Whether your video is short or long, you may want to make it better and appealing. Video editing involves the manipulation of your videos through which the desired transformation is achieved and you can flaunt every move of your video in a more preferable way. Video editing involves cutting the video short, changing the speed, organizing the video in a seamless flow. In short, the better the cuts of your videos, the better your message/story is conveyed.
Part 1: Things to Learn Before Editing First Draft
You have shot your video and now you’re stuck on the post-processing of that video. Don’t worry! We got you covered through this article which will guide you through the different things which you must learn before editing the first draft of your video.
Start a video project
Your smartphone and digital camera can let you record multiple videos but what now? You head out to edit your first draft by choosing a suitable platform or software and then you can surely lay back and see the software doing wonders to your raw videos. By starting off with editing, you choose your video editing preferences and then you just let the video editing tools do the magic.
Get to know the video editing software workspace
Video editing software offer customizable workspaces for different editing tasks. The software workspace streamlines routine actions you take with clips, like editing clips, making DVD and Blu-ray menus, and sharing movies. By placing panels in the layout that best matches your working style, you can personalize your workspace. The additional panels adjust automatically to fit the window as you rearrange them. For various jobs, such as one for editing and one for preview, you can build and store multiple workspaces.
Understand the timeline
The timeline of your video is the backbone of your digital video editing process. It’s called a timeline because the various pieces of video will be lined up horizontally. In a video editing software, the timeline is where you arrange your video clips and plan out all the modifications you want to do. As you work, you will see every single one of your video and audio clips, effects, and transitions sorted chronologically from beginning to end. All the fundamentals of video editing, including reordering, trimming, and enhancing your footage, are available. To preview how your adjustments will turn out, you can also play your project at any point in the timeline.
Add clips to timeline
When you have grasped the idea behind a timeline, the next step you need to follow is to add clips into your timeline. Before adding clips to your timeline, it is suggested that you label each clip. Although it does seem like a lot of work, it will be easier to locate all of the clips later on if you're working on a large project. after the footages are gathered and named, add important clips in the beginning of the timeline to begin establishing the video's overall structure and order.
Editing tools
Besides basic cutting, trimming and cropping, video editing software offer multiple professional editing tools which enhance the outlook your videos and make them 10x better. For example, instead of cutting up a clip into a bunch of small clips and unwanted gaps, use the Ripple Edit tool keep your timeline clean. This means when a clip is trimmed, it causes a ripple effect throughout the rest of your timeline, shifting all other clips into a new timeline position.
Similarly, when working with lengthy timelines, the Razor tool is also really helpful because you can select the clip you wish to cut by dragging your razor over it. So, the Razor cut is the tool to use if you need to make a lot of cuts in your videos quickly.
Syncing audio and video
You already know how annoying it can be if audio and video don't sync while you're listening to a podcast or viewing a YouTube vlog. The video editing software offer helpful manual and auto sync tools. It can be though a bit of hard work for beginners, but the 'Lights, Camera, Action' approach works best in syncing your audio with your video. To sync audio, you need to record audio first and then through matching the wavelengths displayed on your timeline, you can sync the audio with your video.
Edit download talking head/interview footage
Now with professional video editing tools, you can make ‘talking head videos’ if you want to share your expertise as a YouTube vlogger or if you want to do employee training. Talking head films are a fantastic way to stimulate the mind and the heart while increasing learner retention in this digital age.
Additionally, with other video editing tools, you can edit your interview footages and for that, you don’t have to mess with timestamps, cutting or splicing videos, or creating transitions between clips, you just edit the transcript of the video and the video edits itself to match.
Video properties: Scale, position, opacity
Any screen recording, camera-based video, imported video clips, and text picture clips can have their visuals altered using video properties. In video editing software, multiple video properties are offered which include scaling, positioning, rotating, changing the opacity, changing level of reflection and shadow. Additionally, Video properties also include editing the video as a whole or just altering a clip from the video.
Types of cuts: Straight, J-Cut, L-Cut etc.
The different types of cuts used in the video editing process is an effective way to make the transitions in your video pop. Basically, these cuts join two or more clips together via audio. Professional editors call these cuts as ‘split edits. The most common cuts are called J-Cut and L-Cut. They help to mix the content's flow and keep the on-screen narrative in motion. In essence, these edits are necessary to make your scenes feel warm and more authentic.
Part 2: Practical Video Editing Tips
Choose right software
The push start of video editing for beginners is based on one common step: know your software or workspace. Selecting the appropriate software for editing your video is the first step in streamlining your video editing process. Although all software often includes the tools that you need to make ordinary video edits, you could favor one over the others based on its usefulness, digital interface, and features. Instead of just using the latest and trending video editing software available, the key is to choose what functions for you and your editing style.
Use a fast computer
Slow rendering hinders video editing process and other commands given to a computer. From a practical point of view, it is recommended that irrespective of the model of the computer or version of your software; your computer must be efficient to help you to access your files and software easily and to speed up your export time. With a slow computer, you will definitely feel stuck and the video editing complications will haunt you in your dreams.
Watch video editing tutorials
None of us is a pro until we’ve practiced something enough to know everything about it. Video editing requires both; technical knowledge as well as your creativity, so it is better not to do try things on your own. A little guidance can surely help you get through the basics of the video editing process. There are tons of helpful tutorials for making excellent videos on YouTube, vlogs, and educational websites. The majority of tutorials you'll discover online are free, making the readily available at the tip of your fingers.
Get the project files
Most of the beginner video editors prefer to use the same project files as the tutorial instructors when they are following along. Your work will exactly resemble the demo's sample, which will aid in your understanding of the steps. For precisely this reason, many tutorials let you download the project files. You can repeat a process with your own video files once you've mastered this technique.
Edit for a story
Remembering your creative objective to create a wonderful story or message through your edited video is one of the most crucial lessons you should learn from this article. It is critically important that you make your film visually appealing and dramatically engaging to effectively evoke the right emotions and to communicate your desired message. Instead of merely adding a huge amount of effects to wow your audience, use your practical and technical skills to do this.
Maintain an efficient workflow
You'll need to be systematic and organized in addition to having an editing software if you want to become a more competent editor. Putting your projects and files in folders that you may use repeatedly is one method to streamline your process. Besides this, organizing your projects and files into an external hard drive or USB is recommended in case of losing access to your intricately designed projects.
Utilize keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts speed up the process of video editing and save you ample time. Different keyboard shortcuts are compatible with different video editing software; leaving a few which are mutual in every software. Don't attempt to put all of these shortcuts into action at once. Pick a small number to begin with, and as they become instinctive, add more. You'll progress more quickly if you use less mouse while editing your video.
Learn important terms
As a beginner, you may not want to feel a lump in the throat caused by the complicated dictionary of video editing software. There are some broad video editing terms that refer to videography as a whole as well as video editing terms specific to the process of editing footage. You must first learn what these terms means for example you may want to know what the terms like ‘aspect ratio, B-roll, bit rate, close up, compression, crop and compositing’ mean.
Color correct your clips
Do you own a rather boring video? Perhaps it's a little too dull or the colors don't stand out as much as they should? A crucial step is to modify the video's color. This will assist in reducing the saturation and revive your video. Yet, there are some color correcting presets which can be easily accessed in different video editing apps.
Select good music
You ever saw an ad on YouTube or other social media platforms without an audio background. You may just want to skip it because the video, which may apparently be appealing, fails to strike you. Coordinating and complimenting your video with a music in the background is like cherry on top. It’s a huge plus to attract viewers’ attention. Though it is necessary that the music you choose must be relevant to your video file and should target the majority. So, choose good music to adorn your videos and trigger emotions in your target audience.
Add text and graphics
Some people are attracted more towards textual descriptions rather visual representation of content. It is crucial that considering the preferences of majority, you add significant details to your video which can target your audience in a multidimension. You might need to include more text in addition to the title, opening/closing billboards (for broadcasting), and film credits, depending on the type of film you're making. However, you can make dazzling visuals using your editing program if you feel the urge to do so.
Export web versions
When your film is finished and is ready to be exported, you would have a natural urge to export it at the highest video resolution possible. If it's going to be shown in theatres and on ultra-HD screens, this is unquestionably the best course of action. However, you should also export smaller, higher-quality versions for simpler viewing in the modern day where video projects are typically promoted online and on social media.
The objective of creating a file for the web is to keep its high quality while not making it too large for upload and online viewing. Don't worry if you're unsure of the export settings to utilize. Websites like Facebook, YouTube, and Vimeo all provide suggested export settings to assist you in correctly resizing your content.
Part 3: 10 Advanced Editing Tips for Professionals
We all definitely have experimented with video editing tools to some extent. But now, it is definitely time to become a pro. Don’t worry, the process isn’t as scary as we imagine it to be. This article is your best stop to grab some fine guidelines about how to become a video editor, in fact, a Pro video editor.
- Make titles stand out
You're skilled in video editing, but do your titles seem a little...unfinished? Do those lower thirds strike you as being monotonous and boring? Is your typography competing for attention against your pictures? It appears that you would benefit from some basic title design advice, and lucky for you, we have some. Your title must be readable by majority and always choose your safe way in selecting texts for example, a sans-serif typeface is usually going to be a safe choice for video. You can also animate text to highlight it so that it is more captivating.
- Put video inside text or logos effects
Videos resonate with your brand and content if you add a specific logo or text effects to it. Almost all the video editors allow this featuring so that the identification of your work is maintained and copyright claim can be imposed if you see your content being copied or manipulated.
- Add light leaks, film burns and lens flares
Incorporating unique transitions into your monotonous videos can get you your viewer’s attention in a go. Lens flares, light leaks, and film burns can result in a unique look, but are not always easy to add naturally in-camera. Some of the best video editing software which allow access to adding lens flares, light leaks and film burns include: Free 4K Light Leaks – RocketStock, Motion Array Free Light Leaks, WZZLY Free Light Leaks, LIGHT LEAK FILM OVERLAY and many more.
- Add the vintage old film look
The quick Instagram-category of filters are common today but what makes your videos more natural and appealing is the addition of some presets which almost every video editor offers. These presets add a classic vintage old film look to your videos by manipulating color correction effects, framerate settings, overlays, and aspect ratio hacks. Some popular vintage old film effects are found in software namely VSDC, VEED, Adobe Premium Pro and many others in list.
- Add type-on effect
A type-on effect added to your videos comprehend your content more firmly. Simply by tabbing on ‘Add text effect’ in any video editor, you can add type-on effect to your videos and to add ravishing component to the overall structure of your video.
- Zoom in or out effect
The zoom-in or out feature (if available) in your video editing software can allow you to magnify any part of your video quickly and easily. Some of the best video editors featuring this specification include: Wondershare DemoCreator Zoom in Video Effect, DaVinci Resolve, Wondershare Filmora , Windows Movie Maker and Apowersoft Screen Recorder.
- Custom wipe on/off reveal effect
The wipe on/off reveal transition or effect is one of the earliest ways of transitioning from one scene to another. An object (usually a line) moves across the screen, revealing the next scene, while simultaneously removing (or wiping) the previous scene and when used properly, they can create a very powerful effect. It involves creative fading in and out transitions to give a more dramatic look.
- 4k, 8k, HD resolution
The latest video editing software offer the export your edited video in multiple formats, out of which 4k, 8k and HD resolution formats are preferable for majority of the professional video editors. It is necessary that even after the video is uploaded to a platform, the pixels do not decrease and the quality of the video is maintained. Although attractive to the viewers, the higher the resolution, the more the data with which you must deal. It is suggested that a standard or default resolution is chosen to play and replay the video in different computers.
- B-roll
B-roll is secondary video that is frequently used as cutaway video to add context and visual interest to your story. The term is originated from the early days of Hollywood when there used to be an A-roll which was the primary video and B-roll which served as a secondary video footage. This can help you visualize your video from different dimensions, giving it a more realistic look for captivating viewers.
- Compression rate, bit depth, bit
The amount of data the camera records each second is referred to as bit rate. Every single second of a video is subject to significant data processing by cameras. The higher the quality of the video, the more is the bit rate. Bit depth refers to the number of colors your camera can read per pixel. Common bit depths are 8-bit and 10-bit, which enable a camera to read 256 million or 1.07 billion colors respectively. To upload your edited video, a compression is usually required to convert your resolution to internet quality so that the upload can be made simpler, without distorting the video resolution.
