I am compressing some videos for use in Storyline. I want to minimize the file size while maintaining the quality. What resolution does Storyline output to? I am thinking that standard res would be plenty. Any thoughts?
The quality is impacted by the quality settings you select when publishing. Storyline does a great job of compressing the videos for you, so if you are trying to compress pre-publish, you can probably save that step. As for resolution...SL will keep your video at the same resolution (so a 960X540 video will stay 960X540), but it will compress the size.
In my experience every time I publish my videos (.avi format) the resolution is significantly downgraded. What was clear is now very pixelated. Can you offer any solutions?
I'd try converting to another format (such as .MP4) first and then importing. Also, make sure to check the video quality settings when you publish. If quality is paramount, make sure you have the settings turned to the highest level.
Thanks for writing back quickly. I am not the author of the files. The person who created the files did it in Camtasia and I don't have access to that program on my system. Are you saying it's better to take the AVI files into a video editing program, then convert them to .mp4 and then import into Storyline? I already have the publishing settings set to the highest level. I also want to insert a watermark. Would it be best to do this in Storyline or an editing software?
Many thanks for your time in answering my questions,
Jessie
Jean-Francois, thanks for your comment! I'll see what I can do... - Best, Jessie
Hi Jessie. You may be able to use a video converter to get your avi to an MP4. I think your best bet, if you have access to it, is to re-compress in a video editing software like Final Cut Pro. Adding a watermark can easily be done in an editing package. If you need help with that, let me know. I use FCP all the time to do stuff like this.
Thanks for writing back quickly. I am not the author of the files. The person who created the files did it in Camtasia and I don't have access to that program on my system. Are you saying it's better to take the AVI files into a video editing program, then convert them to .mp4 and then import into Storyline? I already have the publishing settings set to the highest level. I also want to insert a watermark. Would it be best to do this in Storyline or an editing software?
Many thanks for your time in answering my questions,
Jessie
Jean-Francois, thanks for your comment! I'll see what I can do... - Best, Jessie
I've not had any issue with AVI files except one--occasionally one was produced with a weird codec (I'm guessing) and it won't import into Storyline.
I usually then use the free tool Format Factory to convert it to another AVI and all is well with Storyline.
The vast majoriy of AVI's have been converting wonderfully for me with great quality.
If you have access to the original author, they can output to MP4 directly from Camtasia. This would be the most desirable outcome. Especially, if, as Gerry indicates, it could be a weird codec issue. In general, the more you can do in the original programs the better (in terms of watermarks, etc.).
Barring access to the original source files, I would try converting with the best tool you have available. So if you have a pro tool,such as Adobe After Effects, or Premiere, or Apple's Final Cut, start with that. If not, then move down to something like Premiere Elements, or Windows Movie Maker, and then down to the free converters such as Format Factory.
I saved my videos in MP4 1024x768 and uploaded. Articulate compressed as normal so I bumped up publishing quality. When it did not help, I found directions on moving my video directly into the story content and renaming it to match Articulate's assigned label. Now when I run a practice test, all I have is the audio of that implanted video. Did I miss something?
I wonder if it might have something to do with the MP4 encoding. You may want to try processing it through another tool to see if if makes a difference. If you can share it, I can test it on my end.
i am staring to work on, e-learning tutorial so I am getting some problems for choosing the with and heights, if am taking 1024 / 650 so its supporting to all the devices like ipad and iPhone and desktop, please help me for fixing the good size for my tutorial
When you create a new Articulate Storyline project, the slide size defaults to 720 pixels wide by 540 pixels high, but you can change it to any size you'd like. Here's how.
If you were looking for more specific information about adding videos, as this thread started with, then I invite you to check out this tutorial.
13 Replies
Jean,
The quality is impacted by the quality settings you select when publishing. Storyline does a great job of compressing the videos for you, so if you are trying to compress pre-publish, you can probably save that step. As for resolution...SL will keep your video at the same resolution (so a 960X540 video will stay 960X540), but it will compress the size.
Mike
Dear Mike,
In my experience every time I publish my videos (.avi format) the resolution is significantly downgraded. What was clear is now very pixelated. Can you offer any solutions?
Many thanks,
Jessie
Jessie,
I'd try converting to another format (such as .MP4) first and then importing. Also, make sure to check the video quality settings when you publish. If quality is paramount, make sure you have the settings turned to the highest level.
Mike
I have tried both MOV and MP4 files and MP4 works best with the least amount of quality loss.
Dear Mike,
Hi Jessie. You may be able to use a video converter to get your avi to an MP4. I think your best bet, if you have access to it, is to re-compress in a video editing software like Final Cut Pro. Adding a watermark can easily be done in an editing package. If you need help with that, let me know. I use FCP all the time to do stuff like this.
I've not had any issue with AVI files except one--occasionally one was produced with a weird codec (I'm guessing) and it won't import into Storyline.
I usually then use the free tool Format Factory to convert it to another AVI and all is well with Storyline.
The vast majoriy of AVI's have been converting wonderfully for me with great quality.
Jessie,
If you have access to the original author, they can output to MP4 directly from Camtasia. This would be the most desirable outcome. Especially, if, as Gerry indicates, it could be a weird codec issue. In general, the more you can do in the original programs the better (in terms of watermarks, etc.).
Barring access to the original source files, I would try converting with the best tool you have available. So if you have a pro tool,such as Adobe After Effects, or Premiere, or Apple's Final Cut, start with that. If not, then move down to something like Premiere Elements, or Windows Movie Maker, and then down to the free converters such as Format Factory.
Mike
Great suggestion, Mike. I have Premiere and Movie Maker but Format Factory is so darn easy. And the quality seems good so far (knock on wood ).
Just curious, have you seen issues using Format Factory?
I saved my videos in MP4 1024x768 and uploaded. Articulate compressed as normal so I bumped up publishing quality. When it did not help, I found directions on moving my video directly into the story content and renaming it to match Articulate's assigned label. Now when I run a practice test, all I have is the audio of that implanted video. Did I miss something?
Hi John and welcome to the community!
I wonder if it might have something to do with the MP4 encoding. You may want to try processing it through another tool to see if if makes a difference. If you can share it, I can test it on my end.
Mike
i am staring to work on, e-learning tutorial so I am getting some problems for choosing the with and heights, if am taking 1024 / 650 so its supporting to all the devices like ipad and iPhone and desktop, please help me for fixing the good size for my tutorial
Hi Rekha and welcome to E-Learning Heroes!
When you create a new Articulate Storyline project, the slide size defaults to 720 pixels wide by 540 pixels high, but you can change it to any size you'd like. Here's how.
If you were looking for more specific information about adding videos, as this thread started with, then I invite you to check out this tutorial.
This discussion is closed. You can start a new discussion or contact Articulate Support.