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March 02, 2025 23:03
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Video Editing Cheatsheet
A comprehensive cheat sheet covering essential aspects of video editing, including terminology, basic techniques, color correction, audio editing, and exporting.
Video Editing Terminology
Basic Terms
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Raw, unedited video clips. |
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Timeline |
The interface where video and audio clips are arranged and edited. |
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Cut |
An instantaneous transition from one shot to another. |
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Transition |
A visual effect used to move from one shot to the next (e.g., fade, dissolve). |
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Sequence |
A series of shots or clips arranged to tell a story or convey a message. |
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Render |
The process of compiling edited video and audio into a final output file. |
Audio Terms
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Gain |
The amplification of an audio signal (volume). |
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EQ (Equalization) |
Adjusting the frequency content of audio to enhance or correct its sound. |
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Compression |
Reducing the dynamic range of audio to create a more consistent volume level. |
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Noise Reduction |
Techniques to remove unwanted background noise from audio recordings. |
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ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) |
Re-recording dialogue in a studio to replace production audio. |
Video Resolutions
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SD (Standard Definition) |
Typically 480i or 576i. |
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HD (High Definition) |
720p (1280x720) or 1080p (1920x1080). |
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2K |
Approximately 2048x1080. |
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4K (Ultra HD) |
3840x2160. |
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8K |
7680x4320. |
Basic Video Editing Techniques
Cutting and Trimming
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Cutting: Removing unwanted portions of a clip. |
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Ripple Edit: Adjusting a clip’s duration while moving subsequent clips to fill the gap. |
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Slip Edit: Changing a clip’s start and end points simultaneously without changing its position on the timeline. |
Transitions
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Cut |
An instantaneous change from one shot to another. Best used for direct transitions. |
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Fade |
Gradually transitioning to or from black (fade in/out). Often used at the beginning or end of a scene. |
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Dissolve |
Gradually blending two shots together. Creates a smooth transition. |
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Wipe |
One shot replaces another with a defined line or shape moving across the screen. Can be distracting if overused. |
Motion Graphics
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Creating animated text, graphics, and effects. Often used for titles, lower thirds, and visual enhancements. |
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Use keyframes to control the properties (position, scale, rotation, opacity) of elements over time. |
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Consider the timing and pacing of your animations to match the overall tone of your video. |
Color Correction and Grading
Color Correction
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Fixing technical issues with your footage, such as exposure, white balance, and contrast. |
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Use scopes (waveform, vectorscope, histogram) to objectively analyze and adjust your image. |
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Adjust blacks, whites, and midtones to achieve a balanced exposure. |
Color Grading
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Applying creative looks to your footage to enhance the mood and style of your video. |
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Create a consistent look across all shots in your video. |
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Use color wheels or curves to adjust the color balance and contrast. |
Common Tools
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Exposure |
Adjusts the overall brightness of the image. |
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Contrast |
Adjusts the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of the image. |
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White Balance |
Adjusts the color temperature to make whites appear neutral. |
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Saturation |
Adjusts the intensity of the colors in the image. |
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Lift/Gamma/Gain |
Adjusts the blacks, midtones, and whites independently. |
Audio Editing
Basic Adjustments
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Volume/Gain |
Adjusting the loudness of audio clips. |
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Panning |
Positioning audio in the stereo field (left or right). |
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Fades |
Gradually increasing or decreasing the volume of an audio clip. Use fades at the beginning and end of clips to avoid abrupt starts and stops. |
Noise Reduction
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Removing unwanted background noise from audio recordings. |
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Use noise reduction plugins or tools to reduce hum, hiss, and other unwanted sounds. |
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Be careful not to over-process the audio, as this can create artifacts and degrade the sound quality. |
Mixing Audio
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Balancing the levels of different audio tracks to create a cohesive and pleasing sound. |
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Use EQ to shape the frequency content of each track and prevent them from clashing. |
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Use compression to control the dynamic range of each track and create a consistent volume level. |
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Pay attention to the overall loudness of your mix and avoid clipping (distortion). |