How to use the Photos app video editor on Windows 10

The Photos app makes it very simple to create videos that you can share with family, friends, and the world, and in this guide, we’ll show you how to do it.

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OnWindows 10, Photos is an essential app designed to help you to organize your pictures and videos. Using the app, you can view your media files. You can edit them, and easily share those memories with family and friends.

However, the Photos app is more than just an experience to organize your digital memories, as it also includes a powerful video editor similar to the legacy Windows Movie Maker, which you can use to create videos automatically, or from scratch with music, text, and motion, and modern features, such as 3D effects.

In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get started creating videos using the Photos app. This guide outlines all the steps you need to know, from creating a video automatically to creating and editing a project from start to finish.

How to create video automatically using Photos

The Photos video editor allows you to create video projects from scratch, or you can select the media elements to let the editor create a video automatically.

To create a video automatically using the Photos app, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, the video will be created and exported, and you can now play it with any device that supports MP4 playback. Or you can share it with anyone using email, social media, or you can even upload it to YouTube for the world to see your creation.

How to create video project manually using Photos

To create a video project from scratch using the Photos app, use these steps:

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After you complete the steps, you can start adding content to the storyboard to continue editing the project with various options, including text, duration, motion, 3D effects, and more. The video editor also has a live preview that you can use to check the process before exporting the video.

How to edit video project using Photos

Once you created a new project, you’ll be presented with the video editor experience, which is made up of three main sections. You have the “Project library” at the top-left side, which is the place where you’ll add the images and videos that you’ll be using in the project.

At the bottom, you’ll find the “Storyboard” section, which is where you can drag and drop the media elements to build your video. Also, depending on the content you’re editing, you’ll get a different set of features you can use to edit.

On the top-right side, you can preview your project with all the current changes, and as you play the video, you’ll see the timeline highlighting the card being played.

Adding media elements

To add new media files to the video project, use these steps:

While editing a video, you can always add more media files, clicking theAddbutton, and you can remove files by selecting the items and clicking theTrashbutton from the top-right.

Adding duration

As you add media to the storyboard, you’ll notice that every file includes a default time duration. If you want the media to have a shorter or longer period, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, the element will play in the video the time you specified. If you have multiple elements in the storyboard, you may need to repeat the steps to change the duration for the remaining items.

Adding text

You can also add a custom title or caption to an image or video using these steps:

Once you complete the steps, the text will apply to the element for the time you specified.

Adding motion

The video editor in Photos also lets you add camera motion styles to images and videos with these steps:

After you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the steps to apply the same or different motion effect to other parts of the video.

Adding filters

Using the video editor, you can even add filters to change the look of the images or video clips in your project using these steps:

After you complete the steps, the filter will apply for the media file. If you have multiple parts of the project to use a specific filter, you’ll need to repeat the steps for each element.

Adding trim, split, speed

The Photos app editor also includes the ability to trim, split, and control the speed of a video clip.

Trimming

To trim a video with the Photos app editor, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, only the video selection you specified will be included in the project.

Splitting

To split a video clip into two or more parts with the Photos app, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, you’ll end up with a video divided into multiple parts. (This option will not modify the original video.)

Speeding

To slow down or speed up a video clip in the storyboard, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, the video will play using the speed you selected.

Adding title cards

While working on a video project, adding a title or custom text with a background is an excellent way to break the video into sections or mark a change in the scene.

To add title cards to a video project in the Photos app, use these steps:

If you want to add a custom image as the background, then add the image to the project, and then use theTextoption to add the title or content you want.

Adding audio

The Photos app editor includes the ability to insert background music and custom audio (such as narration) to add some life to your video.

Background music

To add background music to your project, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, the soundtrack will adapt automatically to the full length of your video.

Custom audio

To add custom audio or narration to your video project, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, the narration or custom music track will apply to your project.

If you need to add narration, you can use theVoice recorder appto create a recording that you can then import to the project.

Adding theme

Just like using the automatic video feature, you can also add a theme to restyle the video with filters, music, and text styles.

To apply a theme to a video project, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, the new theme will apply to the entire video, and you can preview it clicking thePlaybutton in the preview section.

How to add 3D effects video project using Photos

Perhaps one of the most exciting features in the Photos app is 3D special effects that you can add to the media element.

To add 3D effects to a video project, use these steps:

Once you complete the steps, you’ll end up with a more engaging clip using 3D effects.

How to backup video project using Photos

The Photos app video editor also allows you to backup a project so you can use it on another computer.

To backup a video project in the Photos app, use these steps:

After you complete the steps, you’ll end up with a “.vpd” file that contains the project edits and media files that you can continue working in the video on another device.

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.