![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/benji215com.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/default_a_stunning_artistic_portrait_photograph_featuring_a_yo_2.jpg?ssl=1\")
<\/figure>Are you finally ready to have awesome looking videos produced from your raw video footage? Well, don\u2019t wait any longer! This free Beginner\u2019s Guide to Video Editing is a must-have for those who want to get good at editing videos, guaranteed to put you from a zero to a hero, so start CLICK HERE NOW!<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>1. Choose the Right Software<\/strong><\/p>Step one: choose a weapon: given the enormous and ever-changing sea of options when it comes to video editing software, you might be daunted by the task. So, let\u2019s keep it simple: if you are just getting started, download iMovie (Mac) or HitFilm Express (Mac and Windows) and get yourself something that\u2019s intuitive and full-featured enough to keep your interest as you develop your skills.<\/p>
“But professional software is better, right?”<\/p>
Not at all! Start simple. You can always upgrade later. Learn the basics on beginner-friendly software, then you can move on to more complex programmes like Adobe Premiere Pro.<\/p>
2. Organize Your Media<\/strong><\/p> Picture trying to prepare a gourmet meal in a messy kitchen. That sounds like a nightmare, right? Well, your video-editing experience will be the same if your media files aren\u2019t properly organized \u2013 have folders for videos, audio, images, and the rest of your assets. It\u2019ll save you time and frustration down-the-line.<\/p>
3. Learn Basic Cuts and Transitions<\/strong><\/p> But before you think about all the bells and whistles, make sure you\u2019ve mastered the basics \u2013 the essential stuff that goes in to making any really good video. You can start really simply. Learn how to trim and crop, and how to make cuts from one clip to another. Then try adding some simple transitions \u2013 the crossfade is great for moving from presentation titles to slides and the vanishing wipe is too cool not to try at least once \u2013 and you\u2019ll find that you already have the beginnings of a pretty professional-looking finished sequence.<\/p>
“Speaking of effects, we’ll get to some cool tricks later. But first…”<\/p>
4. Focus on the Story<\/strong><\/p> Without a story, a video is the same as a book without a plot: boring! Do you want a two-minute or a 10-minute video? Whichever length you settle on, it should have a clear beginning, middle and end. This even applies to a simple vlog. If filmed in the right way, and following a narrative arc, it can tell a story. First, think about what shots you want to tell.<\/p>
5. Use B-Roll<\/strong><\/p> Have you ever wondered how professional videos change camera angles or cut to related footage? It\u2019s B-roll. Professional editors use shots of material other than the primary picture content to provide information and explain your story. Film extra footage of your surroundings, or of things or activities related to your main story.<\/p>
6. Get the Audio Right<\/strong><\/p> Poor audio will destroy the most beautiful of videos. Buy a decent mic, and learn how to set your sound levels. Secondary audio, such as background music, must be carefully judged \u2013 look for tracks that complement a video, rather than overwhelm a viewer with noise.<\/p>
“But good mics are expensive!”<\/p>
You can get lots of really good quality cheaply- just take a look at our section on lapel mics or USB microphones. <\/p>
7. Experiment with Effects<\/strong><\/p> That open loop about cool tricks? Here it is! When you\u2019re comfortable with the basics, start fiddling with effects. Add some text overlays. Fix the color balance. Put it in slow mo. Don\u2019t go overboard. Less is more.<\/p>
8. Use Keyboard Shortcuts<\/strong><\/p> Time is money, right? Massively accelerate your way through your edits. Invest a few minutes learning the most common keyboard shortcuts for your software. You\u2019ll thank you. <\/p>
9. Review and Revise<\/strong><\/p> Don\u2019t settle for your first take. Watch the video over and over again, looking for ways it might be improved. Share it with a colleague \u2013 they might be able to spot what you missed.<\/p>
Step one: choose a weapon: given the enormous and ever-changing sea of options when it comes to video editing software, you might be daunted by the task. So, let\u2019s keep it simple: if you are just getting started, download iMovie (Mac) or HitFilm Express (Mac and Windows) and get yourself something that\u2019s intuitive and full-featured enough to keep your interest as you develop your skills.<\/p>
“But professional software is better, right?”<\/p>
Not at all! Start simple. You can always upgrade later. Learn the basics on beginner-friendly software, then you can move on to more complex programmes like Adobe Premiere Pro.<\/p>
2. Organize Your Media<\/strong><\/p> Picture trying to prepare a gourmet meal in a messy kitchen. That sounds like a nightmare, right? Well, your video-editing experience will be the same if your media files aren\u2019t properly organized \u2013 have folders for videos, audio, images, and the rest of your assets. It\u2019ll save you time and frustration down-the-line.<\/p> 3. Learn Basic Cuts and Transitions<\/strong><\/p> But before you think about all the bells and whistles, make sure you\u2019ve mastered the basics \u2013 the essential stuff that goes in to making any really good video. You can start really simply. Learn how to trim and crop, and how to make cuts from one clip to another. Then try adding some simple transitions \u2013 the crossfade is great for moving from presentation titles to slides and the vanishing wipe is too cool not to try at least once \u2013 and you\u2019ll find that you already have the beginnings of a pretty professional-looking finished sequence.<\/p> “Speaking of effects, we’ll get to some cool tricks later. But first…”<\/p> 4. Focus on the Story<\/strong><\/p> Without a story, a video is the same as a book without a plot: boring! Do you want a two-minute or a 10-minute video? Whichever length you settle on, it should have a clear beginning, middle and end. This even applies to a simple vlog. If filmed in the right way, and following a narrative arc, it can tell a story. First, think about what shots you want to tell.<\/p> 5. Use B-Roll<\/strong><\/p> Have you ever wondered how professional videos change camera angles or cut to related footage? It\u2019s B-roll. Professional editors use shots of material other than the primary picture content to provide information and explain your story. Film extra footage of your surroundings, or of things or activities related to your main story.<\/p> 6. Get the Audio Right<\/strong><\/p> Poor audio will destroy the most beautiful of videos. Buy a decent mic, and learn how to set your sound levels. Secondary audio, such as background music, must be carefully judged \u2013 look for tracks that complement a video, rather than overwhelm a viewer with noise.<\/p> “But good mics are expensive!”<\/p> You can get lots of really good quality cheaply- just take a look at our section on lapel mics or USB microphones. <\/p> 7. Experiment with Effects<\/strong><\/p> That open loop about cool tricks? Here it is! When you\u2019re comfortable with the basics, start fiddling with effects. Add some text overlays. Fix the color balance. Put it in slow mo. Don\u2019t go overboard. Less is more.<\/p> 8. Use Keyboard Shortcuts<\/strong><\/p> Time is money, right? Massively accelerate your way through your edits. Invest a few minutes learning the most common keyboard shortcuts for your software. You\u2019ll thank you. <\/p> 9. Review and Revise<\/strong><\/p> Don\u2019t settle for your first take. Watch the video over and over again, looking for ways it might be improved. Share it with a colleague \u2013 they might be able to spot what you missed.<\/p>