VideoPad split screen won't size or position properly

[folkdancewithhenry]

When trying to split screen in VideoPad the video splits are narrower than requested.  Whether using the Split Screen effect icon, the Scale icon, followed by Position icon, the videos seem in the correct general location but do not fill the area desired, rather are truncated as though bumping up to a barrier.  It often appears that the video may be correct, but in playback they are always narrower.  

Any ideas?  Of course, I'm on a deadline and am getting quite frustrated.  I've tried scaling less than 50%, in 2x2 grid or side by side, thinking that might help but the narrowing or truncation still occurs.  I've also tried exporting to .mp4, then opening that for editing, thinking there may have been an inadvertent setting in my original work, but that didn't help.  I'm completely stuck.

 

[borate]

When using the split-screen effect, positioning is best achieved by these controls... 

If it still doesn't shape up, size and position the image file prior to using split-screen.  At times, depending upon aspect ratio and resolution, the Aspect Ratio transforms in the effect box can help.  Try Letterbox.  There's a drop-down menu.

If it still doesn't work, share your project.  Someone will chime in to help.  It's simple, quick and can be private.  Just follow these steps carefully...

•     Back up --- With your project on the timeline, click on MENU at the top-left.  Click FILE|BACK UP PROJECT FILES TO FOLDER.  Choose a folder and SELECT FOLDER.
•     Upload ---  Upload the saved, numbered FOLDER.  Use a free server - Google Drive, MS OneDrive, etc.*  Do NOT upload the individual VPJ or export file. 
•     Get link --- Get a public link.  If using Google Drive click GET SHAREABLE LINK. Change "restricted" to "anyone with the link can view"  Click COPY LINK | DONE.
•     Share ---    Paste that link here, or click the folder at the top-right of this forum to message it privately to me.  It won't be shared.

          *    Before uploading, right-click the folder, click PROPERTIES.  Look at the File Size to confirm that it's not too big for the free space on the server.

[Nationalsolo]

Hi

Use Split Screen Horizontal 2 for 2 side by side clips. As the boxes are virtually square use the Fit to Region setting. The clip (usually 16:9) is reduced to fit into the box in the centre leaving a space above and below but all the clip area is visible.  Here the 16:9 clip has been placed in Box A. (Box B on the right is empty...

If you want to fill the box then use Fill Region. This setting expands the clip so it fits vertically but the sides are lost Nevertheless depending on the disposition of the image contents this may be acceptable...

However, if the subject is not central as here the result may not be satisfactory...(Right)

   

The bias settings can be used to move the clip Left/Right or Up/Down to centralise the subject...

The use of these controls is faster and uses less program time than using separate Position and Scale effects. They can also be used to move the clip to the top or bottom of the Box if the Fit to Region setting is used.... They can also be animated using keyframes and with imagination can simulate Tile Puzzle effects. Note that certain layouts like 2 x 2 that divide the screen equally result in 16:9 boxes each of which can accommodate the full clip without need to fit etc.

Nat

 

[folkdancewithhenry]

Thanks to both of you for your advice.  I really appreciate the help and it all made a lot of sense.  I gave up, in a way, because even if I positioned one item on the video, it would not completely show up in replay, or would partially show up and then the rest would be revealed.  I was working with 5 videos so it may have been a lot to process and I saw a number of preparing the preview messages.  Anyway, it seems the proper use of offset, etc. is not very intuitive and, as mentioned, the effects icons did not yield satisfactory results.  However, I wondered about whether or not the program was doing what I asked and just was not showing up - when I exported the video, with seeming partial appearing and disappearing elements, the resultant .mp4 played as I had intended.  So there may be other issues.  I don't think I have any problem with memory, etc. but it seemed to be a large project with many items in the video files section.

One last question.  I'm using VP Pro v. 8.34 and I've gotten a message that an upgrade is available.  Does that make sense and is that a purchase item or a normal upgrade?

Thanks again for your help.  I'm not sure whether I had a real problem with the software or if I was overloading it or my computer.

[borate]

There's no mandate to upgrade if you're happy with your version.  You can always test newer releases, unlicensed and with some limitations.  For licensed users upgrades are free for up to six months from purchase date.  After that, VP will continue to fully function but a fee will be required in order to register the newest.  Retain your old install file and registration info.

If you share your project someone here will see if there are problems, and suggest how to better achieve the desired results.  That's the best way to track down issues. This is easy, quick and can be private.  Just carefully follow these four steps...

•     Back up --- With your project on the timeline, click on MENU at the top-left.  Click FILE|BACK UP PROJECT FILES TO FOLDER.  Choose a folder and SELECT FOLDER.
•     Upload ---  Locate the saved, numbered FOLDER, NOT the VPJ or export file.  Upload it to a free server - Google Drive, MS OneDrive, etc.*
•     Get link --- Get a public link.  If using Google Drive click GET SHAREABLE LINK. Change "restricted" to "anyone with the link can view"  Click COPY LINK | DONE.
•     Share ---    Paste that link here, or click the folder at the top-right of this forum to message it privately to me.  It won't be shared.

          *    Before uploading, right-click the folder, click PROPERTIES.  Look at the File Size to confirm that it's not too big for the free space on the server.

[folkdancewithhenry]

Thanks BORATE.  I'll keep working with my current version; I haven't started to use all the features.

[borate]

Share the project, per the above instructions, and someone will check it out.