Taking perfect shots while filming is only half of the journey; the other half is editing your work so that it grabs and retains the attention of your audience. The post-production stage of video-making is just as important (if not more) as the shooting process. This is where you put on your creative hat to give your video a professional and smooth feel.
Video editing is not unlike filming: they both require that you get in touch with your technical skills as well as your artistic side. However, this is not enough; the apps you use for this process are also important.
Even the best film producers need the right tools to make anything worthy of their name. To achieve this, having access to the best video editing software is essential. In this article, we will show you how to become a good video editor by giving you the best video editing tips. If you follow and apply them, your productivity as a film producer will increase and blossom.
However, before we get into this, let us take a look at a few video editing apps that you should know about. Even if you already have an application that you use for your post-production processes, you might still find these to be useful. On the other hand, if you are new to the film industry, you should consider downloading them as they have some of the best features to cover your video editing needs.
Although these apps require subscriptions, many free applications are also available. In this guide, you will also learn how to start editing videos for free by downloading the right tools. In the next section, you will see some of the best applications to use for film editing.
The Best Video Editing Software
1. Lightworks
One of the most typical questions we see is, “What is the easiest video editing software for beginners?” We cannot answer this question without mentioning Lightworks.
Lightworks is an easy-to-use, intuitive tool recommended for beginners and professionals alike. It is a free app that offers a comprehensive collection of detailed video tutorials for those just starting out on their video editing journey. It works on Linux, Mac, and Windows.
If you are confident in your skills, then you can subscribe to the Pro version of the tool at $24.99 per month.
2. VideoPad
VideoPad is an excellent video editing app that gives you access to professional editing tools at no cost. From 3D video editing to customizable transitions that make your films stand out, there is so much you can accomplish with this free-to-use application. Your only limit is your imagination. You can even export your finished files straight to your favorite social media platform from within the app.
It is compatible with Windows and macOS.
3. Premiere Pro
If you are a professional editor, Adobe’s Premiere Pro stands as one of the best video editing software tools that you can get your hands on. It is a favorite among film producers in the industry and runs on Windows and Mac devices. It has everything you need to stay on top of your video editing game. You can explore your creative and technical skills with this versatile tool.
It is paid software. Therefore, this might not be the best video editing app to start your journey with. However, those confident in their abilities will find the tool to be a worthy partner.
4. Final Cut Pro X
Final Cut Pro X is exclusively for macOS users. It has made a name for itself within the industry as an excellent app for making movies with ease. It is worth checking out if you are looking for a simple yet robust video editing tool for your Apple device.
Depending on your needs and skill level, you can pick any of these video editing apps. Now, let us look at the best video editing tips you need to know as a beginner and even as a professional.
5. Movavi Video Editor Plus
Movavi multimedia software, and especially Movavi Video Editor Plus, is a great way for beginners to start their road to success in video editing. You can work with your footage on a multitrack timeline, enhance videos with special effects like Chroma Key and object animation, as well as apply smooth Pan & Zoom transitions.
Besides that, you can work extensively with the audio track: adjust volume, remove noise, and use the reverberation tool to make the sound more voluminous.
All of Movavi’s tools are compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, and are suited for users of any experience level.
Video Editing Tips: What Are the Basics of Video Editing?
Every journey should start with the proper foundation. That way, the path is smoother, and the storm is easily weathered. You need to have the right skills and solid basics when it comes to video editing. These tips will increase your productivity and help you be the best of yourself, no matter your creative and technical expertise.
1. Begin before production
When it comes to answering the “What skills do video editors need?” question, the best filmmakers know that video editing begins even before the filming process has started. There are factors to put into consideration before you get to the post-production stage. For example, ask yourself if you need to take any special precautions while filming. This can include using soundproof padding to reduce echoes, using the right microphones, and selecting a good camera and the lens best suited for the scene you want to shoot.
Considering these decisions and making sure everything is as it should be will save you from falling into problems during the video editing stage. For example, by using the right equipment to eliminate echoes during filming, you have already eliminated half the challenges you would have otherwise encountered at the post-production phase.
2. Be clear on your vision
The next essential skill you should have as a video editor is the ability to ask yourself important questions about the footage you want to edit. You should have a vision before you start working on the film. First, think of the audience you are trying to reach with the video and the purpose it is going to serve.
Having a clear vision of the story you are trying to film will help you figure out basic things, such as how to arrange your clips. It also makes it easy to determine which parts need more attention and which scenes to lay emphasis on. Solving complex problems, such as what art style to go with and what visual direction to take, becomes straightforward when you have a mental picture of what you are trying to achieve.
3. Use quality hardware
It is one thing to have the right software for the job. However, having hardware with suitable specifications is an entirely different ball game. Having the correct system build allows apps to function without restrictions. The quality of your hardware plays a significant role in how well your apps will perform. With poorly designed hardware, you will find that your application will fail to work at full capacity.
For example, the best computers for video editing should have specifications that include a minimum of 4GB VRAM and 8GB of RAM. With this, film editors can edit their movies in 4K without the system hanging, crashing, or messing up their work.
Film producers who invest in powerful hardware will enjoy more productivity and a smooth workflow. In addition, if you wish to use cloud-based editing software, then having a fast connection is non-negotiable.
4. Choose the right video editing software
As we have already pointed out, your tools are as important as the job. Depending on your budget, needs, and skillset, you want to choose the video editing app best suited for the task at hand. If all you want is to execute a simple edit, you do not need to look too far. You can just use your system’s built-in video editor, such as Apple iMovie or Windows Video Editor. While these applications are not meant for advanced editing, they will do the job if you only need to carry out basic cuts and enhancements.
On the other hand, if you need tools with advanced video editing capabilities, there are mid-range and beginner-friendly apps that you can use. You can try Wondershare Filmora and Adobe Spark.
If your skillset is more advanced and you believe you are ready to play in the big leagues, you should check out these tools:
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Apple Final Cut Pro
Another thing to keep in mind is the pricing. Before purchasing any software, it is important to consider how much it will cost and if you really need to spend money on it. This is because a basic editing tool –which you can get for free – may be enough to serve your post-production needs. Unless it is for professional editing purposes, paying for advanced software might just be an unnecessary dent in your budget.
We recommend investing in an advanced video editing suite only when you need professional effects and have a budget for it.
5. Learn keyboard shortcuts
One of the quickest ways to improve your productivity is taking the time to learn frequently used keyboard shortcuts. This might sound counterintuitive and appear as a waste of time and energy. However, memorizing the shortcuts peculiar to your video editing app will save you lots of time in the long run.
For example, pressing V while using Adobe Premiere Pro will bring out the Selection Tool, while pressing Z will give you the Zoom Tool. To create a new project window, you can press Ctrl + Alt + N. You can also use the Ctrl + I shortcut to import the project you are already working on. In the same light, other video editing programs, such as Media Composer, Apple Final Cut Pro X, and DaVinci Resolve, all have their unique keyboard shortcuts.
Depending on your editing tool, learning these in-app shortcuts will save you the long journey of going to the Menu tab each time you need to use a function. Every video editing app has its unique set of keyboard shortcuts that are worth learning.
6. Learn the terminology
Every industry has its own language or terms that are peculiar to it. While these might sound like technical jargon, they are important for individuals delving into any field, making them unavoidable. Things are no different when it comes to the film and editing industry. Whether you want to or not, you will come across some strange terms at some point. Therefore, it is essential to familiarize yourself with them. Knowing terms peculiar to video editing will make it easier to understand important concepts.
You may come across terms such as montage and jump cuts while looking up tutorials. If you do not understand these terms, you will find it challenging to learn what is being taught in some video lessons or articles. Also, by taking the time to learn common terminologies in the field, you can easily describe your problem when performing a search.
Having this knowledge also makes it easier to learn advanced concepts as your skills improve. You will save yourself the stress of pausing your lessons midway just to look up the meaning of specific terms.
7. Organize your materials
Another good practice is to arrange your files before you start editing your footage. You can begin with labeling all your clips properly in the order you want them to appear in the final video. Creating separate folders where you arrange the music, images, and sounds required for a project helps you stay organized.
By using this technique, you will easily find the files you want when you need them. You do not have to waste hours trying to locate a music or image file amongst a cluster of other files when you should be working. This allows you to channel your time and energy into being creative, thereby increasing productivity and the quality of your work.
These days, many video editing apps offer you this functionality. Once you create a new project, they allow you to organize the files you need for a job within the app.
8. Have at least three backups
Before you start editing your videos, you should apply the 3-2-1 rule. This entails making three separate copies of each file that you will need for your video editing task. One of the backups should be on the hard drive of your PC. Another copy of the files should be stored in the cloud – there are several cloud storage platforms that you can use to safely back up your video files. The last one should be kept on an external storage device, like a memory card chip. You can also consider using a flash drive, depending on what is easily accessible to you.
9. Edit your videos for the web
While you might feel that it is good to export all your finished videos in the highest resolution possible, this is not the best idea. Yes, it will make your work look crisp and clear, but it has its downsides. First, if you want to get your videos in front of an online audience, it is important to remember that high-resolution footages are slower to load. This is especially true if your viewers are not using high-speed internet.
Therefore, you might want to create a few low-fidelity versions of your finished project. This way, you can easily share them on social media platforms, and people can load them quickly without losing interest. After all, no one wants to waste time on a video that takes a long time to load or one that keeps buffering continuously.
10. Color is essential
Color is the core element of every design, whether you are a graphic designer, digital artist, or film producer. It plays a crucial role in giving vibrancy and context to your story. While editing a video, ensure that you use consistent color schemes to convey each scene. This adds to the art style of your work.
This is especially important in video editing. Film producers use colors in broadly two different ways. The first is color correction, which is used to make adjustments to the hue and saturation of your video, giving it a more professional look and feel. On the other hand, color grading is used to differentiate between specific sequences, such as in a flashback scene. This makes a certain scene appear distinct from the rest of the film, adding depth to your story.
You can check out tutorials that give in-depth explanations on how color grading differs from color correction and how to use them both to increase your creativity.
How to Send Large Video Files and Folders
During the video editing process, you may want to use a platform that allows you to collaborate with other editors. Or you may need to send your video to your client once you are done editing it. This means that you need a way to send your footage quickly, no matter where the recipient is located. To this end, it is important to use a file transfer platform that is both secure and reliable. While there are many cloud-based tools out there, most of them place a lot of restrictions on users. For one thing, you will find that there is a limit to the file size you are allowed to upload at one go.
In addition, many file transfer platforms require users to pay a weekly or monthly subscription fee. Paying for a service’s long-term subscription if you only use it occasionally can be inconvenient. It will lead to the wasting of resources. So, you need a tool that offers you security and allows you to transfer large files and folders without paying any subscription fees. Upload speed is also of great importance. When trying to beat a deadline, you need an app that does not limit transfer speeds. Unfortunately, many file transfer platforms restrict the speed at which you can send large amounts of data.
FileWhopper is a cloud-based platform designed with the purpose of countering these flaws. The app allows you to share any file size of your choice with absolutely no limits! This means that you can send video projects of more than 500 TB in size at one go without restrictions. In addition, there are no subscription fees to worry about. All you have to do is choose the folder or file you want to send, and the application will show you a one-time price for the data size. There are no extra charges or complicated payment plans.
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Security is a serious issue when it comes to sharing sensitive information over the internet. FileWhopper comes with military-grade encryption capabilities that ensure nobody can intercept or view your data without your authorization. In addition, once your upload commences, the tool gives you a password and download link to share with your recipient(s). This extra layer of security means that a third party cannot access or download your file or folder without your permission.
FileWhopper has a unique feature that allows simultaneous uploads and downloads. This means that once you commence uploading a file, the recipient can start downloading it on their PC. They do not have to wait for the upload to complete at your end before they can access the video. This comes in handy when you or the recipient is short on time or dealing with a poor internet connection.
If you wish to use FileWhopper to collaborate on a project, send the link and password that the platform gives you to your colleague. This will allow them to open, download, and make changes to your video.
It is important to use a cloud-based platform that maintains the integrity of your videos. With FileWhopper, you can share a file of any format without converting or compressing it. This preserves the quality of your videos and ensures they stay as you made them even after being transferred over the Internet.
Users prefer FileWhopper because it saves upload progress and allows you to pick up from where you left off after an interruption like a power outage, connection breakup or sudden system reboot. It is able to accomplish this by using a tiny app that it installs on your computer. This lightweight app saves your upload progress automatically. If your battery runs out or your internet goes off without warning, the platform resumes the transfer process from exactly where it stopped once the connection is restored.
FileWhopper is a favorite among individuals who work with large video files. It allows you to easily collaborate on projects and send the results of your work to your clients, colleagues, friends, and family and ensures the safety and integrity of your videos.
Conclusion
To become a skillful video editor, you need to be efficient and productive and use the right tools. The tips in this guide will help you do this successfully.
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