Editing Default Timeline

[cpitchford]

Hello, I have been working with Premier Elements this school year and slowly learning things with my students. I have never done anything before like this and we are doing pretty good, I think. Right now, our Default timeline has a spot for 3 videos. I would like to work with 4. I have found the correct spot to change that default setting and have done that and saved it and when I go back and look at that setting it will say 4 but I have not been able to actually get 4 slots on the default timeline. :mad: I have tried doing this on a new project or in a project that I am already working on. I have slid that window up to maximize the space but still no luck. Could anyone help me with how I might be successful in adding this 4th video to the default timeline? :rolleyes: TIA

[Chuck Engels]

Depending on the version it may be a little different. In version 2 and 3 you would click on the MORE button on the Timeline and choose Add Tracks. Version 4 right click on the timeline and select Add Tracks :)

I might suggest the Premiere Elements 2 In A Snap book for your class, it covers all of the basics plus much intermediate and advanced material. It covers keyframing very well also and is good for all versions of Premiere Elements.

You can purchase the book at http://muvipix.com
Muvipix is a great place for you and your students also, many free articles, tutorials and graphics that will add to your video productions :)

[cpitchford]

Chuck, that worked perfectly! And the tip on the book is excellent also! I purchased a book I found on Amazon but it is more advanced than we need at a middle school. I see you are in ATL. I have 2 kids there...one in MBA at Emory and the other GaTech. THANKS this has driven me crazy for weeks.

[Chuck Engels]

Always glad to help :)
Your kids are in excellent schools, you must be very proud.

You will find some great resources at muvipix, many items are free. Lots of helpful articles on video editing, Premiere Elements, and movie making in general. You will also find some great materials at http://www.videoinasnap.com check the Archive page for some more great articles.

Have fun editing!

[ATR]

cpitchford

If you have not visited the site already, I would highly recommend the Adobe Digital Kids Club site. It is for "kids" of all ages.
http://www.adobe.com/education/digkids/lessons/

You never did say what version of Premiere Elements that you are using. The "Add Tracks" feature is good for adding tracks within a given project. For that matter, you could just drag your video or still from the Media Panel to just above your last track and a new track will be automatically generated.

But, you CAN change the default Timeline tracks amount so that more or less than 3 tracks will be present each time you open a new project. You said that you found the "right" spot for doing just that, but it does not work.

Just to recap,
Premiere Elements 2
Project Menu at top of Interface
Project Settings
Default Timeline where you set the number of tracks
KEY...hit save and name in the dialog that follows OK.
The next time you open Premiere Elements 2, you will have the number of tracks that you set for. That will exist until you change the track number again.

Premiere Elements 4
Edit Menu at top of Interface
Project Settings
Default Timeline where you set the number of tracks.
KEY...hit save and name in the dialog that follows OK.
The next time you open Premiere Elements 4, you will have the number of tracks that you set for. That will exist until you change the track number again.

In deciding on source materials, you need to consider various factors depending on what works for you. Often you need to decide on trade offs related to material that will give you basic principles that are 98% applicable for your version as well as the frustration of trying to find a how to path for your version based on detailed from an outdated version. One example, the how to for Default Timeline here, 2 vs 4 versions.

If your students have become overly created in customizing their Premiere Elements workspace, you might want to consider doing the following before addressing the track issue...

Premiere Elements 2
Window Menu at the top of Interface
Restore Workspace
Edit

Premiere Elements 4
Window Men at the top of Interface
Restore Workspace

Please do not hesitate (you or your students) if any questions.

ATR