How do we lengthen the duration of a still picture? We found out how to change the default in options/preferences from a previous post, but how do we add 2 seconds to still pictures that were added before the default was changed.
You could simply "grab" the right edge of the still frame and drag it to the right to extend the duration.
If you zoom in on the time line (using the + and - on the time line), you would be able to be exact as to the time of the clip.
Select all the images, press G to group them, then Ctrl-drag the end of the last clip out to the right. This will stretch all the images together. You may need to do some math in advance to decide how far to stretch them if you want them to all last a specific time. Or, conversely, you can use this function to stretch the whole lot to one specific overall length, such as matching the length of the song you have playing in the background.
Search this forum for the method of changing the default settings. Still photo duration is currently set at 5secs. You can change it to anything you want but I can't remember the exact procedure.
The problem "nodak" has is one I have for expanding the length of a still or a video clip. Unlike other editing programs, Screenblast defaults to overlapping the next clip in line. If you try to move that clip to make room for the first one, it, also unlike other programs, will overlap the thrid in line. Ripple editing has no effect on this (I don't see ripple editing doing much of anything). Group editing doesn't seem to work, either, for expanding all clips - need more help for that one.
hbwerner, have you tried the procedure i outlined above? I just tested it in VideoFactory 2 and it worked perfectly. You do have to Ctrl-drag, otherwise plain dragging only adjusts the length of the last clip.
Chienworks, yes, if I want to expand the length of all clips that does work. However, that is not the problem. How do I increase the length of one clip? Overlap happens every time. I can't slide the next to make room, because it just overlaps the one beyond.
hbwerner, try the Insert / Time command. Place the cursor at the point where you need more space then click Insert / Time. Enter in the amount of time you need in hh:mm:ss;ff format. This will create a gap at that point. If you click on a track header after placing the cursor then the gap will only be added in that track. If you click on the timeline under the bottom audio track to position the cursor then the gap will be added to all tracks.
If you've added more time then you need and have leftover gap in all tracks, double-click in that gap and press the Delete key to close up the gap; everything to the right is moved back over to fill in the space.
Paste insert should also work. Basically get the picture the size you want, cut it, and use paste insert to put it back while the others just slide over.
Thanks, Chienworks and SonicSCS. Both of your suggestions work! Too bad Sony doesn't put this information in their manual or help screens. I wonder why they don't allow a default setting so that normal rough editing (adding, moving, expanding and shortening clips) so they can be easily done (as with other edit programs) -- without the default assumption that you want to overlap everything, which should be the next step in refining the editing. Making simple inserts, moves, etc a multiple step process (and then not providing the instructions as to how to do it) to me reeks of a product that was released before someone finished designing it. In addition, I still use good ol' MS Movie Maker to produce some clever title animation that are not possible in in Screenblast MM. Did I buy a bummer product?