6.0

Create screensavers
Screensavers protect the monitor screen from being burnt by a static image when the computer is not
being used and allow for a unique looking computer. Using MAGIX 3D Maker you can create a custom
screensaver either for use on your own computer or for distribution to other people.
Screensavers are always animated (because they need to show a moving image to avoid burning the
screen.) We suggest:

Use a dark-colored background, not white or other light colors.

Don't use light-colored text in areas that show little movement.
To create a screensaver:
1.
Create the animation in the regular way (see tips) or select from one of the sample screensaver
animations in the Sample, Screensavers folder.
2.
Choose Export screensaver on the File menu.
3.
MAGIX 3D Maker screensavers are effectively movies within a sceensaver. (See also Exporting
movies and screensavers for AVI options). There are a number of preset options. Low is one
third of your current screen resolution, medium is half, high is three thirds and full is your full
screen resolution. You can also choose from a number of standard resolutions by choosing other.
We recommend selecting a value half the screen area. (For example 512x384 for a 1024x769
screen area.) This should give a good quality image without creating a large file size.
4.
Choose either:
o
Install—this saves the screensaver and installs it as the default screensaver. The default
folder is your Windows system folder—this is the best folder to use. We recommend this
option as it is easier than manually installing a screensaver.
o
Save—this saves the screensaver but does not install it as the default screensaver.
5.
Enter a name for the screensaver file.
6.
Click Save.
Because MAGIX 3D Maker has to generate each frame of the animation, this process can take a few
minutes.
Previewing a screensaver file
1.
Browse to the screensaver (SCR) file.
2.
Right-click on the file. This pops-up a menu.
3.
Click Test to preview.
Using a screensaver file
If, in step 4, you installed the new screensaver as the default, everything is already set up for you. No
further action is necessary.
If you saved the screensaver to the Windows system folder:
1.
Click Start on the Taskbar. If you are using Windows XP, go to step 3.
2.
Choose Settings.
3.
Choose Control Panel. Double-click Display.
4.
Click the ScreenSaver tab.The screensaver drop-down list shows all screensavers in the system
folder.
5.
Choose the screensaver you want.
6.
Click OK to make the selected screensaver the default.
If you saved the screensaver to a different folder:
1.
Browse to the screensaver file.
2.
Right-click on the file. This pops-up a menu.
3.
Click Install to select the screensaver. Then click OK to make the screensaver the default.
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