For the purposes of getting started creating, you need a handle on the basic location of features. You don't have to memorize all this immediately, and it will become second nature as you explore the program. You'll always know this quick guide is right up front if you get stuck about where something is.
Figure 1 shows you main panels. See Table 1 immediately following the illustration for descriptions of the panels by number (#).
Figure 1: The program interface with the main panels highlighted and numbered.
Table 1: Description of numbered items in Figure 1.
#
Name
Description
1
Preview Panel
Shows previews of the current video based on the position of the progress indicator (red line) on the timeline. Previews can be actively playing as video previews or still. Active items in the window can be directly manipulated (e.g., sized, rotated, etc.) depending on what they are.
2
Object Control Panel
A context-sensitive panel that shows available controls for the active item. This may be multiple timeline items or the entire movie. The active item is labeled above the panel.
3
Timeline
The timeline is where all video components go when created, imported or placed. They can then be organized, adjusted and edited mostly using click-and-drag.
Figure 2 points out the location of menus that store additional features. These interface components are detailed in Table 2.
Figure 2: The location of other important parts of the interface.
Table 2: Description of numbered items in Figure 2.
#
Name
Description
1
Document Title
The current title of the document. If it is new and not saved, it will be labeled as untitled.
2
Top Button Bar
A set of buttons that allows click access to important features. Each is described with their icon below.
Record Your Screen
Allows a user to initiate recording of desktop, webcam, microphone and computer audio. Whatever is recorded is automatically added to the timeline.
Take a Screen Shot
Allows a user to take a snapshot of all or a portion of their computer screen. Whatever is captured is automatically added to the timeline.
Freehand Annotation
Allows the user to draw freehand directly on the preview screen. Whatever is drawn is automatically added to the timeline.
Time Machine
Allows the user to use a slider to do multiple undos using a slider.
Save
Allows the user to make one click saves.
Export
Allows the user to initiate an export.
3
Side Menu Bar
Contains several important menus that access a variety of production features.
Main Menu
Gives the user access to higher-level functions like opening, saving, importing objects, exporting finished movies, program settings and exiting the program.
Tools Menu
Provides access to a wide variety of objects to use in videos like text and illustrations.
Library
Gives the user access to some more sophisticated objects like intros, outros, pre-recorded audio, clipart, transitions, and user-defined objects.
4
Timeline Action Bar
Allows selection of production component controls.
Movie Component Menu
Movies sometimes have grouped objects. When edited directly this icon helps you navigate back to the standard timeline view.
Go to the Beginning of the Timeline
Timeline indicator is sent to the very beginning of the recording.
Play/Stop (Space)
Controls the start and stop of playing the video. Start ans stop can also be controlled using the keyboard spacebar.
Go to the End of the Timeline
Timeline indicator is sent to the very end of the recording.
Start Voice Narration Recording
Initiates an overdub. It can also act as a stop button for the narration.
Convert Text to Speech
Opens a screen where the user can enter (or paste) text which gets read back by the current computer voice.
Split
Splits an active recorded component at the point where the timeline indicator is.
Freeze
Splits an active recorded component at the point where the timeline indicator is and places a freeze frame component between the parts.
Shot
Takes a screen shot of the current position of the timeline indicator and adds it to the timeline.
00:04.000
Timeline Position Indicator
Reads the position of the timeline indicator position to 1/1000 of a second for accurate placement.
