Video editing is a useful skill to have, either professionally or for your own recreational needs.
But, when you’re first getting started learning how to edit, it can be intimidating to manage the software and teach yourself the processes to create content. So, how do you work through that?
We’re here to help. Let’s go through how to edit videos.
Have the Right Equipment
Make sure that you have the right computer setup for video editing. Get a computer that can properly run your video editing software. You’ll need plenty of RAM, a multi-core processor, and as much memory as possible for the ideal video editing computer. Have external hard drives on hand to manage your footage.
For Mac video editing, look into your options and ensure that you have the best possible computer for your needs. And, you’ll want to have high-quality industry-standard video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere.
Video editing technology changes all the time, though, so keep an eye out for the latest news.
Stay Organized When You’re Editing
It may sound silly, but it’s so important to stay organized when you’re editing. Files can get disconnected when you move them around, and it’s a hassle to have to relink everything every time you open a project.
Create a folder directory system, and stick to it. Use the same file naming convention every single time you start a project. Keep each type of file in its own folders (“graphics”, “music”, et cetera), and keep your exports and your original footage separated. Make sure that your project autosaves are going to the right place)
If you’re keeping your files on an external hard drive, wait until you connect your hard drive properly before you open up an existing project to avoid file linking issues.
Practice Your Editing
Like with most things, practice makes perfect when it comes to editing. Regularly practicing your video editing will help you pick up new tricks and come up with a workflow that works best for you. So, set up time as often as possible to work on your video editing.
You can also learn in other ways. Watch videos that explain different things that you need done. Read books and articles that explain different editing techniques.
Look at examples of videos that use editing techniques that you find interesting, and try to recreate them yourself with your footage. Practicing your skills will make you a more creative video editor, and a faster video editor as well.
Keep Audio in Mind
The audio quality of a video can make or break its watchability. So, always make sure you’re doing everything you can to improve your audio quality. If your audio was recorded in a windy place, for example, there are different filters you can use to reduce the sound of the wind.
You can also use other, specialized programs, such as Adobe Audition, to further improve your video’s sound quality.
Consider Color Correction
Proper color correction is an often overlooked part of the editing balance. Always white balance your clips, particularly if you’re seeing a greenish or pinkish hue. Make sure that you’re color correcting properly for your subjects’ skin tone.
There are speciality programs and technology that can improve your color quality, but when you’re first starting out, it’s best to just use the color corrector built into your primary video editing software.
Keep It Simple, Stupid
It’s easy to go overboard with effects and transitions when you first get started video editing. It’s exciting!
But, it’s always better to keep it simple. Adding too much to your video will make it busy, and takes away from the story and the quality of your footage.
So, use transitions and effects sparingly, and they’ll be more impactful when you do throw them in. You don’t want to go overboard in other ways, too. Don’t add too much music, or too much in the way of graphics.
Start with the bare minimum, and add more once you’ve seen the finished project. You want your video to be able to speak for itself.
Check Your Export Settings
Make sure your export and sequence settings are correct. Different settings are better for different things — for example, you’d use different frame rates and sizes for YouTube than you would for broadcast news.
Most video editing software will offer you presets, so you don’t have to guess about what your settings should be. You can also look up the ideal export options for your format online if you don’t see a setting that looks like it will work for you.
Have Plenty of B-Roll
If you’re editing a live stream or an interview, it may be tempting to keep it as one shot with transitions or cutaways. But, a better way to cover your edits is b-roll footage. B-roll allows you to further illustrate the concepts that your subject is discussing, and adds more visual interest to your video.
So, when you’re in the shooting process, capture as much b-roll as possible. You can also look into stock footage if there just isn’t a lot of things you can shoot to add b-roll to your video.
How to Edit Videos? Get Started
Now, you know how to edit videos like a professional. What are you waiting for? Start shooting footage so that you can start editing your next all-star video.
Looking for more tips and tricks? Check out our blog for everything you need to know.
