Wax 2.0 - Create Impressive Videos on Windows
The Appeal of Tinkernut and the Introduction to Wax 2.0
My initial exposure to tech tutorials came through Tinkernut videos, and I immediately appreciated the engaging presentation style. It’s a method I’ve often wished academic instructors would emulate.
The creator behind Tinkernut consistently produces a diverse range of educational technology videos. These cover topics from operating system development to inventive DIY projects, all enhanced with captivating visual effects.
It was through this channel that I discovered Wax 2.0, a software application that I believe is highly valuable for anyone interested in video creation.
Understanding Wax 2.0: A Versatile Video Tool
Wax 2.0 is a powerful video creation software developed by the same author as Wink, a program known for its ability to generate impressive Flash-based product demonstrations.
The developer’s core philosophy centers around democratizing video authoring, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
Utilizing Wax 2.0: Options for Creators
This software can be employed in two primary ways. It functions as a standalone application for crafting complete video sequences with integrated special effects.
Alternatively, Wax 2.0 can be integrated as a plugin within established commercial video editing suites like Sony Vegas and Adobe Premiere, expanding their capabilities.
This flexibility makes it a useful tool for both novice and experienced video editors.
Supported File Types for Wax
Wax accepts a variety of file types for video editing projects. These include several common formats for both visual and auditory elements.
Compatible Media Formats
- Video footage: Files must be contained within the AVI format, capable of holding both video and audio streams.
- Audio: WAV files are supported for audio tracks.
- Images: The software supports PNG, JPEG, BMP, TIFF, and TGA image files.
- Others: ICO icons, Photoshop files (PSD – further details are available in the free PDF manual), and AviSynth files (AVS format, useful for embedding subtitles) are also accepted.
It is probable that conversion of your existing video or audio content will be necessary for use within Wax. Fortunately, numerous multimedia converters are readily available online.
Keep in mind that videos exported from Wax 2.0 are limited to the AVI format. This can result in exceptionally large file sizes if you do not utilize codecs like DivX or Xvid.
DivX and Xvid were previously covered in a guide focused on publishing videos to YouTube. Another resource details methods for reducing video file sizes to facilitate easier sharing.
These codecs are also available within other open-source video editing programs, such as VirtualDub and Avidemux. However, what distinguishes Wax 2.0 from these alternatives?
The Distinctive Features of Wax 2.0
Beyond the video editing software previously mentioned, options like Windows Live Movie Maker are also available, and online platforms such as YouTube offer editing capabilities. However, Wax 2.0 presents several compelling features worthy of consideration.
Adjusting Clip Characteristics
Tools like VirtualDub and Avidemux efficiently handle video splitting, trimming, and merging tasks when utilizing Direct Stream Copy mode. However, applying filters – such as blurring or perspective adjustments – typically affects the entire video. Selective modification of specific sections proves challenging without specialized tools.
Wax 2.0 addresses this limitation with its Quick 3D video plugin, a remarkably useful asset. This plugin empowers users to enlarge, reduce, and otherwise modify video or image elements, a capability often desired but absent in programs like Windows Live Movie Maker.
Begin by right-clicking within the Media Bins area and selecting Add Media Files. Once your files are imported, drag them onto the timeline. Navigate to the Video Plugins tab, located under the Media Bins area, and drag Quick 3d onto the desired timeline items. Repeat this process for each element requiring modification.
Clicking the arrow adjacent to Quick 3D reveals the available editing options for the selected clip.
To implement a property change that evolves throughout the clip's duration, right-click on the specific property and choose Linear.
This allows for repositioning elements within the video, creating effects akin to tweening, or layering videos – for example, implementing a picture-in-picture (PiP) effect.
Implementing Green Screen Technology
Within the same panel where Quick 3D is found, you’ll discover the Chroma Key plugin, located under the Color section. This plugin facilitates green screen functionality.
Drag Chroma Key onto the timeline item featuring a solid-color background. Utilize the eyedropper tool to select the background color, then adjust the Tolerance level to effectively remove or replace the background.
Enabling the Invert checkbox allows for creative effects, such as simulating an iPod advertisement.
Exploring a Wider Range of Effects
While Chroma Key is relatively straightforward, Wax 2.0 offers a wealth of more complex effects. Understanding the capabilities of each effect may be easier through visual demonstration.
Consider this video for a comprehensive overview of available effects:
Interested in utilizing more advanced effects? This video demonstrates how to use the Rotomate plugin to create a clone effect:
Here’s a video I personally created as an advertisement for MakeUseOf!
What are your thoughts? Do you have recommendations for other free video editing software? Share your suggestions in the comments below.
Image credit: apathae
