Do you want to start making movies and videos? Looking for the best video editing tips that you can use as a beginner?
If you want to start making movies and videos in your spare time, you’ll need to know how to edit them well. A lot goes into editing videos, so you’ll have your work cut out for you. However, if you keep some of the basics in mind at all times, you’ll have a chance of making some great videos, even as a beginner.
Be sure to check out the video editing checklist below if you’re ready to improve your video editing skills.
1. Use Powerful Video Editing Software
One of the first steps to great video editing is to make sure you have powerful video editing software to use.
While many computers will come with a simple video editing program, you may want to invest in more powerful editing software if you plan on doing a lot of video editing or want more features and flexibility. Some of the most popular video editing platforms include Adobe Premiere Pro CC and Final Cut Pro X.
Be sure to read reviews to find the best video editor for your particular operating system. If you use Mac, you may want to check out setapp.com to find a great Mac video editor.
It’s a good idea to choose one software to use and then stick to it. This way, you can learn all of the ins and outs of the software and its various features.
2. Stay Organized
Another key to great video editing is organization. You should be sure that you keep all of the files that you’ll use for video editing organized in folders and subfolders. This way, you’ll always be able to find any footage that you need for different projects and won’t have to dig extensively to find what you’re looking for. Also, be sure that you use good naming conventions so that you can easily recognize what each file is.
On top of this, make sure that you avoid clutter. Get rid of any files and videos that you don’t need or that didn’t come out the way that you planned.
3. Trim Your Videos
When editing video files, make sure that you trim out empty space during a video. Always start your video from the right place and cut out anything that isn’t needed.
Learning how to use basic video clip trimming and editing features is essential and can allow you to make your videos concise and interesting. Dead space in your video can take up unnecessary time and will make your video uninteresting to those who watch it.
Make sure that you cut your video well and go straight to the interesting parts of any video clips that you’ll be using.
4. Learn How to Use Color Correction
One of the essential tools that you should know how to use in video editing programs is color correction.
Depending on how a video was taken, it can take quite a bit of color correction to fix the video and make sure it looks balanced. You should be sure you know how to use white balance, levels, and curves to improve the look of your video and ensure that the color is balanced.
Be sure that you familiarize yourself with how to use color correction in your editing program. By using these tools, you’ll be able to make your video look more vibrant and natural and can alter brightness and contrast as needed.
5. Make Use of B-Roll
If you want to make a great video, be sure that you always utilize b-roll footage. B-roll can be helpful for making your video seem more professional and can add to the production. B-roll can help when making transitions between different shots and can provide different perspectives on the same scenery.
While you’ll need to do some planning ahead of time to make sure you have b-roll footage to use, be sure that you make use of it if you have it.
6. Pay Attention to Audio
If you’re focused on editing video, it can be easy to forget about the importance of audio as well. However, it’s important that you do everything you can to add captivating, high-quality audio to any videos you edit.
Remember that too much silence can make your video seem unprofessional. Make sure that there aren’t any awkward silences in your video and that you add background music where needed.
It’s best to ensure you capture good audio when initially recording a video. However, you should also do everything you can during post-production to improve the sound and make sure that it’s as clear as possible.
Avoid neglecting the audio in your video, but instead, ensure that you give it the attention it deserves.
7. Understand Compression and Video Export Settings
Another essential of video editing is understanding video formats and export settings. You should be sure to do some research and find out what all the different exporting settings are in your video editing program.
There are different types of video compression that you can use when rendering a video. The quality and size of your video will change based on the compression type you use.
High-quality video files will usually take up more space. Lower quality files will be easier to share because they’ll have smaller file sizes.
Be sure that you understand the different compression options and think carefully about which one is right for your project.
Improving Your Skills With This Video Editing Checklist
If you want to make some great videos with your editing software, be sure that you use this video editing checklist. By following the checklist above, you’ll have all of the basics down and will be able to edit some great videos in your spare time.
In search of more video shooting and editing tips? Start browsing our blog now to discover more useful video tips.
