# VENDAX Studio — complete user guide

**VENDAX Studio** is a local photo and video catalog for Windows. It helps you collect media in one archive, organize it by year and album, add descriptions and voice notes, edit photographs and create video edits.

Originals and edited versions are stored separately. Most operations take place on your computer.

This guide describes the build available on **22 October 2026**. Button names are translated from the Russian interface; wording in the application may differ. Folder names in quotes are retained exactly as in the source guide.

## 1. Features

VENDAX Studio lets you:

- Add individual photos, videos and folders with subfolders.
- Organize media in the Photos and Videos sections.
- Create albums and browse the archive by year.
- Add titles, dates and text descriptions.
- Write a general description of the events of a selected year.
- Use search, filters and favorites.
- View originals and edited versions.
- Work with RAW photographs while keeping the original RAW files.
- Edit photographs with built-in tools.
- Edit video on two video tracks and two audio tracks.
- Open working copies in installed external editors.
- Automatically receive finished results from the editors' exchange folder.
- Record voice notes and attach audio files.
- Save files separately, copy images and print photographs.
- Move media to the trash and restore it.
- Create a ZIP backup of the archive.
- Work in Russian, English, German, French and Spanish.

## 2. Supported formats

### Photographs

| Format | Extensions | Capabilities |
|---|---|---|
| JPEG | JPG, JPEG | Import, viewing, editing and version storage |
| PNG | PNG | Import, viewing, editing and version storage |
| GIF | GIF | Import and viewing; built-in editing is not intended to preserve animation |
| WebP | WEBP | Import and viewing; built-in editing saves results as JPG or PNG |
| BMP | BMP | Import, viewing and editing |
| RAW | RAW formats | Original storage, thumbnail and preview generation, editing of the prepared image |

### RAW files

The editor opens RAW files. Originals are stored separately from edited versions.

### Video

The catalog accepts files with these **19 extensions**:

**MP4, WebM, MOV, M4V, AVI, MKV, MTS, M2TS, TS, MXF, MPG, MPEG, M2V, WMV, FLV, 3GP, 3G2, OGV, VOB.**

The extension identifies the file container. The video and audio inside it can use different codecs.

**Accepting a file into the catalog does not guarantee playback or editing of every variation of that container.**

If direct playback is unavailable, the application can prepare a compatible MP4 viewing copy. This takes time and additional disk space. The original is retained.

Damaged files and codecs not handled by the included decoder may fail to open.

### Export formats

The built-in photo editor saves results as:

- **JPG**.
- **PNG**.

The built-in video editor exports:

- **MP4** container.
- **H.264** video.
- **AAC** audio.
- **30 frames per second**.
- Frame height of **720, 1080 or 2160 pixels**.
- Standard or high quality.

Increasing export resolution does not add detail absent from the source media.

### Voice notes and audio files

Supported audio attachments:

**WebM, OGG, MP3, WAV, M4A and MP4.**

Playback depends on the file contents and codecs.

Limits:

- One uploaded audio file: no more than **100 MB**.
- One microphone recording: up to **10 minutes**.

### External editor projects

PSD, PSB, DRP and other internal project formats are not imported as finished photos or videos.

Export a supported image or video file from the external editor. Store and back up external application projects separately.

## 3. Starting the application and choosing a language

1. Open VENDAX Studio using the configured shortcut.
2. Wait for the catalog to appear.
3. Choose a language using the small language button in the interface.
4. Save changes and wait for any current import to finish before switching languages.

Available languages:

| Button | Language |
|---|---|
| RU | Russian |
| EN | English |
| DE | German |
| FR | French |
| ES | Spanish |

The chosen language is remembered in the interface profile.

Some system dialogs, such as file selection or printing, may follow Windows language settings.

The application runs in a separate Windows window with the required supplied components.

Do not open several windows for the same archive at once. Do not close the application during import, backup preparation or video export.

## 4. Quick start

To get started:

1. Choose Photos or Videos.
2. Create an album or select the year you need.
3. Add files with the import button or drag them from File Explorer.
4. Wait for the files to be added.
5. Open a media card.
6. Enter a title, date and description.
7. Click Save.
8. Mark the best items as favorites.
9. Create a ZIP backup and save it on another drive.

## 5. Adding photos and videos

### Adding individual files

1. Click Add photos and videos.
2. Select files in the Windows dialog.
3. Confirm the selection.
4. Wait for import to finish.

You can select several files at once.

You can also drag photos and videos from File Explorer into the main catalog window.

If an editing dialog is open, save your changes and close it first.

### What happens to the source files

During import, VENDAX Studio creates copies of files inside the archive.

The source files stay in their original folder.

Additional free space is required for imported media, edited versions, working copies and preview images.

### Adding folders

1. Use the add-folder button or drag a folder into the catalog.
2. Wait for its contents to be scanned.
3. Confirm adding the files if prompted.
4. Wait for import to finish.

The application scans subfolders and accepts supported file formats. Other files are skipped.

If a specific album or year is selected, it provides the context for the import.

Importing a folder from the general view creates an album named after the folder.

Nested folders are not automatically converted into a tree of separate albums.

## 6. Albums and archive sections

Photos and videos have separate sections:

- **Photos**.
- **Videos**.

Each section provides:

- All media of that type.
- Albums.
- Years.

### Creating an album

1. Choose Photos or Videos.
2. Click Albums ＋.
3. Enter a name.
4. Confirm creation.
5. Open the album and add media.

Examples:

- Family photos.
- A trip.
- A portrait session.
- A work project.
- Home videos.

Album names help you organize the archive around your own needs.

## 7. Years and dates

During import, the application tries to determine the capture date:

1. From supported file metadata.
2. If that is unavailable, from a recognizable date in the filename.

The file's modification date on disk is not automatically treated as its capture date.

If the date cannot be determined, find the item under No date and enter the information manually.

### Changing the date and year

1. Open the card.
2. Enter the correct date or year.
3. Save your changes.

You can also use Move to year… or drag the item onto the desired year.

Changing the year in the catalog does not rewrite the original file's metadata.

### Moving several items

To select a group, use:

- The selection boxes on cards.
- Ctrl-click.
- A selection rectangle starting on an empty part of the grid.

Then move the selected group to a year.

Move photos to years in Photos and videos to years in Videos.

Edited versions stay linked to the original when it is moved.

### Describing a year

You can add a general description to a selected year:

- Important family events.
- The story of a trip.
- Stages of a work project.
- Memorable meetings.
- The circumstances of a shoot.

This preserves the context of a whole group of media.

## 8. Viewing, searching and descriptions

Click a card to open a photograph or video.

In the card you can:

- View the media.
- Change its title.
- Set its date and year.
- Add a text description.
- Mark it as a favorite.
- Choose the original or an edited version.
- Attach a voice note.
- Open editing tools.
- Save the selected file separately.

Click Save after changing information.

### Search and filters

Use search and filters to narrow the media list.

If an imported file is not visible:

1. Check the selected section.
2. Check the album.
3. Check the year.
4. Clear the search box.
5. Return to all photos or all videos.

### Favorites

Mark important media as favorites to return to it quickly.

This is useful for your best shots, photos to print, items to edit or selections you are preparing.

### Titles and descriptions

Titles and descriptions organize the catalog.

Changing a card's title does not rename the source file in its original folder.

Descriptions are stored in the catalog database. Editing them does not write text into the original photograph.

### Viewing RAW

RAW cards use small thumbnails.

For enlarged viewing and editing, the application prepares a separate image. Creating it for the first time may take additional time.

The thumbnail's size and quality do not describe the original RAW file.

## 9. Built-in photo editing

### Starting an edit

1. Open a photograph.
2. Choose the original or the version you need.
3. Click Edit photo here.
4. Wait for the image to load in the editor.

### Available adjustments

The built-in editor can adjust:

- Brightness.
- Contrast.
- Saturation.
- Temperature.
- Tint.
- Exposure.
- Highlights.
- Shadows.
- Whites.
- Blacks.

Also available:

- Rotation.
- Flipping.
- Cropping.
- Histogram.
- Comparison with the source image.
- Resetting adjustments.

### Cropping

1. Enable crop mode.
2. Use the mouse to select the area to keep.
3. Apply the crop.
4. Check the result.

### Comparing with the original

Use the show-original button to assess your changes.

Comparison shows how editing affected brightness, color, contrast and composition.

### Saving the result

1. Check the edited image.
2. Choose JPG or PNG.
3. Save the result.

The application creates a separate version alongside the original in the catalog.

You can return to the original, download it or prepare another edited version.

### RAW editing details

Built-in RAW editing works on the prepared viewing image.

It does not write changes into the RAW file and does not provide the full toolset of a dedicated RAW converter.

Very large images require a significant amount of RAM.

Do not expect editing GIF or other animated images to preserve animation.

## 10. Built-in video editor

Open a video and choose the built-in video editor.

The editing area contains four tracks:

| Track | Purpose |
|---|---|
| V1 | Main picture |
| V2 | Additional picture and overlay |
| A1 | First audio track |
| A2 | Second audio track |

### Basic workflow

1. Add supported media from the library or with Upload.
2. Place clips on the tracks.
3. Set each clip's start.
4. Choose the portion to use.
5. Adjust the duration.
6. Make the necessary picture and sound changes.
7. Click Save project.
8. Click Build preview.
9. Review the edit with all effects.
10. Use Export MP4.

### Editing tools

Available tools:

- Moving clips.
- Trimming the start and end.
- Splitting a clip.
- Scissors tool.
- Removing a clip from the edit.
- Undo.
- Timeline zoom.
- Image rotation.
- Filling the frame.
- Fade in and fade out.
- Text title.
- Picture-in-picture on V2.
- Volume control.
- Muting a track.

Removing a clip from the edit does not delete the source media from the catalog.

Clips must not overlap on the same track. Use the other video track for overlays.

The maximum project duration in the current implementation is **4 hours**.

### Video color correction

For a selected video clip, you can adjust:

- Temperature.
- Tint.
- Exposure.
- Contrast.
- Highlights.
- Shadows.
- Whites.
- Blacks.
- Saturation.
- Curves.
- Color channels.

Image monitoring tools include:

- RGB Parade.
- Individual channel views.
- White-balance eyedropper.
- Before / After comparison.

### Preview

Quick playback of source clips does not always show the final processing.

After making changes, click Build preview to review the edit with all effects.

### Saving a project and exporting

These are different operations:

- **Save project** saves the editing settings.
- **Export MP4** creates the finished video file.

Save the project before ending your session.

Choose resolution and quality when exporting. Do not close the application until processing finishes.

Export time depends on source files, effects, resolution and computer performance.

The result can be stored as a version in the catalog and saved as a separate file using the available export action.

Do not overwrite source media when choosing the destination path.

## 11. Working in an external editor

VENDAX Studio lets you connect an installed application through its EXE executable.

Automatic opening depends on whether the external application accepts a file path at startup.

### Connecting an editor

1. Open a photo or video card.
2. Go to external editing.
3. Choose the option to connect an editor.
4. Select its EXE file.
5. Confirm your choice.

You can connect several applications.

### Opening media for editing

1. Choose the original or the version you need.
2. Select a connected editor.
3. Open the media for editing.
4. Wait for the working copy to be created and the editor to start.

The catalog creates a separate working copy.

If the editor does not open the file automatically, open the copy's folder and import it manually.

### Returning the result

First method:

1. Save the modified working copy in the external editor.
2. Wait for saving to finish.
3. Return to the catalog.
4. Click Return saved copy.

Second method:

1. Export the finished file from the editor.
2. In the catalog, click Add result from file.
3. Select the exported file.
4. Wait for the version to be added.

The result is attached to the original card as a new version.

Store editor projects such as PSD or DRP separately. Return a finished image or video in a supported format to the catalog.

### Automatic return from the exchange folder

The “Для редакторов” folder (For editors) contains working copies with readable names and identifiers.

1. Open a copy in an external application.
2. Edit it.
3. Save the finished result to the watched folder.
4. Wait for it to appear in the catalog.

Keeping the name or identifier helps associate the result with the original.

The catalog checks for changes roughly every four seconds and waits for at least eight seconds of file stability before processing.

Large exports may take longer.

If the name changes completely or the match is ambiguous, select the original card in the pending-results list.

The catalog must be running for automatic return. A result saved while the application is closed will be checked after the next launch.

An unattached result is not yet a version and is not included in the ZIP backup as imported media.

## 12. Voice notes

Voice notes preserve a story, comment or memory associated with a photo or video.

### Recording with a microphone

1. Open the card.
2. Click Record voice.
3. Allow microphone access if prompted.
4. Record your comment.
5. Click Stop.
6. Listen to the recording.
7. Click Save recording.

Several recordings can be attached to one item.

### Adding an existing recording

Instead of recording with a microphone, upload an existing audio file in a supported format.

Voice notes belong to the card and are available with the original and its versions.

Saved audio notes are included in backups.

Automatic speech recognition and audio-to-text transcription are not available.

## 13. Saving files, copying and printing

### Saving a file separately

1. Open the card.
2. Choose the original or an edited version.
3. Use download or Save file as….
4. Choose a destination.

For RAW, downloading the original returns the source RAW file, not a reduced thumbnail.

### Copying an image

For photographs, you can copy the full-size image.

Paste it into a suitable application with Ctrl+V.

Pasting support depends on the receiving application.

Copying an image to the clipboard is not the same as transferring the original RAW file.

### Printing

1. Open a photograph.
2. Select the required version.
3. Choose the print action.
4. Select a printer.
5. Adjust settings in the system dialog.
6. Confirm printing.

Prepare the required edited version beforehand.

### Sending files to other people

Save the required file to disk and send it using your usual method.

## 14. Trash and restoring media

Deleting moves an item or version to the catalog trash.

To restore an item:

1. Open the trash.
2. Find the entry.
3. Restore it.
4. Check that it appears in the normal catalog view.

The current trash implementation hides entries from the normal view. Physical files remain in the archive.

**Moving items to the trash does not free disk space.**

Do not delete internal files manually: this can break links between cards and versions.

## 15. Backups

A backup helps restore an archive after data damage or transfer it to another computer.

### Creating a backup

1. Wait for import and export to finish.
2. Save photo edits and descriptions.
3. Save video editing projects.
4. Click the backup button.
5. Do not add or edit media while the backup is being created.
6. Wait for the ZIP file to be ready.
7. Save it on another physical drive.

### What the ZIP includes

The backup contains:

- The catalog database.
- Imported originals.
- Registered edited versions.
- Saved audio notes.
- Available registered working copies.
- Saved projects from the built-in video editor.

Trash entries remain in the database. Their registered files are also included.

### What the ZIP does not include

The backup does not contain:

- Arbitrary external application projects.
- Unconfirmed exports not yet attached to the catalog.
- Transfer files not yet imported.
- Installed external editors.
- The complete VENDAX Studio runtime environment.

Previews and thumbnails do not replace originals and can be generated again.

### Free space and backup storage

Creating a ZIP requires extra space for the temporary archive.

The operation can take a long time for a large catalog.

A backup on the same physical drive does not protect against that drive failing.

Automatic scheduled backups are not available in this build.

## 16. Restoring and transferring an archive

The current version has no built-in ZIP restore button.

### Restoration

1. Close VENDAX Studio.
2. Keep a separate copy of the existing “Мой архив” folder before replacing it.
3. Extract the “Мой архив” folder from the ZIP into the application directory.
4. Preserve the original folder structure.
5. Start the application.
6. Check several photos and videos.
7. Check descriptions and edited versions.
8. Open saved editing projects.

### Moving to another computer

You need:

- A compatible VENDAX Studio distribution.
- The required runtime components.
- The archive folder or its backup.

The ZIP alone is not enough to install the application.

Reconnect external editors if necessary: application paths may differ on another computer.

## 17. Where data is stored

Data is stored in the **“Мой архив”** folder (My archive) beside the application.

It contains:

- The catalog database.
- Imported photos and videos.
- Edited versions.
- Audio notes.
- Working copies.
- Editing projects.
- Preview images and thumbnails.

Descriptions and archive organization are stored in the database.

Editing a card does not write text into the original photograph.

Import copies files. Working copies and caches take additional space.

The size indicator in the interface may update with a delay of about a minute.

Do not rename or move internal archive files through File Explorer. Use application commands.

Dedicated archive encryption by VENDAX Studio is not claimed. Windows settings control access to the folder.

## 18. Troubleshooting

### A file did not appear in the catalog

Check:

1. Whether import has finished.
2. Whether the extension is supported.
3. Whether another album is selected.
4. Whether a year filter is active.
5. Whether search is hiding the item.
6. Whether you are in the correct section: Photos or Videos.

### A RAW file takes a long time to open

Wait for the viewing image to be generated.

Check free space and any error message.

Do not delete the original or import it repeatedly just because the image is slow to appear.

### A thumbnail did not load

Wait for import to finish and reopen the catalog.

If the error repeats, keep the problem filename and error message for support.

### A video does not play

Wait for a compatible copy to be prepared.

If processing fails, check the source file in an external video player.

A supported extension does not guarantee compatibility with every codec inside the file.

### An external editor's result did not appear

Check:

1. Whether export has finished.
2. Whether the format is supported.
3. Whether the file was saved to the watched folder.
4. Whether its name or identifier was preserved.
5. Whether the result is waiting for manual association.

### Deleting did not free space

The trash retains physical files for restoration.

Moving an item to the trash does not permanently delete it from disk.

### The microphone does not work

Check microphone permissions and the selected device in Windows.

If necessary, record audio in another application and upload the resulting file.

### A large photograph will not save

Check available memory.

Close other demanding applications or process a working copy in an external editor.

### The language does not change

Finish importing, save changes and select the language again.

Restart the application after an update.

### A backup cannot be created

Check:

- Free space.
- Drive availability.
- Completion of import and export.
- Any error message.

Once the cause is resolved, create the ZIP again.

## 19. Example of everyday use

After a shoot, add the folder to your archive.

Check the year and media titles. Correct dates that could not be detected automatically.

Mark your best shots as favorites. Add an event description and a voice note if needed.

Edit photos with built-in tools or send working copies to an external editor.

For video, assemble the edit, save the project and export the finished MP4.

Check the resulting versions, save the files needed for printing or sharing, and create an archive backup.