[Tutorial] Using ProShow Gold: layer, motion effect, and caption

In the previous post “[Tutorial] Create photo slideshows with ProShow Gold on Windows” we introduced some basic steps for creating a photo slideshow with ProShow Gold software on Windows. In this post, we continue introducing some advanced techniques about layers, motion effect, caption, …

1. Transition effects

After inserting photos into the timeline, the photos are connected by small windows. These windows show the transition effects between photos. To change a transition effect, double click on the small window and choose a new one from the “Choose Transition” dialog.

To change the duration of a transition effect, double click on the number below the transition window and input your desired duration.

2. Layer Management

ProShow manages objects in each slide using layers. Therefore, you can add, edit, or delete layers easily. To edit layers, choose a slide you want to edit and click “Layers” button on the toolbar. The “Slide Options” dialog will appear and you can change the settings:

- Name and Notes: Layer name, layer notes.

- Layer Settings: scaling, position, zoom, aspect (should use Auto).

- Layers: list all available layers. Layers will be numbered. Click on Plus (+) button to add a photo or video. Click on Minus (-) button to delete a layer. The Arrow buttons are used to change the order of layers.

3. Edit Photos in a Layer

You can edit photos in a Layer easily by accessing to Layers and choosing Editing tab. In Adjustment, you can change brightness, white/black point, contrast, and Hue and Saturation. In Editing Tools, ProShow provides some functions: Rotate, Flip, Red-Eye removal, and Crop.

4. Motion Effect

In “Slide Options” dialog, choose “Effects” tab. In this tab, you can create motion for a photo. You can specify the starting  and ending positions for a photo in the left and right windows, respectively. You also can change the size or orientation of this photo for the starting and ending positions. At the bottom, you can choose the motion speed for the effect. To preview the result, click on “Play” in “Preview”.

5. Add captions into photos

In “Slide Options”, choose “Captions” tab. You can input your text in the window of “Caption”. You can add many captions if you want. You can change the format of text, such as the font, size, and color in “Caption Format”. The “Text Effects” will help us create effects for the caption.

Good luck and enjoy your slideshows!