You may also want to check out this one: http://smartshow-software.com/slide-ani … -types.php - the animation basics. Both the video and the written tutorial are great for those who are just starting with SmartSHOW 3D.

This was really helpful and "Part 3 secrets...." are now much clearer now.  I will start my trial projects again from scratch.
Is this video discoverable on the main website?

In the Animation tab, you'll find animation effects for the slides. In the Transitions tab, you'll find effects to be used between the slides.

When Add is active, you can add photos & videos, collages, subtitles, or title clips.

Both a) and b) are perfectly explained in this video tutorial: http://smartshow-software.com/slideshow … torial.php - I'm sure you'll find it helpful.

Right, you need to select the layer you wish to edit. Either click on the layer right in the preview window, or select it on the Slide tab. There's a list of layers on the Slide tab.

I recommend that you watch this tutorial https://youtu.be/rosdwK9HCKg - it covers all the things you can do in the slide editor.
As for a) above, the Animation effects in the main program window are great for a quick result, you simply apply them to your photos with drag & drop. In the slide editor, you can do a lot more - after a bit of learning of course.

Animation effects are not applied automatically (unless you use a "Slideshow in 5 minutes" theme).
Random transitions are applied automatically, but you can clear them all. In order to do that:
- select all of your slides (select the 1st one, press and hold Shift, and select the last one)
- right-click on any transition thumbnail
- select Clear Transition or Simple Dissolve Effect.
As an alternative, you can use the Apply to All button at the bottom of the Transitions tab.

I'm afraid users can't create their own transitions in the current version. But the tricks described in e) above should help you deal with transitions much faster.

We're making one, but it's not available yet.

You are always welcome to ask questions in this forum or contact tech support for fast help.

When I re open my first Project:-

a) There are choice tabs "Animat....and Transit...  What are the differences between these choices?

b) The Add choice does not seem to do anything!

c) When I click an image in Storyboard and Edit Slide, there is no layer preselected in the Editor. I assume I have to click the image ref in Layers tab?

d) I now see choices Slide Effects, Manage Camera, Layer and Animation. How do these relate to a) above?

e) Whenever I start a new project and drag 10 or 20  images onto the Storyboard strip, a random assortment of Animations or Effects are populated into the Storyboard. How can prevent this randomness and start with just basic transitions?

f) Can I create a user-template for my personal slideshow transitions and use it as default for when I create New Project abd drag in new images?

g)  Is there a full User Manual available in PDF format?