How to Edit Videos

Open the video in your preferred editing program. You can choose any system you like, from free programs like Windows Media Maker and iMovie to paid ones like Avid or Final Cut. You can even edit simple clips on your smartphone or tablet using apps like Vee for Video or Magisto. Your choice depends entirely on your needs:

• If you want to add or join videos, include titles and/or background music, use basic effects, trim the beginning or end; free software can meet your needs. You can use many free online editing programs like YouTube's short video editor.
• If you want to add special effects or transitions, sound effects, color, lighting, or have tight control over the entire editing process, you should use professional editing software.
• Mobile software is often easier to upload to YouTube or Vimeo, allowing you to shoot, edit easily, and upload videos with just brightness adjustments.

Click on "File" and select "Save As" to create a copy of the original video. Always back up the unedited original video to avoid unexpected issues. Editors often save a new version each time they make changes, ensuring they retain the old version in case something goes wrong.

Drag the entire clip you want to add into the "Timeline." All editing software includes a timeline, where you arrange the sequence of clips for the final product. Even if editing a single clip, you still need to place it on the timeline.

Click and drag the endpoints of the clip to shorten or extend the beginning and end. Basic video editing is quite intuitive. You move, drag, and trim clips on the timeline, and the final product will reflect these changes. If combining more than two clips, you can refer to quick online guides if you're still unsure.

Add music and effects to the video after completing the edits. Once the video is cut and arranged, click "File" → "Import" to add background music, or select "Effects" or "Filters" to try out some special effects. Save your changes after editing -- it's wise to save major changes before continuing.

• Remember, you cannot use copyrighted music without permission if you intend to sell the video or use it for profit.

Add a title in the "Title" or "Text" dialog box. The naming may vary slightly across different software. Place the title before the video, effects, and music on the timeline -- this ensures the title remains unaffected by other changes.

• Position the title around the top or bottom third of the screen for a more professional look.

Export the final video for use whenever you need. Typically, you go to "File" → "Export" to share your video with the world. While there are many options, the most common video formats are .mov, .mp4, and .avi. These three formats are compatible with YouTube, Vimeo, most online platforms, and computers.

• Some programs have a "Save As" button, where you’ll see a menu to choose the video format when clicked.

Use high-quality, professional non-linear editing software. Non-linear editing (NLE) simply means you don’t have to edit clips manually. This term refers to advanced, feature-rich editing software with effective control. You can choose the right software:

• DaVinci Resolve: A new, free, and open-source video editing software. It’s constantly evolving, and its price makes it worth trying.
• Adobe Premiere: A classic choice, Premiere works well on both Mac and PC. If you use other Adobe products like Photoshop, you’ll find Premiere intuitive and easy to use.
• Final Cut Pro X: A specialized version of Final Cut, once considered the industry standard for a long time, though recent updates haven’t been as robust. It’s highly popular among Mac users.
• Avid: The standard for many professional film editors, Avid offers full functionality and an interface suited for large-scale projects.

Think about the "story" you want to tell. What is the video about? Does it convey a story or a script? Or is it just an interesting event you captured? A powerful speech you recorded? Identify the purpose of the video -- how do you want the viewer to feel after watching it? A good editor clarifies the idea and uses it to guide the editing process.

• What are the ideas, visuals, or key points of the video? How can you best convey them?
• Not every video needs a story -- you just need a clear idea and visuals to focus everything.

Keep the video concise without sacrificing quality. If a clip, moment, or image doesn’t add meaning to the story, remove it. In a good video, every frame has a purpose -- this isn’t a movie, just a short piece, so you need to keep the audience engaged throughout.

• If using a single angle, you can hide mistakes or slow moments with well-placed background music and text.

Transitions should be seamless and subtle. Flashy and abrupt transitions reveal the editor's lack of skill. Avoid attention-grabbing transitions and opt for simple fades, dissolves, or no transitions between clips. If you have a favorite effect, use it at the beginning or end of the video.

Remember the rule of thirds, especially when placing titles. Originating from photography, the rule of thirds helps create visually appealing frames for both videos and photos. Imagine dividing the frame into nine parts with two vertical and two horizontal lines. According to this rule, a well-composed image places key elements along these lines. When positioning text or editing images, align text, horizons, or special effects with this imaginary grid.

Balance colors, sound, and music to let the content shine. A skilled editor aims to remain invisible, especially in short videos. Use basic color correction tools, like the built-in color balance effect available in most programs, to make visuals smoother and more engaging. Lower the background music volume to ensure the camera audio is clear. Avoid overlapping loud sounds. Remember, the goal is to keep the audience focused on the content, not distracted by overpowering music or dull visuals.

Think about the editing process during your next video shoot. If you're filming simple, single-angle videos, you can skip this step. For other projects, remember that editing will come later, and plan your shots wisely. Consider the following tips:

• Learning video editing is easy, but mastering it is challenging. Start with basic clips and gradually work on longer projects or even a full movie to improve your skills.
• There are countless free articles and videos online that teach how to use the software you need. Explore the internet to expand your knowledge.
• This article focuses on editing short videos, not full-length films or long videos. For film editing tips, you can find additional resources online.