movie Maker 2.0, Microsoft's XP Download page will always have the latest version along with other free downloads.

Many sites on the web provide tutorial information on how to complete video composition using this program. New tutorials that appear from time to time can be found by searching for "windows movie maker tutorial" in a search engine.

The top three in ranked order are listed below.

1. Atomic Learning's Movie Maker screen movies, detailed and excellent instructional screen movies.

2. Microsoft's Movie Maker for Beginners, text with some screen shots and a couple of instructional movies.

3. Microsoft's advanced tutorials by Tony Northrup. Text and pictures, no instructional movies.

 

Email me with better web site addresses that might replace one of the sites above.


Updated Oct 10, 2010 Chapter | Houghton