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OBJECTIVES

Getting Help

Instructor

Introduction to Camtasia 7.1Camtasia Studio is a video-based screen capturing software program. It is analogous to using a video camera to record your screen. However, unlike using a video camera, the software is installed on your computer, so your screen captures are directly recorded to a digital video format with higher quality audio. Camtasia can also be customized to capture the entire screen, a specifi c window, or user-defi ned region. Screen capture videos can be recorded with or without voice narration, and can be annotated after recording.

● Understand the Camtasia Interface

● Create Camtasia Videos by combining images and sound

● Record and Narrate a PowerPoint Presentation in Camtasia

● Produce a Camtasia Video

Amy Berryhillberryhill@its.msstate.edu

Fall 2010

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Functions and Features of Camtasia ..................................................................................................................3

The Camtasia Interface ......................................................................................................................................4

The Welcome Window .......................................................................................................................................6

Editing Dimensions Overview ...........................................................................................................................7

The Clip Bin .......................................................................................................................................................8

The Timeline ....................................................................................................................................................10

The Timeline Toolbar .......................................................................................................................................11

Audio................................................................................................................................................................12

Title Clips .........................................................................................................................................................13

Transitions ........................................................................................................................................................14

Exercise One (Importing Media) .....................................................................................................................15

Exercise Two (Recording a PowerPoint) .........................................................................................................26

Exercise Three (Publishing to Different Formats) ...........................................................................................38

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What can I do with Camtasia?Camtasia was originally designed for creating software tutorials, but has other powerful applications. Common uses of Camtasia are:• Software tutorials for discipline-specifi c or lab software• Explanation of a process displayed in discipline-specifi c software• Web site tours• Narrated PowerPoint presentations• Narrated explanation of lecture notes, homework solutions or other materials• Video and audio podcast production

Functions and FeaturesScreen CaptureThe function that is most unique to an application of this nature is the ability to capture the contents of the computer screen as it changes over a period of time. Camtasia accomplishes this task in a straightforward fashion, capturing the movement of the cursor, menu displays, forms entry, etc. With appropriate setup, the screen recording can highlight the location of the cursor and provide visual clues when a mouse button is clicked. Choose the area of the screen you wish to record by selecting an adjustable rectangle, a window, or the entire screen.

Focus on the ActionCamtasia’s “Smart Focus” feature can be used to zoom in on and pan to the mouse pointer to highlight where the action is and magnify the associated text and screen objects. Alternatively, zooming and panning can be manually controlled during the editing process.

Add Video and Graphic ImagesVideo and graphic images from other sources can be combined with the screen capture. They can be sequentially interspersed, or layered on top using Camtasia’s picture-in-picture (PIP) capability.

Record a PowerPoint PresentationCamtasia can be integrated with PowerPoint to allow you to capture a PowerPoint presentation, along with the accompanying narrative. Capture the timing, transitions, and special effects PowerPoint provides. Add in Web pages and application displays.

Record NarrativeWith a suitable microphone and sound card (USB mics also work), a narration can be recorded simultaneously with the screen capture, or added later. You can also add a video recording of the narrator, captured with a camcorder, to be displayed as a picture-in-picture. Camtasia allows you to improve the quality of the voice recording by leveling the volume and removing noise.

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Music SoundtrackA separate audio track can be added for background sound. Audio levels can be adjusted to provide just the right balance.

EditingIndividual clips can be reordered and trimmed. A wide array of transitions can be added (e.g., dissolves) between clips. Draw on the screen with colored markers or highlighters to add notes or focus attention. Add titles and credits. You can also add closed captioning by copying in your script and providing synchronization cues.

Share in a Variety of WaysWhen you produce your fi nal video, you can choose from a wide variety of fi le types, and you can use settings that are optimized for display on a computer, CD, DVD, YouTube, a blog, iPod, etc. You can also add a table of contents and allow the user to jump to specifi c topics within your presentation.

The Camtasia Studio Interface

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1. Access to three of Editor’s most used features: Record the Screen, Import Media, Produce and Share your video.

2. Menu Options include access project, import and batch options as well as many other important func-tions. For example: Snapping options, Playback controls, and User-to-User Forums

3. Editing Dimensions allow you to select a dimension for editing your video. For the best results, choose the size you want your fi nal video to be.

4. Get help using Camtasia Studio 7: Choose Help > Camtasia Studio Help or click the help icon to open the help fi le. The help fi le contains tutorials and other valuable information to help you learn how to re-cord, edit, produce, and share your video. Click the Learning Center icon to access training videos and sample projects on the techsmith.com website.

5. Clip Bin: Holds all video, audio, and image clips imported into the current project.

6. Library: Holds timeline sequences, video, audio, and image clips, and other assets to use from project to project.

7. Task Tabs: Click a tab to access effects and editing options. Double-click an element (callouts, zoom keyframes, etc.) on the timeline to automatically open the related tab.

8. More Tab: Click to access more task tabs.

9. Timeline Toolbar: Access to basic editing tools such as undo and redo, cut, split, and more.

10. Timeline Tracks: Represents the sequence of all clips and effects in a video. Each track holds one par-ticular type of element. For example: callouts, cursor keyframes, or audio.

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The Welcome WindowThe Welcome window appears when you open Camtasia Studio.

In this start up window, you can choose to do common functions.

Record the Screen Open Camtasia Recorder to record the screen.

Record Voice Narration Opens the Voice Narration pane to record voice narration. Camtasia Studio synchronizes the voice narration with the clips on the timeline.

Record PowerPoint Opens Microsoft PowerPoint® to record a PowerPoint presentation.

Import Media Select the video, audio, or image fi le(s) to import into the Clip Bin.

Recent Projects Displays the last three projects opened. To open another project, click the more… link.

Visit the Learning Center Go the Camtasia Studio Learning Center on the Techsmith.com website.

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Editing Dimensions OverviewThe Editing Dimensions dialog box appears the fi rst time you add a clip to the timeline. For full screen recordings or recordings made from standard or widescreen presets, the default setting works.

If other dimensions are preferred, choose the size you want your fi nal video to be from the dropdown menu.

Dimension Presets

A preset contains common production settings optimized for your intended distribution method: Blog, CD, DVD-Ready, HD, iPhone, iPod, Screencast.com, Web, or YouTube. Select a preset to preview how your fi nal video looks produced at the selected dimensions.

Custom Dimensions

To enter a custom width and height for the editing dimensions, enter dimensions (in pixels) into the Width and Height fi elds.

To maintain the original dimensions of the clip, select Recording Dimensions.

For best results with the Custom or Recording Dimensions options in the project settings, select Custom production settings in the Production Wizard.

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The Clip BinThe Clip Bin references all video, audio, and image clips imported into the current project. You can add multiple instances of a clip onto the timeline.

A produced video only includes the clips and elements on the timeline.

● To add a clip to the video, drag the clip from the Clip Bin onto the timeline or right-click on a clip and select Add to Timeline.

● Drag an audio clip from the Clip Bin onto the Audio 1, Audio 2, Audio 3, or PIP Audio tracks. Or, right-click on an audio clip and select Add to Track > Audio 1, Audio 2, Audio 3, or PIP Audio

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Import Media into the Clip Bin

Camtasia Studio adds imported media fi les into the Clip Bin.You can import the following fi le formats into a Camtasia Studio project fi le (.camproj):● Video fi les (.camrec, .avi, .mp4, .mpg, .mpeg, .wmv, .mov, .swf)

● Camtasia Studio does not support multiple tracks in a .mov. Camtasia Studio imports one video and one audio track from a .mov fi le.

● Only .swf fi les created from Jing or Camtasia Studio can be imported.

● Image fi les (.bmp, .gif, .jpg, .png)

● Audio fi les (.wav, .mp3, .wma)

● Zipped project fi les

To Import Media into the Clip Bin

1. In Camtasia Studio, choose the Clip Bin tab.

2. Select Import media.

3. Select the fi le(s) to import. Hold <CTRL> to select multiple fi les.

4. Click Open. The media appears in the Clip Bin.

* To add a clip to the video, drag the clip from the Clip Bin onto the timeline or right-click on a clip and select Add to Timeline.

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1. Timeline toolbar provides access basic editing options such as split, cut, copy, paste, zoom in, and zoom out.

2. Tracks represent the sequence of all clips and elements of a particular type in the video.

3. Lock / Unlock Tracks are used to prevent editing or other changes to the clips or elements on that track.

4. Get help using Camtasia Studio 7: Choose Help > Camtasia Studio Help or click the help icon to open the help fi le. The help fi le contains tutorials and other valuable information to help you learn how to record, edit, produce, and share your video. Click the Learning Center icon to access training videos and sample projects on the techsmith.com website.

5. Time reference area & Zoom slider references the time within the video. The tick marks on the ruler scale according to the timeline zoom level. To change the zoom level, grab the zoom slider and drag in either direction.

The Timeline

Use the timeline to assemble and edit the video. The timeline represents the sequence of all clips and elements (callouts, zoom keyframes, etc.) in a video.

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UndoWill undo the last action in succession. This is an unlimited undo feature.

RedoWill redo the last action in succession. This is an unlimited redo feature.

Cut SelectionCuts a selection from the timeline. The cut portion can be pasted on the timeline.

Copy Copies the selection or element to the Clipboard.

PastePaste the contents of the Clipboard on the timeline.

SplitSplit a clip at the position of the playhead.

Zoom in on the timeline. Zoom out on the timeline. Fully zoomed out shows the entire timeline.To change the zoom level, click the zoom icons or grab the zoom slider and drag in either direction.

The Timeline Toolbar

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AudioAdjusts the volume of the audio on the Timeline to a standard level.

Reduce background noise.

Additional options remove audible mouse clicks, fi x clipping, and optimize audio for male or female voice.

Tools for making volume adjustments.

Audio on timeline in edit mode. The Audio tab opens to allow access to the edit options.

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Title ClipsUse a title clip to add a static clip with a graphic and/or text:

• Before a clip on the timeline as a title or introduction• Between clips on the timeline as a chapter heading • At the end of the video to display credits or resources

Title clips display on the timeline for a default duration of fi ve seconds. To change the default duration, select Tools > Options > Program tab > Default Duration > Title clips.

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TransitionsTransitions add a visual effect between the end of a clip and the beginning of the next clip. Use transitions to indicate the passage of time, change in location, to call attention, or to create a smooth fl ow between clips.

Transitions are added in Storyboard view. When fi nished, click any tab to return to Timeline view.

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Opening Camtasia Studio 7.1 and Importing Media

1. To begin, open Camtasia Studio 7.1.

2. Camtasia opens with a Welcome - Camtasia Studio window.

3. To begin the project, click the Import Media icon. Navigate to the resource folder and select the three images and audio fi le. Click Open.

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4. The fi les appear in the Camtasia project window, conveniently divided into groups of Image and Audio.

5. To begin the project, add a Title Clip. Select the Title Clip tab, then click the Add title clip button. The Editing Dimensions window may appear for you to confi rm the video dimensions. The default settings are generally what you should choose. Click OK to exit from the window.

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6. In the Title Clip window, insert the following: Background: Maroon Text: Arial - 48 pts Text Color: White Title: MSU Highlights

7. The Title Clip appears in the project window and at the beginning of the timeline.

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8. Click and drag each of the three images into the timeline next to the Title Clip.

9. Click and drag the audio fi le into the Audio 2 timeline beginning at the fi rst image slide.

Transitions10. Go to the More tab, click and hold to view

additional actions. Choose transitions.

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11. The Transition window shows all the types of transitions available. Select a transition and drag and drop it in front of an image. Repeat this for the two other images until you have transitions between all images. Choose any of the transitions you like.

To view what a transition will look like, select a transition and click the play button in the Preview screen.

Lengthening a Media Object

12. If your audio fi le is longer than your images, you can increase the amount of time your image is on the screen in order to have the audio and image visual end at the same time. To lengthen a media object, select the image by clicking on it in the timeline. Place the cursor at the end of the image so that it converts into a double arrow. Click, hold, and drag the image down the timeline, then release.

By default, transitions are set at 3 seconds. This may be too long for your video. To change transisition length, go to the Tools pulldown menu and choose Options. In the Program tab, under Default duration (seconds), adjust the transition duration.

Make adjustments here.

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Create and Insert Additional Title Clip

13. Insert another Title Clip after the last image that reads MSU Junction Web Site Information.

14. The new Title Clip is automatically added to the timeline.

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Recording the Screen

15. We will record the Junction Web site to go into our project. Click the Record the Screen button under the Task List. Plug in your headset.

16. In the Recording window, click the Audio on pulldown menu and select the Microphone option and be sure the Record system audio option is selected.

17. Also in the Recording window, select the Tools pulldown menu and choose Options. In the Tools Options window, in the Input tab, choose Microphone (USB PnP Sound Device) and select the box next to Record system audio. Click OK when you have these settings.

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18. Bring up the MSU Gameday Web site located at gameday.msstate.edu.

19. When you click the Record button, the Enter Caption window appears (if you have that option selected), enter the caption “MSU Gameday Web Site Tour”. A countdown of 3 - 2 - 1 appears to give you time to get ready.

As a tip, take a breath right before the countdown fi nishes so the recorder will not capture the big breath you normally take before speaking.

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21. When you have it the way you want, click Save and navigate to where you have saved the other elements of your video. Give the fi le a meaningful name so you will know what it is. If you are doing many short segments that you will put together in one video, it may be benefi cial to name the clips 1, 2, 3, etc. so you will know the order they should appear.

20. Read through the script and click F10 or Stop to stop recording. You are automatically taken to a new window and the clip you just recorded is shown. You can hear your voice and decide if you want to delete it or save it. You may need to adjust your microphone or volume and record again. Generally, you go through several takes to get one segment.

Script:

Welcome to the MSU Gameday Web Site. As you look through the site, there are many interesting elements to see. Click the Junction tab. In this portion of the site, you can fi nd the history of the Junction, some of the Junction traditions, and Junction rules. (Scroll through site.) In addition, click the Junction Web Cam link to view the Junction activity live. Going back to the Junction site, you can also fi nd more information about Starkville and MSU. I hope you enjoy the MSU Gameday Web Site! (click Stop.)

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22. Click Import Media and navigate to where you saved the MSU Gameday Video. Select the fi le and click Open. The video appears in the Clip Bin under the Camtasia recording fi le category.

23. Select the video and drag it into the timeline next to the title slide.

24. Click the Play button to view your movie.

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25. The next step in the process is to Produce video. Go to the File pulldown menu and choose Produce and share....

26. In the Production Wizard, in the pulldown menu, you are given many choices for saving your video.

Choose Web for this video and click Next.

27. In the Production Wizard, under the Folder pulldown menu, navigate to where you want to save the video by clicking the folder icon. The Save as window appears. Navigate to the location and give the video a name. In the Save as type: fi eld, keep the default, MPEG-4. Click Save.

Click Finish. The Rendering Project progress window. When the rendering is complete, a browser window with the video will appear.

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28. Click the Play icon and view your video.

Congratulations!

Recording a PowerPoint Presentation

1. Open the PowerPoint presentation in your Temp folder titled PPT.

2. Select the Add-in Tab and click the Record icon.

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3. The PowerPoint presentation opens in slideshow view. The Camtasia recording options appear in the lower right corner. Click the Record Button to begin recording the PowerPoint presentation. You can press the Esc key to stop.

4. With the PPT presentation in Slideshow view, click Record to begin. There is no countdown like within Camtasia so begin speaking as soon as you click the button. Use the following script as you go through the presentation.

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Slide # Narration1 Welcome to Record a PowerPoint Presentation in Camtasia

Studio 7.1 (press enter to advance)2 The PowerPoint Add-in is used to record and produce

PowerPoint presentations as Camtasia videos from within the PowerPoint application. (enter)

3 The Camtasia Studio Add-in is enabled by default. If you need to enable the add-in at a later time, within the Camtasia Studio application, go to Tools, Options, PowerPoint tab, and select Enable PowerPoint Add-in. (enter)

4 You can also save the PowerPoint slides as images, then import them into Camtasia Studio so you can place them in the video time line. (enter)

5 If you know the dimensions of your Camtasia video, resize the PowerPoint slides to match. (enter)

6 After you save the PowerPoint slides as images, click Import Images in Camtasia Studio to import the slides. (enter)

7 This is just one of many options Camtasia provides that makes creating a video easy! Go to techsmith.com for more Camtasia tips and other great products! (esc)

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5. When you have stopped the recording, you are prompted to save. Navigate to where you want to save the recording, give it a name, and save.

6. You are prompted to Produce your recording or Edit your recording. Choose the fi rst option and click OK.

7. Camtasia Studio opens and the Production Wizard allows you to choose how you want to produce your video. If you plan to put your video in myCourses/myMedia, choose Web. Click Next.

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8. Name and save the produced video. Click Finish. The project rendering progression is displayed and when complete, the production results appear. Click Finish.

9. Depending on your settings, the recording will automatically appear in Camtasia, or you will need to click Import Media and bring it in. Click and drag the video into the timeline.

10. With your video in the timeline, listen and watch. If it is OK, click the Save icon and repeat the saving steps.

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11. When the video is ready, it will open in your browser for you to view.

Publishing to Different Formats1. Open the PowerPoint Camtasia Project that you saved earlier. Click the link called “Produce Video

as...” on your Task List under your Produce section.

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2. In the Production Wizard, choose Custom Production settings. Click Next.

3. The next window allows you to choose what format to save as. Select the AVI radio button. Click Next.

4. In the AVI Encoding Options window, leave the defaults and click Next.

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5. In the Video Size window, the default is the dimensions of your video by default. Click Next.

6. In the Video Options window, choose Embed video into HTML. Click Next.

MSU does not have SCROM enabled. For more information, go to ctl.msstate.edu/technologies/pdfs/myMedia/09/myMedia09.pdf

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7. In the Marker options window, you can select to include a Table of Contents and/or produce fi les based on the markers on the Timeline. Deselect the boxes because we will not include a TOC in this exercise.

8. In the Produce Video window, name your fi le (with no spaces) and save it to your desktop temp folder or your personal storage device. Click Finish.

The progress of rendering is shown. When completed, click Finish again.

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9. With your browser open, go to mycourses.msstate.edu and login with the login and password at your workstation.

(trngXX and mmtrngXX)

10. Click the link myMedia Home Page.

11. Click the link Camtasia Studio Traing XX. In the next window, click Upload.

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12. In the Upload fi les window, click the Add button and navigate to where you saved the Power Point Presentation earlier. Select the fi le and click Add File.

13. Click Upload.

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14. Click Done. You are taken back to the Set page and you can see the fi le listed at the bottom.

15. Select the box next to your fi le and click Web Publish.

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16. The link to your published fi le can be used as a Web Link in myCourses or, depending on the settings, viewed by anyone who has the link.

17. Congratulations! You have published your video to the Web.

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Notes

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