Video editing is fun, but complicated for beginners. Whether you're new to post-production or just want to learn a new video editing tool, you'll have an easier time if you follow these tips.
1. Check out free video tools first

Before investing money and diving into complex video editing software, you should consider starting with free video editors. Although they can still be complicated to learn, you will ensure that you are not spending money on something that may not be suitable.
Capcut video editor is free and a great alternative to Premiere Pro – a paid software – but the free version has limitations that CapCut Pro users avoid if they subscribe.
For completely free video editing software, DaVinci Resolve is a great choice. Even as freeware, it is often used in professional settings and has great tools and plugin options.
Once you are comfortable with your chosen free video editor, you can choose to continue using it or invest some money in higher standard software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve Studio or others that include Subscription or perpetual licensing options.
2. Try out different tools for your video editing needs!

Not all video tools are created equal, so don't assume that the most popular, most expensive, or most accessible tools are the right ones for you and your video editing needs. .
You may want to focus more on animation instead of editing raw footage. In that case, software like Adobe After Effects (AE) should be used. Adobe subscribers can use both After Effects and Premiere Pro with seamless integration to perfect video – AE is best suited for compositing animation and VFX, while Premiere Pro is better suited for creating long-form videos and films.
Maybe you want to create fun videos, but don't mind learning advanced video editing software. You can use a template-based video editing tool like CapCut, ClipChimp, Adobe Express or Canva.
Using the advice above, test out free software or a free trial to check if it meets your needs.
3. Learn video editing terminology

Knowing video editing terminology is important, especially if you're working with a client or creative team with post-production knowledge.
When reviewing new software, focus on the terminology used for that software, as each program may use different terminology. This is different from learning about photo editing tools, which often use different labels for the same tool or similar tools on different software.
Keyboard shortcuts will save a lot of time when it comes to separating and trimming clips, switching between viewpoints or camera angles, adding common effects like easy keyframing, and moving back and forth when calculating. time. Learn keyboard shortcuts – or customize your own – as soon as you can to adopt a smoother workflow.
4. Know what you want to achieve

Videos take time to edit. Whether you're editing your own footage or editing someone else's footage as an editor, you need to have a plan for the results before you start editing video footage.
Draw or write a storyboard and make notes on aspects such as A-roll or B-roll shots, on-screen narration from the narrator or off-screen audio narration, the type of audio you need and any animated elements such as subtitles, calls to action, or intros.
Along with a timed storyboard, plan – based on your target audience – which effects, filters or transitions your video should use. It might be easier to add a random transition to transition between two video clips, but the effect will change the mood of the video. For example, don't use iris swipes for a serious video, and don't use black-and-white blend transitions for a fun video.
5. Seek guidance and learn from others

There are countless tutorials and classes available to help learn about post-production software and techniques. YouTube is an incredible free resource. Video tutorials can show you the result you're working towards before showing you how to achieve it, allowing you to figure out exactly what you need to learn.
Besides tutorials or video classes, there are also written instructions. Quantrimang.com has many tutorials on techniques in DaVinci Resolve as well as Premiere Pro and After Effects, along with a number of other free video editing tools.
If you're determined to learn video editing tools, there's no harm in signing up for a short class at your local community college or an institution near you. Learning how to edit video is frustrating and takes a lot of energy – taking classes with others helps you stay motivated and allows you to ask your tutor for help and advice.
6. Be patient!

As mentioned, video editing is not something that is easy or something that can be learned quickly. Although it will be exciting to achieve great results when you first start, remember to study at a slow enough pace so that you don't overload yourself with knowledge.
Set yourself small goals, such as learning how to rotoscope or learning how to time audio footage to video footage. Focus on one task at a time until you understand how to complete it, then move on to the next task. These tasks may take several sessions to complete, but don't let that discourage you.
Additionally, instead of studying in task-based chunks, challenge yourself to study for an hour a day (or whatever time fits your schedule). Don't expect to produce a Hollywood movie by the end of the week, but studying according to timed parameters can help you stay focused and ensure you maintain a good learning pace.
7. Learn from the experts

Don't rush in blindly when you're still too “new” in video production. Find your favorite video creator, filmmaker or producer and see how much of their style you can imitate.
Some famous filmmakers have clear and well-known styles that are fun to learn how to do. Don't get discouraged after spending hours learning how to make your video look like a Wes Anderson movie only to find that using a TikTok filter is just as easy!
If you're learning how to edit short-form videos, check out popular YouTube video creators like Mr. Beast or KSI for great options for learning transitions, visual effects, and audio timing that are fun and fast.
8. Use external tools

Don't think that you have to follow the limitations of your chosen video editor to learn how to edit videos! Most video editing software not only offers external plugins, but many can also integrate with other tools, such as image editing tools, animation tools, and audio tools.
You can also use traditional filmmaking methods like time-lapse or hand-drawn animation to help inspire the way you use digital video editing software.
Learning how to edit video or finding a new video editing tool can feel overwhelming. There is a wealth of knowledge available, with a variety of teaching styles and techniques for you to adapt to. Whether you choose to learn a complex post-production software like Adobe Premiere Pro or a lighter video editing tool like Clipchamp, you'll likely benefit from following all of the tips above.