Editing software keeps getting faster and better


Last week, I talked about editing. This week, we’re going to take a closer look at editing software.

Every day, editing software is coming further and further in what it can do, and how fast it can do it.  Most people are familiar with the most expensive programs—such as Final Cut Pro and Adobe CS—but many free and cheaper options also exist.

For starters, both Macs and PCs come with free editing programs.  For Macs, it’s iMovie, and for PC users, it’s Window Live Movie Maker.  With both of these programs (and most editing software), you’ll find three main components: a bin, a timeline and a preview.  The bin is where you keep all of your various video files.  The timeline is where all your clips are blended and put together.  And the preview is the small screen where you can watch what you’ve put together in time line.

Some of the most common things you’ll be using editing software for are trimming clips, adding transitions and tweaking sounds.  Of course, editing software has countless more uses than this.

More expensive editing software usually runs at least $300, but many more features are available.  These features include auto-organization of media, the ability to assemble multi-cam projects and many others.

The software programs I’ve listed are just a few of the many options for video editing.  A huge number of free or very cheap editing software is available online, with new programs being created all the time.  Whatever program you decide to use, it’s a good idea to stick with the same program so you completely understand the program.  A good editor needs good software, and the editing process is very important to the success of your film.

Check back every Tuesday for Timothy’s latest techniques in filming.