What is Video Editing
Video editing is the process of manipulating and rearranging video shots to create a new work. Editing is usually considered to be one part of the post production process — other post-production tasks include titling, colour correction, sound mixing, etc.
Many people use the term editing to describe all their post-production work, especially in non-professional situations. Whether or not you choose to be picky about terminology is up to you. In this tutorial we are reasonably liberal with our terminology and we use the word editing to mean any of the following:
- Rearranging, adding and/or removing sections of video clips and/or audio clips.
- Applying colour correction, filters and other enhancements.
- Creating transitions between clips.
The Goals of Editing
There are many reasons to edit a video and your editing approach will depend on the desired
outcome.
Before you begin you must clearly define your editing goals, which could include any of the following:
outcome.
Before you begin you must clearly define your editing goals, which could include any of the following:
Remove unwanted footage
This is the simplest and most common task in editing. Many videos can be dramatically improved by
simply getting rid of the flawed or unwanted bits.
simply getting rid of the flawed or unwanted bits.
Choose the best footage
It is common to shoot far more footage than you actually need and choose only the best material for
the final edit. Often you will shoot several versions (takes) of a shot and choose the best one
when editing.
the final edit. Often you will shoot several versions (takes) of a shot and choose the best one
when editing.
Create a flow
Most videos serve a purpose such as telling a story or providing information. Editing is a crucial
step in making sure the video flows in a way which achieves this goal.
step in making sure the video flows in a way which achieves this goal.
Add effects, graphics, music, etc
This is often the "wow" part of editing. You can improve most videos (and have a lot of fun) by
adding extra elements.
adding extra elements.
Alter the style, pace or mood of the video
A good editor will be able to create subtle mood prompts in a video. Techniques such as mood
music and visual effects can influence how the audience will react.
music and visual effects can influence how the audience will react.
Give the video a particular "angle"
Video can be tailored to support a particular viewpoint, impart a message or serve an agenda.
Different Types of Video Editing
There are several different ways to edit video and each method has its pros and cons. Although
most editors opt for digital non-linear editing for most projects, it makes sense to have an
understanding of how each method works.
most editors opt for digital non-linear editing for most projects, it makes sense to have an
understanding of how each method works.
This page provides a very brief overview of each method — we will cover them in more detail
in other tutorials.
in other tutorials.
Film Splicing
Technically this isn't video editing, it's film editing. But it is worth a mention as it was the first way
to edit moving pictures and conceptually it forms the basis of all video editing.
to edit moving pictures and conceptually it forms the basis of all video editing.
Traditionally, film is edited by cutting sections of the film and rearranging or discarding them.
The process is very straightforward and mechanical. In theory a film could be edited with a pair
of scissors and some splicing tape, although in reality a splicing machine is the only practical solution.
A splicing machine allows film footage to be lined up and held in place while it is cut or
spliced together.
The process is very straightforward and mechanical. In theory a film could be edited with a pair
of scissors and some splicing tape, although in reality a splicing machine is the only practical solution.
A splicing machine allows film footage to be lined up and held in place while it is cut or
spliced together.
Tape to Tape (Linear)
Linear editing was the original method of editing electronic video tapes, before editing computers
became available in the 1990s. Although it is no longer the preferred option, it is still used in some
situations.
became available in the 1990s. Although it is no longer the preferred option, it is still used in some
situations.
In linear editing, video is selectively copied from one tape to another. It requires at least two video
machines connected together — one acts as the source and the other is the recorder.
The basic procedure is quite simple:
machines connected together — one acts as the source and the other is the recorder.
The basic procedure is quite simple:
- Place the video to be edited in the source machine and a blank tape in the recorder.
- Press play on the source machine and record on the recorder.
The idea is to record only those parts of the source tape you want to keep. In this way desired
footage is copied in the correct order from the original tape to a new tape. The new tape becomes
the edited version.
footage is copied in the correct order from the original tape to a new tape. The new tape becomes
the edited version.
This method of editing is called "linear" because it must be done in a linear fashion; that is, starting
with the first shot and working through to the last shot. If the editor changes their mind or notices
a mistake, it is almost impossible to go back and re-edit an earlier part of the video. However,
with a little practice, linear editing is relatively simple and trouble-free.
with the first shot and working through to the last shot. If the editor changes their mind or notices
a mistake, it is almost impossible to go back and re-edit an earlier part of the video. However,
with a little practice, linear editing is relatively simple and trouble-free.
Digital/Computer (Non-linear)
In this method, video footage is recorded (captured) onto a computer hard drive and then edited
using specialized software. Once the editing is complete, the finished product is recorded back to
tape or optical disk.
using specialized software. Once the editing is complete, the finished product is recorded back to
tape or optical disk.
Non-linear editing has many significant advantages over linear editing. Most notably, it is a very
flexible method which allows you to make changes to any part of the video at any time. This is
why it's called "non-linear" — because you don't have to edit in a linear fashion.
flexible method which allows you to make changes to any part of the video at any time. This is
why it's called "non-linear" — because you don't have to edit in a linear fashion.
One of the most difficult aspects of non-linear digital video is the array of hardware and software
options available. There are also several common video standards which are incompatible with
each other, and setting up a robust editing system can be a challenge.
options available. There are also several common video standards which are incompatible with
each other, and setting up a robust editing system can be a challenge.
The effort is worth it. Although non-linear editing is more difficult to learn than linear, once you
have mastered the basics you will be able to do much more, much faster.
have mastered the basics you will be able to do much more, much faster.
Live Editing
In some situations multiple cameras and other video sources are routed through a central mixing
console and edited in real time. Live television coverage is an example of live editing.
console and edited in real time. Live television coverage is an example of live editing.
Live editing is a fairly specialist topic and won't concern most people.
Video Editing Terminology
Capture Device: A hardware or firmware device used to convert analogue video into digital video.
Compressors & Codecs: Software or firmware used to compress and decompress digital video.
Compression makes the file size smaller.
Compression makes the file size smaller.
Editing: The process of rearranging, adding and/or removing sections of video clips. Also, creating
transitions between clips. Editing is part of post-production.
transitions between clips. Editing is part of post-production.
Encoding: The process of converting digital video into a particular format, for example, saving a
video project in MGEG-2 format for DVD distribution.
video project in MGEG-2 format for DVD distribution.
Layering: Adding multiple layers of superimposed video.
Linear Editing: Also known as tape to tape editing. A method of editing in which footage is
copied from one tape to another in the required order.
copied from one tape to another in the required order.
Non Linear Editing: An editing method which uses computer software to edit the footage.
Transition: The way one shot changes to the next .
Post Production: Everything that happens to the video and audio after production, i.e. after the
footage has been shot. Post production includes video editing, audio editing, titling, colour
correction, effects, etc.
footage has been shot. Post production includes video editing, audio editing, titling, colour
correction, effects, etc.
Video marketing is becoming one of the rising trends in recent times in the marketing domain.
Most of the companies today are using the tool of video marketing and this is resulting in increasing
their sales manifold. In this fast-paced world a customer rather watch a short video rather than
reading an article which conveys the same message. With more and more companies opting for
video marketing lot of video editing tools are being developed and used in the market.
Most of the companies today are using the tool of video marketing and this is resulting in increasing
their sales manifold. In this fast-paced world a customer rather watch a short video rather than
reading an article which conveys the same message. With more and more companies opting for
video marketing lot of video editing tools are being developed and used in the market.
With the advent of many social video sharing platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, etc.
editing and creating videos has become very popular these days. There are a lot of software available
online which can be used to create and edit videos online without having the need to download
the software. In this article we have listed some of the most popular online video editing tools.
editing and creating videos has become very popular these days. There are a lot of software available
online which can be used to create and edit videos online without having the need to download
the software. In this article we have listed some of the most popular online video editing tools.
Top 10 Video Editing Tools
With video marketing gaining so much popularity in the industry, there are several new video editing
tools being developed. Even beginners are easily able to create videos and edit them. Some of the
best video editing tools are listed here -
tools being developed. Even beginners are easily able to create videos and edit them. Some of the
best video editing tools are listed here -
10. Adobe Premiere Clip:
Adobe has some of the best editing apps. The one in question is a mobile app, supported by both
Android and iOS. Upon selection of images or video clips, you have the option to either customize
the end-product yourself or let the app do the work for you. You can modify the audio, edit images
and videos, in addition to adding titles, transitions and other cool effects.
Android and iOS. Upon selection of images or video clips, you have the option to either customize
the end-product yourself or let the app do the work for you. You can modify the audio, edit images
and videos, in addition to adding titles, transitions and other cool effects.
The app can also work with Premiere Pro CC, Capture CC and Lightroom, provided that you are
subscribed to the Adobe Creative Cloud.
subscribed to the Adobe Creative Cloud.
9. Clipchamp Create:
It is perhaps the most giving video editing tool that exists. It has multiple subscription packages
but even the free version allows you to edit multiple videos, utilize countless editing tools and
(once you are done) export your videos without watermark (This is only supported for videos with
a resolution of 480p for now). Watermark will still be found on stock clips.
but even the free version allows you to edit multiple videos, utilize countless editing tools and
(once you are done) export your videos without watermark (This is only supported for videos with
a resolution of 480p for now). Watermark will still be found on stock clips.
The Premium package costs $9 while the business one costs $19 per month and the price is definitely
worth it as the upgraded versions allow you to access the stock library and download videos at
visually pleasing resolutions.
worth it as the upgraded versions allow you to access the stock library and download videos at
visually pleasing resolutions.
Apart from that, many other tools come along with Clipchamp as well such as a video converter,
compressor and a webcam recorder.
compressor and a webcam recorder.
8. Wave.video by Animatron:
It is an online tool which utilizes drag and drop features to help you in editing your videos.
Resizing is an option as well, allowing you to adjust the size of videos according to the platform
on which they are supposed to be posted.
Resizing is an option as well, allowing you to adjust the size of videos according to the platform
on which they are supposed to be posted.
It has multiple packages as well but the free one allows you to create 10 video clips and export
them as 2 minute clips in standard quality. In addition to that, you can upload 20 images and 10
audio files as well as long as the size limit doesn’t cross 500 MB for each format
(video, audio and image). The premium packages will give you access to stock footage as well.
them as 2 minute clips in standard quality. In addition to that, you can upload 20 images and 10
audio files as well as long as the size limit doesn’t cross 500 MB for each format
(video, audio and image). The premium packages will give you access to stock footage as well.
7. Soapbox by Wistia:
Although it is a Chrome extension, it offers exceptional functionalities such as recording, editing,
sharing and measuring. It is an ideal tool for content creators who post “Reaction” videos as
Soapbox records both the screen as well as webcam, because of which you can experience
a “split screen” view.
sharing and measuring. It is an ideal tool for content creators who post “Reaction” videos as
Soapbox records both the screen as well as webcam, because of which you can experience
a “split screen” view.
Through the free version, you can create and customize countless videos, make a catchy thumbnail,
modify the player color and add a link to the end of video. In order to access advanced features
such as tracking engagement, downloading and others, an annual $300 plan needs to be purchased.
modify the player color and add a link to the end of video. In order to access advanced features
such as tracking engagement, downloading and others, an annual $300 plan needs to be purchased.
6. VidLab:
This tool (only available on iOS at the moment) allows you to add and adjust text, images and
audio clips. You can remove the tool’s watermark for just $1.99 and unlock advanced video &
sound effects and other features for just $5.99.
audio clips. You can remove the tool’s watermark for just $1.99 and unlock advanced video &
sound effects and other features for just $5.99.
5. iMovie:
This one has got to be the go-to video editing tool for Mac users as it offers both basic and
advanced editing functionalities absolutely free of any charges. The mobile app enables you to
edit videos on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
advanced editing functionalities absolutely free of any charges. The mobile app enables you to
edit videos on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
4. FilmoraGo:
Looking for an app that makes you feel like a professional editor working with cutting-edge tools?
Look no further as FimoraGo is that video editing app. It offers basic and advanced features
such as themes, transitions, trimming/splitting, speed control, dubbing, speed regulation,
audio mixing and animation.
Look no further as FimoraGo is that video editing app. It offers basic and advanced features
such as themes, transitions, trimming/splitting, speed control, dubbing, speed regulation,
audio mixing and animation.
FilmoraGo doesn’t require you to limit your video lengths to a specified limit and doesn’t
add a watermark on the end product as well. It is absolutely free and you can easily download
it on your iOS and/or Android devices.
add a watermark on the end product as well. It is absolutely free and you can easily download
it on your iOS and/or Android devices.
3. Adobe Spark Video:
Another Adobe software that we highly recommend! It offers themes, layouts and storyboards
to assist you in putting together a visual masterpiece. It will add a small Adobe Spark watermark
along with the video but in order to compensate for that, it will allow you to access all of its
basic editing features for free!
to assist you in putting together a visual masterpiece. It will add a small Adobe Spark watermark
along with the video but in order to compensate for that, it will allow you to access all of its
basic editing features for free!
In case you are subscribed to Adobe Creative Cloud, you will be able to remove the watermark
and utilize other advanced features. There is an iOS app for Spark too.
and utilize other advanced features. There is an iOS app for Spark too.
2. Movavi Video Editor Plus and Video Editor Clips:
These two tools are simply what an aspiring YouTuber needs. Movavi Video Editor Clips,
supported by both Android and iOS, allows videos to be created in different aspect ratios.
The free version adds a watermark to the video but the paid version (beginning at $1.99 per month)
lets you remove it and add a logo of your own and even animation stickers. Starting
at $39.95, the desktop version of the software also exists.
supported by both Android and iOS, allows videos to be created in different aspect ratios.
The free version adds a watermark to the video but the paid version (beginning at $1.99 per month)
lets you remove it and add a logo of your own and even animation stickers. Starting
at $39.95, the desktop version of the software also exists.
The Movavi Video Editor Plus is an exceptional tool for beginners using either Windows or Mac.
It’s easy to use and conveniently adjusts to the system you are using, even if it is an outdated one.
In addition to that, it has an intro mode which will create a special intro for your videos.
Last but not the least, it has a wide collection of effects and built-in files and features.
To top it all, it is highly affordable.
It’s easy to use and conveniently adjusts to the system you are using, even if it is an outdated one.
In addition to that, it has an intro mode which will create a special intro for your videos.
Last but not the least, it has a wide collection of effects and built-in files and features.
To top it all, it is highly affordable.
1. Headliner:
Adding Subtitles to videos has become highly important today in order to increase the video’s
reach so it can be enjoyed by viewers from different parts of the world and those
with hearing problems.
reach so it can be enjoyed by viewers from different parts of the world and those
with hearing problems.
Thanks to Headliner, you can now just upload a video and expect it to generate subtitles through
the audio or you can also upload an article with the video captions. In addition to that, you can
look up GIF files, videos or other images and upload them so they can be added to your video as well.
the audio or you can also upload an article with the video captions. In addition to that, you can
look up GIF files, videos or other images and upload them so they can be added to your video as well.
The tool is free and you are encouraged to find out the reason behind it as the Headliner team
has explained it in the most entertaining way imaginable.
has explained it in the most entertaining way imaginable.
How did you find our list? Which tool described above suits your editing requirements? Sound
off in the comments section.
off in the comments section.
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