Template: different video resolutions, audio and checks
This page is about three things. The first is what happens to the template on a video of a different resolution. The second is the audio of the additional video. The third is the check before pressing "Start" and the exact refusal messages.
The template is tied to the resolution of one video
The layer layout is saved in pixels of the video that was open in the preview window when the template was created. The project may hold videos of different resolutions.
While "Adapt to videos of different resolutions" is off:
- the processed video is larger than the sample - the layers end up smaller and shift to the upper left corner;
- the processed video is smaller than the sample - the layers go past the frame borders.
The switch is on by default. With the switch on, the layout is recalculated for the resolution of the video being processed.
What happens with different frame proportions
The setting tooltip describes a proportional recalculation:
By default the template is created only for the resolution of the video selected in the preview at the moment the template is created.
Turning this setting on lets Video Unique Booster stretch\narrow videos of other resolutions proportionally, so the video keeps its proportions on the scene.
The result depends on the frame proportions:
- the proportions of the sample and the processed video match, for example 1920x1080 and 1280x720 - the recalculation is proportional, as described in the tooltip;
- the proportions differ, for example a horizontal video and a vertical one - width and height are recalculated independently of each other. The layers get stretched along one axis. A round layer becomes oval.
It is more convenient to have a separate project for each orientation. Then the sample and the processed videos match in proportions.
The "The template appears to be missing the required data" error
An old version of the app could save a template without resolution data. Then, when the setting is turned on, the "Error" window opens:
The template appears to be missing the required data. Create it again and retry.
After that the switch is off again. There is one solution: press "Create template" and build the template again.
Resolution of the result
The resolution of the finished video equals the resolution of the main video. The template does not change it. The resolution of the additional video does not affect the result.
Audio of the additional video
The "Add audio from the additional video" switch is off by default. The slider under it sets the volume spread of the added track, from -100% to +100%. By default the slider handles are collapsed into one point, from 0 to 0. That is the volume as in the source file.
Two cases when there is no audio from the additional video
- The switch is off. The track is not connected at all.
- The additional video has no audio track. There is nothing to add.
The main video does not need sound for this. If the main video has no audio track, the result plays the audio of the additional video, and with "Add additional audio" on, the music as well.
What happens to the original audio
With the switch on, the two tracks are mixed. The original audio becomes half as loud. That is how mixing works: the volume of each track is divided by their number. The "Template" page does not compensate for this in any way. You can raise the volume with the "Change volume" setting on the "Video sound" page.
Audio and video speed
The change of video duration is applied after the tracks are mixed. So slowing down or speeding up also affects the audio of the additional video.
The editor shows the first video, but a random one is used
The canvas of the "Template creation" window shows the first additional video in the list. The border is drawn for its proportions. For each copy, the file is picked at random.
The additional video is fitted into the rectangle you drew. Its proportions are not kept. A file with different proportions will be stretched or narrowed. So it is better to pick files of one orientation for the list. The other way is a separate project for each orientation.
What to check before pressing "Start"
- The project has imported videos.
- The "Use template" switch is on.
- The "Additional videos added:" counter does not show zero.
- The "Template created:" label shows "Yes".
- The additional videos are at the same paths as when they were selected.
- The files in the list are of one orientation.
- There is more than one checkpoint if you need movement and a random point order.
- The handles of the "Change motion speed" and volume sliders are moved apart if you need a result from them.
- For the "Cloud" and "Hybrid" modes: each file is no larger than 1 GB and has a resolution no higher than 4K.
A separate note about paths. When a project opens, files that are no longer at their previous path are removed from the list without a message. The additional video counter goes down. Before the start, such a file is already shown as a separate line in the check sheet.
What the pre-start check sheet shows
| Message | Reason | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "Add additional videos for the template" | the list is empty | press the "Select video" button in the same line |
| "Create a template for the video" | the layer layout is not set | press the "Create template" button in the same line |
| "File not found ... It may have been deleted." | the file is not at its previous path | select the additional videos again |
| "The template video is damaged or cannot be read: ..." | the file does not open | replace the file |
| "The template needs a video, and this is an image: ..." | a single frame was selected | replace the file with a video file |
An image instead of a video is rejected twice: when files are selected and before the start. The additional video repeats until the end of the main one, and a single frame would repeat endlessly.
Limits for video creation in the cloud
The additional video is uploaded to the server as a separate file for each job. The cloud does not accept a file larger than 1 GB or a file with a resolution above 4K. The refusal texts:
Template video is larger than 1 GB - video creation in the cloud is not available at that size.
Template video has a resolution above 4K - video creation in the cloud is not available at that resolution.
In the check sheet such files are collected into a warning titled "Not for creating videos in the cloud (extra media)" with the number of files.
Sometimes all additional videos at once do not meet the limits. Then the result depends on the mode:
- in "Hybrid" mode the local threads will do the work;
- in "Cloud" mode the run will not start.
In the second case the "No video will be created" window is shown:
The extra media is over 1 GB or above 4K. No video can be created in the cloud with it, and no local threads are set. Add local threads or replace the extra media.
Read about the modes themselves on the Video creation on the device, in the cloud or in hybrid mode page.
How much memory the template adds
The template adds 80 MB per megapixel of the frame to the peak memory estimate. For comparison, a watermark adds 10 MB. The reason is a second decoder. The additional video is decoded for the whole duration of the main video, even when it is short itself.
The memory estimate is shown by the "Check before start" sheet: it warns you if there are more local threads than is safe, and offers a button to set the recommended number. The number of threads itself stays the one set in the "Export" section. The contribution of individual settings to complexity is covered on the Random layer deviations and chroma key page.
Video creation watchdog messages
The watchdog stops a thread that has stopped responding. Additional media are named among the possible causes:
video creation was stopped by the watchdog: the thread stopped responding (no output) - the video or the extra media is probably damaged
video creation was stopped by the watchdog: it did not start within the allotted time - the video or the extra media is probably damaged
video creation was stopped by the watchdog: progress stalled - the video or the extra media is probably damaged
Each of the three gets the line "You can disable the video creation watchdog in Global settings." There is also a fourth message:
video creation was stopped by the watchdog: endless output (the position went past the expected length of the result)
What to do: open the additional videos in a player and replace the ones that do not open. Then start video creation again.
How to read the results table
The "Template: Secondary video" column shows which file this copy got. The "Template: Secondary video start" column shows from which second its footage was taken. The other columns with the word "Template" show the picked deviation values.
If the template data is damaged
Occasionally the "Status" column shows one of these lines:
The number of coordinates must be even (video pairs)
At least 1 pair of coordinates is required
Invalid filter color: <value>
A collage coordinate must be an object: <value>
The word in the last line is the internal name of the template. On screen such lines are shown shortened, up to 300 characters. There is one solution: press "Create template" and build the template again.
FAQ
Why is there no audio from the second video?
Check two things. The "Add audio from the additional video" switch is on. The additional video has an audio track.
Why did the main audio become quieter?
With the "Add audio from the additional video" switch on, the two tracks are mixed. The original audio becomes about half as loud. The "Template" page has no compensation.
Why did the layers shift or go past the frame?
The resolution of the processed video differs from the resolution of the sample. Turn on "Adapt to videos of different resolutions". If the frame proportions differ too, the layers get stretched along one axis.
Why did the additional video counter go down on its own?
Some files are no longer at their previous path. When the project opens, such files are removed from the list. Select the additional videos again.
Can I move a project with a template to another computer?
The template itself is stored inside the project and moves with it. The additional videos are stored as links to files. On another device these files may not be at their previous paths. Then select them again.
Video creation with a template takes longer than usual. Is this normal?
Yes. The template adds a second decoder and a second layer in the frame. The most time is added by the main video chroma key, corner rounding, visibility and movement over several checkpoints.