Learn how to EDIT videos with the most popular video editing software for Windows, Mac – Filmora Video Editor. This article helps you understand exactly how to edit/create/make a video correctly with Filmora. This is a simple guide for beginners.
How to edit Videos With Filmora Video Editor
Filmora video editor is a simple to use video editing program which is commonly used for making short travel movies, promotional videos, marketing ads and more. It’s available to use for free on Windows and Mac with a watermark on the output. To remove the output, you can purchase a license at $59.99 for personal use. Read our detail review of Filmora Video Editor here!
Detail Script
The first thing to note is when you open the software you pick the aspect ratio and the mode. Most modern day cameras and phones film video in 16:9 – widescreen.
TRANSITIONS
Transitions are usually used to change up the look of a cut, however I try to have a reason why, such as having a more serene feeling between cuts. To view the transitions, click the icon that has two arrows pointing away from each other. To add a transition to your sequence, you can either drag it between two clips, or put the scrubber in between two clips, then click the plus sign on your desired transition. Easy right!? Now the cut between the two shots dissolve into each other which is more pleasing.
Speed Control
This is where the split tool in combination with the speed control function comes in. Find the spot where I want the clip to be in slow motion. Make a split and leave that part as is for now. For the other part of the clip being split, change the speed by using the edit tool. In the Speed Section, use the sliding bar to change the speed by making it either slower or faster. In my case since I filmed in slow motion so I will speed it up.
Overlays
Sometimes I’ll cut two clips that have a similar visual aesthetic right after one another. As it eases us into the next shot. Ad overlay effects to give it a more smooth cut.
To add an overlay, select the overlays icon, which is located under the media window. Click on any of them and you can preview it. Once you find one you like, press the plus icon to add it to your timeline.
I do want to mention that overlays aren’t only for transitioning between two cuts. They are actually meant to put over your footage to give them a little more flare, like so!
FILTERS
Filters can easily add drama, change the tone of a shot or stylize your footage. If you’re wondering, the difference between an overlay and filter, is a filter usually manipulates the footage like its color, exposure, contrast and overall image. Where is an overlay is an effect that lays on top of the footage, and does not manipulate the footage.
MUSIC
This is my favorite part of editing. Adding music. They say that audio and sound make up 50% of a video. Luckily for me, Filmora comes with a library of free music. To see the music library, select the Music icon. You can preview songs by clicking them and then pressing play in the preview video. To add a song, just click the plus sign and it’ll be added to your timeline.
COLOR CORRECTION
Color correction is when you fix the brightness, darkness, white balance, or saturation of your footage, and it should usually be the very last part of the process, after you’re happy with the edit.
To fix the color of this clip I’m going to use the “Advanced Color Tuning” tool. When selected, a window will pop up. In this window you can use presets or adjust the color on your own. On the left side of this window are the tools and presets you can use, and on the right is where you can preview the changes to the clip you have made. The changes you make in this window will only be applied to the clip you select, not the entire timeline.
TEXT & TITLES
Adding text is a way to set a clear statement of what your video is about. When making a title, I keep in mind of the shot that text will be on, and I think keeping the title short is key.
To add a title in Filmora, click the text / credit icon. Lets pick this one, and to add it to your timeline click the plus sign. To edit the title, double click it in the timeline and a window will pop up. In this window, you can select which text you want to change by double clicking it. Since I traveled to Japan this year, I’ll keep it simple and title it “Japan.” For the subtext I’ll put the year, which is 2017.
EXPORTING
On the very right of the Filmora effects icons, is the export button. Click the button and a window will pop up. In this window you can name your video, select the resolution, and choose where it will save to. For file format, I usually choose MP4 as it’s the best codec for uploading to Youtube. Once you’re ready, click “Export” and your video will start exporting!
Filmora has a bunch of great features and are very easy to do! I have to say we just scraped the surface of editing concepts, and there are a lot more tools to explore in Filmora.
As a last note of advice, I believe that great editing is the editing that no one notices.
Hope you learned something and that this tutorial helps you get started on editing your next video. Don’t forget to subscribe, like or to comment! Tell us what your favorite cut, or even show us what you’ve made in Filmora! We would love to see it! Peace.
Say thanks to Filmora YouTube Team!
Special deal: Save $20 when you purchase Filmora Video Editor lifetime license with this coupon code. Click here to view the discount!
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