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This is so basic that I feel I must be missing something... Videos and stills placed on the timeline only appear in the monitor if they are placed on tracks below other objects but I would expect that objects on tracks at the top of the timeline would take precedence as in all other NLEs. Is this by design? Can it be changed? It seems v odd behaviour.
Any help appreciated.
Hi,
You need to read the manual and best to also first see my tutorial on getting started in MEP (2015 is the same as 2016).
MEP is different from many other programs in that tracks are built from the ground up numerically, not visually. Thus track 1 is on the bottom of the pile. If you place an object on track 2, you will see it first. If you resize it smaller, you will see part of track 1, and so on. Titles have to be on the higher numbered track or you won't see them. This is done automatically, but since you can move them to other tracks, you have to be aware of this.
The logic is great. No need to move objects on track 1 down to track 2, then 3, etc., just because you want to have it on the bottom of the pile, as done in other programs. Simply add the clip to a higher numbered track and it will be on top.
Thanks... Back to the manual then (and your tutorial for which thanks too). I've been editing so long on other programmes that I just assumed it would be the same - v. un-imaginative of me.
I'm not convinced by 'The logic is great' as in other NLEs one can simply add a new track on top if needed and with MEP the 'working track' (higher number) may involve scrolling down to find. I'll see how I get on.
Your help is appreciated.
I'm back 3 years later testing the latest version. I'm impressed by much but is it really still not possible to change track display order as a preference. Many Magix fans like the way it works. Most of us used to other NLEs really don't. Is there an option to change? Help appreciated but please don't try to sell me the 'logic'. Thanks.
Hi,
No, the logic is still good. Sorry, but it's still the best. Lower numbered tracks are background, higher numbered foreground.
However, you can now insert new tracks, and cut and paste tracks. As well, you can insert a new object to the cursor location of a selected track.
John CB
You can't say its the best - just your preference and all other NLEs that I know of work the other way. It seems purely stubborn of Magix not to make this an option so the user can choose. Please do not try to sell me the logic.
Having used another nle, I can say that the MEP/VPX track sequence is the best. I disliked having to insert tracks every time that I wanted something in the foreground, even simply a title. I found this to be backwards. Most users of these nle's don't even realize that there is a better method; they just accept it.
Once you get used to this track sequencing, you would not like to go back.
Having an option to reverse the tracks is interesting, but would likely cause massive confusion. I would not want to have to do a tutorial explaining, that, well, if your track sequence is this way, then..., but if you have it the other way, then... Programming this would probably be a nightmare. I can't see this happening, but, you never know.
Magix is stubborn? Just because the other nle's have it wrong doesn't mean that Magix should also get it wrong. Why don't the others all change? Are they just being stubborn?
However, Magix has nle's with backwards track sequencing. If you don't like the MEP/VPX, method, then try Magix Vegas/Vegas Movie Studio.
John CB
Thanks for replying. We disagree fundamentally. Let's stop this thread.
I agree.
In real life something you place on top of another object hides what is underneath. So to me the Magix way of working is illogical.
But in fairness it is incorrect to say all other NLEs work the other way around. Several that I've looked at have the same "upside down" Magix arrangement.
IDK... I think this thread, in general, is not required. if another product works for you, then use the other product.
But asking if there is a switch to change it, then the thread is OK.
There is no use to ask for something to change because it does not suit you and there already other products out there that suit you better. In life people are always looking for alternative.... like iOS vs Android, Mazda vs Audi. They are just different products behaving different.
Thanks for replying. We disagree fundamentally. Let's stop this thread.
Indeed. Thread now closed!
Jeff
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