Project file does not contain custom mask file info.

[Nigel]

I created a project on computer "A", using VideStudio 8X. In this project I added a custom mask file which I created with Adobe Photoshop. It works and looks great.

I then copied and opened the project file on computer "B", which also has VideoStudio 8X.

I get no error/warning messages when loading the project. However, the mask is missing.

When I try to edit the photo mask I get the following message: "The original mask file doesn't exist. The first mask item will be applied as default."

So, I re-applied the mask on computer 'B", copied the project and opened it in computer "A". I then got the same error message on computer "A".

How can I "sync" the two computers?
Is there a way to include, in the project, the names of the original files that I used to add the mask to VideoStudio 8X?

[BrianCee]

You need to copy the actual mask file from the first computer to the second - putting it in exactly the same folder structure

The project file (.vsp) does not contain ANY videos. photos. music. masks etc. - a .vsp file is just a small text file telling VideoStudio which clips and FX to use and where to find them - if they are not in the same file structure on both computers then it will not / CANNOT find them

if you want to use non-standard clips or FX on more than one computer then you need to create a "Smart Package" on the first one - this will contain all the items used and copy the whole package to the second computer.

[lata]

Hi Brian

I have just tried using two custom chroma mask’s -- Video and Image frame, and to my surprise it did open with the masks showing on another computer.
Like you I had thought we needed to create the mask on the second pc, but not so, the VSP opened ok so must contain the mask info.

I have done this three times now just to make sure I was not doing anything different, but yes it works.

I would add that it may be best to transfer the Images / Videos that were used to make the mask, just in case they are needed. If you edit change the mask you wont be able to revert to the original without those files.

And I assume that if the programs are a mix of 32 bit and 64 bit then there may well be a problem…..

Yes I did use Smart Package but that did not show the mask as being added to the package.

[Ken Berry]

I have just tried using two custom chroma masks...

Interesting Trevor. But can you please clarify whether by 'custom' you mean you made the original masks themselves, or used an existing mask which came with VS and then customised the chroma settings? The latter would of course then become part of the editing and thus be recorded in the vsp file...

[lata]

Hi Ken

Yes I made my own masks,

I made the masks by using a black and white colour clip, added a transition to create an effect.

Took a snapshot of the transition part to create an image, (BMP) using that image to add (+) a maskframe to the Chroma gallery.
Also rendered the original B/W clips to a video file, using that to add a Video Mask

Both masks were then used on another project / clips.
Saved the project Smart Render.

Opened the project on another PC, the masks showed as ok.

[Nigel]

I don't really want to I create a "Smart Package". Smart Package makes a copy of all the media files in the project. I don't want to waste space this way.
So I just copied the VS rendered frame mask files (found in C:\Users\username\Documents\Corel VideoStudio Pro\18.0), and it works like a charm.

Here are my concerns/questions:
1) Why don't I get an error message when I load the project file with the missing mask files? After all, I do get an error when one of the resources (audio track/video clip/photo) is missing.
2) Is there a way to instruct/configure VS to look for the mask files in a different directory (other than the default)? This way I could place these files on a shared drive and this problem would be solved.

[asik1]

Nigel your concerns are legit, but VS is far from perfect. There are few other things VS do not alert for errors.
This was discussed before and let us hope X9 will fix some of this.

[lata]

Hi

I have ran a few more tests regarding smart packages and masks.

All mask source files are copied to the Smart Package allowing those to show when opening on another pc. This includes all masks used including the default masks provided by the program.
When I initially created the smart package I was unaware of these files, so yes Brian you are correct we need to move the mask files along with the VSP, whether we do that manually or Smart Packaging is our choice. Sorry Ken for any confusion.

Nigel

As Asik says error messages for Masks and FX filters have been discussed before the release of X8 hopefully fixed with X9, we can only hope.

The default folder for masksframes is :- C:\Program Files\Corel\Corel VideoStudio Ultimate X8\Samples\Image

Your folder 18.0 is your Working Folder where snapshots would be saved, you can change that location via Preferences.
Most users create a separate working folder for each project.
I don’t know of a way for the program to look for mask file locations other than where they were first created. (add + )

I now assume your two computers use a shared drive? Hence the reason for not getting Re-link requests when opening the vsp?

[Nigel]

As suggested, I changed my working folder to the shared drive and now I have exactly what I was looknig for.
Thanks to everyone!