adding text in virtualdub

[DaneClark]

How do I use virtualdub to superimpose an opening title onto a specific part of a video?

[jagabo]

You can use the Logo filter with an image and alpha mask. Then use the blend option and curve editor to apply it to only the section you want.

[DaneClark]

Where can I find step by step instructions on how to do that

[jagabo]

There are lots of youtube videos about it. I suggest you use Donald Graft's Logo filter, not the built in one.

http://rationalqm.us/logo/logo.html

If you don't need color, and can live with white text, I recommend you make an image with white text on a black background. Then use that as both the logo and the alpha map.

[DaneClark]

I can live with white text, but what I really want is white text with a black drop shadow underneath it

[jagabo]

what I really want is white text with a black drop shadow underneath it

Then you'll need a second image for the alpha channel. You can just draw the white text a second time shifted right (or left) and down from the original text, in your alpha channel image.

text:

[Attachment 38751 - Click to enlarge]

alpha:

[Attachment 38752 - Click to enlarge]

result:

[Attachment 38753 - Click to enlarge]

[racer-x]

It's been years since I've done it, but I recall you can use a single TGA image with transparency for your tittle.

[DaneClark]

So your saying that I would need to make two bitmaps - one that's white text on a black background and one that's black text on a white background, right?

[racer-x]

You only need one image file if you create a 32-bit tga image with transparency and it works fine with the built-in logo filter. See image above for settings.

[jagabo]

So your saying that I would need to make two bitmaps - one that's white text on a black background and one that's black text on a white background, right?

No. The alpha channel image indicates which parts of the logo will be opaque and which parts will be transparent. White in the alpha channel indicates opaque, black indicates transparent, values in between indicate partial transparency. See my sample images.

And yes, if you have the ability to include the alpha channel within a TGA file you don't need to specify a separate image for the alpha channel in the Logo filter. But you still need to create an alpha channel to include it in your TGA file. So it doesn't really save you much time and effort.

[DaneClark]

I'm using Donald Grafts filter and get this when I click on "show preview": error processing frame 383 with filter logo (1.7) cannot open mask file

Also, it only gives the option to open one bmp file, but wouldn't I need to open a second one to get the desired effect?

[manono]

Alternatively, just make a subtitle for it and add it to the video in VDub using the TextSub filter. If you create SSA or ASS subtitles, you can also choose font, size, location, colors, outlines, drop shadow, timing and all kinds of other things.

If you give the particulars, someone here can easily create it for you.

[DaneClark]

The non Donald Graft logo filter would be PERFECT for what I'm trying to do if only there was a way to only apply it to specific frames

[jagabo]

The non Donald Graft logo filter would be PERFECT for what I'm trying to do if only there was a way to only apply it to specific frames

Use the Curve Editor for that. Highlight the Logo filter in the Filters dialog and press the Blend button. Exit the Filters dialog then Select View -> Curve Editor. Shift+click on the Curve editor to add points. Drag and Drop them where you want them.