Split screen template creator problem

[Ken Berry]

To help you out, Mark, I've started a new thread for you!

The new split screen template creator does not seem to work for me.
Instant Project...Select template...Add media....Click OK.
The message: "Failed to save document" always appears.
Then the program crashes, closes.
What could be wrong?

I used the new "Split Screen Template Creator." I tried 2 or three of the preset templates, and always get the "Failed to
save document" message followed by a crash. I used photos (.jpeg) and videos .mp4 (H.264 High Profile Video/24bits 3840x2160).

I also tried the sample media pre-installed with the program. These are .mp4, .wmv and .jpg files. But same result.

[markguitre]

Thanks. I did not see the "New Topic" button where I was before.
I will wait for replies to help me solve this issue.

[Scubbie]

Hello Mark,

It may help to know better what you are doing. Below I've described what I've done to see if I can replicate your problem. As you can see it didn't crash. If you could try this first, just to see if it works or not, then compare to what you were doing to see if it's any different.

It may be important to know the full properties of your clips. What frame rate are they? Is it variable? Which camera was used to create them?

*****

I've just tried the following:

• Click on Split Screen Template Creator
• Added 2 straight lines to divide the screen into 3
• Clicked Ok

This created a short 10-second split-screen template which was placed in my media library and also added the template I had just created, to the timeline.

I then dragged 3 clips, pressing <Ctrl> to replace the placeholders, to the timeline.

The clips I used had all been recorded with my GoPro in 4K (3840 x 2160) at 25fps.

My project was set for 1080 25p, so I saved it and started a new project. I set the project properties to 4K (3840x2160) 25p and repeated the process above, then I set the project properties to 2160 50p.

Each test worked. It didn't crash.

[markguitre]

I have made some progress, but there I still have some kind of problem with VS 2018.
Selecting "Instant Project" then on a Split Screen template from the list: IP-01 thru -09, causes a crash after adding any media then clicking OK.
But, when I click on "Split Screen Template Creator" above the timeline (as you advised) there is no crash afterwards.
However, with this approach, there are no preset templates: you must create your own by using the "splitting tool"--which is going to take
some time to master, at least for me. How to have access to and utilize those split screen preset templates without the program crashing?
Most of the time, I prefer to use presets, not wanting to waste time "customizing."

[Scubbie]

Hello Mark,

I've just tried again using the IP-01 template and it worked once more with the same clips I used before, plus a few extra of the same variety.

I know that you said that you've used 24bit 4K videos, along with a few images and other videos, but you didn't say anything about how many frames per second, or which camera you used.

I recently completed a project using the IP-01 template. In the project, I used material from 4 different cameras. Most of the split screen content was also sped up to compact material which had been recorded in timelapse over a couple of months into a video that lasted 1:38.

https://youtu.be/vCS41bUt7_w

Whilst it is a 1080 25p video, the only major issue I encountered was the split-screen number appearing in the video. After getting some help from this forum, I was able to resolve it by using the method I described above in tiny detail. To do it properly, please try this...

1. Set your project properties correctly (i.e. 4K, with the right fps)
2. Drop the IP-01 split screen template on your timeline.
3. Left click a clip you wish to drop in the split screen
4. Start dragging the clip to the correct placeholder and press <Ctrl>
5. As you reach the placeholder with the clip, let go of the mouse button, but keep <Ctrl> depressed
6. Now you can let go of the <Ctrl> key

Repeat 3-6 for each clip.

This will produce a 10-second long split-screen sequence. Feel free to extend or shorten each clip as required. To add more clips you can either repeat step 2 or drop a new clip into the timeline and copy the attributes from the previous clips.

As a side note, when you create a new split-screen pattern of your choice you can either save it as a template, in which case it'll be located with the existing split-screen templates, or it will be placed in the media library folder which you had last selected.

[markguitre]

Since this problem has occurred with not only my clips, but also the samples installed with the program, I did not think my own clip's properties
(MPEG-4 file/H.264 High Profile video/24bits/3840 x 2160/29.970 frame rate/69999 kbps from a Panasonic HC-VX981 camcorder) was that material.
My project properties are set automatically to match the first video clip.
I was able to use the split screen templates by your method, but I have some way to go to master this new feature.
Not sure why the control and mouse have to be used in this particular fashion to get the job done: that's certainly not in the manual.
Does it matter if this kind of split screen effect is done within a larger project, or created alone then imported back in?

[Scubbie]

Ok, this is good news... Progress .

Ok, the reason why I'm using 25p and 50p is that I'm in the UK and these are PAL frame rates. 29.970 is a US TV standard and I was afraid this might be a reason for the differences we are seeing.

Could I suggest that you set the project properties to 30p? This may help. I've read a few instances where variable frame rates and bitrates can be an issue. I would have expected 29.970 to be fine though.

Why use the method I suggested? From experience, the split screen number was appearing in the clip and I couldn't get rid of it. Normally when I use a template I trim/cut a video clip to the required length, then copy the attribute from the placeholder to the clip and move the clip in place. This is what I did initially with the project shown above. Through chatting in another thread it was suggested I try it that way and it worked.

Image showing issue I had

This has been picked up and hopefully, I may be able to use my normal method in the future.

I have the Pan HC-W850, which your HC-VX981 is based upon. Both are good capable cameras. Ok mine's limited to HD, not 4K, but then yours is a newer model. One issue I do have is that I can't change the frame rate when recording in 1080. It's permanently set to 60p. I'm hopeful that this is something you can do with yours.

[RobertOZ]

Ok Mark, lets try a different approach,
First of all, create a new folder in the library and name it SplitScreen NTSC or PAL depending on your use.
Now go to ProgramFiles/Corel/CorelVideoStudio2018/EditingStyle/Style/SplitScreen, copy the contents of either NTSC or PAL into your new folder, now you will have all the Instant Project templates available, without the need to open the IP folder and the best thing, they now all work correctly and do not appear to have any of the limitations when accessed through the IP folder

Note,
This is another one of those gems of advice from Trevor (lata)

[markguitre]

Thru the Split Screen Template Creator above the timeline, I am able to access the
Template Editor and successfully customize a split screen effect without
any crashing. But, if I access through the Instant Project button, I end up with
a “Fail to Save Document” message followed by a crash. Let’s consider this
part of problem solved: I know where not to go now.

I’m still having trouble with the pre-set templates however.
I followed the advice to create my own folder and add to the library.
That works. What happens next:
I drag and drop a template to the timeline and it places itself directly
on to the overlay tracks. Each track has a small black box at its beginning
with an “FX” symbol (transition?) Note: I do not have auto-add transition selected.
The rest of the track says “PlaceHolder.png.” I drop the file over the FX black box part,
and a transition is added right there, with the file after it. If I drop it over the PlaceHolder
part, the file goes first with a transition after. But either way, when I play back the result, only one file,
out of let’s say 3, shows up, with lines dividing it into 3 sections! Obviously, that’s not what I want. I don’t even want a transition. I even tried stretching out the clip to
cover the entire 10 second track, which then looks like a giant transition, and the playback of that is likewise weird.
Strange, none of this behavior occurs in the Template Editor section, where I create my own effect. So I’m still stuck on how to use these preset templates.
Maybe I need some simple drag n’ drop lessons. At my stage!

[Scubbie]

I'm now wondering if a reinstall may fix the issue you have with the pre-set templates. Are you able to replicate the issue using the 'color patterns' or sample videos? If you can, then definitely think about replicating it with Live Screen Capture tool and speaking with Corel. It might be that they will suggest a reinstall or something else.

Whilst I did use IP-01 for a recent project, I think that I'd prefer to create my own in the future. I'll see though. I often like to use the template for inspiration once I've got the hang of things or I'll go back to them for speed when it's more useful to get a new project out sooner. What I'm suggesting is that there is no harm in not using the templates, but perhaps you could use/pinch their ideas and make something of your own from them.

The little 'FX' is perfectly normal for the Split Screen. If you look you'll see that for the placeholders the 'Geometry Mask' effect has been added and for the 'SplitLines.png' file the 'Split Graph' effect has been added. This is how Corel are managing the split screen effect.

Currently, you can't edit these effects. I would love the ability to do so and change a few items, such as the line colours, width and perhaps when some of them come in or leave.

So for now, the little FX is perfectly alright.

As for replacing the placeholders with your own content, as with anything to do with computers, there is more than one method. The way which I described above works. I wanted to see if I could find a video showing it to try to make life easier for you. Whilst looking I found an old video from Gripps. It shows another method (quietly swearing under my breath here), which also works with the split screen (I checked).

https://youtu.be/bUdIlUMSFSk

I have found an old video from Corel too. It does use the method I've described above.

https://youtu.be/sgMIhtUxusI

Hopefully, they will be of use to you.

I was going to look at that website mentioned in the video which I didn't know about previously ( http://photovideolife.com ) but sadly it appears to be closed now and redirects to the Corel.com site instead.

[markguitre]

Scubbie,
Yes, the issue gets replicated even when using samples videos and photos provide by Corel.
I've noticed that when I used the Split Screen Template Creator to "customize" the effect, there is
still an FX but no black box area on the media when it hits the timeline. But with the templates, that black
area (with an FX) is on every track. Wonder if that could be the critical difference. I probably will contact Corel. Thanks for the help.
It must have taken Gripps much time and practice to get to be the VS guru he is. Wonder how he found time to
pump up.

[lata]

Hi Mark Lis
Guys
I will have to read through the posts to get a better idea of your actual problem.

But we did raise the issue during beta testing of the Instant Projects library containing Split Screen clips.
These are in fact Instant Project Templates and not Split Screen templates as such, the wording or names of the templates causing confusion.

So two different editing techniques, Instant Projects and Split Screen.
Comparing Split Screen Template Creator with Instant Projects will/may confuse the problem.

I assume that when you use the icon immediately above the timeline to open the Split Screen Template Creator that you have no problems, is that correct?

Then using the library Instant Projects Split Screen added to the timelines causes crashes, I would suspect that using other Instant Projects, Beginning etc could also cause you problems.

As for the black box, don’t really understand unless you are referring to the clips on the timeline, they are Placeholders to be replaced with our own images.

Right click any clip for locate on computer, should find the file as a black png
Double click the clip to open options panel to id the FX as Geometric Mask.

[markguitre]

Lata,

"I assume that when you use the icon immediately above the timeline to open the Split Screen Template Creator that you have no problems, is that correct?"
Yes, that is correct. Placing a template on the timeline, on each track there is is a smaller black area with an FX in front of the larger green area that says: "PlaceHolder.png."
But with the Split Screen Template Creator, the clip on the timeline has no such black area, only "PlaceHolder.png" with the FX. Wondering if that difference could be the difference. Couldn't help but notice it.
Clicking on Instant Project icon brings up (among other items I've not tried) the Split Screen preset templates, and therein lies the problem.

[lata]

Hi

Some confusion
“on each track there is a smaller black area with an FX in front of the larger green area that says: "PlaceHolder.png."

The green area is displaying the file name, go to F6 Preferences and set Clip Display Mode to “Thumbnail Only” Your clips on the timeline will show in fill, the Placeholder.png will be all black, images will show in full.

Video Studio Library Instant Projects
The first in the list is named Split Screen, I see 4 black and 4 black on white thumbnails.
Although called Split Screen they are Instant Projects and do not react the same as a true Split Screen Template as created via the icon above the timelines. This icon opens the SCTC, you have no issues in using that option.

Instant Projects

First start a new project File New Project, that clears the timeline
Right click the template IP-01 – choose Add at the beginning
The template should insert 7 black clips
These can be replaced with any image of our choosing.
Go to the samples Library to view images.
Drag any image to the top placeholder- hold keyboard CTRL key, (read the tool tip) then drop the image over the top clip.
Are you able to get that far?
Repeat to replace all placeholders with your image clips

[markguitre]

Some confusion indeed. The Corel online tutorial instructs you to click on "Instant Project" to utilize their new split screen effect,
and the Split Screen Template Creator icon above the timeline is not even mentioned. The former has preset templates; but with the latter, you create
your own. My problem, if not already evident, is with the presets. I will try the latest advice and post back.