Hilde00,

The editing you do in PD does not produce a video file until you actually go to produce. The .pds file only contains references to the files that you used and the modifications you made to those files.

To get a video file you have to produce your work to a video format of your choice.

Hal
OS - Win11 Pro, Alienware R13, CPU - Intel Core I7-12700KF 12 CPUs), 16g DDR5 4400 RAM, Video - Geeforce RTX 3080ti 12g, PD11 & PD365
My YouTube

That's correct. PDS is not a video. It is a PowerDirector project. To get the video, after you are done editing, click on the Produce tab. Choose a format and click the Start button. __________________________________
CORNBLOSSOM

Quote: Hilde00,

The editing you do in PD does not produce a video file until you actually go to produce. The .pds file only contains references to the files that you used and the modifications you made to those files.

To get a video file you have to produce your work to a video format of your choice.

Hal

My impression was to save some of the work I have done while working. How do I save some of my unfinished videos so I don't loose it when PD freezes up which it does some times. I don't want to loose videos I am working on.

All video production programs, take the information from the original video files without changing them, edit them or delete them (unless you so specify it).

Imagine that PowerDirector editing stage is just like a project you have in mind: You cut, paste, add effects, as it is imaging, which are not running or doing anything to your originals, simply PD is taking instructions that you give. Broadly speaking, this is the editing stage and that's what PDS file containing (never lose your original files and your ideas always remain recorded in that PDS file).

Then comes the stage of production or creation, where all these ideas are translated into a "new file" video or DVD, which is the end result.

The PDS file only contains instructions and all your ideas are not lost unless you delete the original files from your hard disk.

ORIGINAL VIDEOS or PHOTOS ----->PDS file (instructions) ---->NEW VIDEOS (PRODUCE/CREATE)

Maybe the following attached image can help you to understand it.

Cheers

When I am working on a project and decide to save the project, I use the save button. Then when I want to open the saved project, the software refuses to open the saved project for further use. The error message is "An error accurred when opening this media file in the Media Library. C:\Users\Hildegard\Project\Saved Projects\Sweetpea & Button.pds"

Quote:

Quote: Hilde00,

The editing you do in PD does not produce a video file until you actually go to produce. The .pds file only contains references to the files that you used and the modifications you made to those files.

To get a video file you have to produce your work to a video format of your choice.

Hal

My impression was to save some of the work I have done while working. How do I save some of my unfinished videos so I don't loose it when PD freezes up which it does some times. I don't want to loose videos I am working on.

Save your work often. PD also has an auto save function that you can modify to suit your needs. You can set the time between auto saves and you can set the location where you want the auto saved files to be stored.

See: Directors Chair - Edit - Preferences - Edit Tab

It is a good idea to save your project with sequential names. For example project01.pds, project02.pds etc.. This way you can go back to a previous point in the project to make changes if desired. Or if a project file becomes corrupt you only lose the most recent changes.

Hal
OS - Win11 Pro, Alienware R13, CPU - Intel Core I7-12700KF 12 CPUs), 16g DDR5 4400 RAM, Video - Geeforce RTX 3080ti 12g, PD11 & PD365
My YouTube

Thank you Hal.

I just found the problem. I went to File and Import instead of Open Projects. They all opened when I clicked on Open Protects.

What a relieve this was since I really like that software.

Hildegard

Hildegard,

You are welcome, always glad to give a helping hand when possible.

Hal
OS - Win11 Pro, Alienware R13, CPU - Intel Core I7-12700KF 12 CPUs), 16g DDR5 4400 RAM, Video - Geeforce RTX 3080ti 12g, PD11 & PD365
My YouTube

Hildegard;

C:\Users\Hildegard\Project\Saved Projects\Sweetpea & Button.pds

I might suggest that you try saving under another name. The "Ampersand" character might be a problem. Try saving the project as "Sweetpea_and_Button.pds". Then try to open it?? Does that work??

Thank you for your help.

I solved the problem by clicken on the right area. I tried importing media file instead of clicking on open project.
It sure works when you click on the right area. I am new with this software and learning.

I did like the suggestion about "Ampersand" I will use this from now on.

Thanks again.
Hildegard