Video editing can be a time-consuming and tedious task, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding process that can lead to the creation of amazing content. I’ve had the privilege to be editing videos for the past 15 years. During those years there have been some great edits, and some really, REALLY terrible edits. But one of the biggest takeaways from those years is to listen and learn from other people as much as possible. Here are some tips that I’ve picked up over the years that will help you take your skills to the next level:
1. Organize Your Project
The first step to an efficient and effective video edit is organization. Before you start editing, make sure your project is clean and well-organized. Label all of your footage, assets, and sequences into labelled bins, and number your revised sequences. Doing this will help you to edit faster, tackle revisions more easily, and collaborate with other editors more effectively.
2. Utilize Shortcuts
If you find yourself repeating a task, then it’s time to create or find a keyboard shortcut. The more shortcuts you have, the faster you can complete your tasks, saving you time and reducing frustration.
3. Take Breaks
Staring at a screen for long periods of time can be exhausting and lead to burnout. To avoid this, take breaks regularly. Go for a walk or grab a snack, and give yourself a mental break. This simple act will help you reset your thinking and keep you motivated.
4. Duplicate Your Sequence
If you only get one thing out of this post, it should be this. This has been one of the biggest game changers in my editing recently.
Sometimes, you might have an idea that could take your edit to the next level, but you’re not sure if it will work. To avoid risking your entire edit, duplicate your sequence. This way, you can experiment without fully committing to the idea. If it doesn’t work out, your old edit is always there waiting for you.
BONUS: Audio Matters!
Last but not least, don’t overlook the importance of audio in a video. Audio is one of the most crucial elements in a video, so spend time making it sound great, or ask for help if you need it. Don’t treat audio as an afterthought; it could make or break your video.
Hopefully these tips will help you take your video editing skills to the next level. By organizing your project, utilizing shortcuts, taking breaks, duplicating your sequence, and paying attention to audio, you can create stunning and impactful videos.
Happy editing!
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