Editing A Software Simulation

I am a new user and am working on editing a software simulation in
captivate 4. It was caputered as a recording and I want to edit some dead spaces of audio and the corresponding capture. The problem I'm having is finding away to edit the audio and capture together. I can edit the audio with the audio editor and the screen capture with the FMREditor but making it all stay synced this way seems cumbersome. Is there a way to do this together? Thanks

Hi there
Unfortunately you are experiencing first hand why we seldom (if ever) recommend that you record using the Full Motion Recording (FMR) option. (Yes, I'm aware that Captivate does offer this as a recording option, but we tend to view it as saying a pickup truck is capable of carrying seven people. You can do it, but the way it happens isn't optimal.)
Captivate works best when you record using the Slide-by-slide recording mode. (Demonstration, Training Simulation, Assessment Simulation or Custom)
In FMR recording, you have two separate files involved. Video and Audio are separate files and must be edited separately. Sorry, but there isn't a clean way around it.
The bottom line with all this is that if you feel FMR is the only way to fly with recordings, Captivate probably isn't the tool of choice. You likely won't be satisfied.
Cheers... Rick
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Similar Messages

Software Simulation - Editing

Hello!! I'm a begginer at Adobe Captivate 8 and get stuck on software simulation.
After a I recorded, I need to edit the video that reproduces after the student click on the right spot.
But I don't know how to... The edit, that I said, is just resize the time (show a little more or litle less from the record).
=) Thnks and sorry about any language mistake, I'm Brazilian.

You can decrease the length of the timeline of the slide if that is what you want? You cannot edit frames, slide is at 30FPS. When you decrease the timeline, there will be less frames. Be careful when you have interactive objects like click boxes: you need to decrease their timeline first, because they always pause at the end of their timeline since they are invisible to the user.

How do i remove popups in software simulation - captivate 8

Hi,
I have recently moved to captivate 8 - straight from captivate 4. I have recorded a software simulation and am now in the process of editing it. On some screens captivate has captured the popup messages you get when you hover over a button or link, in the past in captivate 4 i would copy the background out of captivate, remove the pop using paint or photoshop and paste the edited background back in to the simulation.
In captivate 8 i finding i am unable to do this. When i preview the screen capture the pop up message appears, however when i look at the background there is no pop up. It seems to be there as part of the screen capture, if i use the skimmer to run over the timeline the popup appears in the last few seconds, if i trim the slide of the seconds the pop up remains. I have been unable to find any options for removal of the pop ups.
Does anyone have a solution for this problem?
Thanks
Glenn

Yeah, somehow those tooltips are animated in the background slide.
My fix: edit that background slide in Photoshop, ensure it shows what you want (i.e. not the tooltip), copy (or save) that flattened background image, back to Captivate, create a new slide after the 'odd' one, paste the background slide (merge with background), copy over any other elements from the 'odd' slide...then delete the odd slide.
There is an option to capture tool-tips or not, I believe, in the capture setup/preferences...

Phantom Lines in CP (6.1.0.319) Software Simulations

Does anyone else have a problem with phantom lines showing up in their published CP software simulation slides?
They don't display in my previewed copy, but do in the published SWF... and only in my software simulations, not in non-recorded slides.
To see what I'm referring to, here are two screen shots. The first one shows (SWF) the phantom lines and the second one (preview) with without any phantom lines.
(LINES)
(NO LINES)
Any suggestions for correcting this problem?

These are usually caused by Captivate compressing the SWF file. You can try Edit -> Preferences-> Swf Size and Quality, an de-select the compression options. Then republish.

Cannot change slide duration in software simulation

I'm using Captivate 7 for the first time. I had a much older version, but seldom used it.
I have recorded a simple software simulation that should be a piece of cake to edit and produce, but have come across a problem I don't know how to solve. The simulation includes an item on screen being clicked, then dragged and dropped into a new location. I cannot edit the duration of the slide that shows the drag-and-drop motion. It has a duration of 6.5 seconds, which is painfully and unrealistically slow and there is no way I can find to shorten it.
I can't drag the end of the slide on the timeline, right-clicking hasn't produced anything promising in pop-up menus, and the Properties panel has a Time field, but when I select the 6.5 seconds and change it, it just reverts to 6.5 seconds immediately afterward.
I recall this sort of thing being very simple in previous versions of Captivate. Not anymore, I guess...
Thanks,
- Jennifer

Thanks, guys! Those replies led me to try something that actually worked. It did record as a video demo (the red strike-through line) as Varun Kalra suggested. I discovered that I can click the end of the timeline for that slide (where the word END displays), then use the left arrow on my keyboard to decrease the duration of the slide.
That probably wouldn't work if the entire animation was too slow, but in this case, just the very end was too slow.
Thanks much!
- Jennifer

Typing asterisk-protected password characters in software simulation.

I'm doing a software simulation in Captivate 6, one portion of which involves typing a user ID, and then an asterisk-protected password. The recording shows the user ID being typed character by character. However, the asterisks in the password field do not display character by character, but in a single shot. Meanwhile the audio outputs the typing for the password character by character.
Am I doing somethingwrong?

That was software simulation, i captured part of screen or VMware application (you know, that was separate projects).
For security reasons i'm not allowed to gain remote access to anyone. I can capture the project, if you want, and send somewhere or collect logs you need.
That's not a suggestion. If your realization can't achieve the intended goal so you have to use "security reasons" as excuse... That's yours developers decision, don't think i should teach you what is security flaw and what isn't.
EDIT: i updated to 6.0.1 and made a simple demo: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/71356807/demo.cptx
Captivate haven't record typing process. The same thing is with fields and other stuff in VM. I think it should turn FMR on and record the typing process with console output of VM.

Set number of attempts in software simulation assessment

How do I set the number of attempts in captivate 6 software simulation assessment?

Hi there,
You can set the number of attempts on interactive objects generated during Software simlution recording.
Pror to recording you can go to edit > Preferences > Recording > Modes, select the mode and set the attempts.
After recording if you would like to change the attepmts in that simulation, then you can select that click box or Text entry box, go to the properties panel, anc can change the attempts.
If you would like to set the attempts for the whole Quiz itself, then go to Quiz > Quiz Preferences > Pass and fail and can edit the attempts for the Quiz level.
Thanks.

Captivate 8 theme overrides software simulation screen shots

Hello,
I created a customer theme for my company. I create a new responsive project and use the theme created. when I try to add a software simulation slide(s); the theme replaces the screen shots of the simulation. The mouse movements and button clicks are retained. When I change to a shipped theme, the software simulation screen shots appear. I do not know what setting to trigger to have the software simulation screen shots override the theme. Can you help?
Thanks,
Peter

Hmm, I suspect you deleted or edited the Blank daughter master slide that
is used by software simulation slides. Another user had the same issue a
while ago.

Captivate Software Simulation Audio Issues

My Captive 8 software simulation slides have been having issues with the audio right after recording. Before I even publish anything, my audio will end up being 2-3 slides ahead of where it should be on the slides. As you may know, when recording a software simulation, captivate automatically generates the slides with each mouse click and should automatically insert the correct audio on each slide. This is not happening for me, and it is very time consuming to fix. I either have to re-record and hope it doesn’t happen again or do a lot of external audio editing.
It’s possible there may not be a resolution and it may be a recognized (or unrecognized) bug in Captivate. Just need to know whatever the case may be.
My initial gut reaction is to blame this on the latest Captivate 8 update… as I don’t remember experiencing this issue before. But then again, I also upgraded my mac to OS X and that may be a factor as well.
I've had people suggest to add a blank ending to the audio to restart the audio timer on the next slide, as well as add a transparent highlight box at the end of the slide, but these are ways to fix it when the file is published. Since my issue is happening before publishing, I was hoping someone on this forum may have an answer.

PIP is available in Presenter Video Creator, not in the normal Presenter plug-in. It is not available in Captivate normal projects with extension cptx. You can insert a PIP in the TOC, but have to record it separately.
In Captivate HD Video Demo, extension cpvc (which is also a video creator with a dedicated video editor) you can insert a PIP in the editor. But again you have to create it separately.
The choice is up to you: an easy way to have both recordings together, with very limited editing possibilites in Presenter. Or the Captivate way, more work, better editor.
Afraid to repeat again: we are only talking about pure video now. In the normal Captivate files, that are based on slides, you can insert a video (like a PIP) and distribute it over slides, adapting the slide markers is available in the Video menu. No webcam recording for the moment in Captivate.
Lilybiri

Captivate 5.5 Software simulation video crashes when adding audio recording

I run Windows 7 and Adobe captivate crashes after trying to start a audio recording in software simulation. My simulation is ready and the moment, I click the "record audio" button, the application freezes and I have to go to end the application via Task Manager.
Solution approaches:
I have started Captivate as administrator and that didn't help.
I have then tried to look up my preferences but didn't find any files which i could identify as preferences.
I have already tried the solution in the Note below (http://forums.adobe.com/thread/759455)
Help please.
Thanks,
A

I am having similar issues, but with the internal speach generator. I have both simulation and demonstration videos. I was able to enter text and convert to Paul's voice without issue, but the minute I tried to add closed captions Captivate totally locked up. And now when I try to do any sort of audio edit, no matter which method of access to the audio (using Audio - Audio Management or Audio - Speech Management or the Add/Edit Audio buttons in the Properties window or using the Closed Caption button in the Slide Notes tab or double click the audio wave file in the Timeline tab) Captivate totally locks up. I was originally able to create 1 file with closed captions but now it also locks up when I try to edit and no other file will let me add CC or use the Audio edit features.
Captivate 5.5, Windows 7; run captivate as admin or not - no difference. Run captivate on my primary or secondary monitor - no difference; run captivate with or without other applications open - no difference.
When I force close using Task Manager I did get a CpDump file that was created. Not sure what to do with that...I submitted a bug but have heard nothing back.
I did follow the steps in the earlier referenced link about deleting the preferences. I also did not find a specific file/folder labeled preferences but my IT group said it was OK to delete the entire final folder in the referenced chain (Captivate 5). Once I did that, I had access to my Closed Captions again and could edit the audio.

Should I insert a .cpvc slide or an .mp4 to show a software simulation?

I recorded a software simulation using Captivate 8. Most of the project is made up of individual slides, except in 2 sections that demonstrate how the screen moves when you swipe on a touch screen. To capture the swipes, I recorded a new video demo in Captivate. When this occurs, it creates a .cpvc file which you can then edit.
Should I insert the .cpvc slide directly into my .cptx project or publish it to an .mp4 first and then insert that video? What are the pros / cons of each method?
I've tried each and have had undesirable results using both methods. When I inserted the .cpvc file, the published project shows a spinning wheel (as if the video is loading) when the project advances to that slide (although the rest of the transition is smooth). When I inserted the .mp4 file, the transition is not smooth - the screen goes blank immediately before the .mp4 video begins.
It seems as though using the .cvpc slide is better although the loading / spinning wheel is not desirable in the project. How can I eliminate this from happening? Any advice would be appreciated!

I had both an iMac and a MBP years ago - I found that I used them about 50-50%. Inside the house, I'd do what needed doing on a large-screen on the iMac and then, at night, I'd web surf from the den or the bedroom. I liked the large screen on the iMac and the portability of the MBP.
But you introduce two new factors - you already have an external monitor (which, to me, favors the MBP) and you're going to be getting an iPad (which favors the iMac). With the external monitor, you'll have a large screen to work with. With the iPad you'll have portability for web surfing, etc.
I would go with the iMac and the iPad. Even though I'm now down to just a MBP with a 27" external monitor, I don't have an iPad - and that introduces a wholly new part to the equation. Previously, I had to have a MBP only (with no external monitor) because I lived in a nursing home. Now that I'm in my apartment, I use my MBP with external display probably 85-90% of the time and the MBP on the couch or in the bedroom about 10-15% of the time. To be honest, I'll seriously be looking at the 2013 Mac Pros and just use the MBP around the apartment and around town. I'm not planning on getting an iPad, so I'll still need the portability.
Those are just my thoughts and ramblings - if you're going to get an iPad, get an iMac.
Clinton

Audio Freezes During Software Simulation

Hi Everyone,
I hope one of you (maybe Rod?) can help me.
I'm a newbie to Adobe Captivate (~2 months), and am having an issue when I try to record a Software Simulation on Captivate 8. I go through the whole ~13 minute video with narration, but when I go to edit the audio on the individual slide the whole system freezes and I can only force close with the Task Manager. I've tried for ~10 hours, and lost beautiful, ready to publish recordings more times than I want to count.
At first I thought it was my less than optimal computer set up at work, but I get the same result with my video game rig at home which has a video card etc. I've checked a few other sites and forums for solutions, and I'm at a loss.
A few notes:
I do have administration rights
My work computer has 2 monitors, but my personal computer only has 1 monitor.
Pressing ESC doesn't work
I'm showing a process on my company's website, and as such, the Full Screen option is best. Should 800 x 600 be used anyway, even through it will require *tremendous* sliding and panning?
Could it be Preferences or something to do with Set Up?
Thank you!!
-Lauren

Hi Lauren. Sorry you're having a bad day.
I would normally put this issue down to using two monitors and having the Slide Audio dialog appearing OFF screen where you cannot interact with it. But you say you don't get control back when you hit the ESCAPE key. So the missing dialog issue might not be causing your problem in this case.
You could also try cleaning out your project cache and your TEMP cache folder where your video captures are stored (look in your Preferences settings to find where it is). Make sure all of your default folders are located on your PC Cdrive and not on a network anywhere.
I would also suggest you first try some tests to see if this issue has anything to do with computer resources being insufficient for the task, or whether the issue might be something else like audio drivers etc.
First, try just capturing a very short section of maybe just a minute or so. Do you get the same result? If yes, then this is NOT likely to be a lack of resources due to the size of the capture.
How long is it since you updated your audio drivers on either PC?

Software Simulations

Hi,
I am doing a software simulation course of Audacity (audio editing app) and was wondering if anyone had any ideas regards events that are somewhat less common while creating Captivate simulations. For example, I want the user to move 4-5 sliders to a certain value. My first and only idea was to so into full motion recording using the shortcut for the parts that use the sliders and then use text-entry boxes in the assesment section.
Another situation is when editing audio, the user must drag-select a portion of the audio and delete it or apply and effect to it. The only thing I could think of was to simply put a click box over the portion of audio that the user is supposed to drag-select and then when they do it in the assessment they won't actually drag but it will trigger that portion of the full motion recording and then they will just have to press DEL to delete it.
Any thoughts?

Some software tasks are simply NOT a good fit for simulation. Drag selecting a piece of audio is one such task.
As far as replicating the actions of slider controls, there is a widget that would allow you to do this, but whether that's still too much trouble considering all the other things you would NOT be able to simulate is up to you.
http://www.infosemantics.com.au/adobe-captivate-widgets/slider-component

Software Simulation - Recording in Citrix Desktop Viewer

Hi,
I have to record several software simulations for a customer via a remote connection via Citrix Desktop Viewer. The application to be recorded is a web based app in Internet Explorer.
Normally when I recording these kind of videos locally I choose to record the Application Region thereby removing the fact that it is Internet Explorer or indeed any other browser.
I was wondering if anyone has come across this kind of scenario and has any tips or suggestions for capturing the application region in a remote window setup.
Thanks in advance.
D

@ RodWard:
If that is the case then I honestly don't know / think this can be done within Captivate!!
@ OP:
Somebody else who seems to have a similar issue:
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/archive/index.php/t-783622.html
Resources that might be useful to you:
http://helpx.adobe.com/captivate/using/system-audio.html
http://helpx.adobe.com/captivate/using/record-video-demonstrations.html
http://helpx.adobe.com/captivate/using/record-video-demonstrations.html#add_audio_to_a_vid eo_project
http://helpx.adobe.com/captivate/using/edit-audio.html#edit_audio
Cogito, ergo sum - René Descartes .

Software simulation resolution standard

What you would suggest as a general resolution in capturing software simulations to then edit with jpegs and other image files in Premiere for a final output that can be viewed on the largest number of screens in the US, China and India? Does HD impact this much yet?

http://www.linksysdata.com/ui/WRT54GL/4.30.0/Setup.htm
click here its just a simulator!

Editing A Software Simulation

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