WLMP files are a type of proprietary file format used by Windows Live Movie Maker, a popular video editing software. However, with the discontinuation of Windows Live Movie Maker, many users are left wondering what software opens WLMP files. This question is not as simple as it seems, and the answer requires a deep dive into the world of video editing software and file formats.
The Origins of WLMP Files
Before we delve into the software that opens WLMP files, it’s essential to understand the history of these files. Windows Live Movie Maker was a video editing software developed by Microsoft as part of the Windows Live suite of applications. The software was designed to be user-friendly and allowed users to create and edit videos with ease. WLMP files were the default file format used by the software to store video projects.
When Windows Live Movie Maker was discontinued, Microsoft replaced it with Windows Movie Maker, which used a different file format, .MSVML (Movie Maker Video Project). This shift in file formats left many users with WLMP files that were no longer compatible with the new software.
The Challenge of Opening WLMP Files
The main challenge in opening WLMP files lies in the proprietary nature of the file format. Microsoft designed WLMP files to be exclusive to Windows Live Movie Maker, making it difficult for other software to read and edit these files. This exclusivity has led to a scarcity of software that can open WLMP files, leaving users with limited options.
Software Options for Opening WLMP Files
Despite the challenges, there are a few software options that can open WLMP files. Some of these options are:
Windows Movie Maker: Although Windows Movie Maker uses a different file format, it can still open WLMP files with some tweaking. To open a WLMP file in Windows Movie Maker, users need to rename the file extension to .MSVML and then import the file into the software. This method may not work for all WLMP files, but it’s worth trying.
VSDC Free Video Editor: VSDC Free Video Editor is a non-linear video editing software that can import WLMP files. Although it’s not a native importer, VSDC uses a third-party plugin to read WLMP files. Users need to download and install the plugin before importing the WLMP file.
Shotcut: Shotcut is an open-source video editing software that supports a wide range of file formats, including WLMP. Users can import WLMP files directly into Shotcut and edit them as they would with any other file format.
FFmpeg: FFmpeg is a command-line-based video editing software that can convert WLMP files to other formats. Although it’s not a traditional video editing software, FFmpeg can be used to extract the video and audio files within the WLMP file and convert them to a compatible format.
Converting WLMP Files to Other Formats
In some cases, it may be necessary to convert WLMP files to other formats to make them compatible with other software. There are several software options available that can convert WLMP files:
Online Converters: Online converters like Online Convert or Convertio allow users to upload their WLMP files and convert them to other formats, such as MP4 or AVI.
Format Factory: Format Factory is a free video conversion software that can convert WLMP files to other formats, including MP4, AVI, and MOV.
HandBrake: HandBrake is a free video conversion software that can convert WLMP files to other formats, including MP4 and AVI.
Challenges with Converting WLMP Files
Converting WLMP files can be a challenging process, especially if the file contains complex video editing projects. Some of the challenges users may face include:
- Loss of video editing information: When converting WLMP files, users may lose the video editing information, such as transitions, effects, and audio editing.
- Compatibility issues: Converted files may not be compatible with all video editing software, leading to further conversion or re-editing.
Conclusion
Opening WLMP files requires a deep understanding of video editing software and file formats. While there are limited software options available to open WLMP files, users can explore alternative methods, such as converting the files to other formats or using third-party plugins. However, it’s essential to be aware of the challenges involved in converting WLMP files and the potential loss of video editing information.
In conclusion, the mystery of WLMP files is complex, and there is no single solution to opening these files. By understanding the history of WLMP files and the software options available, users can make informed decisions about how to access and edit their video projects.
| Software | Opens WLMP Files | Conversion Options |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Movie Maker | Yes (with renaming) | No |
| VSDC Free Video Editor | Yes (with plugin) | No |
| Shotcut | Yes | No |
| FFmpeg | No | Yes |
Note: The table above provides a summary of the software options discussed in this article. It’s essential to note that the conversion options mentioned are not exclusive to WLMP files and may vary depending on the software used.
What is a WLMP file?
WLMP files are project files created by Windows Live Movie Maker, a video editing software developed by Microsoft. These files contain video, audio, and image files, as well as editing instructions and effects applied to the media. WLMP files are not video files themselves, but rather a collection of assets and instructions on how to compile them into a final video.
Think of a WLMP file as a blueprint or a recipe for your video project. It’s a way to organize your media files, transitions, and effects, and to instruct the video editing software on how to combine them into a cohesive final product. When you open a WLMP file in Windows Live Movie Maker, the software reads the instructions and assets contained within, and uses them to render a playable video.
Why can’t I open WLMP files?
WLMP files are specific to Windows Live Movie Maker, which means that they can only be opened and edited within that software. If you try to open a WLMP file in a different video editing program or media player, it won’t recognize the file format and won’t be able to open it. This is because WLMP files contain proprietary information and formatting that is unique to Windows Live Movie Maker.
If you need to access the contents of a WLMP file, you’ll need to have Windows Live Movie Maker installed on your computer. If you don’t have the software, you can download it from the Microsoft website. Alternatively, you can try converting the WLMP file to a more universal format, such as MP4 or AVI, using a third-party conversion tool. However, this may not always be possible, and the converted file may not retain the original editing information and effects.
Can I convert WLMP files to other formats?
Yes, it is possible to convert WLMP files to other formats, although the process can be tricky. Since WLMP files are not video files themselves, but rather project files, you’ll need to use a conversion tool that can read the WLMP file and render the final video. There are several third-party conversion tools available online that can do this, although the quality of the converted video may vary.
Keep in mind that converting a WLMP file to a different format may not always preserve the original editing information and effects. This is because WLMP files contain proprietary information that is specific to Windows Live Movie Maker, and not all conversion tools may be able to read or translate this information accurately. Additionally, some conversion tools may require you to have Windows Live Movie Maker installed on your computer in order to function properly.
How do I edit WLMP files?
To edit a WLMP file, you’ll need to have Windows Live Movie Maker installed on your computer. Once you’ve opened the WLMP file in the software, you can make changes to the project by adding, editing, or deleting media files, transitions, and effects. You can also adjust the project’s settings, such as the video resolution, frame rate, and audio settings.
When you’ve made your changes, you can save the WLMP file to preserve your edits. Keep in mind that WLMP files are specific to Windows Live Movie Maker, so you won’t be able to edit them in other video editing software. If you need to collaborate with others on a video project, you may need to export the final video in a more universal format, such as MP4 or AVI.
Can I open WLMP files on a Mac?
No, WLMP files are specific to Windows Live Movie Maker, which is only available for Windows operating systems. Macs do not support WLMP files, and you won’t be able to open or edit them on a Mac without additional software or conversion tools.
If you need to access the contents of a WLMP file on a Mac, you may need to convert the file to a more universal format, such as MP4 or AVI, using a third-party conversion tool. Alternatively, you can try using a video editing software that is compatible with both Windows and Mac, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
What happened to Windows Live Movie Maker?
Windows Live Movie Maker was discontinued by Microsoft in 2017, and is no longer available for download or support. The company replaced it with a new video editing app called Microsoft Video Editor, which is a more simplified and limited program.
Although Windows Live Movie Maker is no longer supported, you can still use it if you already have it installed on your computer. However, keep in mind that you won’t be able to get technical support or updates for the software, and it may not be compatible with newer operating systems or video formats. If you need more advanced video editing features, you may need to consider alternative software options.
Are WLMP files obsolete?
Yes, WLMP files are essentially obsolete, since Windows Live Movie Maker is no longer supported or available for download. While you may still be able to open and edit WLMP files using the existing software, it’s not a future-proof format, and it’s not compatible with newer video editing software or operating systems.
As video editing software continues to evolve and new formats emerge, WLMP files will become increasingly incompatible and obsolete. If you have WLMP files that you want to preserve or continue working on, it’s recommended that you convert them to a more universal format, such as MP4 or AVI, to ensure that you can still access and edit them in the future.