Skip to main content
Known Participant
May 7, 2023
Question

Can't break down mp4 file into its original frames in photoshop premiere 2023

  • May 7, 2023
  • 4 replies
  • 740 views

I used to create instant slideshow  and save them as mp4 files. Then I could load the files into premiere and restore the original frames which I could then edit to correct the errors made my instant slideshow. I can't fine a way to do that in premiere 2023.

This topic has been closed for replies.

4 replies

Greg_S.
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 9, 2023

@marionarthur,  I'm not exactly sure where the proxy photo files are stored.  The names of the original media files should show up in the timeline, so you can replace them there if you have the patience to search for them.

 

I strongly suggest that you crop ALL photos in your slideshow to 16:9 ratio.  This will show you whether or not heads are going to be cropped off when displayed in a slideshow that is using a 16:9 template for all media.  Otherwise, you are at the mercy of the template. 

Greg_S.
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 8, 2023

@Steve Grisetti said:  slideshows (like the ones created in the Elements Organizer) can't be broken down into parts after you've produced them.

Steve, I hate to disagree with you, but yes they can, using the method I described in my post.  To remind myself how to do it, I created a 3-image slideshow in the Organizer.  The associated .prel file contains 16 video tracks!!

 

 

As I indicated, editing such a slideshow is probably not worth the time it would take to master the flow.

Legend
May 8, 2023

I stand corrected, Greg! Even after nearly two decades of using this program, it seems I can still learn a thing or two.

 

I'd have never considered changing the format of a .mcmemories file. Great hack!

Legend
May 8, 2023

You don't say which method you're using to create your slideshow, but slideshows (like the ones created in the Elements Organizer) can't be broken down into parts after you've produced them. Is this is "instant slideshow" you're talking about or is there another tool you're using?

Known Participant
May 8, 2023

I've created the slideshow two ways: 1) using organizer 2023 create/sideshow, 2) using premiere 2023 create/slidshow. I run into the same problem either way. I can't reposition or resize the photos in the file created. Thus, many head are cut off because they are not properly framed. I was able to save the file as an .mp4 file and reload it into premiere. There used to be a check box I could check to get premiere to break the video file down into it original frames which I could edit to reposition the photo in the frame and restore the cut off heads.

Community Expert
May 8, 2023

I'm not sure I understand but I'll give it a try!

 

Are you looking for the scale to frame size choice.  One check box is in the General Preferences.  The other is in the menu that pops up when you right click the clip in the timeline.  From that menu, pick Clip and look for Scale to Frame Size.   

Second, if you left click in the middle of the preview window, small dots show up around the perimeter that you can grab with your mouse and move.   You can also reposition the image by grabbing the middle of the image with the mouse.  

 

Last, there are some sliders in the Applied Effects panel.  ("fx" with a pencil)

 

Greg_S.
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 7, 2023

You have posted in the Photoshop Elements forum.  I am moving this discussion to the Premiere Elements forum so that you can get some expert help over there.

 

But, if I understand you correctly, you are referring to the ability of older versions of Elements to be able to edit the older form of Slideshow created in the Organizer.  I may be wrong, but that option is no longer available.  However, there is a workaround.  You need to find the Projects sub-folder of your catalog folder.  The catalog folder is generally in the C:\ProgramData\Adobe\Elements Organizer\Catalogs folder.

 

The Projects folder will contain your saved slideshow file with a .mcmemories extension.  Change that file extension to .prel.  Double-click on the prel file and it should open as a project in Premiere Elements.  You will probably have to reconnect the proxy files for the images in the project.

 

Frankly, this is a very complicated workflow and may be more bother than it's worth.  Some of the slideshows can have very complex track structures.  But if this is what you want to do, I'm sure the experts in the PRe forum will be able to help you.

Known Participant
May 9, 2023

Thank you Greg!!! The work flow is not too difficult and manageable. I only ran into one problem. It wanted to find and load several proxy* files. I assume these were needed to implement the theme. It seemed to find most of my media ok except for a few photos which may have been imbedded in the proxy files. Do you know where to locate these files? I know how to build a slide show from scratch in premiere and correct any problems there. But, sometimes I just want to build a slideshow quickly to share a few photos with a friend or to see how photoshop implemented the instant slideshow (I've learned a lot of new techniques this way). Unfortunately, instant slideshow frequently chops off the heads in a photo because it isn't scaled or centered in the frame properly and I'd like to correct this before I share the slideshow.