Video Editor

Professional video editing guide (timeline, layers, effects, projects, exporting)

Video Editor

Overview

The Video Editor is a professional video editing tool integrated into the platform. It provides a comprehensive timeline-based editing interface where you can combine videos, images, audio, text, and effects to create polished, professional videos.

When to Use Video Editor

  • Post-Production: Edit and enhance videos generated from other features
  • Compositing: Combine multiple videos, images, and audio tracks
  • Adding Elements: Add text overlays, captions, transitions, and effects
  • Professional Editing: Create professional videos with timeline-based editing
  • Custom Audio: Add background music, voice-overs, or sound effects

Getting Started

Opening the Video Editor

  1. Access from Dashboard:

    • Click on the "Video Editor" card from the dashboard
    • The editor opens in a new interface
  2. Project Initialization:

    • The editor automatically loads your workspace
    • A project is automatically created or loaded
    • Projects are saved automatically as you work
  3. Interface Overview:

    • Preview Area (top/center): Shows your video preview
    • Timeline (bottom): Shows tracks and clips
    • Media Library (left/side): Access to videos, images, audio, text, and elements
    • Controls Panel (right/side): Properties and controls for selected elements

Understanding the Interface

Preview Area (Canvas)

  • Purpose: Shows a live preview of your video
  • Playhead: Red vertical line indicating the current playback position
  • Zoom: Use zoom controls to see more or less detail
  • Playback: Play/pause controls to preview your video
  • Canvas Size: Default is 1080x1920 (Portrait) but can be customized

Timeline

  • Purpose: Organize and edit your video clips
  • Tracks: Multiple tracks for different media types (Video, Audio, Images, Text)
  • Clips: Visual representations of your media on the timeline
  • Playhead: Draggable red line that shows current position
  • Ruler: Time scale showing video duration
  • Zoom: Zoom in/out to see more or less detail

Media Library

The media library provides access to different types of content:

  • Videos: Videos from your workspace history and uploaded videos
  • Images: Images from your workspace and uploaded images
  • Audio: Audio files from your workspace and uploads
  • Text: Text elements and typography options
  • Elements: Shapes, graphics, and visual elements
  • Transitions: Transition effects between clips
  • Uploads: Upload new media files

Controls Panel

  • Purpose: Adjust properties of selected elements
  • Properties: Position, size, opacity, colors, effects
  • Animations: Animation controls and keyframes
  • Text Styling: Font, size, color, alignment for text elements

Working with Projects

Auto-Save

  • Automatic: Projects are saved automatically as you work
  • No Manual Save Required: Changes are saved periodically
  • Page Unload Protection: Unsaved changes are saved when you navigate away
  • Status Indicator: Shows save status in the interface

Creating a New Project

  • Automatic Creation: A new project is created automatically when you open the editor
  • Default Name: "Untitled Project" (can be renamed)
  • Project Storage: Projects are stored in your workspace

Loading Projects

  • Auto-Load: Most recent project is loaded automatically
  • Project List: Access your projects from the project selector
  • State Restoration: All your tracks, clips, and settings are restored

Managing Projects

  • Project Selector: Access from the top bar
  • Rename: Click on project name to rename
  • Switch Projects: Select different projects from the list
  • Multiple Projects: Create and manage multiple projects per workspace

Adding Media

Adding Videos

  1. From Library:

    • Open the "Videos" section in the media library
    • Browse videos from your workspace history
    • Drag and drop videos onto the timeline or canvas
  2. Uploading Videos:

    • Open the "Uploads" section
    • Upload new video files
    • Drag uploaded videos to the timeline
  3. Positioning:

    • Drag videos to the timeline to position them
    • Videos appear on video tracks
    • Adjust start/end positions by dragging clip edges

Adding Images

  1. From Library:

    • Open the "Images" section
    • Browse images from your workspace
    • Drag images to the timeline or canvas
  2. Uploading Images:

    • Use the Uploads section to add new images
    • Images can be positioned on the timeline
  3. Duration:

    • Images default to 5 seconds duration
    • Adjust duration by dragging clip edges on the timeline

Adding Audio

  1. From Library:

    • Open the "Audio" section
    • Browse audio files from your workspace
    • Drag audio to the timeline
  2. Uploading Audio:

    • Upload audio files through the Uploads section
    • Audio files appear on audio tracks
  3. Multiple Tracks:

    • Add multiple audio tracks for background music and voice-overs
    • Mix audio by adjusting volume levels

Adding Text

  1. Text Elements:

    • Open the "Text" section in the media library
    • Select a text element or style
    • Drag to the canvas or timeline
  2. Editing Text:

    • Click on text element to edit content
    • Use the controls panel to adjust:
      • Font family and size
      • Color and alignment
      • Position and size
      • Animations and effects
  3. Text Styling:

    • Access text presets for quick styling
    • Customize fonts, colors, and effects
    • Add animations and transitions

Adding Captions

  • Caption Elements: Available in the media library
  • Positioning: Add captions on the timeline
  • Styling: Customize caption appearance and timing

Editing on the Timeline

Timeline Basics

  • Tracks: Different tracks for different media types
  • Clips: Visual blocks representing media on the timeline
  • Playhead: Red line showing current playback position
  • Selection: Click on clips to select them

Trimming Clips

  • Drag Edges: Drag the left or right edge of a clip to trim
  • Start/End: Adjust where clips start and end
  • Visual Feedback: Timeline shows trimmed duration

Moving Clips

  • Drag and Drop: Drag clips along the timeline to reposition
  • Snapping: Clips snap to playhead and other clips
  • Multiple Tracks: Move clips between tracks by dragging

Splitting Clips

  • Split Tool: Use the split tool to divide clips
  • Split at Playhead: Split clips at the current playhead position
  • Multiple Segments: Create multiple segments from one clip

Deleting Clips

  • Select and Delete: Select a clip and press Delete key
  • Multiple Selection: Select multiple clips to delete at once
  • Undo: Use Undo to restore deleted clips

Working with Properties

Transform Properties

  • Position: X and Y coordinates on the canvas
  • Size: Width and height of elements
  • Rotation: Rotate elements on the canvas
  • Opacity: Control element transparency

Visual Effects

  • Brightness: Adjust brightness levels
  • Contrast: Control contrast
  • Blur: Add blur effects
  • Filters: Apply color filters and effects

Text Properties

  • Font Family: Choose from available fonts
  • Font Size: Adjust text size
  • Color: Text color and background color
  • Alignment: Left, center, right alignment
  • Spacing: Letter spacing and line height

Audio Properties

  • Volume: Adjust audio volume levels
  • Fade In/Out: Add audio fade effects
  • Audio Bars: Visual representation of audio waveform

Animations and Effects

Animations

  • Text Animations: Animate text elements with presets
  • Keyframes: Set keyframes for animated properties
  • Animation Duration: Control animation timing
  • Easing: Smooth animation curves

Transitions

  • Between Clips: Add transitions between video clips
  • Transition Types: Various transition effects available
  • Duration: Adjust transition duration
  • Preview: Preview transitions in the preview area

Exporting Your Video

Export Process

  1. Export Button:

    • Click the Export/Download button in the top bar
    • Export dialog appears
  2. Export Settings:

    • Format: MP4 (standard format)
    • Quality: Based on project settings
    • Resolution: Based on canvas size (default 1080x1920)
  3. Start Export:

    • Click "Export" to begin rendering
    • Progress modal shows export progress
    • Export happens in the cloud
  4. Download:

    • When complete, download link appears
    • Click to download your rendered video
    • Video is ready to use

Export Options

  • Full Video: Export the entire timeline
  • Selected Range: Export a specific time range (if supported)
  • Format: MP4 format
  • Quality: High quality output

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Spacebar: Play/pause
  • Arrow Keys: Move playhead frame by frame
  • Delete: Delete selected clips
  • Ctrl/Cmd + Z: Undo
  • Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Z: Redo
  • Ctrl/Cmd + C: Copy
  • Ctrl/Cmd + V: Paste

Tips for Best Results

Organization

  • Use Tracks: Organize different media types on separate tracks
  • Name Elements: Keep track of what each element does
  • Save Often: Auto-save handles this, but good to know your work is saved

Editing Workflow

  • Preview Frequently: Play back your video often to check progress
  • Trim Carefully: Trim clips precisely for smooth transitions
  • Layer Elements: Use multiple tracks to layer elements
  • Test Audio: Check audio levels and balance

Performance

  • Optimize Media: Use appropriately sized media files
  • Limit Complexity: Too many complex elements may slow rendering
  • Preview First: Preview before exporting

Troubleshooting

Export Failed

  • Check Project: Ensure project has content
  • Check Media: Verify all media files are accessible
  • Try Again: Sometimes temporary issues occur
  • Contact Support: If issues persist

Performance Issues

  • Reduce Complexity: Simplify project if editor is slow
  • Close Other Tabs: Free up browser resources
  • Check Browser: Ensure you're using a modern browser

Lost Work

  • Auto-Save: Projects auto-save frequently
  • Reload: Refresh page - project should restore
  • Project History: Check project list for saved versions

Next Steps

After editing your video:

  1. Export: Render and download your final video
  2. Share: Upload to your preferred platform
  3. Create More: Start a new project or continue editing
  4. Combine Features: Edit videos from Quick Video, Premium Video, Motion Craft, etc.
  • Quick Video: Generate videos to edit in the editor
  • Premium Video: Create high-quality source videos
  • Motion Craft: Generate videos from images
  • History: Access your generated videos for editing