Using "Sony Vegas" Software for Effective and High Quality Delivery of Visual Information.

We all know that in todays era, many of us are using Videos and produce them to serve information.
However, many of us are having a hard time dealing with video editing programs because they look
complicated. Some of us may be stuck at using "Windows Movie Maker" which is easy to use but has
limited commands and we can't present the visual information the way we want it to.

In this instructable, we will be using the software "SONY VEGAS".

Sony Vegas has alot of features in which we can present information/ videos the way we want it to be presented.
although the surface of Sony Vegas is a bit complicated, we will discussing the different commands + other techniques
for a higher quality of visuals.

this instructable will show you the core basics of the program which is a good foundation for you
to learn its overall use and is a good start for producing high quality visuals.

Step 1: SONY VEGAS SURFACE.

In here, the SURFACE (working area) of Sony Vegas is shown and labeled.

Step 2: MAKING a PROJECT.

In Sony Vegas a "Project" is basically just a new video/visual that you are making.
How to make a Project?

It is just as simple as many of us already now.. click FILE>>>NEW.
after clicking new, there is a dialog box that will appear.

You can choose TEMPLATES that are already defined. you can also choose if you
want your video template to be HD/HDIV or PAL. there are alot of choices, but
you can always your own template from an existing template. you can also modify
the length and width of you video to make it widescreen.

there are also alot of other commands like Pixel Aspect Ratio (you can choose your pixel's ratio)
"The Full-resolution rendering quality" (you can choose either Draft/Preview/Best)
note that the higher the rendering quality, the larger your visual will be :)

Once you have already selected your project specs/ templates and all. click "OK".

Step 3: IMPORTING FILES

In sony vegas, there are 2 ways to import files.

1ST WAY TO IMPORT FILES.
FILE>>IMPORT.
a new dialog box will appear, then during that, you can select from the list.
if you are just locating your video file, you select "Media"

2ND WAY TO IMPORT FILES.
Go to the location of your video, and then simply drag it on the timeline of Sony Vegas. 
(easy!)

Note: after importing, you have to wait for your file to be 100% imported. this will depend on your file size.
2nd Note: not all video files are supported by sony vegas. best file to import is .avi files.

Step 4: SPLITTING VIDEOS.

When working with your files, you can remove the parts you don't like to include in your project.
Lets say you have an hour long of video, and you only want to have some certain parts. 

Here is what to do:

Click on your Clip/video. 
Locate the part that you want to cut/ isolate. then hit "S" tab on your keyboard.

(as you can see on the image, the video clip was already split into 3.)

Step 5: ADDING TEXTS

Of course, in a visual information, TEXTS are necessary to portray more information because even with a audio and video,
it's also best to put subtitles if it is necessary for the presentation.

In adding text, first. go on the "media generators" tab of your sony vegas. when you can't locate it. click on "VIEW>>> MEDIA GENERATORS" under the Media Generators Tab, there are alot of things you can choose from, if you want to add text, go on the "Text" Tab. under the text tab, there are templates, if you want the plain text, choose "Default Text" but you can always choose from the others which is the most convenient.

DRAG your chosen template on the timeline.

Step 6: TRANSITION OF CLIPS/SLIDES.

In the TRANSITION TAB, you can see different kinds of transition that you can use for your clips.

to use them:

GO TO TRANSITIONS TAB.

on the transitions tab, you will see different types of transitions, and each type has different presets.
choose the type that you want, then choose your preset.. Then Drag it either on the leftmost of your clip or rightmost of your clip.

You can also overlap clips and put transition between them.

NOTE: to be able to drag a transition on your clip it's either you overlap them by dragging a clip over another clip
or you move the small blue arrow to give space to your transition where it will take place.

Step 7: VIDEO EFFECTS

to be able to  add some video effects, it is also like adding transitions. 

go to the "VIDEO FX" Tab, choose from the different list of effects, and drag the presets that you want on your clip.

NOTE: you can always modify the presets. you can use and make or experiment your own effect/ coloring.

2nd NOTE: when you drag your Effect only on the clip, it will only be effective on the clip, but if you drag the effect
on the timeline layer, all of the clips on that layer will have the effect.

Step 8: SAVING YOUR PROJECT

If you are done with your project, you can now save it. to save your project go to
FILE>>> click on "Render As.."

after clicking Render As, there will be another window that will open.

choose the type of file you like your video to be rendered as.
then choose your template. (customize template if you want)

after everything is ok, click the SAVE button. wait for your file to render, and then you are done with your
Visual/ Video Information presentation.

Step 9: MORE TIPS

TEMPLATES/PRESETS: for every templates, you can always modify it depending on your preference.

TABS: If you can't see your tabs.. just click on the "View" button on your menu bar.

LAST TIP:

EXPLORE AND EXPLORE AND EXPLORE!
-- you can have all the tutorials that you like, but experimenting and exploring will
always be one of the best tutorial that you will get.