Video editing can be a daunting task for novice videographers. Whether you’re creating tutorials, vlogs, promotional content, or storytelling videos, the process involves selecting files, editing rushes, and assembling footage. To make this process easier, consider these tips and tools for beginners. By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge to create a proper video montage.
1. Start with a Clear Idea
Before diving into video editing, have a clear idea of your video’s story. Create a storyboard to outline the introduction, body, and conclusion. Identify the objective, message, and target audience for your video. This will help you plan and focus on the essential elements during filming.
2. Ensure Good Filming Conditions
Follow professional filming tips, considering distance, positioning, lighting, and weather conditions. Use accessories like a lens hood, soundproof padding, tripod, microphone, stabilizer, and SD card to enhance the quality of your footage.
3. Choose Video Editing Software for Beginners
Opt for user-friendly video editing software that supports various video formats. Some recommended software includes Canva, Invideo, Shortcut, Movavi, PowerDirector, iMovie, and Final Cut Pro. Choose based on your platform (Windows, iOS, or Mac) and your level of expertise.
4. Logging Stage
Before starting the editing process, organize and clean your rushes. View all your shots, sort them into folders, name them, and make notes of key scenes. This step helps save time during the editing process.
5. Focus on Transitions
Transitions are visual effects that smooth the flow between scenes. Common transitions include dissolve, fade to black, and clear transitions. Experiment with different transitions to create a video that matches your storyboard.
6. Reduce Noise
Use noise-canceling plugins to reduce unwanted noises in your video. These plugins are more efficient than band-pass filters and contribute to a more professional final result.
7. Add Subtitles
Include subtitles in your video to make it accessible without sound. Stay consistent with your video’s visual identity, and use free fonts available on websites like Dafont.com. Several video editing software and platforms like YouTube allow easy subtitle integration.
8. Insert Music Thoughtfully
Choose royalty-free music to avoid common tunes provided with editing software. Vary the music according to key events, and adjust audio levels to maintain listener engagement. Pay attention to sound effects and set the sound to -6db to prevent saturation.
9. Grade Your Video
Grading involves adding filters to enhance your video’s color and overall quality. Adjust white balance, correct grain, manage brightness, and apply other retouching techniques to make your video look more professional.
10. Export in the Right Formats
When exporting your video, choose formats suitable for the intended platform. For web-based content, prefer light formats that are easily shareable on social networks without slowing down your website.
By following these ten tips and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be on your way to producing quality videos. Experiment with different editing tools, test multiple times, and take advantage of free plans to find the one that best suits your needs. Happy editing!