Find the strongest frame
Move through the clip near the desired moment and pause on several neighboring frames. Look for open eyes, natural expressions, steady camera position and a clear subject. A frame captured during fast motion may show interlaced edges or blur that was less obvious during playback.
Use the timeline to narrow the moment, but judge the image at its normal display size. A small preview can hide softness and edge artifacts. If no single frame is clean, choose a nearby quieter moment rather than trying to force the most dramatic instant.
Create and name the picture carefully
Use the program's still-picture command on the selected frame, then save the image inside the project's pictures folder. Give it a name tied to the scene and order. Open it separately to confirm that the intended frame was saved and that its proportions look correct.
Do not treat the new still as a replacement for the source video. It is a derived project asset. Keep the original clip and note where the frame came from if that context will matter later.
Use a still with purpose
A brief still can hold an expression while narration supplies context, bridge a missing visual moment or introduce a group of photographs. Avoid leaving it on screen longer than the story requires. If movement stops unexpectedly in the middle of an action, the pause may look like a playback fault.
Check the picture in sequence
- Preview the cut into the still and out again.
- Confirm that the aspect ratio matches neighboring material.
- Allow enough time for any title to be read.
- Listen for an audio change at the frozen moment.
- Review a short finished test for softness or interlaced edges.
For a sequence built mainly from photographs, continue to the independent slideshow guide. To add context over a still, use the titles tutorial.