10 Creative Editing Techniques Every Video Editor Should Know

The creation of films, clips, and videos is not only about shooting with high-quality equipment, the correct setting of the light, and the installation of microphones. Post-processing of collected shots plays a significant part in completing video editing and obtaining the final output. 

You must have substantial familiarity with video editing software tools if you want to make a high-quality video. However, in today's society, you can comprehend even the most minute aspects after reading multiple instructions about montage videos. 

In this post, we will discuss video editing techniques, tools for editing transitions, as well as video editing software.

The main techniques

Once you've learned and mastered each method, you'll be able to accomplish your work swiftly and efficiently while also developing your own distinct style. It is advisable to use the second monitor for editing photos so that you do not have to go between files and apps for rapid work.

 
 

Standard Cut

This is a really basic strategy that requires no particular skills to use. It may be used to integrate many pieces of footage into a single video. As a result, you must edit the movies according to the time periods that you wish to adhere to and put them together. You don't need to strain your wits to find out how to use this technique.

Jump Cut

This technique is about to change the flowing narrative with an abrupt transition to another scene or create a jump in time in the middle of the acting frame. In the time segment of the frame, you need to add a few more time segments in order to introduce new scenes that should make a sharp jump. You can put them one after another or insert them at the right time.

 
 

Montage

This technique allows you to make inserts in order to show the rapid passage of time or to develop an episode. For example, show how an athlete conducts long training sessions to prepare for a big sporting event. These inserts can be both rapidly changing and slowed down. To keep the viewer's attention, it is worth filling such elements with sound, depending on the mood of the story, or with monologues or conversations of several people.

Cross-Fades or Cross-Dissolves

These techniques are used to achieve a smooth transition from one scene to another. This can be a change in the time of day or some changes related to the heroes of the video.

Wipe

This is an outdated technique that is little used when creating full-length films. However, this method works great for clips or simple videos to ensure a smooth transition to the next frame.

Fade In/Out

This approach is also used for transitioning between frames. Especially those you want to highlight with a soundtrack. You may also employ a decrease in the definition of the frame, which will result in the appearance of a new one.

J or L-Cut

J-cut and L-cut are custom techniques that enhance the effect of a scene or dialogue. J Cut can be used if you want to make a slow transition from one character to another, while the focus remains on one of the characters when the next one is already speaking. L Cut allows you to show an acting character in front of another. These unusual names come from the way these transitions appear on the timeline when processing footage.

Cutting on Action

It helps to achieve a complete image, which consists of several different frames. Thanks to this, the episodes will not look sharp and cut off, but on the contrary, you will get a single picture, even if the frames took place in different periods of time.

Parallel Editing

This technique is to show several actions taking place in parallel at several locations. This is a great technique for creating excitement and tension in the audience. For example, in films about medicine, you can show how a patient is being prepared for an emergency transplant due to a deteriorating health condition, and in a parallel frame, you can show how the necessary organ is being prepared in another hospital for transportation.

Match cut

It allows you to connect visually similar action scenes together. This visual transition ensures that there is a symbolic connection between shots, it also allows for faster transitions between parts of the story.

This assortment of methods will help novices to begin by mastering the fundamental aspects before progressing to more technically challenging ones. Following that, we'll tell you about the best video editing apps that will help you master the editing techniques we've suggested.

 
 

Video editing programs

Movavi Video Editor

If you were looking for an excellent easy-to-use tool for minor video improvements, then you can try Movavi Video Editor. This is a kind of editing software that even inexperienced editors can utilize. It has a clear user interface with several options and editing tools may be found here. You may enjoy a large range of effects, transitions, and audio tracks thanks to this software's library. 

DaVinci Resolve

You will learn how to properly cut videos with the aid of this video editor. You may also adjust the color correction of video frames, apply visual effects, process audio files, and do a lot more.

Here's a simple and uncomplicated set of editing tools that even a novice can grasp. You may utilize the same tools as professionals while editing videos using this video editor.

 
 
 

Camtasia

This program is unique in that not every novice will be able to grasp it quickly. Here is a big collection of video cropping tools. You may also slow down or speed up the transition between frames or scenes.

You will not, however, be able to work on shifting color combinations or execute chromatic adjustments.

 

Image from: FreshVanRoot.com

 

Vegas Pro

This is specialized software used by professionals in the field of motion picture production. The range of options and tools is wide, allowing you to fine-tune each frame with incredible accuracy. While keeping great quality, you may add transitions, effects, and an overlaid soundtrack.

 
 
 

Adobe Premiere Pro

This is one of the most popular video editing tools for creators and video editing professionals on both Apple and PC computers. From motion graphics, color grading, multi-camera editing, and sound design, the wide range of tools make it a flexible program for individual creators and industry professionals. It is also Premiere Gal’s editing program of choice.