Whether you’re an aspiring YouTuber or just looking to make some cool home movies for a family project, learning the basics of video editing software is an essential step in creating something truly special. And, luckily, you don’t have to be an expert to start making your own captivating clips. In this article, we’ll provide a beginner’s guide to video editing software so you can get started on making your first video masterpiece with confidence.
1. What Video Editing Software Is and What It Does
Video Editing Software (VES) is a specialized program used to edit video content. VES offers a range of tools you can use to alter your recorded footage and turn it into something beautiful. With VES, you can create anything from a home movie for friends and family to an award-winning documentary.
Here’s what you can do with VES:
- Edit videos: Cut the length of clips, crop out unwanted footage, and rearrange pieces however you like.
- Add effects: Create transitions, adjust color contrast and brightness, add text and graphics.
- Compile: Overlay music, upload and combine separate clips, and create scenes with audio.
VES offers a broad range of features that can help you create stunning videos of any length and complexity. The sheer number and range of editing options available can seem confusing to beginners, but VES is an incredibly powerful tool once you’ve mastered the basics.
2. What Features to Look for When Choosing Software
When searching for a video editing software, there are certain features to look for. After all, not all software is the same! Here are some features to consider when choosing your software:
- Ease of Use: Video editing can be a complex process, so having a user-friendly interface is essential. Look for a software with an intuitive interface that is easy to learn and navigate
- Compatibility: Make sure that the software is compatible with your operating system and is able to work with the type of videos you’ll be editing.
- Features: Different software come with different features. Depending on the type of videos you’ll be editing, consider the features you need such as a subtitle tool, a noise reduction tools, and more.
- Supported Formats: Verify that your software supports the formats you need. If you plan on sharing your videos online, make sure the software can export in the formats you need.
- Price: Pay attention to the cost of the software and make sure it fits in your budget. You might find that free software is enough to start, or you might need to upgrade to a paid version.
Compare different software and read reviews to get the best value for your money. Once you find the right software, you can start learning and creating amazing videos.
3. Finding Free and Affordable Options
It’s important to find video editing software that fits within your budget. Here are some free and affordable options to consider, organized from least to most expensive:
- iMovie – iMovie is a free program that comes with Mac computers, tablets and iPhones making it a great no-cost option for the budget-savvy.
- Premiere Rush – A great low-cost option from Adobe and available on Mac and Windows machines. Premiere Rush includes a New Media Library as well as access to Stock Assets and Story Blocks.
- HitFilm Express – A free program that includes lots of stunning effects and tutorials to help you get started. It’s available on Mac and Windows.
- Adobe Premiere Pro – The industry-standard software delivered by Adobe. Premiere Pro offers powerful tools, vector graphics, visual effects as well as AI integration. One license is available for a reasonable $20.99/month.
- Final Cut Pro X – Apple’s powerhouse software is more expensive with a license for around $299.99. But it’s packed with features, and includes a free 30-day trial.
Video editing software can feel intimidating and expensive, but luckily there are free and affordable options to consider. Try one of these options and start creating videos that you’re proud of.
4. Tips for Streamlining Your Workflow
Feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of video editing software? Don’t despair – that’s why we’ve put together this beginner’s guide. Doing your own video editing can be a challenging but rewarding experience, and knowing how to use the tools available can help you streamline your workflow and make it easier. Here are our top four tips for keeping it all on track.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment – familiarize yourself with all the features, take advantage of tutorials and training opportunities, and see what works best for you and your project.
- Create templates to make sure you’re using the same settings each time – this way, you only have to set up each project once.
- Organize your clips and assets into easily manageable folders. That way, you know where everything is when you need it.
- Take advantage of automation and shortcuts to optimize your workflow and save time. Knowing the existing tools and available scripting options can help streamline your edits and make your life easier.
These are just a few of the ways you can begin to streamline your video editing environment – do what works best for you and tailor it to your needs. With a little planning and some experimentation, your workflow will soon be an efficient and optimized machine.
5. Taking the Next Steps in Video Editing
Once you have a good sense of how basic video editing software works, the next step is to practice making actual edits. Follow these steps to take the plunge!
- Collect footage to use. You can easily shoot footage yourself, using a good-quality camera or smartphone, but the Internet is full of free and paid-for public domain and Creative Commons licensed video footage that you can use.
- Decide on your project. Think about what kind of edits you’ll make and the end goal. Is this for a client, for personal use, or to learn new skills?
- Set up a timeline. Decide what order your assets should go in, the length of each shot you’ll include, the placement of elements in each frame, and any other items you need to set up.
- Load assets into the timeline. If you have files stored on a computer, drag and drop these into a timeline, timeline track, or the source panel.
- Edit the sequence. Now the hard work begins. Arrange each clip in the order you desire, making sure each is aligned properly. Trim each clip or add transitions to clip boundaries, adjust color, add titles, and import sound.
- Export the final project. When you’re done, save the project, export it in the desired format, and it’s ready to use!
These steps are just the basics of what you can achieve with video editing software. As with any skill, the more you practice, the better you become. Experiment with different methods and don’t be afraid to try new things. Good luck!
We hope this beginner’s guide to video editing software has been a helpful resource in finding the right software for you. As you get familiar with the basics, you’ll be able to fully take advantage of the creative tools video editing offers. If you have any other questions or if you want to share your video editing journey, please join the conversation and comment below.