Step-by-Step ePhotoShow Tutorial: From Import to Export

Step-by-Step ePhotoShow Tutorial: From Import to Export

1. Prepare your assets

• Choose photos and videos you want to include.
• Rename files for correct ordering (01-Intro.jpg, 02-Scene.png, etc.).
• Gather music tracks (MP3/WAV) and any voiceover files.
• Note output resolution and aspect ratio you need (16:9 for YouTube, 4:3 for legacy displays).

2. Create a new project

1. Open ePhotoShow.
2. Click New Project and enter a project name.
3. Choose project settings: resolution, frame rate (30 fps typical), and background color.
4. Set project aspect ratio to match your assets/output.

3. Import media

1. Use the Import or Add Media button.
2. Select images, video clips, audio, and any overlays.
3. Organize imported files in the Media Library — create folders or tags if available.
4. Drag assets from the library onto the timeline in the desired order.

4. Arrange clips on the timeline

• Trim video clips by dragging edges.
• Set image durations (default often 3–5 seconds).
• Use timeline snap/grid to align transitions and audio cues.
• Layer tracks: background music on an audio track, narration on another, overlays above video/images.

5. Apply transitions and timing

1. Open the Transitions panel.
2. Drag a transition (crossfade, wipe, slide) between two clips.
3. Adjust transition duration for smooth pacing (0.5–1.5s for photos, 0.3–0.7s for quick cuts).
4. Use consistent transition styles to maintain a cohesive look.

6. Add motion and effects

• Ken Burns (pan & zoom) for still images: set start and end frames to add movement.
• Apply color correction or filters to clips for visual consistency.
• Add text/title overlays: choose readable fonts and contrast with background.
• Use drop shadows or subtle outlines on text for legibility.

7. Work with audio

1. Drag music to the audio track and trim to project length.
2. Add narration: record externally or use built-in recorder, then place on a separate track.
3. Adjust levels: lower music under narration (ducking) — target narration ~ -6 dB, background music ~ -18 to -12 dB.
4. Apply fade-ins and fade-outs at start/end of audio clips.

8. Fine-tune timing and pacing

• Play through the project and note pacing issues.
• Shorten or lengthen image durations to match beats in the music.
• Use markers to align key visual moments with audio cues.
• Preview at full resolution occasionally to check for artifacts.

9. Add captions, captions/subtitles, and accessibility

• Create subtitles for narration: split text into readable chunks and sync to timestamps.
• Export subtitle file (SRT) if supported alongside the video file.
• Ensure text contrast and size meet accessibility needs.

10. Review and preflight

• Watch the full project from start to finish.
• Check for typos in text overlays, abrupt cuts, and audio spikes.
• Verify branding elements (logos, colors) are correct and not pixelated.
• Confirm final duration and aspect ratio.

11. Export settings

1. Open Export or Render dialog.
2. Choose format: MP4 (H.264) is widely compatible; choose MOV/ProRes for higher quality or editing workflows.
3. Set resolution (e.g., 1920×1080), frame rate (match project settings), and bitrate (8–12 Mbps for 1080p web; higher for quality).
4. Enable stereo audio, sample rate 44.1–48 kHz, and bitrate 192–320 kbps for music.
5. If needed, export with embedded subtitles or export separate SRT file.

12. Export and verify

• Render the project and wait for completion.
• Play the exported file on multiple devices (desktop, phone) to verify playback, sync, and quality.
• Check file size and re-export with adjusted bitrate if too large or too low quality.

13. Backup and share

• Save the project file and a copy of source assets in a project folder for future edits.
• Upload to your chosen platform (YouTube, Vimeo, social) using platform-recommended settings.
• If required, create a short preview or thumbnail image for sharing.

Quick tips

• Keep original files organized in one project folder.
• Use non-destructive edits and save incremental project versions.
• Match pacing to music beats for a professional feel.
• Test export settings with a short 10–20 second clip before rendering the full project.

Done.