WLMP File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
Format Name Windows Live Movie Maker Project File
Extension .wlmp
MIME Type Not applicable
File Type Project File
Developer Microsoft
Introduced 2010
File Format XML
Primary Association Video Editing
Editable Yes
Open Standard No
Supports Video Indirectly (References)
Supports Audio Indirectly (References)
Supports Images Indirectly (References)
Compatibility Windows Live Movie Maker; partially compatible with later versions of Movie Maker
Editable in Other Software Limited
License Proprietary
Compression No
Supports Animation Indirectly (Through references)
Main Usage Video Project Creation and Editing
Recoverability High (Text-based format)
What's on this Page

How WLMP Files are Used

Understanding the application of WLMP files is crucial for users who intend to engage with Microsoft's video editing tools. WLMP, which stands for Windows Live Movie Maker Project File, is fundamentally a project file and not a video file. This distinction is essential for comprehending its usage and limitations. Below, a dive into how WLMP files are employed will shed light on their role in video editing and sharing.

Project Development and Editing

At its core, a WLMP file is used within Windows Live Movie Maker for creating and editing video projects. This file format serves as a container that holds information about the video editing project. This includes references to audio and video files, as well as details on transitions, effects, and timings used within the project. It's analogous to a blueprint for a building; it tells you what the project is supposed to look like but is not the actual finished product.

Organizing Media

Another key use of WLMP files is in organizing media for a project. Since a WLMP file contains information about where media files are located and how they are used in the project, it effectively organizes and coordinates the various elements of a video project. This includes arranging media files in a timeline, specifying cuts, and determining how different media elements interact with one another.

Exporting to Final Video Formats

Significantly, WLMP files themselves cannot be played like regular video files. For viewing the final product of a WLMP project, the file must first be exported or saved into a standard video format, such as WMV (Windows Media Video). This conversion process entails rendering the project—effectively compiling and processing the raw elements and edits as specified in the WLMP file into a coherent video file. The process is an essential step to share the final video with others or to publish it online.

Collaboration

WLMP files facilitate collaboration on video editing projects. By sharing a WLMP file, various contributors can work sequentially on a video project. A creator can start a project, outline its structure, make preliminary edits, and then pass the WLMP file onto another individual who can continue editing, add effects, or adjust the timeline. This collaborative approach underscores the utility of WLMP files in shared project development environments.

WLMP File Structure

XML-Based Structure

The .WLMP file format, standing for Windows Live Movie Maker Project File, is fundamentally based on the XML schema, encapsulating the project's editing decisions and references to source media files rather than the media content itself. This XML framework ensures that WLMP files are relatively lightweight and editable with text editors, providing an open and human-readable structure. Inside a WLMP file, elements and attributes conform to XML standards, organizing project information into a hierarchical format that includes references to video clips, images, music tracks, and the transitions and effects applied within the project.

Example of a Basic WLMP Structure

An elementary WLMP file organizes its contents into nested XML elements, with the root typically defined as . Within this structure, you would encounter primary sections dedicated to media items, themes, and the overall timeline of the movie project. Below is an abbreviated example of a basic WLMP file structure:


  
    
    
  
  
    Simple
    ApplyToAll

This simplified example illustrates the hierarchical, human-readable structure of a WLMP file, emphasizing how media elements, project settings, and timeline details are interwoven within the XML schema. Each element, from the container to individual media references such as , plays a crucial role in reconstructing the project in Windows Live Movie Maker. The attributes within elements, like src for media item sources or Duration for clip length, further detail how each component is utilized within the project's overall composition.

Editing WLMP Files

Editing WLMP Files

Working with WLMP (Windows Live Movie Maker Project) files gives editors the flexibility to create compelling video projects by adjusting content and applying various visual effects. This segment tackles two critical aspects of editing WLMP files: adding and removing media, and adjusting transitions and effects, ensuring your video has the intended impact on your audience.

Adding and Removing Media

Initially, the backbone of any WLMP project is its media content. To enrich your project, you may need to add various types of media such as video clips, images, and audio tracks. Windows Live Movie Maker offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it simple to populate your project timeline. Here's how to manage your media effectively:

  • Adding Media: To add media, navigate to the 'Add videos and photos' button in the Home tab. You can select files from your device or drag them directly into the timeline. For audio, click on the 'Add music' button to introduce background tracks or sound effects. Remember, positioning is key, so drag each element to its desired location within the timeline.
  • Removing Media: Sometimes, less is more. To remove an item from your project, simply select it in the timeline and press the 'Delete' key. This action is crucial for refining your project and removing any content that does not contribute to the overall narrative or quality of your video.

Managing media content is a dynamic process that involves constant assessment and re-assessment to get the right balance for your project’s needs.

Adjusting Transitions and Effects

The visual journey of your video greatly depends on how smoothly scenes flow into one another and how effects are used to enhance storytelling. Windows Live Movie Maker provides a plethora of transitions and effects that can transform a simple video into a captivating story.

  • Adjusting Transitions: To make scenes flow seamlessly, go to the Animations tab. Here, you'll find a variety of transitions to apply between clips. Hover over a transition to preview it, and click to apply. Remember, the transition should complement the mood and pace of your video segments. For a customized feel, adjust the duration of the transition to match the rhythm of your narrative.
  • Applying Effects: Visual effects can alter the overall look and feel of your video clips. To explore available effects, head to the Visual Effects tab. From color correction to artistic filters, each effect offers a unique way to enhance your visual content. Be mindful not to overuse effects, as they should serve to support, not overshadow, your video’s message.

Incorporating transitions and effects judiciously can greatly improve the visual appeal and coherence of your WLMP project, turning a collection of clips into a unified, captivating story.

Example of a Basic WLMP Structure

XML Header and Metadata

The WLMP (Windows Live Movie Maker Project) file structure begins with an XML header that declares the file's version, encoding type, and schema. This part is crucial as it ensures that the file conforms to the necessary standards for being interpreted correctly by the software. Following the header, the metadata section contains information about the project, such as the author, creation date, and software version used for editing. This section is formatted to provide a clear overview of the project's origins and settings, using specific tags to designate each piece of information:



  
    John Doe
    2023-04-01T12:00:00Z
    2012
  

Media Items Section

Central to the WLMP file is the Media Items section, which lists all the video clips, images, and audio tracks that are part of the project. Each media item is detailed with specific tags, including its path, duration, start time, and any adjustments made such as effects or speed changes. This section neatly categorizes the media to allow for easy editing and management within the project. The structure is designed to be intuitive, with media items enclosed within distinct tags that specify their type (video, image, or audio):


  
    
      
      
    
    
  
  ...

Theme and Transition Information

The Theme and Transition section provides details on the visual and auditory design elements applied to the project. This includes chosen themes, background music, and transitions between media items. These elements are essential for creating a cohesive viewing experience, and they're defined within the WLMP file to keep the project's aesthetic consistent. Individual transitions and effects are specified for each media item or set globally for the project, ensuring that transitions smoothly link one media item to the next:

Each of these sections plays a pivotal role in determining the structure and appearance of the final video project. The XML format allows for detailed customization and adjustment, showcasing the project's complexity or simplicity according to the creator's intent.