Getting a grip on how to edit videos correctly takes some time. You wouldn’t want to be a half-baked editor because everyone wants to work with professionals. Lightworks is a powerful editing tool that helps beginners to edit better. This tool doesn’t provide much on the tutorial or introductory side. However, once having correctly mastered its functionality, Lightworks 14.5 is one of the most useful free video editing tools.
The most recent version of the Lightworks video editor has been operating officially since October 2018. The non-linear editing system helps editors export finished products in different formats, including 2K and 4K resolutions. Are you interested in learning how to trim a video in Lightworks 14.5? Keep reading this article as I will take you behind the scenes and break it down.
Before We Get Started – Gather System Requirements
If you’re to use Lightworks 14, you can prepare yourself by understanding the system requirements correctly. Good news for everyone. The Lightworks 14 version is compatible with all operating systems. Skipping the worry on getting the right OS, here are the specs that you need to get right when dealing with Lightworks 14:
- You need a lightning-fast internet connection throughout the installation process.
- Be sure to have at least 4 GB of free space. The more, the better.
- Clear a minimum of 200 MB of disk space before initiating the installation.
- Check that you’re using an Intel i7 chipset or a later version.
- Get an excellent sound card.
- Your resolution must be at least 1080p or better, otherwise you’d be doing yourself and Lightworks a disservice.
- Have a PCI Express graphics card with at least 1 GB of free space available.
- If using Lightworks 14.5 on the Windows OS, be sure to have DirectX9.
How to edit videos in Lightworks
Lightworks version 14.5 is a freemium video editing tool. There are free aspects that work perfectly, especially for beginners looking to get started. Then there are premium services that are paid for and that are mostly needed by professional editors who have more years of experience.
On the free version, while one can get a lot of rewarding editing, the only available output format is MPEG4/H.264. If you want to download the edited version in another format, then you will need the Pro version. Lightworks 14 Pro gives editors the option of downloading in Broadcast, Blu-Ray, AVI, OMF, XDCAM, AAF, MOV, HD/EX, XML, and even Web-compatible formats. The simplified explanation is that while the free version of Lightworks comes with powerful features, it’s quite limited in its export options, making one’s hard work almost futile in the end.
To get started, the free version of Lightworks 14 should suffice. After getting the hang of the system and understanding how it works, you can upgrade to the Pro version. Start slowly by paying for the monthly subscription, then move to the annual package (which is financially wise as the amount needed is not as much as when paying for the monthly subscription in the long run).
For your information, here are the pricing options offered by Lightworks:
- $0 for the Free Trial
- $25/month for the Lightworks Pro Month license
- $175/month for the Lightworks Pro Year license
- $438 for the Lightworks Pro Outright license
Actual Steps on Editing - Lightworks 14 Tutorial
This short but efficient tutorial on how to use Lightworks 14 follows the Fixed layout. Although similar to the traditional flexible layout, the new version is somewhat different. Follow the steps listed below to get started:
1. Create a new project
Get started by starting a new project. Follow these easy, simple steps:
Step 1: On your screen, click on the Create a New Project link.
Step 2: A new dialogue box pops up. This is where you need to input all the details about the new project. Enter the Project name, then select the frame rate. If you want to work with different frame rates, then select Mixed rates. Then click on the Create button.
Step 3: The new project opens up on your screen alongside a log tab.
This log tab has a unique purpose. It’s meant to open four unique tiles on the screen, each with unique features.
2. Upload source materials
When uploading the source materials, you have to import them from your files. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Click on Local files.
Step 2: Click on the Places tab. This allows you to locate the file or folder that you want. Only files and folders with frame rates that match your current project can be selected for import.
Step 3: A drop-down menu appears with a list of file import methods. Select the method that works best for you from the Create Link, Copy Local and Transcode options.
Step 4: Click the file or video clip that you’d like to import. You can select multiple clips at once by pressing the Ctrl/Shift key. Alternatively, drag and drop the video clips you are interested in importing.
3. Play back the video in the viewer
Step 1: Select the tile or list by dragging it to the viewer or double-clicking over it. Once opened in the source viewer, the media name gets displayed at the top of the viewer so you won’t be confused.
Step 2: Use the mouse or keyboard shortcuts to start playing the media file.
Step 3: Locate the red frame marker in the indicator strip to move through the selected media.
4. Add the video to the timeline
Under the Edit tab, move the selected video clip to the content manager window. Move it to the timeline. Use the plus icon in the upper left corner of your screen to zoom in on the content you’re about to edit.
5. Get started with the actual video editing
Step 1: Move the mouse cursor over the part of the uploaded video you would like to trim. Clip it out using the brackets.
Step 2: The trimmed-off part will remain enclosed in yellow brackets, while the rest of the video is unmarked.
Step 3: The current screen on your Lightworks editor changes to the Trim View mode. This leaves only the part of the video that has not been cut.
Step 4: Click on the Preview button under Viewer to start playing both videos in sequence.
Step 5: Review the final version of the video that you have just edited. If you still need more work, start again from Step 1. When satisfied, you can exit the Trim View mode by closing the tab.
6. Export the final video
After reviewing the edited video, export your final clip out of the Lightworks 14 software tool.
Step 1: Right-click on the edited clip. A pop-up menu with options will open up. Select Export.
Step 2: The option expands, and this is where you select the output format. Select your desired specs for media files, camera formats, sub-menu headings, backups, and a whole set of other features.
Step 3: After selecting the desired specs, you can select the final export format type.
Step 4: If you’re on the free version, you can only download in MPEG4/H.264 or straight to a hard drive, but on the paid plan, there are a lot more formats that you can select.
So what is the best video editing software? Before you came across this article, whenever asked, you might have had several tools on your list. But if you’ve not only just read this article but have actually given Lightworks version 14.5 a try, your answer will be straightforward from now forth. Lightworks 14 has been the game changer most editors never knew they needed. This editing tool takes an amateur and turns them into a grandmaster in a matter of minutes.
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