Best Video Editing Software: Master the Art of Editing All Types of Videos
7 May 2024 Senior Product Manager
Summary
Master video editing software with this guide: it provides essential techniques and software selection advice for beginners.
Table of contents
1. Things to consider before starting video editing
2. Choose the right video editing software
3. Various video editing techniques
- Reasonably plan the length of the video
- Remove redundant video black borders
- Appropriate use of video partial interception
- Natural and smooth transitions between video clips
- Music and video to be coordinated
- Add subtitles to spice up your videos
- Summarize
Video editing is a pivotal capability in diverse domains like films, documentaries, commercials, TV series, and homemade videos. It’s not only enjoyable but also professionally beneficial. Thankfully, it’s accessible to all; armed with the correct techniques and ample practice, anyone can develop proficiency. To commence your journey and excel in using editing software, here are some foundational tips that will empower you to create remarkable videos on your own.
1. What type of video do you make?
Before creating a video, it’s crucial to determine the type of content you’re producing—be it a short video, a movie over 20 minutes, game footage, or a vlog. Making this decision will guide your choice of video editing software, ensuring you select the right tool for your editing needs.
2. Computer requirements
Before you begin filming, evaluate the desired results and the capabilities of your equipment. Opting to shoot in 4K provides high-definition footage, however, it requires robust editing hardware. Editing 4K content without a high-performance computer can lead to a difficult and unstable post-production experience.
For basic video editing tasks such as cutting, adding music, and inserting subtitles, a high-end computer isn’t essential. Beginners can work effectively on consumer-grade Windows or Mac computers. However, for more demanding projects, professional video editors should consider crucial hardware specs like the CPU and RAM when selecting a computer.
3. Manage video material in an orderly manner
When making a movie, accumulate substantial video footage for editing. To avoid complications during editing, rename and categorize the material. Label each file with scene details and organize them into thematic folders for easy retrieval. Use an external hard drive with USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt connectivity to store footage and enhance computer memory efficiency, ensuring quicker file transfers.
4. The story of the video
Understanding the story’s progression is crucial for video production. Stick to the storyline during filming and aim to craft a unique narrative in post-editing, even if it means challenging conventional norms. Focus on creating an aesthetically appealing and compelling video that elicits emotions and communicates your message effectively. Rely on a solid emotional arc rather than mere special effects to truly resonate with your audience, with moments that provoke both emotion and reflection.
Also, if you’re making an online video, we recommend keeping your content short and to the point. Longer isn’t always better, and a two- to three-minute video is ideal.
Before starting video editing, select appropriate software. Beginners need not opt for professional-grade tools immediately. Entry-level options include Renee Video Editor Pro for various operating systems and iMovie for Mac users. For advanced needs, consider Adobe Premiere Pro, Corel VideoStudio, or Final Cut Pro X.
If you’re starting out in video editing and feeling uncertain about which software to choose, consider Renee Video Editor Pro. Tailored for Windows users who are new to video editing, it boasts a user-friendly interface and a suite of comprehensive features. Enjoy the simplicity of video cutting, cropping, adding background music, and embedding subtitles with this all-in-one video editing solution perfect for beginners.
The software’s primary features include:
- Screen Recording: Capture any content from computer screens or cameras.
- Video Editing: Transform video material into engaging content.
- Format Conversion: Supports conversion across most video and audio formats.
- Audio Editing: Modify and enhance audio tracks.
Renee Video Editor Pro – Multi-function Video Editing Software
Screen RecordingRecord screen and webcam in Windows computer.
Cut Videos & AudiosUsers are free to cut videos and audios clips with setting start and end time.
Multiple Edit ToolsMerge, crop, rotate, cut and transform video easily. Change and add background music, subtitles and remove watermark from video.
Format ConversionSupport to convert videos and audios into different formats.
Screen Recording Record screen and webcam in Windows computer.
Multiple Edit ToolsCut Videos & Audios Users are free to cut videos and audios clips with setting start and end time.
Multiple Edit ToolsMerge, crop, rotate, cut and transform video easily. Change and add background music, subtitles and remove watermark from video.
Format ConversionSupport to convert videos and audios into different formats.
iMovie, launched by Apple in 1999, is a user-friendly video editing software exclusive to Mac and iOS devices. Aimed at non-professional users, it offers straightforward editing tools for adding titles, special effects, music, and subtitles. It supports importing uncompressed video from most digital cameras and editing in 4K resolution.
The software’s key features include:
- A selection of trailer templates for rapid creation.
- Video effects and filters enhancement.
- Title and subtitle incorporation.
- Chroma key (green screen) capabilities.
- Dubbing and background music features, with a library of music, sound effects, and voice-over recording tools.
- Comprehensive audio editing options.
Embarking on the journey of video editing can initially appear overwhelming to novices. Nonetheless, with diligent practice, your competencies will flourish. Commence with foundational techniques and incrementally advance by maintaining a regular practice regime. It’s advisable for beginners to utilize Video Toolbox as a starting point for honing their craft. For example, mastering different methods is feasible through immersive engagement with applications such as Renee Video Editor Pro.
To create an engaging video, it’s essential to cut and merge clips into a cohesive whole, with a clear storyline and timeline. Effective editing techniques include narration, intercutting, and reverse sequencing. Planning the overall video length and each segment’s duration beforehand is key. Trim excess footage and tighten scenes to eliminate unnecessary pauses, ensuring the video remains concise and captivating.
Renee Video Editor Pro – Multi-function Video Editing Software
Screen RecordingRecord screen and webcam in Windows computer.
Cut Videos & AudiosUsers are free to cut videos and audios clips with setting start and end time.
Multiple Edit ToolsMerge, crop, rotate, cut and transform video easily. Change and add background music, subtitles and remove watermark from video.
Format ConversionSupport to convert videos and audios into different formats.
Screen Recording Record screen and webcam in Windows computer.
Multiple Edit ToolsCut Videos & Audios Users are free to cut videos and audios clips with setting start and end time.
Multiple Edit ToolsMerge, crop, rotate, cut and transform video easily. Change and add background music, subtitles and remove watermark from video.
Format ConversionSupport to convert videos and audios into different formats.
The specific operation steps are as follows:
① First, you need to download and install Renee Video Editor Pro on your computer. Open the software and click to enter “Video Toolbox“.
② Click “Add File” to import the video file.
③ Click “Cut“. You can move the slider to determine the start time and end time of the video to cut the video. In addition, you can also adjust the video playback speed and adjust the double speed.
④ Click “OK” to return to the main editing interface. After selecting the video output format and output location, click “Start” to save it to the computer.
The prevalent high-definition video standard is the 16:9 aspect ratio. When playing videos in a 4:3 ratio or other non-16:9 formats on a 16:9 display, black bars appear on the screen. To ensure a seamless viewing experience, it’s essential to crop any non-16:9 videos to remove the black borders prior to their use.
The specific operation steps are as follows:
① Open Renee Video Editor Pro, select “Video Toolbox“.
② Click “Add Files” on the software interface to import the video you need to remove the black border.
③ Click “Rotate and Crop” at the top of the software. Enter the cropping interface, drag the cropping frame around the video, cut off the black border of the video, and click “OK“. You can then continue editing the video or save it to your computer.
In the process of video editing, when you want to highlight a certain subject or picture, you can use partial cropping; or you can use the cropping tool to cut out unnecessary pictures and keep only the desired picture content.
The operation steps of trimming the video screen are as follows:
① Open the software and click “Video Toolbox“.
② Click “Add Files” on the software interface to import video files.
③ Click “Rotate and Crop“, you can drag the crop frame to crop, and the content outside the selection frame will be deleted. Finally, click “OK“.
In addition, you can also capture only part of the screen and zoom in or out. Zoom effects are also available during video transitions.
The specific operation steps are as follows:
① After adding video files, select the “Effect” function, and then click “Add Zoom Effect“.
② Drag the border to select the range of partial zoom-in, and then drag the slider to specify the partial video zoom-in of a certain time period, or set it in the start and end time columns.
③ After zooming and editing the video, click “OK“. Back to the editing main interface, you can continue editing or save and export the video file.
We all know that a complete video is composed of multiple video clips. Then the connection between videos should naturally not be too blunt. In order to make each segment connect smoothly, it is necessary to use the “transition” technique.
The specific operation steps are as follows:
① Open the software and click “Video Toolbox“.
② Click “Add Files“, import the video files to be merged, and then check “Merge all files into one“.
③ To insert a transition in your merged video, click the Transition button on the right side. Select from nearly a hundred transition effects and customize the duration as needed.
④ After confirming the transition effect, you can click the “Start” button to merge the videos and save them to your computer.
In video production, it’s crucial to align music with visuals, utilizing soundtracks to amplify the narrative’s atmosphere. Background music should evoke the intended emotions; for instance, a comedic scene requires upbeat tunes. Adjusting the volume can enhance this effect. Always source music from copyright-free sites for safety.
1. Download suitable background music
To select appropriate background music, download from reputable music platforms, ensuring it complements your video’s theme and narrative. Explore these commercial and royalty-free music websites for a wide range of options.
● Jamendo
Website link: https://www.jamendo.com/
Jamendo is an online lossless music website, currently has more than 300,000 music, all music provides completely free streaming download.
● SoundSnap
Website link: https://www.soundsnap.com/
SoundSnap is a high-quality audio resource website with very good sound quality. If you want to add some special effects and sounds to the video to make the content of the picture more real and rich, then you can try and download it on the website.
● Freeplay Music
Website link: https://freeplaymusic.com/
Freeplay Music excels in providing scene-based categorization, simplifying the process of finding the perfect music and sound. Registered users benefit from lossless downloads for personal use. However, uploads to YouTube or commercial usage necessitate a paid license.
2. Add and edit background music
After downloading the selected background music to the computer, you need to cut the background music, or reduce/enhance the volume of some video clips according to the video content.
How to add background music:
① Open the software, click “Video Toolbox” > “Add Files“.
② After adding the video file, click “Music” at the top, and select “Add Audio to Video” under the video.
③ Cut the length of the music and click “OK“.
④ Adjust the start and end time of the music in the video, click “OK” after the adjustment is completed.
Ways to lower/boost music:
① After adding background music, drag the slider to select the video segment to add background music to (same as the music adding steps above).
② Drag the slider left and right to adjust the music volume and the original video volume, so that you can lower the volume of some video clips or increase the volume of background music.
④ After editing the music, click “OK“. You can continue other editing operations, or return to the main interface and click “Start” to save the video to your computer.
Renee Video Editor Pro – Multi-function Video Editing Software
Screen RecordingRecord screen and webcam in Windows computer.
Cut Videos & AudiosUsers are free to cut videos and audios clips with setting start and end time.
Multiple Edit ToolsMerge, crop, rotate, cut and transform video easily. Change and add background music, subtitles and remove watermark from video.
Format ConversionSupport to convert videos and audios into different formats.
Screen Recording Record screen and webcam in Windows computer.
Multiple Edit ToolsCut Videos & Audios Users are free to cut videos and audios clips with setting start and end time.
Multiple Edit ToolsMerge, crop, rotate, cut and transform video easily. Change and add background music, subtitles and remove watermark from video.
Format ConversionSupport to convert videos and audios into different formats.
A “Video Opening” often starts a video, incorporating text, images, or clips to engage viewers. Enhance the main content with narration, subtitles, and annotations for clarity and added interest.
1. Add subtitles with special effects
The specific operation steps are as follows:
① After adding video files, click “Watermark” on the top. In the options below, you can choose “Add Text Watermark”, “Add Image Watermark”, “Add Video Watermark”, or “Add Graphic Watermark”.
② You can simultaneously apply various watermarks, such as text ones. To customize a text watermark, click “Edit“, then choose its font, size, color, transparency, background color, animation effect, and set the timing for its appearance and duration.
③ After the setting is complete, you can directly drag the watermark to move it to a suitable position.
④ After adding subtitles, click “OK“. You can continue other editing operations, or return to the main interface and click “Start” to save the video to your computer.
tipsUnder the “Watermark” function, you can add a personal logo or signature to the video to prevent the video from being directly stolen.
2. Add normal subtitles
The specific operation steps are as follows:
① After adding the video, click “Subtitle” in the upper menu bar. Then click “+”.
② Select “Create Subtitle File” in the drop-down menu, and then enter the “File Name” in the pop-up window, and click “Save”.
③ In the subtitle editing window, edit “Subtitle start and end time” and “Subtitle content”.
④ After creating and editing subtitles, click “Font” to set the subtitle font style.
⑤ Finally, to adjust the subtitle position, you can click to select “Top”, “Middle”, and “Bottom”; you can also directly drag the subtitle to adjust the position.
⑥ After adding subtitles, click “OK“. You can continue other editing operations, or return to the main interface and click “Start” to save the video to your computer.
Renee Video Editor Pro stands out as a potent, free video editing software with a range of features. To fully experience its capabilities, download the software and explore the editing options firsthand.
Video editing is a complex skill that requires years to master. Initially, familiarize yourself with the operations and techniques involved. Alongside these skills, self-educate through online resources like video tutorials or YouTube. As you refine your abilities, you’ll discover numerous video styles and narratives, and learn to captivate audiences across various themes.
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