Give me 3 minutes and I’ll make you an EDITING GOD …

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through 20 essential video editing tips that can elevate your editing skills, making you feel like an editing god. Whether you're using Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro, these strategies will help streamline your workflow and enhance your final product.

Step 1: Organize Your Workspace

• Create a dedicated project folder on your computer for each video.

Organize assets into subfolders

• Footage
• Audio
• Graphics
• Exports
• Use bins within your editing software to categorize clips for easy access.

Step 2: Use Keyboard Shortcuts

• Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts for your editing software to speed up your workflow.
• Create a custom cheat sheet of the most used shortcuts for quick reference.

For Adobe Premiere, consider the following shortcuts

• Cut: Ctrl + K (Cmd + K on Mac)
• Add Marker: M
• Export Media: Ctrl + M (Cmd + M on Mac)

Step 3: Master the Art of Color Correction

• Start with the basic color correction to balance exposure and contrast.
• Utilize the Lumetri Color panel in Premiere or Color Board in Final Cut Pro for adjustments.
• Apply a color grade to enhance the mood of your video after correcting colors.

Step 4: Utilize Audio Editing Techniques

• Always use high-quality audio tracks; poor audio can ruin a great video.
• Use tools like Adobe Audition or built-in audio editing features.
• Normalize audio levels to ensure consistent volume throughout your video.

Step 5: Add Dynamic Transitions

• Use transitions sparingly; opt for impactful ones that enhance storytelling.
• Try using cross dissolves for smooth scene changes and cuts for dramatic effects.
• Avoid overusing flashy transitions as they can distract from the content.

Step 6: Incorporate Text and Titles Effectively

• Keep titles simple and easy to read; use contrasting colors for visibility.
• Utilize text animations sparingly to maintain a professional look.
• Make use of templates available in your editing software for consistency.

Step 7: Use B-Roll Wisely

• Integrate B-roll footage to support your narrative and keep viewer engagement high.
• Capture additional footage that complements your main scenes.
• Ensure the B-roll matches the pacing and tone of your primary footage.

Step 8: Create a Rough Cut First

• Start with a rough cut to get all of your clips in order.
• Focus on the flow of the story rather than perfecting every detail.
• This approach allows you to see what works and what needs adjustment.

Step 9: Experiment with Speed Ramping

• Use speed ramping to create dramatic effects, such as slowing down key moments.
• In Premiere, right-click on a clip and select "Speed/Duration" to adjust.
• Ensure the changes serve the story and don't feel gimmicky.

Step 10: Preview and Export Settings

• Always render previews before finalizing your edits to ensure everything flows well.
• Choose export settings based on your distribution platform (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.).
• For YouTube, a common export setting is H.264 codec at 1080p.

Conclusion

By implementing these 10 essential video editing tips, you will significantly improve your editing skills and workflow. Remember to stay organized, utilize shortcuts, and prioritize audio and visual quality. For further enhancement of your editing journey, consider exploring advanced techniques and tutorials specific to your editing software. Happy editing!