Use Microsoft’s superb new video editor

What you need: Windows 10 Fall Creators Update Time required: 30 minutes

StoryRemix, a new video editor that Microsoft promised would be in the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (FCU) has arrived as part of Windows’ default Photos app. It can automatically create a video montage from photos and videos you select. You can then customise this montage using a range of themes, filters, motion effects and music. The video editor is easy to use and is a great replacement for Microsoft’s discontinued Windows Movie Maker.

If you haven’t already updated to the FCU, STEP 1 see Step 1 of our lead workshop (page 35) for instructions on how to do this. Next, open the Photos app on your PC and close the pop-up window describing its new features. By default, the app gives you access to all the photos and videos in the Pictures folder on your PC. If you want to use media files stored elsewhere, click Import 1 , select ‘In a folder’ or ‘On another device’, then navigate to the folder or device you want to import files from. Next, click Create 2 , then select ‘Video project’ 3 . Once that’s done, the video editor will STEP 3 open. Here, you’ll see your media files 1 and the video montage preview 2 . By default, it will be called ‘New video’ 3 , but you can rename this. Click ‘Add photos and videos’ 4 to add more files. The timeline 5 displays all your photos/ videos in the order they appear in your montage, and their duration. To rearrange these, click and drag them to the left or right. To delete a file, select it, then click its ‘x’ icon 6 . At the top of the timeline, you’ll see options to change a file’s duration and add filters, text and motion effects to it. Changes you make are saved automatically and you can undo and redo them easily 7 . You’ll now see all your media files as thumbnails. Use STEP 2 the buttons 1 to change the size of these. You can also view files stored in specific albums or folders 2 . Alternatively, click inside the search bar 3 to see search suggestions for people, places and subject matter 4 . Click a suggestion to see associated photos and videos. Select the files you want in your video montage, then click the Add button 5 . Microsoft will now create a montage from your selected files.

STEP To extend or shorten a video clip in the montage, select 4 it 1 , then click the Trim button above the timeline (only displayed when you select a video). Now drag the start and end points on the blue slider to determine what portion of your video plays in the montage, then click Done at the top right. Similarly, to make photos appear for longer, select one on the timeline 2 , click the Duration button 3 , then select 4 (or type 5 ) the number of seconds you want it to appear in your montage.

STEP To add motion effects, select a 6 photo/video on the timelime, then click the Motion button to see 11 options 1 . Select one, then click play 2 to see the effect. Click Done 3 when you’re happy with your choice. Once you’ve finished editing your photos and clips click the play button in the preview section to check your montage. Next, click the Theme button at the top to see three themes (Chilled, Classic and Electric). These include background music and filter effects. Select the one you want, then click Done. STEP To add filters to your videos/photos, select one on the 5 timeline, click Filters, then choose from the 12 effects on the right. When you’re happy with your choice, click Done at the top right to return to the editing window. To add text, select a photo/video on the timeline, then click the Text button. You’ll now see six text styles 1 and six layout options 2 . Select the ones you want and type your text in the box at the top right. When you’re happy with how it looks 3 , click Done 4 . STEP Next, click Music 1 , then 7 choose one of the 30 available tracks. To add music from your 5 PC, click the ‘Your music’ tab at the top right and select the track you want. Use the speaker button 2 to control the volume. By default, your video is saved in the 16:9 format 3 (ideal for PCS). If your files are in portrait mode, click the format button and choose ‘Make portrait’ 4 . Finally, click ‘Export or share’ 5 to see three options - Small (for mobile devices), Medium (to share online) and Large (for large hi-res screens). Select the one you want. You’ll then see options to watch the video or share it using compatible apps. ●