MP4, or MPEG-4, is a digital multimedia container format utilized for storing audio, video, subtitles, and images. Unlike other formats such as AVI, MOV, FLV, WEBM, and others, MP4 provides efficient compression and broad compatibility, making it a preferred choice for content creators who want to ensure their files are playable on virtually any device or website. For beginners in content creation looking to ensure their files display across various platforms, MP4 is a perfect choice for sharing and streaming. For advanced users, this format can be particularly beneficial as it is compatible with most codecs, including H.264 and H.265.

In this article, we explore the complexities of creating MP4 files, examining the process of making MP4s from the ground up with VSDC Free Video Editor and VSDC Video Converter.

Download Mp4 Free video Editor

How to Make a MP4 File In a Video Editor

For an easy video conversion, VSDC Free Video Editor is at your disposal. This process of is rather simple:

1. Variant 1: Making MP4 From a Ready-Made Video

   In case you have a ready-made video and simply need to convert it to MP4 format while retaining all the original video parameters such as frame rate, resolution, etc. start VSDC Free Video Editor and select the Import Content option. Navigate through the file explorer to choose your video. Upon selection, the editor automatically generates a project template based on the video's parameters. Verify these parameters and confirm by clicking Finish and proceed to Step 2.

   

   Variant 2: Making MP4 Video From Scratch

   In case you need to create a MP4 file from scratch aiming to craft an elaborate video with multiple media files featuring cinematic effects, transitions, animations, or you need to merge files, reduce video size, or adjust resolution, start with the following:

   • Open VSDC and choose Blank Project from the startup window. You'll see the Project’s settings window for your new project. Focus on the Resolution and Frame rate settings, as these will significantly impact your video's quality. If your media files have varying resolutions and frame rates, aim for an average value to maintain consistency. Note: mismatching resolutions may lead to black borders in your final video. Alternatively, set these parameters based on your target platform's requirements. Fill in any additional details required for your project and click Finish. Remember, you can modify these settings later if needed.

   

   • Drag and drop your files onto the timeline to start editing. You can edit your video as you see fit, for instance:
     • Crop unnecessary borders;
     • Split or cut files;
     • Apply side-by-side or picture-in-picture effects;
     • Correct colors;
     • Add voiceovers or animations;
     • Insert titles and more.
     For more creative ideas and techniques, visit our "How to" section or explore our YouTube channel.
   • Preview the result. If you experience lag during video preview, use a proxy for smoother playback.



2. Navigate to the Export Project tab located at the top of the interface. Here, you'll choose your desired format from the Ribbon.
3. MP4 format options are available under PC and Web media devices, with specific presets for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Vimeo, as well as iPhone/iPad and Android devices.
4. Сheck the Input and Output parameters at the bottom to ensure they align with your project's needs. Choose where to save your video in the Output file(s) field. If you wish to change this location, opt for the Change Name… function. When your video is ready and doesn't require further adjustments, hit the Export Project button on the Ribbon.

Advanced Settings (Optional): If you need to make more detailed adjustments regarding size, codec, or video quality, refer to the How to Change MP4 Export Settings section below in this article.

Making a MP4 Video in a Video Converter

Alternatively, using VSDC Free Video Converter offers the advantage of converting multiple files to MP4 simultaneously. Here's how to do it:

1. Launch VSDC Video Converter.
2. Drag your media file to the Source files area or use the Open files and Add files functions to select it.
3. On the Ribbon select the preferred media device (PC or Web) and choose the MP4 format.
4. Open the Show Information menu in the bottom right corner to review and adjust the Input and Output settings. If modifications are needed, click Edit Profile… for further options.
5. Check the Output file(s) field to see where your video will be saved. To alter this, use the Change Name… function to manually select a destination. Finally, click Export Project on the Ribbon to complete the process.

This method is particularly efficient if you're not planning to alter video settings beyond the format. For those needing to modify video size, resolution, or quality, refer to the How to Change MP4 Export Settings section. This part will delve into the nuances of adjusting settings via the Edit Profile feature, ensuring your video meets your exact specifications.

How to Change MP4 Export Settings

Adjusting the MP4 export settings in VSDC to match your specific needs for video size, resolution, frame rate, and codec is straightforward. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to ensure your video looks exactly how you envisioned it, whether you're aiming for a specific quality, size, or compatibility with various devices and platforms.

1. Step 1: Navigate to Export Settings
   • After finalizing your video, click on the Export Project tab.
   • Go down to the Profile section at the bottom of the window.
2. Step 2: Select Your Codec and Quality
   • Different presets will appear in the drop-down menu depending on the device you select and the MP4 format for different platforms.
   • Choose from available codecs (e.g., MPEG4, H.264, H.265) and quality settings (from 360p to 4K).
   • Pro users with compatible graphics cards can enable hardware acceleration here to speed up the video export.
3. Step 3: Fine-Tune Your Export Profile
   • Then explore the drop-down menu on the right for detailed profile settings.
   • Adjust according to your preferences. Changes will reflect in the Output file settings below.
4. Step 4: Confirm Output File Settings
   • Check the Output file(s) field for where the video will be saved. Change it if needed by using the Change name option.
   • When you are satisfied with the result, click Export project on the Ribbon.

For Advanced Customization: Edit Profile

1. If the preset options don’t fit your needs, select Edit profile for more detailed settings.
2. At the top of the pop-up window, you'll see the name of the profile you are about to export your video to. Below that, in the Profile field, you'll find pre-set configurations for various codecs and video qualities from which you can choose. If these do not meet your needs, proceed to the Video settings field for custom profile options.
   • In the Video settings field, select a codec for the output video depending on its playback destination. For more experienced users, detailed codec customization is available via the Configure… option.
   • The Preset field impacts compression efficiency, affecting encoding speed.
   • The Resolution, Width and Height parameters allow you to set the desired project resolution upon export. Be aware that setting different values from the original project creation might result in black borders or reduced quality due to video resizing. To prevent black edges, use the Aspect correction >> Reaspect image option, although this may stretch the image if the resolution difference is substantial.
   • The Encoder mode adjusts how video compression occurs during export. The parameters Constant rate factor (CRF) and Constant quantizer (QP) influence quality, which is indicated next to the Quality field. Higher quality settings will reduce the encoder's compression, preserving more of the original video quality at the cost of larger file sizes, a principle known as "lossless" compression.
   • Another parameter, Average bitrate (ABR), governs the output video's bitrate. The export process typically increases the bitrate compared to the input file, but you can limit it in the Bitrate field. Higher bitrates maintain good quality but result in larger file sizes.
   • The Target file size encoder mode allows specifying the desired output file size, which may impact quality if it is too small.
   • The final parameter to consider in Video settings is Framerate. You can set a specific value, but if it significantly differs from the project's original setting, video and audio may become desynchronized.
3. Move to the Audio settings section to adjust the Audio codec, its bitrate, frequency, and audio channels. Use the Configure option for more detailed codec settings.
4. Once adjustments are complete, click Apply profile.
5. To save the video to your PC, go to the Ribbon and select the Export project.

A quick tip: If you manually adjust the codec settings, you can save them for use in future projects during export.

Conclusion

This guide simplifies the process of adjusting your MP4 export settings in VSDC, ensuring your video meets your exact specifications for quality, size, and platform compatibility. Whether you're creating a video from scratch with complex effects or simply need a conversion, either in a video editor or in a video converter, we hope we've helped you navigate the settings. If you still have questions, please write to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or reach us through our social media profiles on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

Green screen magic isn't just for big-budget movies or TV studios anymore. Believe it or not, creating cool effects with green screen, or chroma key, is something you can do too. And it doesn't require a lot of money or fancy equipment. All you need is a smartphone or webcam, some green cloth, the right editing software, and a little bit of know-how.

Before we dive into making your own green screen videos, let's cover the basics. What is a green screen, and why would you want to use one? This technique, once limited to those with deep pockets, is now within reach for creators of all levels, allowing you to add amazing backgrounds and effects to your videos. Our guide is here to show you how, from start to finish, making it easy to bring your creative ideas to life, even from your own home.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the basics of chromakey technology.
• Learning how to set up a green screen for optimal results.
• Mastering the use of green screen in video production.
• Editing green screen footage to create seamless video content.
• Software recommendations.
• FAQ Insights.

What is Chromakey?

Chromakey is a cool trick that lets you add any background you want to your videos. The most common color used is green, but blue screens are also popular, depending on the subject's color and the specific requirements of the shoot. This technique makes it possible to create scenes that would be otherwise impossible or expensive to film in real life.

How Does Chromakey Work?

Chromakey makes the green or blue background disappear, letting you put in whatever background you like. It works great because the green color doesn’t match skin tones, making it easy to separate people from the background. The most important things are to have even lighting and a solid-colored background so everything looks smooth in the final video.

How to Make Green Screen

To set up your own green screen, you need:

• Green Backdrop: Anything works—cloth, paint, or paper—as long as it's bright and solid green.
• Lighting: Make sure the green screen is evenly lit to avoid shadows.
• Space: Keep some distance between the subject and the green screen to prevent the green color from bouncing back onto the subject.

How to Use Green Screen

Using a green screen is simple:

1. Set it up in a well-lit area without wrinkles or shadows.
2. Place the person or object a few feet away from the screen to avoid color spill.
3. Light the subject well but separately from the green screen.
4. Think about what the final background will look like when you’re setting up your shot.

How to Edit Green Screen Videos

Editing green screen footage is where you truly bring your creative vision to life. The process generally involves a few key steps:

1. Import your video into an editing software that supports the chromakey feature.
2. Apply the chromakey effect to remove the green background, making it transparent.
3. Insert the new background you desire behind your subject.
4. Adjust the edges around your subject to ensure a seamless blend with the new background.

While there are numerous software options available for this, ranging from professional tools like Adobe Premiere Pro to more user-friendly applications like iMovie, we particularly recommend VSDC Free Video Editor as the best choice among them. VSDC stands out for its balance of being both feature-rich and accessible, making it our top pick for green screen editing. VSDC provides a comprehensive guide on how to make a green screen video.

VSDC not only simplifies the chromakey process but also provides tools for further enhancing your video, such as color correction, filters and special effects. This makes it an all-in-one solution for creating professional-looking green screen videos with minimal effort.

Conclusion

Creating green screen videos can elevate your content and open up a world of creative possibilities. By understanding the basics of chromakey, setting up your green screen correctly, and mastering the editing process, you can produce professional-looking videos without a fancy studio. VSDC Free Video Editor emerges as a standout choice in this process, offering a perfect blend of advanced features and user-friendly functionality. Its comprehensive editing tools, including a precise chromakey function, enable creators to seamlessly integrate diverse backgrounds, ensuring your projects not only look polished but truly captivate your audience. With practice and creativity, the only limit is your imagination.

FAQ

Do I need a fancy studio to make green screen videos?

No, you don't need a fancy studio. With some basic equipment and knowledge, you can set up a green screen in almost any space. Proper lighting and a uniform green background are the most important factors.

What's the best software for green screen editing?

VSDC Free Video Editor emerges as the top choice for green screen editing, thanks to its straightforward interface and comprehensive features. Without the complexity or expense of software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, VSDC simplifies creating professional-looking videos with its precise chromakey tool and support for various video formats, making it accessible and highly versatile for all creators.

Can I use a green screen without any editing experience?

Yes, you can start using a green screen without prior editing experience. Many editing programs offer straightforward, user-friendly chromakey features, making it accessible for beginners to create compelling green screen videos. Online tutorials and practice will help you improve your skills over time.

We've all been there: needing to take a screenshot, make it better, and share it smoothly, only to find the basic Windows Snipping Tool falling short. While it's okay for simple tasks, it lacks the features and efficiency we often need. It's time to ditch the old ways and explore better options.

Finding the right snipping tool is crucial. You want something that captures fast, lets you edit, add stickers, crop, and share easily. Plus, in today's collaborative world, it should make teamwork seamless, especially when you need to explain complex ideas through screenshots. A good screenshot can boost productivity, whether you're in customer service or managing projects.

But with so many choices out there, it's hard to know which one to pick. That's why we've put together a list of the top 10 Windows Snipping Tool alternatives. Let's find the perfect one for you!

Best Choices

When it comes to free snipping tools, several options are available, each with its own features and capabilities. Among these choices, VSDC features a free Screen Recorder that also stands out as a versatile and powerful tool for capturing and editing screen content.

What is Snippet

A snippet refers to a small piece or fragment of something larger, typically a portion of text, code, or image extracted for reference or sharing purposes.

What's the Purpose of Snippet

In the realm of digital tools, snippets refer to segments of your screen that you capture using snipping tools or screenshot applications. These tools are designed to quickly and efficiently capture a portion of your display—be it an error message, a graph, a chat conversation, or any other on-screen element—so you can easily share it with others. For instance, a snippet could be used by a customer service representative to capture and illustrate a step in a troubleshooting guide, or by a project manager to grab a chart from a business dashboard to include in a report. The main advantage of snippets is their ability to communicate a visual point clearly and without ambiguity, making them essential in professional communication and problem-solving.

Best Snippet Tools

• VSDC Free Screen Recorder

  

  VSDC Free Screen Recorder offers a comprehensive set of features for capturing and editing screen content. With its intuitive interface and powerful editing tools, VSDC allows users to capture screenshots, record video, and annotate content with ease and then continue working on it in VSDC Video Editor. Whether creating tutorials, capturing gameplay, or simply sharing screenshots, VSDC Free Screen Recorder is a top choice for both beginners and advanced users alike.

  With VSDC Free Screen Recorder you can:

  1. Record the entire screen;
  2. Record a part of your desktop screen;
  3. Record the area around your cursor;
  4. Use the highlighter while recording your computer screen.

  To learn how to use this tool in detail, reach out to our comprehensive tutorial.

• Screen-capture.com

  Screen-capture.com is a straightforward yet effective snipping tool that allows users to capture screenshots and annotate them with text, shapes, and arrows. With its simple interface and easy-to-use features, Screen-capture.com is an excellent option for those seeking a basic snipping tool without unnecessary frills.

• Screenpresso

  Screenpresso is a feature-rich snipping tool that offers advanced features such as scrolling capture, video recording, and a built-in image editor. With its sleek interface and robust set of tools, Screenpresso is ideal for users requiring more advanced snipping capabilities.

• ScreenRec

  ScreenRec is a lightweight and user-friendly snipping tool that allows users to capture screenshots and record videos with just a few clicks. With its cloud storage integration and sharing capabilities, ScreenRec is perfect for collaboration and remote work scenarios.

• Lightshot

  Lightshot is a popular snipping tool known for its simplicity and speed. With its lightweight and intuitive interface, Lightshot enables users to capture screenshots, annotate them, and share them online effortlessly.

• Greenshot

  Greenshot is a powerful snipping tool offering a wide range of features, including screenshot capture, annotation, and sharing. With its customizable settings and extensive plugin support, Greenshot is a favorite among power users and professionals.

• Aiseesoft Screen Recorder

  Aiseesoft Screen Recorder is a versatile snipping tool that allows users to capture screenshots, record video, and audio with ease. With its user-friendly interface and customizable settings, Aiseesoft Screen Recorder is suitable for a wide range of use cases.

• Action!

  Action! is a premium snipping tool offering advanced features such as live streaming, gameplay recording, and GPU acceleration. While not free, Action! is worth considering for users requiring professional-grade snipping capabilities

Conclusion

Finding the best free snipping tool can be a daunting task, but with options like VSDC Free Screen Recorder, users can capture and edit screen content with ease. Whether you're a casual user or a professional, having the right snipping tool can streamline your workflow and enhance productivity.

FAQ

What is a snipping tool and why do I need one?

A snipping tool is a software application that allows users to capture and annotate screenshots or snippets of content from their computer screens. Whether you need to share information, illustrate a point, or create tutorials, a snipping tool can help you capture and convey information quickly and efficiently.

How do I choose the right free snipping tool?

When choosing a free snipping tool, consider factors such as ease of use, features, and compatibility with your operating system. Additionally, read reviews and try out different tools to find the one that best suits your needs and workflow.

Transforming videos into GIFs not only serves as a bridge between static images and full-fledged videos but also taps into the ever-popular realm of meme culture. These animated loops have become the lingua franca of the internet, offering an innovative way to engage, entertain, and even go viral.This guide introduces you to the art of GIF creation across different devices, with a special focus on VSDC Free Video Editor—a robust, yet intuitive tool that makes creating GIFs easy and quick.

What is a GIF?

Imagine capturing a moment's essence and replaying it endlessly; that's what a GIF does. Originally developed in 1987, the Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) weaves together images or silent video clips to create a looping animation. It's a digital marvel for encapsulating emotions, reactions, or humor in a format that's instantly recognizable and widely accessible.

Why You Should Use GIFs

GIFs have a unique charm, blending the impact of video with the simplicity of images. They're perfect for adding a dash of personality to digital communications or for crafting shareable meme content. Lightweight and universally supported, GIFs can amplify your message across blogs, social media, and even professional presentations, making them a versatile tool in your digital arsenal. The ability to express complex ideas or emotions quickly and humorously is a key advantage of using GIFs.

How to Make a GIF From a Video on Iphone

Creating GIFs on an iPhone is a seamless experience, thanks to a variety of user-friendly apps. These tools simplify selecting, editing, and exporting video segments into GIFs that are ready to charm and engage your audience. Here are top picks for iPhone users:

• GIPHY Cam: Offers an extensive library of stickers and text options for personalizing your GIFs.
• ImgPlay: Allows you to make GIFs from photos, videos, bursts, and live photos with intuitive editing tools.
• GIF Toaster: Provides options for converting various media formats into GIFs, including customizing frame rate and size.

How to Make a GIF From a Video on Android

Android's app ecosystem is ripe with GIF-making tools designed to transform your video clips into engaging, meme-ready animations. These apps streamline the entire process, ensuring your creations are ready for prime time. Essential apps for Android include:

• GIF Maker: This app lets you edit GIFs with text, filters, and frames for a personalized touch.
• GIPHY Cam: Similar to its iOS counterpart, it allows Android users to create and customize GIFs easily.
• ImgPlay: A versatile app that supports creating GIFs from videos, photos, and more, with robust editing features.

How to Make a GIF From a Video on Mac

Mac users benefit from powerful applications that make GIF creation a straightforward task. From clip selection to text addition, these apps ensure your GIFs stand out. Must-try Mac apps:

• Gif Brewery by Gfycat: Offers comprehensive tools for creating and editing GIFs, including adding text and adjusting frame rates.
• PicGIF: A simple yet effective tool for turning videos (and images) into GIFs with basic editing options.
• Smart GIF Maker: Provides a more hands-on approach to GIF creation, allowing for detailed frame-by-frame editing.

How to Make a GIF From a Video on Windows

Creating GIFs on Windows can be easily accomplished with VSDC Free Video Editor, a versatile tool for video editing and GIF creation. Here’s how to do it:

1. Launch VSDC and initiate a new project by importing your media files using the Import Content button.
2. Utilize VSDC's editing tools to cut, split, trim, add effects, and arrange your media on the timeline.
3. After fine-tuning your video, navigate to the Export Project tab located on the Ribbon, select Web in the section Media device and choose GIF as the output format. You can also adjust the export settings to suit your needs before finalizing the video: select the desired codec in the Profile field below and click the Edit profile button on the right to adjust the output settings.
4. Click the red Export project button to generate your GIF. VSDC will process the video segment and save it as a GIF file.

How To Make a GIF Online

For instant GIF creation without software downloads, online GIF makers are a godsend. These web-based tools are intuitive, offering drag-and-drop functionality and simple customization options. Leading online options:

• Ezgif: A comprehensive online GIF maker and editor, Ezgif allows you to convert videos to GIFs, resize, crop, and optimize animated GIFs with ease. Its straightforward interface makes it a favorite among users who prefer a no-frills approach to GIF creation.
• Imgflip: This versatile tool not only lets you create GIFs from videos but also offers meme generation capabilities. Imgflip supports various customization options, including text annotations, image cropping, and frame rate adjustments.
• GIFMaker.me: A simple and effective tool for creating GIFs, slideshows, and video animations. GIFMaker.me supports creating GIFs directly from videos or images without requiring an account or login.

FAQ

Can I make a high-quality GIF from any video format?

Absolutely, most video formats can be seamlessly converted into high-quality GIFs, provided you use a capable tool. The trick lies in choosing the right segment and adjusting settings to preserve clarity without bloating the file size.

How can I convert a section of a YouTube video into a GIF?

Online tools that accept YouTube URLs simplify the process of converting video sections into GIFs. By inputting the video's link, selecting the desired segment, and adjusting conversion settings, you can create a GIF directly from YouTube content.

What are the file size limitations for a GIF, and how can I reduce the size if needed?

GIF file size limitations vary depending on the platform or service you're using. To reduce a GIF's size, consider decreasing the resolution, reducing the number of frames, or optimizing the color palette. These adjustments can help maintain visual quality while ensuring compatibility and swift loading times.

How can I optimize a GIF for use on social media platforms?

Optimizing a GIF for social media involves balancing quality and file size. Utilize compression tools and select dimensions that align with the specific platform's requirements. Additionally, choosing a frame rate that ensures smooth playback without unnecessarily inflating the file size can enhance performance across social media channels.

How do I choose the best frame rate for my GIF to ensure smooth animation?

The ideal frame rate for a GIF depends on the content and its intended use. A higher frame rate results in smoother animation but can increase the file size. For most applications, a frame rate between 10 to 15 frames per second strikes a good balance between smoothness and file efficiency.

Wrapping up

The art of GIF creation is a gateway to endless digital expression, blending humor, information, and emotion into compact, shareable moments. As we've explored various paths—from smartphones to desktops, and even online platforms—the journey of transforming video into GIFs has never been more accessible. Among the plethora of tools available, VSDC Free Video Editor distinguishes itself as a particularly powerful ally for Windows users. Its comprehensive features not only facilitate the crafting of meme-worthy GIFs but also cater to a broad spectrum of creative needs. With VSDC, the process transcends mere conversion, allowing for a deeper dive into creativity and storytelling. Whether your aim is to entertain, educate, or engage, embracing the world of GIFs opens up a dynamic medium for communication, ripe with potential for innovation and connection.