This page is intended for anyone new to using ProShow Producer v4. The subject headings above have been selected as a 'Get You Going' list of features. I will touch briefly on each subject, just enough to explain the basics.
For more in depth information about these and the many other features in ProShow Producer, there are several publications available for download from Photodex. You will also find ProShow Enthusiasts Forums online (in many languages) and these are an invaluable source of information and a great place to meet friendly, like-minded people.
To help you further understand some of the features of Producer, I have devised a few simple 'Learning Exercises'. To find out more, follow the link above. Information \ Learning the Basics
Getting Started
Above : ProShow Producer with the screen set to my preferred layout.
OK. So you've treated yourself to ProShow Producer and now you can't wait to make that perfect presentation. But where do you start? At first glance, the prospect of creating the visual masterpiece you have dreamed of seems a long way away - there's so much to learn. But don't worry, you will soon pick it up.
Before you start, it's a good idea to set up a folder on your Hard Drive which you can use to store all your Producer files. I have a folder titled 'ProShow' and every time I start on a new show, I create a new folder within that ProShow folder which will hold everything to do with the new show. For important shows, I even add all the photos and graphics to the 'show folder' then, when I have finished working on the show, I transfer everything in that folder to a DVD for storage. That way, I can reload the show whenever I want and I'm not using up loads of Hard Disc space for storage.
Finding your way around
If you're anything like me, from the moment you first installed Producer, you will have clicked on every button, explored every drop down menu and pop-up window and followed every link.
If, on the other hand, you are not like me and have not yet explored Producer thoroughly, it might be a good idea to do it now. By exploring the software, you will learn the geography and, although you might not fully understand everything you discover, you will begin to get a feel for the program and start to learn its language and terminology.
An even better way to explore the program is the trial and error route. Create a 'test show' and actually attempt to use the various features you discover on your exploration. This is a sure-fire way to learn what you can and cannot do.
Once you have finished your initial exploration, you can personalize the screen layout. Click on the 'Window' option in the drop-down menu at the top of the screen. Work you way through the various settings until you have the screen looking the way you want it. Now you can save your layout. The graphic above shows Producer with the screen set to my preferred settings.
Creating a new slide show
The first step to creating a new slide show is to set the screen shape - The Aspect Ratio.
Click on the 'New' button at the top / left of the screen. This will open the 'New Slide Show' window. seen right
Click on 'Create' and your new show will be ready for you to work on.
Folders List
In the Folders List on the left of the screen, navigate to where you store your photos. Click on your photos folder and the pictures will appear in the display below as thumbnails. It is possible to change the size of the thumbnails by right clicking in the display area and selecting 'Thumbnail Size' from the pop-up list. see right. Now follow the link to the following window and make your selection from the list of available sizes.
If you prefer, you can remove the thumbnails and work from a detailed file list. To do this, right click in the display area and select 'Details' from the pop-up list.
To insert a photo into your show, simply drag it onto the Timeline. You will now see it displayed as a Slide.
To place more than one photo onto a single slide, hold the Ctrl Key as you drag your next photo onto the Timeline.
Note: At this stage, you will see only 1 photo displayed in a Slide on the Timeline. That will be the last photo to be inserted, or the top Layer.
Screen Positions
When you position a photo on the screen, you must tell Producer where you want it. By default, all images will be placed in the centre of the screen. Position 0,0
The screen is divided into a grid of 100 x 100.
On the X axis (horizontal) positions to the left of centre have a negative value and positions to the right have a positive value.
On the Y axis (vertical) positions above the centre have a negative value and positions below the centre have a positive value. (as seen right)
-50 x -50
0 x -50
50 x -50
-50 x 0
0 x 0
50 x 0
-50 x 50
0 x 50
50 x 50
As with the screen, every photo you include will have the same 100 x 100 grid applied to it.
When you position a photo on the screen, it is actually the centre of the photo (position 0,0) that you are positioning.
It is possible to change this setting when you rotate a photo by changing the Rotation Center. But let's not try to run before we have learnt to walk.
The graphic on the right is a screen-grab showing a photo positioned at -25 x -10. Move the mouse over it to make it move to 25 x 10.
The Timeline
Above: The Timeline set to 'Slide List'
Above: The Timeline set to 'Timeline'
The Timeline is where you place photos and music or sounds that will appear in your show. It is difficult to describe the Timeline, but try to think of it as a Multi-lane Highway that runs from the start of your show to the finish. Instead of lanes, this highway has Layers and instead of junctions (intersections) it has Transitions. Each stretch of highway between junctions is a Slide and that slide can have several different images on different Layers, just like the Highway has different vehicles in different lanes.
On the Highway there are signs that tell you what to do. It's the same on the Timeline, but instead of signs we have Keyframe markers. These Keyframes don't tell us to slow down or warn of cross-winds, but instead they might say: the photo on this Layer fades out or increases in size to 150%.
The Timeline is your show. It provides you with a second by second representation of all the different elements that combine to make up your finished work.
You can view the Timeline in two different formats. see graphics above.
Timeline set to Slide List
With the Timeline set to Slide List, you will see a larger thumbnail of each slide. The Slides all appear the same size as do the Transitions. The soundtrack waveform
is smaller and is squeezed to fit beneath the Slides.
This format is good for working on shows where you need to set precise times for Slides and Transitions. You can easily set Slide and Transition times by clicking on the time displayed beneath each feature.
Timeline set to Timeline
With the Timeline set to this option, the individual slides appear smaller, as do the transitions. The soundtrack waveform is larger and is not squeezed and each Slide and Transition is shown in real time with the soundtrack.
This option is good for working on shows where you need the pictures to work in time with the music. You can expand the Timeline for more precise work by pressing the '+' key. Drag the Slides dividing line to increase / decrease the Slide Time and do the same with Transitions.
Use the Tab key to switch between the two Timeline views.
You will find the Timeline - in different guises - on several of the screens within Producer, but no matter how it appears, it is the same feature and represents your show in its current state of development.
Slide Options
Slide Options \ Effects \ Motion Effects
Slide Options is the main work area of Producer. It is where you turn your creative ideas into reality.
The Slide Options window has 5 work areas, accessed by the tabs at the top of the screen. Each tab will take you to a new window, where the work areas are set out as below: 1. Slide : Slide Styles : Slide Settings : Background 2. Layers : Layer Settings : Video Settings : Editing 3. Effects : Motion Effects : Adjustment Effects 4. Captions : Caption Settings : Caption Motion 5. Sounds : Sound Effects
Slide Options \ Slide
Slide Styles
A Slide Style is really a template for a slide. It is a method of saving all the settings contained within a slide, so that you may reproduce it without having to go through the process of recreating individual settings for each Layer and Keyframe.
The chances are that you might not ever use this setting, or at least not until you become more familiar with the functions of Producer.
This option enables you to set-up various settings relating to individual slides. A feature that you might find useful is the Slide Notes where you can record information relating to the slide.
Background
By default, Producer sets the background of each slide to black. In this option, you can override this setting and create a new solid colour, set a gradient or use an image as a background.
Slide Options \ Layers
Layer Settings
You will probably not need to change many of the settings on this screen until you become more familiar with the software. The one setting you will use frequently is the Scaling setting as seen right.
From the drop down options, select how you want the Layer to appear on the screen.
Video Settings
If you include a video clip in your show (Producer supports most of the common video formats) this is where you can set the functions of that video.
Editing
It is worth becoming familiar with this window as you will use it frequently. There are many functions within this section:
Adjustments
Here you can adjust the appearance of an image by changing the Opacity, Brightness, White Point, Black Point, Contrast and Hue. You can also Sharpen and Blur an image.
Drop Shadow
Here you can add a Drop Shadow, set its colour and intensity.
I have not given an explanation of how to set any of the above functions because I believe they are all self explanatory. If you are unsure about setting any of the above, I would strongly suggest the "trial an error" method of learning. You will very quickly get the hang of it.
Also in this section you will find the Chroma Key Transparency settings. This feature requires a lot more understanding and is probably best avoided by beginners. However, there is no reason why you shouldn't experiment with it.
Slide Options \ Effects
Motion Effects
This is what I consider the main work area of Producer. It is important to familiarize yourself with all the sections in this area. The screen is divided into 2 sections: top and bottom. (See graphic above)
In the top section, you will see 2 preview areas (screens) with the timeline below. To the left is a column of buttons.
In the lower section, you will see the Layers list on the left, with a column of buttons to the left of that. To the right of the Layers list are 2 sections marked Keyframe 1 & Keyframe 2, this is where the Keyframe settings are displayed. Below this section, you will see a row of 'dropdown' option boxes marked Motion Speed.
Understanding the Layout
In the graphic above (a screen-grab of a slide I'm working on) you will notice that I have Layer 5 selected. Now look at the Timeline and you will see that 5 Keyframes have been set. These are the Keyframes for Layer 5. The Timeline will always show the Keyframes for the selected Layer.
When you look at the Timeline, you will see that the section between Keyframe 1 & Keyframe 2 has been selected (it is highlighted in blue). With Keyframe 1 - Keyframe 2 selected, the left preview shows the screen as set for Keyframe 1 and the right preview shows the screen as set for Keyframe 2. The same applies to the 2 Keyframe Settings areas below.
In the graphic above, Layer 5 is a portrait photo of a girl. Keyframe 1 shows the image set to 240% and positioned in the centre of the screen. Keyframe 2 shows the image set to 120% and positioned 25x0. (Half way between the centre and the right of the screen on the X axis and centred on the Y axis.) When the slide is played, the girl will move from position 1 to position 2. To play the slide, click on the 'Play' button (which is at the top) in the column of buttons to the left of the preview screens.
Setting the Layout
It is possible to personalize the layout of the preview and select or deselect certain elements.
Right click in the area of one of the
previews (screens) and make you selection from the pop-up list as seen right.
Keyframes Buttons
This button will play a preview of your slide in the left hand preview area.
This button will add a Keyframe to the Timeline. The Keyframe will be positioned halfway between the 2 selected Keyframes.
This button is very useful and can save you a load of time.
Pressing this button gives you a selection of copy options as listed right.
This button opens the Multi Layer Keyframe Editor as seen below.
This button opens the Precision Preview screen as seen below.
This button offers you more options. as seen right
Above: The Multi Layer Keyframe Editor
Above: The Precision Preview
Layers Buttons
This button will add a Layer. You can select what you add from the pop-up list. seen right.
This button will delete the selected Layer.
If you hit it by mistake, you can retrieve the deleted Layer with 'Ctrl+Z' if you do it immediately.
This button will move the selected Layer up one position in the list.
This button will move the selected Layer down one position in the list.
This button will attach the selected Layer to a Mask on the Layer above.
This button will separate a selected Layer from its Masking Layer above.
This button offers you more Layer options. as seen right.
Motion Speed
When you create motion - change the size of an image or move it from one screen position to another - it is possible to set the type of Motion Speed applied to that image. The options are:
Linear: A constant speed.
Smooth: Starts gently - moves - slows down gently.
Accelerate: Get faster.
Decelerate: Get slower.
You can apply these settings to:
Pan: Moving from one screen position to another.
Zoom X: Changing the size of an image on the X axis.
Zoom Y: Changing the size of an image on the Y axis.
Rotation: Rotating an image.
See graphic above.
Adjustment Effects
The screen layout here is much the same as in Motion Effects. (See section above for screen layout)
In this area, you work with Layers and Keyframes just as you did with Motion Effects but instead of setting Motion you set Appearance.
The image above shows Layer 7 of a slide, with Keyframe 3 to Keyframe 4 selected. You will see that in Keyframe 3 the Colorize setting is enabled with a grey-scale setting. Also, the Brightness is set to -25%. In Keyframe 4 the Colorize setting is not enabled (making the image its original colour) and the Brightness is set to 0% (normal or default).
When this is played, the image will start in black and white, with reduced brightness. As the image grows in size, it changes to its default settings, regaining its colour and brightness.
Slide Options \ Captions
Caption Settings
Caption Screen Positions
Unlike screen positions for images where 0 x 0 is the centre, Captions are positioned using a different grid.
For Captions the centre of the screen is position 50 x 50.
See graphic on the right for Caption Grid Positions
0 x 0
50 x 0
100 x 0
0 x 50
50 x 50
100 x 50
0 x 100
50 x 100
100 x 100
The graphic right shows where you enter your Captions.
The white space at the top of this area is where you type the Caption.
Below are settings for Style : Font : Size : Colour.
To add more than one Caption (you can include as many as you wish) click on the '+' button and then enter the next Caption.
Clicking on the '-' button will remove the selected Caption.
You can move Captions up and down the list using the appropriate arrow buttons.
Captions always appear on top of all other Layers and do not appear on the show Timeline, so it is not possible to position them within other Layers.
With any luck, this is a feature we might see in future versions of Producer.
Text Effects
In this area, you set the 3 Text Effect options.
Fly In: The opening effect.
Normal: The effect for once the Caption has 'flown in'.
Fly Out: The closing effect.
Click on the Browse button to preview the available options. see large graphic below
Text Effects
In this section of Text Effects, you set the Outline and Drop Shadow.
You can also set the colour for both options.
Caption Placement
With the settings (shown right) it is possible to place your Caption in virtually any position on the screen.
It is a good idea to experiment with these settings so that you become familiar with the various functions.
Adding Texture to Captions
In this section, you can replace the solid colour of text with either a Gradient or an Image.
Tick the Off/On box to enable, then select either Image or Gradient. Once you have done this, click on the appropriate button and add your chosen effect.
Caption Interactivity
It is possible to make a Caption interactive (mouse click functions). Use the dropdown menu to select the required action.
Caption Motion
The screen layout for this area is the same as for Effects\Motion Effects as seen above.
To add motion to Captions, you set Keyframes in the same way as you do for images.
You will notice that the Keyframes settings (right) are different to those you have used for images but they work in exactly the same way.
All of the settings you entered in Caption Settings will now appear in Caption Motion.
Add Keyframes to the Timeline, (as described earlier) select a section on the Timeline between 2 Keyframes and set the options as required (shown right).
Note: It is not possible to change the Font within Keyframes. The Font can be changed in this area by selecting a new font from the dropdown list which is positioned above the Caption List. see graphic above.
Slide Options \ Sounds
Sound Effects
When you include sound effects or other non-soundtrack sounds in a show, you will need to set volume, fade in time and fade out time. The area shown right is where you enter these settings.
When a sound effect is played, it will be necessary for the show soundtrack to fade down. The area shown right is where you enter the settings to enable the soundtrack override.
To add a sound effect to your show, you can either drag it from the Folder List onto the Timeline as shown below, or you can click on the Select Sound button shown right.
To move the sound effect, position the mouse over the effect on the Timeline, hold Ctrl and drag.
If your computer is fitted with a microphone, it is possible to record a voice track by clicking on the Record-Voice-Over button shown right.
Above: The Timeline showing the position of the sound effects waveform (in red)
Aspect Ratios
The two photos above show the Aspect Ratios 4:3 (top) 16:9 (bottom)
Setting the Aspect Ratio
Click on the Show Options button and select Show Settings.
In the Aspect Ratio box (seen right) select the option you wish to work in.
An Aspect Ratio is not to be confused with screen size. It is a ratio of X (horizontal) to Y (vertical). Screen size is a diagonal measurement. It is better to think of an Aspect Ratio as a screen shape.
Producer offers 2 preset Aspect Ratio settings.
4x3 ~ This is the shape of a standard TV screen.
16x9 ~ This is the shape of a widescreen TV screen.
Producer also offers the option to customize the screen shape.
It is a good idea to get into the habit of setting the Aspect Ratio as soon as you start on a new show. Although it is possible to change the Aspect Ratio at any time, you will find the screen layout changes when the Ratio is switched, and that can mean hours of work will be undone and screen positions will need to be reset.
Producer defaults to the last Aspect Ratio set.
Your Photos
If you're anything like me, your photo collection consists of pictures in all different shapes and sizes, and in many different formats. For those of us (of a certain age) we probably have dusty boxes full of 35mm transparencies and cardboard folders stuffed full of 3x5 prints. And at the bottom of that old biscuit tin is a collection of long forgotten 120 black and white prints of various shapes and sizes. And don't think things have become more standardized now that we are in the digital age, because they haven't. Most compact digital cameras use an aspect ratio of 4x3, while the majority of digital SLR cameras shoot in 3x2. Then there are the cameras that offer us a selection of aspect ratios, so we still end up with a variety of picture shapes.
I am often asked, 'What is the best aspect ratio and format for photos to use in Producer?'
To be honest, I don't think it really matters. Provided you keep the resolution as high as possible, you can change the size and position of an image in Producer and frame your photo in any way you want.
The photo to the right is a good example. This was taken over 100 years ago and shows my Great Great Grandmother with some of her Grandchildren. The original print is postcard size and is a somewhat washed out image.
Having scanned the image to high resolution and treated it in Photoshop, it has been used most successfully in Producer.
Cooper Family. Elveden, Suffolk. 1884
Once you become familiar with Producer and have made a few shows, you will find yourself thinking about how an image could best be used in a show when you are taking photos. Quite often, when I am taking a photo that I know is going to be used in a Producer show, I will pause, consider how the photo is going to be used and frame it accordingly. After a while, once you get used to positioning photos in Producer, this is something you will do automatically.
Adding Music
Start by navigating to the folder where you store your music.
You can preview a music track by double clicking on it. The Audio Preview will then open and play your selected track. see above
To add the track to your show, hold the Ctrl key and drag the music file onto the Timeline. The music waveform will now appear in position. see above
To move the music track along the Timeline, position the mouse over the waveform and hold the Ctrl key - a yellow box will appear to show it is selected. Now drag the track left or right. see below
You can add a 'fade up' and 'fade down' by holding the Ctrl key and dragging one of the handles in the corner of the yellow box until you have the required setting. seebelow
Layers & Keyframes
Of all the features within Producer, Layers and Keyframes seem the most difficult for new users to understand. Both features are essential to creating shows in Producer, so it is important that you spend some time getting to know how to use them.
A show in Producer is made up of different segments which, when combined, produce a complete audio / visual experience. The different segments include: Soundtrack ~ Sound Effects ~ Captions ~ Images. In this section, we are looking at Layers & Keyframes, so we will be dealing with images.
If we go back a step and start to break down the segments of a Producer show, we see that the show consists of a number of Slides.
Years ago, when we used to show our slides on a projector, a slide was an individual photograph. Today, ProShow Producer has moved us on and a Slide can be any number of photographs displayed in many different ways. Each of these photographs being placed on a separate Layer.
Moving back yet another step, if we break down the segments of a Slide, we see that it is comprised of a number of Layers, with each Layer holding a separate image.
So now we have a show that is made up of many Slides, with each Slide containing several photographs held in separate Layers. But how do we tell Producer what to do with those photographs?
To do that, we need to go back yet another step and break down each individual Layer.
Let's imagine we have a Slide which is 10 seconds long. That Slide has 2 Layers, each holding a photograph. We want each photograph to be seen for 5 seconds and cross fade between them. So, we need to tell Producer to fade out the first photo after 5 seconds and fade in the second photo after 5 seconds. To do this we set markers on each Layer. These markers are called Keyframes. To create our simple effect, we go to Layer 1 and position a Keyframe on the Timeline at 5 seconds. We then set this Keyframe to fade out the Layer. Now we go to Layer 2 and position a Keyframe at 5 seconds. This time we set the Keyframe to fade in the Layer.
So now we have a show that is broken down into Slides, Layers and Keyframes, which are the components of all ProShow Producer shows.
Layers
Each new photo you drag onto a Slide will be placed on a separate Layer.
You can view the Layers List (right) in Slide Options.
When viewed on screen, a Layer will always appear on top of all other Layers which are below it in the Layers List.
You can change the position of a Layer by selecting it and using the arrow buttons to shift it up and down the List.
For more information about Layers, see the Slide Option \ Layers section above. click here.
We now know that a Keyframe is a marker on the Timeline and that each Layer can have many Keyframes. Each Keyframes can be set to instruct Producer to perform a variety of operations.
In the screen-grab above, you will notice that Layer 4 has been selected in the Layers List. The Timeline shows that Layer 4 has 7 Keyframes and you will notice that the section of Timeline between Keyframe 4 and Keyframe 5 is also selected. It is highlighted in blue.
Now look at the 2 preview areas (screens) and you will see that the 2 Keyframe markers (little shields) for Keyframe 4 and Keyframe 5 are highlighted in blue, which tells us that section of the Timeline is selected. You will also notice a yellow bounding box around the selected image in each preview area.
Now look at the settings areas for the 2 Keyframes and try to work out what happens to the image between Keyframe 4 and Keyframe 5.
You should see that the selected image starts at 70% at position -22x1.5 in Keyframe 4 and then moves (in Keyframe 5) to position 0x1.5. As it moves, the image will reduce in size on the X-axis from 70% to 1% and rotate through 180°.
To learn more about Keyframes and how to use them, go to Information \ Learning the Basics \ Keyframes. click here.
Masking Layers
This is another function in Producer that seems to get new users scratching their heads. It might take you some time to fully understand the concept of Masking Layers but stick at it, because once you have learnt how to use them, you will be able to create more impressive effects.
So, what is a Masking Layer?
Typically, a Masking Layer is a solid colour, often white, to which a photo is attached.
When viewed in the Layers List, a Masking Layer is identified by the symbol to the left of the thumbnail (see graphic right). It will also have a new "Mask Layer" label attached.
Layers below a Masking Layer that have been attached will be indented and shown linked to the Masking Layer by a thin grey line.
When a photo is attached to a Masking Layer, only the part of that photo which corresponds with the mask will be visible. Imagine you have a sheet of cardboard with a small square hole cut in it. If you position a photo behind the cardboard, you will only see the section of that photo which corresponds with the hole, even if you move the photo around. The same applies to a Masking Layer. No matter what you do to the attached photo, you will only see the part that corresponds with the Mask.
To see this function in use, look at the short video to the right.
Here you will see a that Masking Layer has been placed in the top left of the screen. Three photos have been attached to that Masking Layer and set to appear one after the other. Each photo zooms in before it fades.
As the photos are attached to a Masking Layer, only the section of the photos which corresponds with the Mask will be visible, so they can zoom in without requiring more space on the screen.
You can learn more about Masking Layers and work through a tutorial exercise by going to Information \ Learning the Basics \ Masking Layers. click here.
Keyboard Shortcuts ~ v4.1
Main Menus
Main Workspace
File Menu :
Edit Menu :
Project Menu :
Show Menu :
Slide Menu :
Audio Menu :
Create Menu :
Window Menu :
Help Menu :
Create Output Menu :
Restore Default Layout :
Thumbnail File List View :
Details File List View :
Hide / Show Lightbox :
Hide / Show Preview Area :
Hide / Show Favorites :
Hide / Show Project Area :
Toggle Timeline & Slide List :
Exit Program :
Shift Slide(s) :
Shift Slide(s) :
Go to Slide :
Add Slide to Selection :
Add range of Slides to : Selection :
Toggle Slide List / Timeline :
Show Soundtrack Controls :
Delete slides :
Select a layer :
Nudge Layer / Caption Position :
Nudge Layer / Caption
Zoom :
Next Slide :
Previous Slide :
Start / Stop Preview :
Open Precision Preview :
Open Keyframe Editor :
Ctrl+[Number]
Arrow Keys
Plus / Minus
Page Down
Page Up
Ctrl+Q
Ctrl+P
Ctrl+K
Shortcuts for Use in Executables
Quick Slide Adjustments
Select a show from the
menu :
Previous slide :
Next slide :
Return to main menu :
Play / pause :
Stop :
Full screen playback :
Volume up :
Volume down :
Mute :
[Number]
Page Up
Page Down
Home
Pause
Esc
Alt+Enter
Equals / Plus
Minus
M
Randomize Slide Order :
Randomize Motion Effects :
Randomize Transitions :
Scale all layers to
Fill Frame :
Scale all Layers to
Fit Frame :
Scale all layers to Fill Safe Zone :
Scale all layers to Fit Safe Zone :
Scale all layers to Stretch to Frame :
Ctrl+Shift+1
Ctrl+Shift+2
Ctrl+Shift+3
Alt+0
Alt+1
Alt+2
Alt+3
Alt+4
Preview Playback
Start / Pause Main Preview :
Stop Main Preview :
Start / Stop Preview in Slide Options :
Spacebar
Esc
Ctrl+Q
Information from the
ProShow Producer User Guide
Transitions
Transition : the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another. [O.E.D.]
As the name suggests, Transitions are what we use to move a show from one Slide to the next. Known as 'wipes' in the film industry, they are an important part of any movie or video.
Above: The basic Transition selection options
The graphic above shows the basic transitions available in Producer. If you are using version 4.5 (or above) there are many more to choose from as Photodex greatly increased the number and variety available. If you wish to use a Transition as part of an effect within a slide, you may use any of the selection above.
To insert / change a Transition, click on the transition in the Timeline (seen below) and make your selection from the options as shown above.
By hovering the mouse pointer over a Transition option, you will see a preview of that Transition in the small preview window - lower left - of the options selection area.
Click to apply the Transition.
Producer offers us a wide range of Transitions and it is very easy to get carried away and use too many different effects.
Remember, a Transition is an important part of your show and should be used to enhance the presentation of your photographs. Be careful, using too many different Transitions can actually distract the viewer's attention away from the photographs and create a show that is not connected and has no 'flow'.
Slide Styles
A Slide Style is a ProShow Producer file with a .pxs extension.
You can often spend a lot of time working on a single Slide, especially if it contains a complex effect. By saving that Slide as a Slide Style, it is possible to use it again and again in other shows without having to go through the process of recreating it.
Creating Slide Styles also enables us to transfer our effects from one computer to another or share our effects with other users.
Using Slide Styles is a function I have been asked to explain many times. For that reason I have created a section devoted to the subject. To learn more about Slide Styles go to Information \ Learning the Basics \ Slide Styles. click here.
Mixing Photographs & Video in a Show
Buffering might take a few moments if you have a slow connection. Please be patient.
As a new user of ProShow Producer, you might believe that attempting to mix photographs with video is a little ambitious. But unless you give it a go, you will never know what you can achieve.
In the presentation above, I used a selection of short video clips and photographs from a friend. When compiling the show, I tried to demonstrate how video can work as a 'stand alone' slide and as a more complex effect when used with photographs in the same sequence.
To add video to a show, you simply click and drag onto the Timeline as you do with photographs.
I am often asked if styles created for photographs will work with video. Cautiously, my reply is usually yes. But it is worth remembering one or two points before you try adding video to your favourite slide style.
• As with photographs, video is shot in different aspect ratios. If you are going to use video in a slide style it is important to check the aspect ratio first. And be prepared to make adjustments to individual Keyframe settings.
• Unlike photographs, video requires a length of time for the image to be displayed. Many slide styles only display images for a short time, and although this is fine for photographs, it does not work well with video.
• A video file is very much larger than a photo file. That might sound obvious but it's worth remembering when you start adding video files to a slide. Be prepared for things to happen a little slower. Your computer will have a lot more processing to do when working with video.
ProShow Producer is a fantastic piece of software, but it is not a dedicated video editor. For the best results in Producer, and to keep the production time to a minimum, I like to create short video clips which can be imported, trimmed and positioned as required.
For those of you interested, I am planning to add a tutorial titled "Adding Video" to the Learning the Basics section of this website. But that's for the future. For now, why not experiment and have fun. And watch this space.
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