How to Edit Better Videos with Ease

Whether it’s your first time editing a video or you’re just looking to find a way to improve your workflow, there’s a lot that goes into post-production that can speed up or slow down your process. A well-edited video is the result of a clear creative vision and knowledge of how to make it happen and translate the ideas in your finished product. Read on for helpful tips to speed up your post-production workflow and make the editing process as effortless as possible. 

Use Professional-Level Software

You may be able to use the basic editing software that came standard on your laptop, but you’ll miss out on really powerful features that could set your film apart as impressive and memorable. There are several popular, professional editing software options to choose from, and which software you choose largely depends on personal preference for one interface over another. Keep in mind that if you already know basic editing commands, such as how to crop a video in Premiere, it’s unlikely that you’ll struggle to learn a new software with much difficulty. 

Edit on a Speedy Device

Video editing can be incredibly slow and frustrating on a computer that has a slower storage drive or RAM capabilities. A faster computer will allow you to store a large number of files while enabling you to access your clips while editing a lot quicker. When your device has a faster storage drive and at least 8GB of RAM, you’ll also experience more immediate loading, rendering and exporting speeds, too, which proves incredibly useful for videos with several effects, files or even just to watch back what you already have edited on the timeline. 

Expand Your Knowledge

You don’t have to invest in any costly courses to learn how to edit better videos. There are hundreds of free resources available online via Youtube and other educational websites, including tutorials and step-by-step how-tos to improve your video compositions. Instructional content is as specific or generic as your current skill set demands–just make sure you’re watching videos made for the same version of the program you’re using to edit your video, as different versions often feature different capabilities. 

Determine the Narrative

No matter how advanced your technical skills, a good video must also have a clear, apparent storyline. It helps to create a storyboard or narrative timeline ahead of time to clarify the story, but you may find that chances to the flow or transitions serve the story better as you’re editing. Learn about various types of cuts, colors and effects and how they affect the overall story, emotions and visual aesthetics of your video. 

Back Up Your Footage

There is nothing worse than editing an entire video and losing all your progress to accidentally deleted files or a corrupted drive. Make sure all your files are stored in at least two separate digital locations to make sure you always have a backup of your data just in case. 

Nail Down Your Workflow

From culling and sorting to how you decide to place clips on your timeline, the way you approach your process can facilitate a speedier edit. Take steps as you’re organizing your files to categorize clips either by scene, type, location or whatever other classification makes them the most accessible and easy to pull. 

Choose Details that Make Sense

If your video is meant to evoke powerful emotions, a more upbeat song with bright color-grading could detract from your desired outcome rather than further your vision. It may take time to find the right options, but make sure to choose music that suits the tone of your film from royalty-free music sites. As well, color correct and grade your video in a way that sets the mood and atmosphere well. 

Export for the Web

You may be tempted to export the highest quality file possible, but unless your video will be exclusively played primarily on large, cinema screens, it’s best to stick to a smaller, more web-friendly version. The easier it is for your audience to stream your work, the more people are likely to see your stellar production–and the more motivated you’re likely to be to create more excellent video work.