Video and overlay

[Cassel]

I am just a little confused here, and I would like some clarification. I could not find the answer in the online documentation.

What is the difference between the Video track and the Overlay tracks?

I noticed that I cannot trim the "overlay" clips, but when I added some screen recording to my folder and placed it on the timeline, it automatically goes to the Overlay track. And from there, I cannot trim them as the scissors icon is greyed out. Is there a way to add those clips to the video track instead of the overlay track if there is no other video in the way?

[BrianCee]

if they go into the overlay track then there is no reason why they will not go into the top track - just use your mouse - left click on the video in the overlay track - while holding the mouse key down push the block up into the top track - release the mouse button.

To trim videos in the overlay track use your mouse to grab the yellow bar at either end and slide it towards the centre of the clip.

[Cassel]

I guess it worked on that one.
So, I can do it with "videos" but not with images like jpg?

[BrianCee]

YES YES YES you can do it with ANYTHING - if it goes in the overlay track it will go in the video track.

[Cassel]

YES YES
Now that you say that, I rechecked, and when I tried to move the clip from the overlay to the Video track, it WAS moving there, but was butting against the end of the last clip, which ended up in a totally different place. I guess that is why I would see the clip "disappear".

Can a clip be placed in a specific location without butting against another one? I would like to work head, while waiting for a couple of video clips to be recorded. Can I move the others further down the timeline until then?

[BrianCee]

Not in the top track no - all clips in the top track automatically move to the left to butt up against the previous clips - if you want videos in specific places in the top track use black colour blocks to space them out - then adjust the length of each black block to put the item in the top track where you want it. then when you get your videos drop them on the color blocks while holding down the Ctrl key so the video will replace the block not move it along

[Cassel]

That is good to know. Now a total newbie question: where do I find a black block?

[BrianCee]

down the right hand side of the pre-view window click on the flower icon - this should open the 'color' library - slide a block down just like a video

[Cassel]

Oh thanks. That might even get useful. Can I change the color to something custom?

[BrianCee]

drag any color block down into the timeline - click on it - open the options panel - use the color picker to select from heaven knows how many colours close the options panel and slide the new colour from the timeline to the 'color' library to save it.

[Cassel]

Thanks!!!
*happy dance*

[Cassel]

IN the current video clip I have, I would like to replace part of it with a block so I can add some object animation on it. Is there a way to replace a specific segment with the block without having to measure? I have the video and audio separated so it would be tough to realign the rest if the block just pushes the video track further.

[BrianCee]

You need to cut the video with the scissor tool at each end of the segment you want to replace - then when you drag the block down over the video segment hold down the Ctrl key at the same time - let go off Ctrl and mouse key at the same time when over the segment in the timeline - this will ensure the block exactly replaces the video segment.

[Cassel]

Thanks. So many little tricks!!!!