Project length not right- runs too quick

[Lrehman]

I am doing a simple slide show using images (my pictures). There are 8 images and each image is 4 sec. long. There are 7 2 sec. transitions. The total length should be 32 plus 14 equals 46 seconds. But the Project Duration says 18 seconds. When I click the project button under the screen to preview it races thru the slides in 18 seconds. In other words videostudio (version 11 plus) is not recognizing the proper length of the project. How do I fix this? What am I missing?

[Ron P.]

Welcome to the forums,

Your slideshow is behaving normally. Transitions borrow the time from the adjacent clips. So in your case you have 2 clips each being 4 secs. You place a transition in between them that is 2 secs. So the transitions uses 1 second from each of the adjacent clips, making them each 3 secs now. You need to subtract ½ the transition time from each clip it joins.

Clear as mud now?

[Lrehman]

The transitions just don't 'borrow' time from the clips it looks like they subtract time. 8 clips of 5 seconds = 40 sec. total. But when I add one 1 second transition the total project time is 39 sec. Is this right?

If it is, what do you think the 'typical' slide show setting are? (like the templates). I am thinking 7 seconds image and 2 seconds transition.

Thank you.

[Ron P.]

That's what I meant by borrow. If a transition uses the time from adjacent clips, those clips will be shortened. I guess I should have said uses or takes. A transition is just a pleasant effect, blending one clip into the next. Transitions do not have their own time. If you place 2 clips on the timeline, one above the other on separate tracks, having them overlap slightly, you have a transition. It's called a straight cut. Now to make it smooth increase the transparency of one, while decreasing the other. You would have a cross-fade.

Typical, there is no typical. Your transitions can help add to the mood of your video. If you have a video or slideshow of a wedding or memories, using soft music, I would use longer durations for both the photos and transitions. This would allow for slower zooms and pans, and softer, slower transitions. If you are showing something upbeat, exiting, attention grabbing, then using very short clips, with fast sharp transitions would fit.

For my slower videos, I generally will use from 7-10 secs images, and 2 secs transitions. There may be some times that to achieve an effect, I use a cross-fade that may be 5 secs. For example you've seen overlays where one fades-in but does not get to 100% opaque.

[Black Lab]

If you had version 12 (X2) you would actually see how it works, because you can actually overlap clips to create the transitions.

My slide shows are usually 6-8 second clips with a 1 second transition. Mine is the right way to do it...for me.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi
And I am getting a bit slow, for a slide show using 11sec with a 3 sec transition works for me. (on screen for 8 full seconds)
Whatever you prefer is correct.

As Jeff said, when you use a transition effect, the clips are overlapped by the length of the transition., effectively reducing the total length by the transition duration.

[Lrehman]

I now understand how it works- thanks to all for their input.

[macd1995]

I understand the transition eating into the slide duration, but nothing I do changes the slide duration! The slide still shows for 3 sec.

My video continues be 3:39. Can someone help? This is a Valentine's Day present that I will be showing tomorrow.

The Video is nice as is, but it would be better to have the pictures show a little longer.

Thanks!

[macd1995]

I understand the transition eating into the slide duration, but nothing I do changes the slide duration! The slide still shows for 3 sec.

My video continues be 3:39. Can someone help? This is a Valentine's Day present that I will be showing tomorrow.

The Video is nice as is, but it would be better to have the pictures show a little longer.

Thanks!

[Black Lab]

If you want a picture to show longer you can either click on it then drag the yellow trim handles to the desired length (time) or adjust the numerical value in the duration box on the edit tab.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

You can also use your mouse to select the clips in the timeline
(use Shift + Click to select all)

From the Clip Menu at the top, Change Image/color duration.