Watermark Videos in Windows Movie Maker

Getting Started with Video Watermarking in Windows Movie Maker

Have you ever wondered how certain YouTube videos or advertisements achieve such a polished look? If you're inspired to create your own videos, Windows Movie Maker is an excellent platform to begin developing your video editing abilities.

Many successful YouTubers utilize similar tools to hone their craft. Creating videos can be both enjoyable and demanding in terms of time commitment.

Therefore, safeguarding your work, enhancing its recognizability, and achieving a professional aesthetic are crucial considerations. Adding a signature or watermark is a great way to accomplish this.

The Importance of Watermarking

I personally regret not implementing watermarks during my early days of fansubbing music. I discovered later that some of my translations contained metaphorical inaccuracies.

It was amusing to find the same incorrect lyrics I had painstakingly researched appearing in another similar video. As this illustrates, investing a few extra minutes in protecting your content is worthwhile.

Seeing your own logo integrated into your videos can also be a powerful motivator, encouraging you to continue creating!

Tutorial Overview: Text and Image Watermarks

Before we begin, it’s important to understand the structure of this tutorial. The initial section will demonstrate how to incorporate simple, text-based watermarks into your videos.

Subsequently, we will explore adding an image watermark, such as a logo, utilizing code generously shared by resourceful members of the Movie Maker Forums.

This approach allows for greater customization and a more professional finish to your video projects.

Implementing a Text-Based Video Watermark

Should you desire to incorporate a straightforward text watermark – such as your username or name – into the lower section of your video, you can begin immediately utilizing the pre-existing Title features.

Initially, launch Windows Movie Maker. Utilize the shortcut Ctrl + I (or select Videos under the Import option in the left-hand sidebar) to import your desired video file from your computer’s storage.

Transfer your video to the timeline. Navigate to Title and credits under the Edit menu in the sidebar, then select Title on the selected clip.

Input your username or the specific text you wish to function as your video’s watermark.

Select Change the title animation and opt for the Subtitle style, found within the first Titles, One Line section at the top of the selection window.

To position the watermark towards the bottom right or left, click Change the text font and color and choose the corresponding alignment icon. Adjust the watermark’s transparency, font style – such as bolding or italicizing the text – size, and color as needed.

After confirming your preferences in the Preview window (allow a few moments for changes to be reflected), click Add Title.

Utilize the resizing handle (visible when your cursor hovers over the title’s edge in the timeline) to extend the watermark across the entire duration of your video.

You may preview the final result if desired; otherwise, press Ctrl + P (or navigate to File > Publish Movie) to save the video to your computer.

The following illustrates the final product featuring the implemented text watermark.

Implementing a Watermark or Logo on Your Videos

Initially, ensure you have created the image you intend to use as a watermark. Utilizing a transparent background will enhance its visual integration, so consider employing software like Photoshop, GIMP, or Paint.NET – or a web-based image editor – to achieve this effect. MS Paint, however, lacks this capability.

Save your watermark in either .PNG or .GIF format within the directory >C:\Program Files\Movie Maker\Shared\AddOnTFX\. If these folders, 'Shared' and 'AddOnTFX', do not exist, create them precisely as named.

Alternatively, you can save your image in .JPEG format, but be aware that this format does not support transparent backgrounds. If your logo is already saved, confirm it's in a compatible file type, or create a new copy and save it as .PNG or .GIF in the specified directory.

Accessing the FX Archive

Navigate to this FX Archive page and choose either Windows XP Logo Creator or Windows Vista Logo Creator, based on your operating system.

Determine the desired placement of your logo within the video frame.

Next, specify the Screen Size. You can readily find this information within your video file's properties, under the Dimensions section. If your video's dimensions don't precisely match the available options, select the closest values.

Then, input the dimensions corresponding to your image watermark or logo file.

In the Logo filename field, replace the default name, image.gif, with the actual filename of your watermark or logo, which you previously saved in .PNG or .GIF format within the >C:\Program Files\Movie Maker\Shared\AddOnTFX\ folder.

Assign a descriptive name to your logo in the Name of Title field – for example, MyLogo. Copy the text that is subsequently displayed.

Creating the XML File

Open Notepad, paste the copied text, and save the file as mylogo.xml. When saving, ensure you select All Files (*.*) from the Save as type drop-down menu.

Save this file in the >C:\Program Files\Movie Maker\Shared\AddOnTFX\ directory.

Applying the Watermark in Movie Maker

Launch Windows Movie Maker (or restart it if it's already open) to recognize the newly added MyLogo. Import your video clip and drag it onto the timeline.

Select Titles and credits from the options.

Choose Title on the selected clip. Enter a single space in the text box under Enter text for title – this is a crucial step – and then click Change the title animation.

Locate and select MyLogo from the available options, then click Add Title.

Adjust the size and position of the watermark by dragging the resizer (which appears when your cursor hovers over the title's edge in the timeline) across the duration of your video. Preview your video to confirm the result.

Finally, save your video by pressing Ctrl + P (or navigating to File > Publish Movie) to save it to your computer or share it on platforms like YouTube.

Windows Movie Maker offers additional features, such as zooming effects, to further refine your video's presentation. What video editing software do you typically use, and what are your reasons for preferring it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!