Picture2avi 4.2

Overview

Creating slideshows in video format from images is not difficult, and they can turn out great if you use a program with many features like Picture2avi. With this program you can create animations from images you import into it (BMP, JPEG, GIF, TIFF, etc.) and add effects for spectacular results. Your video will be saved as an AVI file, but you can configure several parameters beforehand, such as select codec and resolution.

Installation

Once you launch the installer you’ll be prompted to select installation language. Afterwards you’ll have to agree to the Terms of Service and click Next a few times, until the main installation process begins. It will finish shortly and then you’ll be able to use the software normally. No additional 3^rd party software is included in the setup package, which is clean from malware as well.

Supported operating systems are Windows NT, 2000, XP, Vista and 7.

Interface

The program has an organized ribbon interface with 3 tabs (Image list, Community and Extra) and graphics for every button in the toolbar. The first tab is used to edit your video, and the second and third tabs both have helpful links regarding the program.

In the center of the window is the list of files ready to be converted with three columns: filename, frame count and text. Next to them is a pane with a small preview screen and a few buttons to move the selected files up/down or insert text.

Pros

There is no limit on the number of images you can convert in one task. For each image (or for all images altogether) you can set the frame count, meaning the number of frames each is picture is going to be displayed for. In addition, you can add text in any image and pick size, font, style, etc.

But adding text isn’t the only thing the software can do. You can add effects like transition, slide, swap, shapes, splits, twirls and other miscellaneous effects like blood, water, cloud, wave and others.

It’s up to you to decide which codec to use in the output video. With this feature your computer will be scanned and all installed codecs will be listed so that you can choose the one you want to use; otherwise you can select the automatic detection option to let the program decide which one is the best. Other available settings regarding the output video are resolution, maintain aspect ratio, invert colors, add border, add mirror effect or embed an audio file.

Picture2avi has a multilingual interface too. It has been translated to English, German, Chinese, Turkish and French. You can contribute as a translator too using the built-in translation tool, from which can you can translate the program string by string.

Cons

The documentation provided is limited, however with some testing users can find out how all features work.

Alternatives

Images to video is a free alternative to Picture2avi that can create slideshows from images, with the main difference between them being that the former program can save output videos as AVI, WMV, FLV, MOV and VP8, although it doesn’t have the ability to add effects. PhotoLapse (free) is another substitute, but has only a few basic settings available.

Conclusion

Even though it can be improved, this software is a great way to create videos from your image collections and you’ll have a hard time finding a better alternative.