How To Edit in CapCut Desktop for Total Beginners

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on how to edit videos using CapCut Desktop, tailored for beginners. You'll learn essential editing skills, from importing media to adjusting audio and adding music, empowering you to create polished videos efficiently.

Step 1: Create a New Project and Import Media

• Open CapCut Desktop.
• Click on New Project to start.
• Import your media files:
  • Drag and drop files into the media library or click on Import Media to select files from your computer.

Step 2: Edit the A-Roll

• Locate your main footage (A-roll) in the timeline.
• Trim unnecessary parts by dragging the edges of the clip to shorten it.
• Use the playhead to navigate through the footage efficiently.

Step 3: Zoom In and Out of the Timeline

• To get a better view of your clips:
  • Use the zoom slider at the bottom of the timeline to zoom in for detail or zoom out for a broader view of your entire project.

Step 4: Edit Out the Bad Stuff

• Identify segments that need cutting:
  • Play through your footage and mark areas that are unnecessary or unpolished.
• Use the Split tool (usually represented by a scissor icon) to cut out these sections.

Step 5: Use Keystrokes for Efficiency

• Familiarize yourself with helpful keystrokes:
  • Ctrl + Z to undo.
  • Ctrl + S to save your project regularly.
• Activate the Track Magnet feature to snap clips together easily.

Step 6: Adjust Audio Levels

• Click on the audio track in the timeline.
• Use the audio mixer to adjust levels:
  • Raise or lower the volume slider to achieve the desired audio balance.
• Consider adding background music to enhance the overall feel of your video.

Step 7: Add B-Roll

• Import additional footage (B-roll) to enhance your story.
• Drag B-roll clips into the timeline and position them where they complement the A-roll.
• Use transitions to create smooth changes between A-roll and B-roll.

Step 8: Edit Clips in the Media Window

• Select a clip from the media library to edit.
• Adjust settings such as speed, effects, and filters directly in the media window.

Step 9: Use JKL plus IO for Speedy Editing

• Utilize the JKL keys:
  • J to rewind, K to pause, and L to fast forward.
• Use I to set an in-point and O to set an out-point for quick clip selection.

Step 10: Silence Audio

• If you want to mute specific audio segments:
  • Select the audio track and use the Mute option or adjust the audio level to zero.

Step 11: Add Music

• Import your music files into the media library.
• Drag the music track onto the timeline beneath your video clips.
• Position it to start at the right moment, ensuring it complements your footage.

Step 12: Advanced Music Editing

• Adjust music volume levels using the audio mixer.
• Consider using fade-in and fade-out effects to create a smooth transition for your music track.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be well on your way to editing videos in CapCut Desktop like a pro. Remember to practice regularly, explore different features, and experiment with your edits to improve your skills. Dive into your next project with confidence, and enjoy the creative process!