How to Improve Video Editing Skills: Pro Tips for Beginners

Published by Color Experts International March 25, 2023

Pro Tips to Improve Video Editing Skills

As a beginner-level editor, you must follow some crucial tips to make the work process flexible and gain more productivity.

Pick The Proper Software

While you are going to start your journey towards becoming a professional video editor, choosing the most appropriate software is the first and must thing you have to deal with. You’ll find a lot of video editing programs out there on the internet. They have unique interfaces, features, and usability.

The main things you should consider are their capabilities of trimming, splicing, visual effects, color manipulation, editing & mixing audio/video sequences, file formatting, etc. As per your project requirements, the criteria to pick one may vary from the other. Some of the most popular programs for video editing are given below!

Adobe Premiere Pro
Final Cut Pro
DaVinci Resolve
Adobe After Effects
Avid Media Composer

Apart from these given names, there are also some other tools with limited functionality. To start with any simple video editing task, you may try them in the beginning.

Build a High-Performing PC

While working on a video editing project, you must require a faster & high-performing PC to continue your work smoothly. That’s why it’s suggested to contact video and render experts before buying a machine. It will save both time and money as well. So, what should be the ideal configuration to deal with the editing tasks? Here are the recommended & minimum specs for building a video editing machine –

Operating System: Windows 7, Linux, Mac OS X
Memory: 16 GB preferable (minimum 8 GB)
Storage: 256 GB hard drive, 7200 RPM (SSD)
Graphics Card: Depends on software (preferable 16GB)
Screen Size: 24 inch (minimum 19 inch)
Firewire or Thunderbolt Port: As an external dock or built-in.

Suggested article– Best Laptop for Video Editing under $1000.

Learn from the Best Mentors

There is no alternative to enhance the skill to sustain in this competitive world. Especially when you are in any creative field like video editing, it’s kind of mandatory to keep learning from the best mentors you find online or offline. In this case, you may choose any of the popular and effective video resources to be an expert in this creative field.

Maintain a Structured Workflow

Often we cannot concentrate on our work even though we have all the equipment we need. From high-specification PCs to all necessary tools, we may have all but we lack a magnificent workflow. And it can be a great reason not to do well in our work. To improve your workflow, you can simply make an effective organization.

You can organize all your projects in a simplistic way. Additionally, you need to arrange all the files and folders so that you can find them easily. For that, you can use an external hard drive, and there, you can store all the footage sequentially. Moreover, some additional tools like a gaming mouse or an allocated RAM can also help you make an effective project as well.

Edit a Story

Another creative way to improve your video editing skill tremendously is to develop a story in the video. Not making robotic clips without sequence and aesthetics, you should aim to make them dramatic and appealing. For that, you can simply follow a storyboard, especially while filming.

So, you need to avoid adding unnecessary effects throughout the whole clip. It can cause damage to the sequential order of the video. Instead, you have to try to use your practical knowledge and common sense to make it aesthetically compelling. Also, your technical knowledge will ensure a batter-on-shot change to develop the story.

Select Good Music

A piece of appealing playback music can simply change the whole appearance of a video clip. So, if you just prioritize the visual part only, we cannot say that your work would be successful. If you are about to edit a dramatic clip, you need to use the appropriate instrumental music or song. It ensures proper aesthetics and gives a nice feeling to watch.

Also, you need to ensure that you are not using just one type of music there. Simply, you cannot use sad playback music on a video made at a picnic event. So, you must make sure that the content matches the sound properly. Besides, you need to confirm that the sound is free to use and has no copyright issues.

Color Grading and Audio Editing

Making a colorful video clip can be aesthetically perfect only when you are using the appropriate color. Always remember that color is quite a major element to design a video clip. You need to highlight different parts of it making it colorful. To master color grading, you need to understand the color wheel and color theory, as well as the different types of color grading software available.

Audio editing is equally important as the visuals in your video. Poor audio quality can ruin an otherwise great video. Mastering audio editing involves understanding the different types of microphones and their uses, learning to record and mix audio, and using audio effects.

Add Text and Graphics

Next, it is about another trick that is easy to handle but able to make a great impact on the video clip. Adding relative text and graphics and enhancing the editing project. However, you need to be assured that the type of video matches the text you are using on the video. Also, the text font and color have to be simple and visible properly.

You can also add flashy graphics to your video clip. But, you can just use it anywhere and everywhere on the clip. Make sure to use it moderately and in the appropriate place. You can use Adobe After Effects to create graphics and use them on the video. If you are not a skilled graphics designer, you can buy a ready-to-use graphics design on it.

Be Familiar with visual effects

Visual effects are the finishing touches that can add a professional touch to your video. Whether you want to add special effects or text overlays, mastering visual effects involves learning the different types of effects available, and how to use them in a way that enhances the overall look and feel of your video.

Learn Important Terms & Keyboard Shortcuts

There is a bucket full of essential terms and keyboard shortcuts that can boost your video editing program. A lot of terms are still not familiar to many of us thought they are innovative and quite essential. For example, you can use different popular film cuts like jump cuts to cut portions of a clip L cut for preceding audio, M cut for cutting multiple clips, and so many others.

For different essential keyboard shortcuts, you can either use the free ones or go for the premium. We suggest spending a little of your money buying some premium shortcuts like Adobe After Effects, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and so on. These shortcuts can help edit the video easily and more skillfully.

Export Web Versions

Many of us often edit the video clip in a skillful way but when exporting it, we fail to keep the quality. It’s because of the sharing process that automatically decreases the file size and video resolution. However, to fix this problem, you need to create a file that is able to maintain high quality without affecting the resolution.

Simply, you can decrease the file size to create the file. You need to fix the export setting for that. Most uploading sites like YouTube and Facebook will always suggest the export size and resolution setting. So, make sure that while sharing and exporting the clip, make sure not to affect the effect and resolution.

You may also read- Video Editing FAQs for Beginners

Some Common FAQs

Why is it essential to upgrade video editing skills?

Improving video editing skills is crucial for generating visually appealing and engaging videos. It can help you stand out in a competitive industry and increase your opportunity for success as a video editor.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in video editing?

Common mistakes include poor audio quality, improper pacing, too many visual effects, and lack of storytelling. Preventing these mistakes can help you produce more polished and professional-looking videos.

How can I improve my storytelling skills in video editing?

To improve storytelling skills in video editing, focus on creating a clear and concise narrative, using different shots and angles to convey emotions and ideas. And also work on incorporating music and sound effects to enhance the mood of your video.

How to improve color grading skills in video editing?

To improve color grading skills, learn about the color wheel and color theory. Then experiment with different color grading software, and practice adjusting the colors of your footage to create the desired mood and tone.

How can I improve audio editing skills in video editing?

To do so, learn about different types of microphones and their uses. Also, practice recording and mixing audio, and experiment with audio effects to enhance sound quality.