How Can I Get Faster at Video Editing?

Are you tired of spending countless hours editing videos? Do you want to improve your video editing skills and become more efficient?

If so, then this article is for you! In this tutorial, we will discuss some tips and tricks to help you get faster at video editing.

1. Organize Your Footage

The first step in getting faster at video editing is to organize your footage.

This means labeling your files properly and creating a folder structure that makes sense to you. When you have a well-organized folder structure, it becomes easier to find the clips you need when working on a project.

File Naming Conventions

Use descriptive names for all of your files, including footage and audio files. This way, when you’re searching for something specific, you can quickly find it by searching for the name.

Folders

Create folders based on the type of footage or project. For example, if you’re working on a wedding video, create folders for ceremony footage, reception footage, b-roll, etc.

2. Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of time when editing videos. Instead of clicking through menus and using your mouse to perform tasks, try using keyboard shortcuts instead.

Here are some essential keyboard shortcuts to get started with:

  • Cut: Command/Control + X
  • Paste: Command/Control + V
  • Copy: Command/Control + C
  • Undo: Command/Control + Z
  • Select All: Command/Control + A
  • Ripple Delete: Option/Alt + Backspace/Delete
  • Add Edit: Command/Control + K

3. Create Templates

Creating templates for your projects can save you a lot of time in the long run. For example, if you frequently create videos with an intro and outro, you can create a template that includes those elements.

When creating templates, consider including the following elements:

  • Intro: Create an introduction that you can reuse for different projects.
  • Outro: Add an outro that includes your logo and call-to-action.
  • Lower Thirds: Create lower thirds that you can customize with different names and titles.
  • Transitions: Use transitions that work well for your brand or style.

4. Edit in Batches

Editing in batches is another way to save time when editing videos. This means working on multiple projects at once or editing multiple clips together instead of one at a time.

Here are some tips for editing in batches:

  • Create a Schedule: Set aside specific times of the day or week to work on certain projects.
  • Edit Similar Clips Together: If you have multiple clips from the same event, edit them together to save time.
  • Create a Workflow: Develop a workflow that works best for you and stick to it.

5. Use Presets and Plugins

Presets and plugins can also help you get faster at video editing. They allow you to apply effects and color grading quickly without having to do it manually.

Here are some popular presets and plugins for video editing:

  • Red Giant: Offers a variety of plugins for different effects and color grading.
  • Magic Bullet: Allows you to easily apply color grading to your footage.
  • Video Copilot: Provides a range of plugins for creating special effects.

Conclusion

By following these tips and tricks, you can get faster at video editing and improve your overall efficiency. Remember to stay organized, use keyboard shortcuts, create templates, edit in batches, and use presets and plugins to save time. With practice, you’ll soon be able to edit videos in record time!