how to

how to make a stop motion animation using windows movie maker

In order to create a stop motion animation using Windows Movie Maker you first need to get all the photographs you will be using for your stop motion in one set location/file. This makes things a lot easier as you begin working on your animation because you won't have to waste time looking for particular photographs. The next step is to open the program



Click the Photo to enlarge

1. Once the program is open it will look like the photo above. You will then need to click on the "Add Videos and Photos" icon or the "click here to browse for videos and photos" section. This will allow you to search for the photos you want to use and bring them onto your timeline. When you have the photos selected click "Open" .




Click the Photo to enlarge

2. You should now be able to see all of your photographs on the right side of the screen while on your left you will be able to see what your stop motion animation looks like so far. Clicking the play button at this point will give you a preview of your animation and a general idea of what you might need to speed up or slow down. In order to change the pace of your animation you might need to edit the duration of a particular photo/photos depending on what you had in mind.

3. To edit the duration of each photograph just go to the "Edit" tab and change the duration. If you need to edit more than one photograph a neat way to do this is to hold down on the "Shift Key" and press the arrow key (you'll know that photos have been selected when they have a light blue box around them)



Click the Photo to enlarge

When you have completed your animation I would definitely suggest that you save a copy of your project (File> Save Project As) before you click "Save Movie". This provides you with a safeguard should you want to edit your stop motion animation at a later date.


Well, that's about it. I hope this helps anybody out there that is looking for a uncomplicated way to create their own stop motion animation :).


PS Windows Movie Maker  also allows you to record video using your webcam, add narration, music, visual effects and transitions to your animation!!