The internet’s global reach is quickly increasing the demand for more accessibility, so it’s now more important than ever to make your videos watchable for all. Learning about subtitles vs captions and adding them to your videos can help you accomplish this. 

At Vimeo, we prioritize accessibility in all that we do, which is why we support captions in our video player and provide automated closed captions and subtitles on live streams for Premium and Enterprise users. And marketing professionals agree — 78% of video marketers use a combination of accessibility features in videos, including captions.

But contrary to popular belief, the two forms of video transcription are not the same. While both captions and subtitles can help your content reach a wider audience, there are nuances to each to consider before deciding on one or the other for your videos. Let’s break down closed captions vs subtitles in this quick and easy guide to help you make the best choice.

What are captions? 

Captions transcribe dialogue, but they do so in the same language as the video. Captions also contain some additional information that subtitles don’t, like descriptions of background noises and speaker identification. They don’t always appear at the bottom of the screen — sometimes, they’ll be shown in different locations to indicate the source of the audio in the scene.

Open captions vs closed captions

There are two types of captions: open and closed.

Open captions cannot be turned off and are “burned” into the video file itself. 

Closed captions can be turned on and off by the viewer and are typically found in a settings menu. There are two different types of closed captions:

• 608 captions: Also called Line 21, CEA-608, or EIA-608 captions, these were the standard for analog TV. This type of captioning doesn’t support the customization or appearance options that 708 captions provide.
• 708 captions: Also called CTA-708, CEA-708, or EIA-708 captions, these are the new standard for captioning digital TV. This type of captioning supports appearance customization but not on analog TVs.

Caption styles

There are three main display styles for captions: roll-up, pop-on, and paint-on.

• Roll-up captions are used for live events and real-time programming.
• Pop-on captions are used for pre-recorded content.
• Paint-on captions are not typically found in modern captioning, but there are rare occasions they could be used — like for an initial caption of a pre-recorded video to avoid any slight pop-on caption delays or load times.

When to use captions

Captions are typically used to identify background sounds and music, speakers, and other audio cues. They’re designed for use by the d/Deaf communities and those with hearing impairments but are gaining popularity among all users. In fact, half of Americans say they watch content with subtitles “most of the time.”

Captions are also used to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance requirements. Marketers aren’t always familiar with specific compliance laws — 50% don’t believe there’s a law requiring websites of government institutions to be accessible (there is; it’s known as Section 508). So, it’s in your best interest to default to adding captions.

32% of people think captioning should be the default content setting.

Source: Preply

How to add captions to video

There are several ways you can add video captions. You can use Vimeo to automatically or manually add captions to videos. For social media, you can add captions within TikTok, YouTube, Facebook (Meta), and other platforms.

One of our favorite ways to caption videos is by using Rev, a speech-to-text platform that’s now the sole provider of Vimeo’s automated captions. Rev provides users with both AI transcription and human-generated transcription options.

What are subtitles? 

Subtitles translate dialogue directly, typically into another language (though this isn’t a hard rule). The most popular example of this is shown in foreign films. Subtitles almost always appear at the bottom of a viewer’s screen.

Types of subtitles

There are three main types of subtitles: subtitles for the d/Deaf and hard of hearing (SDH), non-SDH, and forced narrative.

• SDH: Designed for users who cannot hear the on-screen dialogue and audio cues. SDH subtitles include information about sound effects, music, and the like.
• Non-SDH: Typically referred to as just “subtitles.” Non-SDH subtitles are designed for users who can hear, but not understand, the on-screen language and other audio cues.
• Forced narrative (FN): FN subtitles are overlaid text subtitles that are used to clarify on-screen dialogue, graphics, or other information that isn’t fully explained. For example, if an American video shows an on-screen text message in Spanish, an FN subtitle would show its English translation.

When to use subtitles

When subtitles are used, the video producer and/or broadcaster traditionally assumes the viewer isn’t fluent in the language spoken in your video. Though, in some instances, the subtitles and the on-screen spoken language match.

There are a handful of key indicators of when to use subtitles:

• When you want to improve accessibility
• When you want to better match user preference — a majority of viewers watch videos with the sound off
• When not everyone speaks the language spoken in your video
• When you want to improve your video SEO — as video transcripts allow search engines to crawl the dialogue in your video

How to add subtitles to video

Add subtitles to your video the same way you add captions to videos. There are a variety of tools and platforms you can use, including:

• Vimeo
• Rev
• Zubtitle
• Subly
• Amara
• MixCaptions

Caption vs subtitle FAQs

Discover answers to frequently asked questions about captions vs subtitles.

Is a subtitle a caption?

In a “functionality” sense, yes. Most of the world uses subtitles vs captions interchangeably. However, in its technical subtitle definition vs caption definition? No. 

• A subtitle is a translation of on-screen dialogue and spoken words from a foreign language to the viewer’s native language. It almost always appears at the bottom of a user’s screen. Types include subtitles for the d/Deaf and hard of hearing (SDH), non-SDH, and forced narrative subtitles.
• A caption is a transcription of on-screen sound. Captions appear in the same language as what is spoken in the video. Captions also contain information like audio and musical cues. Types include open captions and closed captions.

Why are subtitles called closed captions?

Depending on where you’re accessing content from, subtitles may also be referred to as closed captions. This is because, like subtitles, closed captions (compared to open captions) can be toggled on and off.

Who writes subtitles?

Popular streaming services like Netflix typically employ professional closed captioners or subtitle writers to work on their content, but subtitles can be added to video by anyone who has access to the video file and transcription software or captioning services.

With Vimeo, adding automatic captions to video content is so easy, just about anyone can do it.

Stand out with video captions and subtitles

In addition to widening your video’s accessibility, captions and subtitles naturally help you generate better-performing content. In the age of social feeds cluttered with muted videos, viewers often rely on captions to determine whether or not your video is relevant and interesting to them. And, if they like your video’s message, they’ll stop scrolling (or whatever else they’re doing) and watch.

More Vimeo Video School lessons

Learn more about uploading your subtitles and captions to Vimeo in our Help Center. Art from Joseph Melhuish. Updated on May 16, 2023.

The world of video editing is full of robust and beautiful colors — just like the world we live in every day.

But, if you’ve ever shot any footage on a smartphone (or perhaps a digital camera), you’ve probably noticed the colors you see in real life don’t always match up to what you’re seeing on your screen.

And while there’s a lot of reasons for this, any explanation into this phenomenon will cover a great deal of color editing theory — and in particular how color grading and color correction go into the process of digitally recreating the colors we see in real life.

But what are these two terms? And, more specifically, how can you use both color grading and color correction in your everyday film and video projects? Let’s answer all these questions in more detail in this complete guide to editing color in your videos.

Color grading vs color correction: what’s the difference? 

So, let’s tackle the biggest question of them all first. What the heck is the difference between color grading and color correction? We’ll get into more of the technical and nuanced differences below, but for now let’s use this short differentiation…

Color correcting is the process of correcting (or fixing) colors in a video or a film as a way to get them back to what they should look like for your project. Color grading is the process of grading (or editing) colors in a video or film as a way to give them a stylistic look.

Pretty simple, right? 

Great! Now let’s focus a bit more in depth into these two different techniques…

What is color correction? 

Let’s start with color correction because… well… because color correction is usually done first. This is because raw footage tends to be oversaturated and the colors need to be balanced out. 

And while there are several steps to the process of color correction, it’s important to clarify that the real end goal of color correction is simply to make sure footage looks exactly the way the human eye sees things. For example, if the white and black levels match what the human eye sees as white and black, then the rest of the colors should be balanced as a result as well.

However, if the footage you shot (or perhaps was given to you to edit) was very improperly balanced to begin with, the process can be quite tricky to complete without at least a little bit of expertise.

How to color correct in 5 steps 

Here are the five basic steps to color correcting footage regardless of what type of editing situation that you might find yourself in.

1. Normalize your footage as much as possible.
2. Fix your saturation first.
3. Then fix your brightness and contrast.
4. Set your new white balance.
5. Double check your skin tones.

Depending on your footage and editing experience, there are of course more steps which you could include for this process. However, for a basic guide to quickly balance and correct any regular footage needs, this process should set you on the right path for beginners.

[Video tutorial] Color correction vs. color grading

Color saturation vs. color brightness 

Another element which you should always consider in color correcting is the relationship between the color saturation and color brightness in your video. A lot of issues with poorly shot or colored footage comes from these two different elements.

In an ideal video setting, footage will be shot as flat and undersaturated as possible. If footage is oversaturated or too bright or dark, valuable information could be lost which can make your footage unusable. 

It’s the goal of the video editor (or ideally a colorist) to correct any of these imbalances as a way to make sure that there is enough leeway to make color grading decisions later in the process.

Color correction before and after 

Finally, to give you perhaps the best context, let’s take a look at this great video below which perfectly demonstrates the differences between color correcting and color grading before and after. 

As you can see, at its core, these differences between these two terms are pretty simple and easy to explain in 30 seconds or less. Yet, just because you’ve learned the basics of color correcting doesn’t mean you’re quite ready to dive into grading — which could be considered the more creative and advanced end of the spectrum.

What is color grading? 

Now, color grading is the next step, and this is where you can actually begin to create the aesthetic of your videos. But it’s important to note that this is an entirely optional process, especially if the film is meant to be as realistic as possible. 

However, the right color grading will always help convey a visual tone or mood to heighten the narrative. For example, you might want to use higher contrast and darker tones for a horror film, or inverted colors for a sci-fi shootout, as depicted in this fun video showcasing some different grade effects:

What are LUTs in color grading? 

Now, you might be asking yourself: how do you actually achieve some of the cool grades and effects as seen in the video above? While the answer will vary for each look and each editor, one trick we can share with you is that many of these grading looks are achieved by using LUTs.

What are LUTs you ask? Well, a LUT stands for “look-up table,” and is basically a quick cheat-sheet which filmmakers can use in camera, or more importantly, which editors can use in their edit to give their footage specific grade and look.

While we wouldn’t recommend just using LUTs for projects without understanding a bit more about how grading works, or how to tinker with your LUTs applied to your footage. In short, these tools can be huge timesavers and — with the right use — quite powerful for your projects.

Understanding color grading: how to color grade in 5 steps  

Before you start dropping LUTs into all your video edits going forward though, let’s go over some tips for understanding how to color grade. Here are the five basic steps to color grading your video footage:

1. Normalize your folate as much as possible.
2. Follow the steps to correct your colors.
3. Choose your desired look and style.
4. Make your color adjustments in your editing program of choice.
5. Double check skin tones and vectorscope.

Remember: color grading should really only be done after your video has been normalized and corrected so that you’re working off of footage that represents how it is meant to be seen. From there, the name of the game is painting (or grading) your footage to look now as you’d like for it to be seen.

Color grading before and after 

Compared to color correcting which can also be done subtly and with nuance, color grading is often what one thinks about when color editing where the differences in the before and after examples can be quite extreme.

Case in point: these two vastly different frames from the example video from above.

As you can see, while the first image certainly has been corrected and even perhaps graded a bit to display a warm room tone, it’s the second image that clearly looks like it comes from a completely different film.

With its undersaturated, gray film look, the second image is a great example of how a video editor can color grade a project to instantly evoke connotations of a different style and feel to bring the audience into a new scene.

How can I tell which my footage really needs? 

This is truly a great question as it outlines a common misconception in the world of video editing. For many non-professionals, the terms color correcting and color grading are used interchangeably. For example, “let’s correct the footage to look more like a David Fincher movie,” or “we can just grade out these color mistakes in post.”

While it can be a great goal to help educate your clients as to what the actual differences between color correcting and color grading are (you could always send them this article), it often falls on the filmmaker or video editor to try to understand what the client actually wants.

In most circumstances, clients want footage that looks correct and cinematic, which means they want both color correcting and grading. And while there was a time years ago where these tasks might have been done by different professionals, with today’s modern digital editing technology, and the vast amount of educational resources and tutorials available to editors, both these feats can be performed by you on your computer.

What tools can I use for color grading or color correcting? 

The real trick is to use the right tools. And believe me, there are a lot of tools available to you out there. However, in general I wouldn’t recommend attempting to do too much color editing on any of the free video editing platforms out there. Not because they’re not great programs for cutting together digital video content, but in many instances color editing does require some more in-depth tools and features.

Some great options for both color grading and color correcting are these popular video editing programs:

• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Final Cut Pro
• Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve
• Magic Bullet Colorista
• Fylm.ai

The first few options here are also basic NLE platforms which you can use for all of your regular video editing needs, however if you do desire to go even more in-depth into the world of color editing there are certainly plenty of programs intensely focused on just color.

FAQs 

Putting it all together

Hopefully these basic definitions, guides, and tips and tricks have given you a good understanding as to what the key differences between color correcting and color grading really are. At the end of the day though, color editing in general will always be what you make of it.

Just because footage was corrected and graded in certain ways before doesn’t mean you have to exactly follow the same steps for your own projects. It’s helpful to learn the basics, but feel free to explore the fascinating world of color on your own. 

Keep learning with Vimeo Video School.

In the world of film and video production, there are a lot of great jobs out there. You can be a director, a cinematographer, a post-production coordinator…the world’s your oyster.

Those who have been bit by the editing bug can tell you: there is no job more mentally invigorating than being a video editor.

But how does one get into video editing? And, more importantly, how does one build a career as a freelance editor?

Let’s explore everything you need to know about getting started as a freelance editor, including how to find clients, how to manage your day-to-day schedule, and eventually how you can turn yourself into a business.

What is a freelance video editor?

So, first things first, let’s define what it means to be a freelance video editor in today’s day and age. A freelance video editor is simply a person who is hired by a company, agency or individual to perform video editing tasks. 

And technically speaking there’s a lot of jobs and roles which a freelance video editor could be specifically asked to do including color correcting or color grading, sound editing, or different types of video coding or exporting.

However, for most purposes, a freelance video editor is someone tasked with taking footage (either which they recorded themselves or was given to them) and editing that footage into a final version of a video. 

The process requires a bit of back-and-forth between a video editor and a client or project manager to share requirements and goals, as well as a thorough review and export process for the sharing of final deliverables.

What does a freelance video editor do day-to-day?

As mentioned above, a freelance video editor’s day-to-day schedule can vary significantly depending on the types of projects and work needed to be done. However, there are some general activities which a video editor usually performs day-to-day when on a job.

And from here I’m speaking from experience in my time as a freelance video editor where I was often asked to take on projects which could span anywhere from a day to several weeks or months. 

• Start of day: Check emails and go over the work you need to do for the day. 
• Morning session: Open up your video editing program and any relevant documents or plug-ins and begin editing. This session can last 4 to 5 hours and is sometimes capped by sending off footage or drafts to be reviewed by a client.
• Lunch break: Take some time to yourself to eat, socialize, and/or reflect on your work from before.
• Afternoon session: Re-open your video editing program and work on your edit for another 4 to 5 hours. This session is also often capped with sending off footage or drafts to be reviewed by the client, ideally with notes being sent for you to review for the next day.
• Evening: Ideally even a freelance video editor will be sure to set boundaries with clients and log off at a specific time of day. It’s not unusual for freelance video editors to spend time in the evening either finishing up projects, doing extra freelance work, or learning new editing tricks or skills for fun.

That’s just my own personal schedule more or less though as each freelance video editor will undoubtedly work up a schedule ideal for them. 

It’s also important to keep in mind that a freelance editor isn’t always on the job, so for days where no client work is needed it might be best to focus on networking, building out your resume or portfolio, or learning additional editing certifications and skills.

Freelance video editing: 5 qualifications you need to have 

Now that we’ve gone over a standard day as a video editor, let’s go over some basic qualifications that you need to have to get started with your freelance career. Some of these are physical things you need (like a computer), whereas others are skills which you need to work on and possess to be successful.

• An adequate computer: While you don’t necessarily need a top-of-the-line PC, you do need an adequate computer which can edit at a reasonable pace.
• Hard drives (and back-ups): The freelance video editor will always need plenty of hard drives and back up drives to store footage, files and assets, as well as keep your clients’ work safe.
• Video editing training: Whether it be from an accredited university or with YouTube tutorials, you’ll need plenty of video editing training to be able to perform all the tasks asked of a professional video editor.
• Problem solving skills: A good video editor should be great at problem solving as there will always be issues which arise with every project. 
• Communication skills: You should also be well versed in communication as a freelance video editor will need to communicate early and often with clients on scripts, goals and timelines, as well as be able to implement feedback into new drafts of a project.

From there though, each freelance video editor will indeed be unique and your own career path and experiences will help to shape your skillset as you develop and grow.

How to start your freelance video editing career 

So, with all the qualifications and day-to-day examples outlined above, how do you actually start your freelance video editing career? Well, the answer is a bit complex as its not quite as cut-and-dry as other career types.

By its nature, freelance video editing, is either an on-or-off proposition. If you’re actively doing editing work for a client, congratulations! You’re a freelance video editor.

If you’ve not doing any freelance editing work, and never have before, you’re not quite one yet.

But this is good news because all it means is that for you to get started as a freelance editor is to find a client and begin working. Which, if you follow the steps below, isn’t as hard as it sounds either.

How to find freelance video editing jobs

Now let’s go over some actionable tips for finding freelance video editing jobs. It still takes a great deal of in-person connecting and networking to put yourself in front of new clients and companies.

However, while it never hurts to connect IRL when possible, you can actually build a career in freelance video editing completely remote and no matter where you live.

Here are 5 steps to follow:

1. Join a video-specific Slack group 

One of these new virtual ways to network and connect with other creatives and editing professionals is to find a video-specific Slack group to join and engage with. If you aren’t familiar with Slack, you can get started here, but it’s basically a collaboration hub where you can join different channels, teams, or discussions to stay connected with different groups.

2. Attend networking events specifically for video editors 

Similarly, if you do live in a location that is a good hub for film and video, then you should absolutely consider IRL networking as well. For example, if you live in New York there are plenty of great networking events — even specifically for video editing — that you can find on MeetUp.

3. Scour LinkedIn and job boards 

You’ll also want to look into building out a robust and informative LinkedIn profile as that’s one of the best resources for finding jobs and putting your name, face, and reel in front of clients. Once you’ve built a profile, you can expand your job search either to localized areas (like this one for video editors in New York) or remotely as you open yourself up to clients across the globe.

4. Get certified as a Vimeo Expert 

Moving into resources for freelance video editors right here on Vimeo, you should absolutely also check out the Vimeo Experts program to see about becoming a certified Expert within the Vimeo community. Not only does the Experts program give you training for video skills (both Vimeo-specific and general) it also unlocks a special badge and opportunities which you can find on For Hire Marketplace on Vimeo.

5. Make a profile on gig-centric websites 

Finally, a newer tip that is gaining a lot of steam in professional video circles is to make a profile on a gig-centric website to showcase your talents and put your profile in front of other creatives and executives. 

The name of the game with this approach is finding the new cool websites (like ilovecreatives for example) and taking the time to make sure your profile puts you (and your talents) in the best possible light.

How to start a video editing business

Once you have found yourself with a few freelance video editing opportunities and clients, you’ll actually be faced with a decision as to whether or not you’d like to continue on just as a freelancer, or to turn your work into a business.

For many freelance video editors this means starting a video editing business. And while it might just be yourself as the lone employee to start, as you build your brand and get more and more work, you can consider hiring on extra help and building out a team.

Here are the basic steps that you’ll need to follow:

• Choose a company name: You can always use your own name to start, but if you want to truly grow try to pick something fun, unique, and smart.
• Create a reel: A freelance video editor will always need a reel to showcase your best projects and diversity of work.
• Make a portfolio (or website): Every company needs a website these days, and a video editing brand is no different. You can start with an easy-to-build template from Wix, Squarespace or WordPress.
• Optimize your linkedIn profile: But don’t forget your LinkedIn profile which is still perhaps the most powerful digital footprint for any video editing professional.
• Start an official LLC: Finally, as you grow you’ll want to consider officially starting an LLC for your company as a way to keep all your revenue, expenses and tax information in order.

Career advice from real freelance video editors 

Finally, to wrap things up, we have some pieces of advice to share with you on how to start your freelance video editing career from real freelance video editors themselves.

From tips for building skills to finding gigs, here are some insightful nuggets to help you along your way.

What are the most important skills you need to become a freelance video editor?

Successful video editors (according to actual video editors) tend to have these skills:

• Values communication and feedback
• Hunger to learn and continually progress
• An innate understanding of storytelling
• A focus on people, what they need, and their goals

What does a typical day look like for you?

For some editors, each day is a little different. “One day it’s all out editing the deliverables. Another day it’s figuring out how to promote myself and get in front of people. Other days it’s networking, updating [my] website, researching new tools, etc,” said wedding videographer Paul Wozniak.

Others take a batching approach, like Project Director Chris Hoerdemann, who said: “[I have] administrative work and meetings from about 8am to noon, and then editing from about 1pm until I have hit whatever milestone I was shooting for that day.”

Any advice for a total newbie? 

Jacob Perkins, founder of Hens Bread Productions in Austin, Texas, says, “Be confident in your pricing, you offer a skill most people don’t have. Anything for “exposure” should be done because you like it. Overestimate the editing hours because it’s bound to go over a couple hours over adding small details.”

Several editors recommended taking advantage of free learning like YouTube tutorials, or taking on pro-bono work for a non-profit you admire. Another editor emphasized the value of building relationships early in your editing career.

“Always be producing something — even if it means doing pro bono work, or producing personal projects. I did four or five free projects during my first six months, and all of those clients then became paying clients. Five years later, we are still working with them, and their word of mouth recommendations early on resulted in an avalanche of paying work coming our way in the first year,” said Chris Hoerdemann.

What are your primary channel(s) for finding gigs?

Here were a few top responses from real video editors:

• Google Search
• Word-of-mouth / referrals
• Social media like LinkedIn
• Online groups — everything from Vimeo to Facebook

Hopefully these tips and tricks have given you a solid roadmap to start your own career in freelance video editing. Remember, while there are great pieces of advice which you can learn from, the real way to get started is simply that — get started.

Put yourself out there, start working on projects for fun, hone your skills, and start building yourself into the brand that you want to be.

Learn more post-production and career tips.

At Vimeo, we empower creators to… well, create.

Creativity doesn’t rely on organization or assets, but in the ability to do. And, simply put, there’s a lot of information to sift through online. That’s why we’re big believers in pre-designed templates and simple, intuitive video creation tools.

However, for all those creators who are wanting to work with different (and sometimes more advanced platforms), we’ve put together answers to your burning questions about video editing, plus a shortlist of seven of the best video editing softwares currently on the market.

Five fundamental questions before choosing a video editing software

The real trick though for figuring out which editing software that is right for you is going to come down to your needs. To help you figure out exactly what your needs are, here are some helpful questions to ask yourself to understand what editing features your video might require.

1. What kinds of videos will you be editing? 

This is a great, open-ended question, to get you started. Just what kinds of videos will you be editing? Are they long or short videos? Do they use multiple cameras and angles, or is all one shot? Do you have intro and outro sequences? What is the overall level of professionalism that you’d like for the videos to be?

2. Do you need your videos to live in the Cloud? 

The next question has to do with where you want your video to reside once it’s exported and uploaded online. Is the video something that you want to live in the cloud and be accessible to anyone anywhere? Or is something meant for internal audiences online where you want the file(s) only on your computer or network to show to prospective clients, family or friends?

3. How long do you want to spend on video editing? 

Editing videos can vary for a great variety of reasons, but one of the biggest has to do simply with how long you want to spend on editing your video. Is this a project which you need to have edited and uploaded right away and in a matter of minutes (or possibly hours)? Or is it something which you can spend all day, if not all week working on to perfect every little detail?

4. Do you want a free tool, or can you swing a subscription? 

We also have to talk about budget. Not just in terms of time and resources spent, but in actual currency that you have available to work on editing your project. Are you looking for a free editing tool which you can use simply and easily without a commitment? Or do you have enough money available to pay for a subscription based software (which is the standard format for working with NLE editors like Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro)?

5. What features are must-haves for your business? 

Finally, the last question has to do with what features are must-haves for your project’s needs. Videos these days can offer lots of bells and whistles from styles and looks, flashy effects and animations, to more practical features like click-through links and other call-to-action (CTA) elements. Ask yourself what you feel your video needs to be successful and justify your time and resources spent on your edit.

7 popular video editing tools and software 

While keeping your answers to the questions above in mind, let’s now take a look at some of the popular video editing tools and softwares currently available online.

Adobe Premiere Pro 

Our first pick is Adobe Premiere Pro, which is perhaps currently the single most popular NLE software in the industry. It’s a great pick for beginners and pros alike as it’s easy enough to pick up, but includes plenty of higher-end features and controls.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use timeline editor
• Advanced features for color grading, effects and motion graphics
• Very popular app with plenty of resources online, plus syncs with Adobe Creative Cloud

Cons:

• A little bit of a learning curve to get started for beginners
• No ready-made templates for quick edits
• Subscription pricing model can add up over time

Price: $20.99/month (for Premiere Pro), $52.99 (for Creative Cloud)

Final Cut Pro X 

After Premiere Pro, Apple’s Final Cut Pro might currently be the second most popular NLE software in the industry. It’s timeline-based editing platform is also easy-to-use for both novices and experts alike. It’s a bit more complicated than Apple’s iMovie which might be better for true beginners, but it offers more advanced controls in terms of editing, effects and color controls.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use timeline editor
• Advanced features for color grading, basic effects and motion graphics
• Works great with Macs and syncing with other Apple products

Cons

• A little bit of a learning curve to get started for beginners
• No ready-made templates for quick edits
• Only compatible with Apple computers, plus a bit pricey

Price: $299.99

Adobe Spark 

Released in 2016 (and as a combination of Adobe’s previous web tools Voice, Slate and Post), Adobe Spark is a free-to-use online video editor that’s simple to use for creators on the run. It’s pre-formatted story templates include an array of slideshows, montages and other basic effects.

Pros:

• Free online video editor
• Easy-to-use templates
• Quick upload to export process

Cons:

• Not timeline based for edits
• No advanced features or controls
• Limited amount of templates and customization

Price: Free

Vimeo Create 

Similar to Adobe Spark, but with a bit more templates and customizations to choose from, Vimeo Create is an easy-to-use online video editor that allows creators to make videos on the fly. It’s template-based as you can browse hundreds of pre-formatted options which include different montages, transitions, effects and other slideshow-style features.

Pros:

• Free online video editor for Vimeo members
• Thousands of easy-to-use templates
• Quick upload to export process

Cons:

• Limited advanced features or controls

Price: Available with Vimeo paid plans.

iMovie 

While not as sophisticated as Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, yet not as straightforward as Vimeo Create or Adobe Spark, iMovie is a solid software that offers a good mix of both worlds. This Mac-based app is free-to-use and comes pre-installed on most Apple products. It allows for basic timeline editing for trimming, transitions and simple color, filters and audio controls.

Pros:

• Free to use on Mac
• Easy-to-use timeline editor
• Includes basic controls for filters, effects and audio

Cons:

• Only compatible with Mac
• Limited controls for advanced features for color, motion and effects
• No ready-made templates for quick edits

Price: Free on Mac

Lightworks

While developed way back in 1989, Lightworks has slowly been making inroads in the film and video industry as a solid NLE software which can seriously rival both Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro. It’s a relevantly easy to use timeline-based editor which includes beginner and advanced functions and controls for effects, transitions and motion graphics. It is available for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use timeline editor
• Advanced features for color grading, basic effects and motion graphics
• Available for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems

Cons:

• A little bit of a learning curve to get started for beginners
• No ready-made templates for quick edits
• Subscription pricing model is one of the more expensive

Price: $23.99/month, $239.99/year 

DaVinci Resolve 17

Another name on our list which might not be as well known as iMovie, Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro, Blackmagic Design’s DaVinci Resolve has also slowly been making a name for itself in the professional video editing community for several years now. With its roots developed in the realm of color correction and grading, DaVinci Resolve 17 is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux and also offers a free version, and a more capable paid version.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use timeline editor
• Advanced features for color grading, basic effects and motion graphics
• Available for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems

Cons:

• -Still takes a little bit of a learning curve to get started for beginners
• No ready-made templates for quick edits
• Free version is great, but most serious editors will need the pricey full version

Price: $295

Frequently asked questions

Ready to learn video editing? 

No matter what editing software that you choose though, it’s important to remember that you’ll be learning an invaluable skill for your business in the process — the art of piecing together a video.

If you’d like to read up a bit more on some editing tips and tricks, here are some helpful articles to aid you in your editing journey.

• Video editing 101: Here are 6 basic tips every beginner needs to know 
• How to trim your videos on Vimeo
• How to add masterful transitions to your videos (even if you’re a total beginner)
• How to make a Vimeo Create video
• How to make a slideshow video

Once you’ve the unlocked video editing skills that you need to be successful, it should be easier to scale up production, add video content into your larger marketing and advertising strategy, and better-looking videos in way less time.

Sharpen your editing skills with Vimeo Video School.

Vimeo Experts is a brand new program designed to help video professionals grow their business and stay connected to industry talents in our increasingly digital-first world.

Vimeo Experts exists to elevate the work of the amazing community of pros who call Vimeo home, through training and certification in subjects directly tailored to your needs as an industry professional.

We’re excited to celebrate the launch of Vimeo Experts by featuring 10 of the outstanding creators who have joined so far. They come from all over the globe, tackle everything ranging from motion design to cinematography, and work with a wide range of brands, non-profits, and start ups.

What is Vimeo Experts?

Vimeo Experts is a program built to nurture, educate, and connect filmmaking professionals from all walks of life and specialties.

We hope you’ll consider joining this exciting new community, which is free to all paid subscribers, and then take the steps (including getting Vimeo Certified) to make sure your work is getting out in front of some of the innovative brands using Vimeo every day.

Don’t just take our word for it. We made a video, too!

10 Vimeo Experts paving the way in film

Ibrahim Zafar | Founder + CEO, Lens End Media

Ibrahim is the founder and CEO of Lens End Media, a video production and digital marketing agency based in Washington, D.C. Born in Pakistan and raised in North Carolina, Ibrahim has created a business that tackles end-to-end production for companies from a wide range of industries, including hospitals, political campaigns, non-profits, tech companies and startups.

Felicia Manning | Founder, Fe Brand Films

Founder | Fe Brand Films Felicia is the founder of Fe Brand Films, an L.A.-based commercial production studio focused on brand experiences through storytelling.

Fe Brand, which typically takes on commercials, branded content, short films, and music videos, has partnered with a mix of large (including SAP and BEHR) and smaller (including Pawena Studio and Arcley) clients, and leans toward human-interest topics, character-driven stories, and cinematic aesthetics.

Enrica Cavalli | Producer, Director, and Editor

Enrica Cavalli is an SF-based producer, director and editor who has worked for clients as diverse as Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco, Palo Alto Grishin Robotics and Deutsche Bank Labs.

Born and raised in Sardina, Italy, Enrica currently calls San Francisco home. Since 2006, she has been collaborating with Arte-Mide, an organization that documents the craft of Venetian women through art.

Tom Ruddock | Director and Co-Founder, View 35 Films

Tom is a London-based Director and Writer, and the co-founder (along with Shelley Ruddock) of View 35 Films founded in 2017. Whether working in films, commercials, music videos, or branded content, View 35 brings a story-first, highly empathetic approach to everything they do.

Tom has worked with brands including Unilever, Facebook, Google, and Universal Music, but he is especially excited to be currently working on his first feature film. To date, Tom has received Vimeo Staff Picks for two of his excellent shorts, “Jacob’s Blessing” and “Runaway.”

Maya Table | Director

Maya Table, a 2021 Adweek, Creative 100: Visionary Director and 2021 Adobe Mentor, is a triple threat director, editor and producer. Recently directing credits include commercials and digital content for Google, SELF magazine, Lululemon, SoundCloud, and PBS.

In 2018, she wrote and directed her first short documentary, “Reclaiming Nappy” which was featured on Facebook Watch and at Facebook’s 2019 Sundance Festival panel. Her next and first narrative short film “Dating App”, was featured by Issa Rae and FoxSoul.

Jarrett DePasquale | Director and Producer

Jarrett DePasquale is a New York based filmmaker with over a decade of experience in award-winning commercials, music videos, branded content and feature films. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts, Jarrett is an Executive Producer at Complex Networks, and has partnered on projects with brands including Sprite, Adidas, and NBA2K.

Ernesto Guadalupe | Director, Cinematographer, and Editor

Ernesto Guadalupe is a NYC native with years of experience behind the lens. He completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Syracuse University in 2005 with a major in Film, and then made the transition from internships to employment at several Fortune 500 companies, to eventually landing in the network broadcast world, working as both a skilled editor and director of photography. Among the clients he’s tackled projects for over the last few years are Complex, Ralph Lauren, NBC News, Uber, and Reebok.

Dave Jones | Director of Photography and Co-founder, TreeTop Productions

Dave Jones is the co-founder and head of all things visual at TreeTop Productions, a video production company focused on helping creative agencies make great content for their clients.

Treetop’s goal is to be a true agency partner, enhancing the creative, providing support, and relieving pressure, and some of their recent clients include BMW, Google, Samsung and Siemens.

Natalie Schwan | Director and Co-founder, Velocity Creatives

Natalie Schwan is the founder (and winner of multiple Telly Awards!) of the L.A.-based production company Velocity Creatives, a full service production company which has tackled commercial projects for brands including Colgate and Aura Frames and music videos for artists including Aish Divine and Nightmares on Wax.

Bart Miko | Art Director and Motion Designer

Bart Miko is a London-based freelance Art Director/Motion designer. 

Over the last few years, Bart Miko has tackled projects for a wide range of clients, including Nike, Marvel and Adobe. When it comes to building his experience in the industry, Bart said, “Learn not to give up too quickly, and not to be afraid of making mistakes, as those are opportunities to learn something, not a point of failure.”

Ready to join this talented cadre of video pros?

Join Vimeo Experts today.

There’s something to be said about getting things done yourself. It can be quite satisfying to move into a new home by yourself for example. However, while some might prefer the solitude of self-starting, when it comes to film and video, working as an army-of-one can be quite the task.

We spoke with one of these army-of-one directors — Ibrahim Zafar from Lens End Media — about his own personal journey turning his hobby into his career, and growing his solo operation into a tight knit, agile team strong enough to tackle any video project.

Let’s explore some of our advice and findings for anyone looking to grow their brand and take on bigger (and more lucrative!) film projects.

Start small and stay intentional

For many film and video professionals, it can be tricky to break into the industry. However, Zafar recommends starting small and organically. While there may be production companies out there that start big, the majority come from humble origins and scale up as demand increases.

When you do start small, it takes a certain mindset and resolve to handle the army-of-one mentality needed to be successful early on.

For Zafar, this meant he had to navigate the early days of his career working as a producer, director, a shooter and an editor, often juggling the various tasks and roles needed to pitch, produce and deliver a project as a true army-of-one turnkey production company.

“Doing everything from start to finish was my main way of working, so getting people involved into the process was foreign to me. We’ve naturally needed more help as we’ve grown, which I think is the proper way to handle transitioning from a solo director to a company.”

Ibrahim Zafar

Turn your hobby into your job

One element of Zafar’s career that is inspiring is that he was able to transition into it from another career path altogether.

“I was working in consulting prior, traveling to other countries for a large company. In my free time though, I’d go out and start shooting videos for fun and film international “day-in-the-life” content. That started my passion, and let’s just say, things grew from there,” said Zahar.

For Zafar, videography was simply a passion and a hobby which he did on the side as he learned the ropes and developed his style and skills. At the behest of his wife, Zafar admits, he finally made the jump to full-time to pursue his new career shortly after getting married.

It’s been a path with its own challenges though as Zafar’s career change coincided with COVID-19. However, there was a silver lining to starting a new career during a pandemic — Zafar finally had enough downtime to fully focus on his first clients and their needs.

Know when to ask for help

At first, Zafar only needed to rely on himself to handle all the production work from clients. And for many with the same mindset, it can actually be quite productive (and satisfying) to take the reins on handling each stage of a project from pre- to post.

Still, Zafar admits he needed to bring in some extra help here and there to stay on top of the work.

“I knew that I had to grow the company, but there was just so much work with the client management stage, the being on set stage, the bringing in revenue stage, the building your brand and managing your social media stage, so my days were spread pretty thin trying to manage everything at once.”

Ibrahim Zafar

Zafar’s first hire? An associate producer. They’d manage the logistics for clients, freeing him up to focus on the actual videography and editing.

However, as needs and clients continued to grow, Zafar found himself reaching out for more and more help, adding in more team members and contractors to help staff up for bigger shoots where more specific roles like DPs, gaffers and editors were needed.

Keep a balanced budget

Once you begin your transition from an army-of-one to a leadership role for your young team, you’ll need to shift from strictly focusing on the videography. Instead, turn your gaze towards management, producing, and company growth.

Zafar reached a critical impasse. Either he’d continue focusing on his own career, or entertain the possibility of starting a true company. “Once I felt that I reached a level of sustainability, I had to make some decisions. Do I want to just increase my prices and my personal salary, or do I want to reinvest it back into growing the company and bring others on board to help with my direction and vision?”

While it might seem counterintuitive at first, you might find yourself keeping your own salary low to help bring in talent that’ll help you grow your brand and your profits down the line.

Always add value

Zafar’s vision for his own company is to fully transition from his army-of-one — a company where he wore all the hats — to be more of a CEO and film director with team of talented filmmakers at his disposal.

When asked about how others could learn from some of his experiences as they look to build their own companies and brands, his advice really came down to adding value.

“Just find your client network or niche and focus on adding value for them. I think that’s something that we as filmmakers often overlook when you start just focusing on paychecks and jobs. If you can determine the points which you can add value to your clients and their unique marketing needs, the paychecks and revenue will figure themselves out,” said Zafar.

Focus on your craft and how your team can best benefit your clients. This might even mean working for reduced rates as a hook. Ultimately, you’ll demonstrate the true value and full potential of your work later, so you can eventually charge your standard rates.

Read up on all things video with Vimeo Video School.

While often an afterthought (or sometimes ignored) in the world of video editing, sound and audio editing is equally important for any film or video project. 

Audio is a crucial building block for any video edit. And while you can handle a lot of audio and sound controls in many video editing softwares — like Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro — for most serious video editors, it’s helpful to have at least a basic understanding of some other audio-specific platforms.

So, let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best digital audio workstations (DAWs) currently available for film and video editors to focus specifically on working with their audio and sound needs.

What are digital audio workstations (DAWs)?

For anyone coming from the world of sound (or music) recording, a DAW (digital audio workstation) should be a familiar term. However, for those of us hailing from a video-centric world, don’t let the term intimidate you. DAWs are simply editing softwares dedicated to working with audio and sound files.

These DAWs run a wide gamut of app and software types which range from the super high-end which are used by world class musicians and recording studios, to more prosumer options meant for smartphones and laptops and casual recording and editing.

When looking for the right DAW (or simply for the right audio editing software) for you, it really comes down to your skills and needs. Here are some of the best options which any video editor looking for sound help might want to consider.

Pros and cons of 5 popular sound editing software

Audacity 

Let’s start with one of the most famous and iconic names in sound editing: Audacity. Originally released way back in the early days of the internet (read: the early 2000s), Audacity is a completely free and open-source based digital audio editing software. 

It’s an extremely easy-to-use program that should help you learn some of the basics, however it does leave more advanced users wanting for more functions and controls. However, as a free legacy software, you should absolutely consider at least downloading it and checking out when first starting off.

Audacity features: 

Pros:

• Easy-to-use
• Available on Windows, macOS and Linux
• Free

Cons:

• A bit archaic design
• Not many effects
• No advanced features

Price: Free

GarageBand 

For anyone who’s ever owned a Mac computer or laptop before, GarageBand is everyone’s favorite digital audio station that can serve as a great introducer to the world of sound recording and editing. 

And while there may be some softwares which are more sophisticated, GarageBand is about as intuitive and fun-to-use as it gets with a straightforward design that lets users get creative as well as technical.

GarageBand features: 

Pros:

• Fun and intuitive design
• Great for recording audio
• Free for Mac users

Cons:

• Design is meant for beginners to intermediates
• More music focused than film or video
• Not as many advanced features or effects

Price: Free (Mac only)

Avid Pro Tools

A mainstay in both the video and audio industries, Avid represents some of the best and most sophisticated technology for professionals of each. While Avid’s Media Composer might be a favorite of industry video editors, its Pro Tools is hands down one of the best digital audio workstations (DAWs) on the market.

However, if you’re new to audio editing, Pro Tools represents a pretty steep learning curve so should really only be used by more experienced and advanced sound editors.

Avid Pro Tools features: 

Pros:

• Industry-standard tools and design
• A huge array of options and effects
• Great for professionals looking to work with other Avid products

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for beginners or intermediates
• Need a good deal of processing power
• One of the more expensive options

Price: $299 yearly subscription

Adobe Audition 

Another popular DAW audio editing software for video and audio professionals, Adobe Audition is a great option for any video folks who already subscribe to Adobe’s Creative Cloud and use video editing apps like Premiere Pro and After Effects.

Audition is a solid choice on its own as well as it provides enough sophistication for advanced sound editors along with a simple-to-learn design that isn’t too intimidating to those just starting out. (Plus if you do use Premiere Pro, you can quickly switch between the two to really get the best of both worlds for your video projects.)

Adobe Audition features: 

Pros:

• Easy-to-learn
• Solid amount of controls and effects
• Great for working with Adobe Premiere Pro

Cons:

• A bit of a learning curve
• Not as powerful or sophisticated as some other DAWs
• Maybe not preferred for non-Adobe users

Price: $20.99 monthly subscription, $52.99 creative cloud monthly subscription

Logic Pro 

For Mac-users who might be ready to take a step up from GarageBand, Apple’s Logic Pro is one of the best DAWs on the market and an awesome sound editing software for video and sound professionals. Like GarageBand though, it is a bit more music-focused than audio for film and video perhaps, but it certainly has all the bells and whistles which you might need.

That being said, it’s still maybe not the best app for beginners due to its sophistication, and it still trails behind Pro Tools in terms of industry use and support. However, if you’re a Mac user who uses Final Cut Pro who wants more audio controls, Logic Pro could be the perfect option.

Logic Pro features: 

Pros:

• Relatively easy-to-learn
• Plenty of effects and controls
• Great for Mac users

Cons:

• More music-based than film/video
• Still a bit of a learning curve
• Not great for non Mac-users

Price: $199

Making your decision

Hopefully these options should give you at least a good understanding of the modern state of DAWs and audio editing platforms currently on the market. Remember, these options are meant for a wide variety of skill types, so if you’re just starting off you don’t always need to invest in the highest-end offering.

However, if you are serious about getting the best audio and sound into your film and video projects, it’s important to take the craft seriously and use one of the right tools for the job. So, check a few of these options out and see which one is right for you.

Broaden your video editing know how

If you’re new to the editing bay, you may not be familiar with all the techniques and cuts available to you — but you’ve likely seen, watched, and experienced them both. These scene transitions deal with the interaction between sound and visuals; they’re also a useful editing tool to keep in your back pocket.

Here’s everything you need to know about film cuts, including seven of the most popular cuts in the industry. Cozy on up to J-cuts and L-cuts, cutaways and cross cuts for this lesson on how (and when) to incorporate them in your videos.

How do you define a cut?

In film and video, a cut is defined by when one clip ends and another one begins. For example, say you have a wide shot clip of a horse running as well as a close up clip of a woman’s eyes watching. The “cut” would occur when the first shot ends and is followed by the second shot.

That’s just a basic example, though. There are a wide range of cut types and examples which can make recognizing a cut more complicated; however, at its most base level, a cut will always be defined as the separation of one clip from another. 

So…what are the types of film cuts? 

1. Hard cut 

A hard cut is a cut which is done outside of the natural flow of a scene or a film. It is meant to startle the audience and is done for cinematic effect.

2. Match cut 

A match cut is a cut which visually connects the new shot with the one previous. This can be achieved by “matching” the movements of the previous shot so that the transition is seamless.

3. Standard cut 

A standard cut is your basic cut between two shots in film and video.

4. Cross cut 

Also called parallel editing, a cross cut is a cut which crosses time, space and scenes to let the audience know that two (or more) events are happening at the same time.

5. Split edit: the J- and L-cuts 

J-cuts and L-cuts are cuts where the audio either precedes or continues over from the subsequent scene. An L-cut includes audio from the first clip over the second clip, whereas a J-cut includes audio from the second clip over the first clip.

6. Cutaway 

A cutaway cut is a thematic device where a filmmaker (or editor) chooses to cut away from a scene to show a different shot for cinematic purposes. 

7. Jump cut

What is a jump cut, you ask? Well, it’s an abrupt transition, typically in a sequential clip that makes the subject appear to jump from one spot to the other, without continuity.

This can happen when two sequential shots of the same subject in the same scene are cut together from camera positions that vary only slightly. Jump cuts also occur when cutting between two sections of footage shot from the same exact camera angle, for example in an interview.

Jump cuts can be jarring. They draw attention to the process of filmmaking and editing, which can take the audience out of the story, so traditionally they are viewed as something to be covered up. Because jump cuts draw attention to what otherwise goes unnoticed, they can be used in strategic and creative ways.

This is just a handful of the types of film cuts out there. Master these seven, then advance to expert mode.

How to avoid jump cuts

Typically when crafting a scene, jump cuts are avoided by varying camera angles and shot composition. Making sure to cut between close-ups, medium, and wide shots is an easy way to avoid jump cuts. Also, when cutting between two similarly composed shots, a rule of thumb is that the camera position should move at least 30 degrees between the two shots.

When you need to cover up jump cuts in an interview, you can do so with supplemental footage, such as clips from a different camera angle, or B-roll. If you have the resources, it’s helpful to shoot an interview from two angles, so that when you need to splice together different parts of the dialogue to tell a story, all you need to do is cut to the other angle and your subject won’t appear to jump on the screen.

If you don’t have another camera, shoot hand gestures and ambiance shots before or after the interview and cut to those. Similarly, another great option is to shoot B-roll and layer those clips over the jump cuts.

How to embrace jump cuts

Before you go casting the jump cut as the villain in your next flick, consider its advantages. Jump cuts can be used to show the passing of time, or to speed up a sequence. Jump cuts can also be used stylistically, creating a mood or setting a certain creative pace. 

Jump cuts can also be used for a comedic effect. When you cut up a talking head interview or monologue they can emphasize confusion or inarticulateness. You’ll see this technique is commonly used in vlogs-style content.

Okay, then what is a J-cut? 

Spoiler alert: a jump cut and a J-cut are two different things. We know — confusing, right? 

Let’s break down what exactly a J-cut is. 

As mentioned above in our basic definitions, J-cuts and L-cuts have to do with audio. The visual cut itself should remain the same, however audio is either brought in early from the next clip (a J-cut) or the audio from the previous clips stays under the new clip (a L-cut).

While jump cuts are meant to startle the audience or speed up time for cinematic effect, J-cuts and L-cuts are meant to better connect audiences with what’s going on in the film. These split edit cuts as they’re called can be done to give audiences an auditory glimpse into the next scene, or better remind them of the scene they just left.

What’s the difference between a J-cut and an L-cut? 

J-cuts and L-cuts are similar, but different. By definition, J-cuts are scene transitions where the audio of the next scene precedes the picture change. In an L-cut, the audio carries over from the previous scene into the following one, despite visual changes. 

What cuts should I use? J-cut vs L-cuts 

Truth be told, J-cuts and L-cuts are often better when they’re used together. Does your video include a bunch of visual information, conveyed through quick cuts? Do you have a dialogue-heavy scene? Using both cuts can create a natural flow, instilling a sense of order in inherently jumpy clips.

For dialogue scenes, instead of cutting back and forth each time someone speaks — known colloquially as “ping-pong” — break up the transition styles. Use L-cuts to show the reaction of the person who is listening, and J-cuts can bring a new voice into the mix.

When to use J-cuts

Use J-cuts to create a sense of intrigue about what’s coming next in your video. Is it going to rain in your next scene? Bring in that familiar sound early to pique the interest of your viewers.

A good example of a J-cut is Patagonia’s brand film “Life of Pie” (shown above). Before any on-screen visuals appear, you hear dialogue that introduces an unconventional interview in the film’s opening sequence.

When to use L-cuts

L-cuts are a voiceover’s best friend. They’re also great for dialogue scenes where you want to cut to the reactions of the person who is listening (more on that later).

Notice the L-cut in the initial scenes of Eugen Merher’s “Dark Red.” As the protagonist speaks into an audio recorder, you’re quickly pulled into his daily life as the voiceover carries over.

Using L-cuts and J-cuts in your marketing videos 

Oh, you thought these cuts were just for the movies? Think again. Even new-to-video marketers can use j-cuts and l-cuts in advertising videos for social media. Here are a few ideas for ways to use cuts in all types of videos.  

• Use to jump ahead in time on your next TikTok 
• Try an l-cut for the voiceover on a day-in-the-life Instagram Reel
• Present a boombox or music source in one shot then use an j-cut to keep the music in the next scene.
• Use l-cuts in your social video ads to better draw viewers into your video by teasing them with exciting sounds from the upcoming clip.

Frequently asked questions about film cuts

Hopefully this primer on film cuts has given you a good basic understanding of how editing works for most film and video projects. 

At the end of the day, the best cuts for your projects will be the ones which help you tell your story in the most direct, and creative, way possible. Mix and match your cuts to finesse your storyline, and when in doubt, experiment.

Start practicing your cuts with Vimeo Create.

Long ago, in the early ages of digital video editing there was a historic battle between two great tribes: Adobe Premiere and Apple Final Cut. And when all the dust settled, Premiere appeared to emerge victorious as it became the industry standard for professional video editing. 

However, Final Cut Pro did not disappear; instead Apple relaunched its flagship non-linear editing (NLE)app as Final Cut Pro X and has quietly continued on as a reliable and accessible video editing platform that is just as worthy and powerful as its perhaps more popular counterpart.

And in fact, for those getting started in video editing for the first time, FCPX could actually be seen as the more intuitive and easy-to-adopt of the two, and a great program to hone your editing chops. Here’s your friendly guide to Final Cut Pro X for beginners, plus those who might be curious to see what this industry titan still has to offer in the world of video editing.

How to add text in Final Cut Pro X 

Adding text to your video can up its professional value immensely. Lower thirds, titles, and end credits all bring helpful context to your storyline. Plus, they’re pretty easy to incorporate in post-production; you can do it all directly in Final Cut Pro X (FCPX). In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process.

Let’s begin.

How to place your text

1. Drag your playhead to where you want to place your text.
2. Go to the Titles and Generators sidebar. If it’s not already displayed, choose Window > Go To > Titles or Generators. This will open up the panel.
3. Next, you’ll see premade titles, lower thirds, credits, etc. You can use one of these presets or make your own. 
4. For the premade titles, preview the graphics by scanning over the thumbnail. Double-click to insert it into your timeline. Then, adjust the length by pulling on the clip itself. 

How to customize your text

Follow steps 1-4 above, then:  

5. In your storyline, double-click on the text clip to open the Text Inspector panel. This is where you can change the text’s appearance, including color and simple effects like glows and drop shadows.

Pro-tip: None of the presented options will change the way the text animates, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when you make your initial text selection.

If you need your title to be completely customizable, effects and all, go for the Custom title. You’ll find that hidden in the premade titles.

How to put it all together

6. Now, add the title to your sequence. Double-click the Custom title option. And to customize, double-click the title in your sequence.
7. Finally, add effects and transitions, if you want ‘em. For example, to add a crossfade, click the edge of a clip in the storyline. Choose Edit > Add Cross Dissolve (or press Command-T).

If your title design needs go beyond FCPX capabilities, you can make them in other programs (like Adobe Illustrator) and import them to your piece.

How to reverse a clip 

Reversing a video clip makes it so that the last frame plays first and the first frame plays last. You may want to reverse a clip in your project for a myriad of reasons, and we’re going to walk you through how to do it in Final Cut Pro X.

This feature can simulate a rewind effect or change the direction of a moving object; like reversing a sunset if you were too lazy to get up at 5 AM to catch the sunrise.

The exciting news: Accomplishing a reverse clip is fast and easy! Let’s get started.

1. In your Timeline, select a clip or multiple clips that you’d like to reverse. 
2. Now choose the Retime button. It looks like a little stopwatch. 
3. Now click on Reverse clip. Once you see a green bar with little arrows pointing to the left above your clip, you’ll know it has been reversed.

Optional: Adjust your clip’s speed. If you want to speed up or slow down your reverse effect, you can do that by grabbing the retiming handle at the edge of the colored bar. Dragging it to the right increases the speed and dragging it to the left will decrease it.

How to stabilize a shot in Final Cut Pro X 

So, you drank too much coffee and now your handheld shots are a bit shaky. Fear not. You can still stabilize your shot in post. Final Cut Pro X has a built-in image stabilization feature that helps you smooth out that unwanted shakiness. 

Bonus: It’s really easy to use.

Let’s get started.

How to stabilize your shot

1. Drop the clip that you want to stabilize into your timeline.
2. You can only stabilize an entire clip, and not a portion of a clip. So you’ll need to use the Blade tool to trim the exact portion you want to stabilize.
3. Choose the Inspector button. If you don’t see it, hit ⌘4 on your keyboard.
4. In the Inspector window, choose the Video button.
5. Next, check the box next to Stabilization. Automatic settings are applied and Final Cut Pro X begins stabilizing your footage. Good robot. 

Now, if you’re happy with the results, you’re done. You can also tweak your settings further. Click on Show (next to Stabilization). From here, fine-tune your video’s stabilization based on your preferences. The higher you move the sliders, the more aggressive the stabilization correction is. 

The translation smooth slider affects movement on the x and y axes (left, right, up, down). The rotation smooth slider affects rotation around the center point. Finally, the scale smooth slider affects movement on the z axis (that’s forward and backward movement).

How to add closed captions

Moving on, another great feature included in Final Cut Pro X is the ability to easily add closed captions or subtitles to any video. In general, if you haven’t considered using closed captions for your videos before you absolutely should. 

Not only do they help the hearing-impared, adding closed captions can give a huge boost to a video’s ability to perform well online – as well as provide subtitle options for films or other projects looking to screen in front of audiences which speak a different language.

Here are the basic steps for adding closed captions to follow:

1. Position the playhead where you want captions to appear
2. Choose Edit > Captions > Add Caption

You can also simply press Option+C (or Control+Option+C if the Caption Editor is already opened). 

Once you’ve added a caption, you can use the Caption Editor to add in whatever text that you might like. You can also make other adjustments to how and when the text will appear on screen for your project.

H2 How to merge clips together in Final Cut Pro X 

Another helpful trick to consider when working in Final Cut Pro X is to quickly and easily merge or connect clips together. This function is super helpful when trying to add effects to multiple clips at once, or to clean up your timeline when you have too many disconnected clips and assets.

Here are the basic steps for merging clips together in Final Cut Pro X: 

1. Select the clips which you’d like to merge (make sure they are next to each other)
2. Click Trim > Join Clips

You can also choose to create a Compound Clip by highlighting multiple clips (even if they’re not adjacent) and right clicking to select “New Compound Clip.” You can also simply press Option+G as well.

How to cut your clips in Final Cut Pro X 

If you want to remove footage from your clip in Final Cut Pro X, and you don’t want to adjust its duration, the Blade tool is handy, any way you slice it. This tool lets you remove footage from your clip you don’t want to use or to adjust duration. 

Here’s how it works.

How to cut your video clip

1.  Move the clip you want to cut to the timeline.
2. Click the tools menu in the top left corner of the timeline and choose the Blade tool. For an easier way, just press the B key on your keyboard. 
3. Move your skimmer over where you want to make your cut and then click.

That’s it! It’s really that simple. There’s a bit more functionality built into the Blade tool so here’s a couple of helpful tips.

How to get the most out of the Blade tool

Tip 1: If you want to just use the Blade tool momentarily, press and hold the B key while performing the cut. After you make the cut, the tool will revert back to the one you were previously using.

Tip 2: If you have multiple audio and video tracks on top of each other, you can cut them all at once by moving your skimmer to the location where you want to cut and then hitting Shift-Command-B on your keyboard. 

Tip 3: If you want to undo a cut you made, select the two clips you want to turn back into one and then go to Trim > Join Clips.

Now that’s cutting edge technology.

How to create a freeze frame 

Creating a freeze frame holds your chosen clip in place, stopping any movement in your video like a photograph. There are a number of reasons you’d want to use this technique: to emphasize a jump or high five, or to pause the action in order to add some additional narration. 

The good news? It’s super easy to do. 

1. Move your playhead to the frame you want to freeze. 
2. Go to Edit > Add Freeze Frame. You can also use the shortcut Option-F. 

That’s it! Seriously, you’re done. 

One last thing: The default duration for your new, still clip is four seconds, but you can adjust that. On the menu bar click Final Cut Pro > Preferences > Editing. From there, adjust the freeze length using the “still image duration” selector.

How to sync audio in Final Cut Pro X 

If you’ve ever been on a video shoot and recorded footage with multiple cameras (or even added in a channel or two of audio from a separate audio recorder) then you’ll know the pains of trying to sync together so much audio and video. 

Getting the various files and wavelengths to match up can be quite infuriating and time consuming. And while there are some functions and third-party options for syncing audio to video in Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro has always outdone its counterpart in this realm.

So, if you do find yourself in this situation and want to quickly and easily sync your audio and video files together, Final Cut Pro X has you covered. Just follow along with the video and basic steps below to get your audio and video perfectly in sync. 

1. In the FCPX browser, select all the audio and video clips you want to sync. 
2. In the menu bar, choose Clip > Synchronize clips. A window will pop up and this is where you set up the sync. 
3. Type in a name for your newly-synced clip, check the box for Use audio for synchronization. Pro-tip: If you want to remove your reference audio from the video track, just check the box to disable audio components on AV clips. 
4. Click OK. Now sit back and let the FCPX perform actual miracles! 
5. Once it’s done syncing, Final Cut Pro will generate a synced clip with the name you specified earlier. Simply click and drag the newly created clip into your timeline and you’re done!

How to export in Final Cut Pro X 

Exporting video files from Final Cut Pro X (FCPX) is one of the most searched-for tutorials. That’s because in many ways it’s the final stage of post-production. If you intend for the world to see your amazing new video, you have to export your video file from your editing software to its proper viewing platform.

While exporting video files from Final Cut Pro X is fairly simple, people search for it all the time. That’s because Final Cut Pro X went the way of iMovie and changed Export to Share. So, forget the word “export.” We’re going to show you how to share your video from Final Cut Pro X. Keep scrolling for the step-by-step below, or watch the on-screen video tutorial above.

1. You’ll find Go to File > Share. In my opinion, the best option you’re given is to share a Master File. It gives you the most freedom to export from Final Cut Pro X the way you want it, and in choosing its destination. 
2. Give your video a name and description, choose the best settings, and select its export destination from the available menus. (Pro tip: While it’s exporting, you can check the status of your file by opening the background tasks window.)
3. When your video is finished exporting, it’ll show up wherever you directed the file to be saved.

Bonus: Upload directly to Vimeo (in 3 easy steps!)

There are other options for sharing your video. Another method is to upload it directly to Vimeo. Be aware that when you share directly to any platform, no file will be saved to your computer. But if you want to upload a rough cut quickly without clogging up your computer with a dozen unfinished versions, this is the way to go.  

1. To share directly to Vimeo, you’ll find the option under File > Share.
2. Give your video a name and description. Choose your settings. Make sure to change your privacy settings if you want them to be private!
3. You’ll be prompted to log in to your Vimeo account and agree to our terms of service, so make sure the video is yours to share.

If you have Final Cut Pro X notifications turned on, you will be alerted when your video has been successfully shared to Vimeo.

Handy keyboard shortcuts for Final Cut Pro X 

Finally, as is the case with most video editing software and apps, if you really want to ramp up your workflow speed and output, the name of the game is keyboard shortcuts. Final Cut Pro X is no different and actually offers some of the more sophisticated, yet easy to remember, shortcuts of all the NLE platforms.

Here are some of our favorite FCPX shortcuts to help speed up your editing game.

• Create a New Project: ⌘N
• Import Media: ⌘I
• Export/Share Project: ⌘E
• Turn Snapping On/Off: N
• Play Timeline: Space Bar
• Skim Timeline: Hold S and move cursor
• Undo Last Action: ⌘Z
• Redo Last Action: ⌘⇧Z
• Zoom In: ⌘=
• Zoom Out: ⌘-
• Mark In Point: I
• Mark Out Point: O
• Expand Audio: ^S
• Collapse Audio: ⌃⇧S
• Add Title: ^T
• Add Lower Third: ⌃⇧T

Those are just some of our favorites though, you can check out the full list of Final Cut Pro X keyboard shortcuts on the official Apple website.

There you have it.

Apple’s Final Cut Pro X is indeed a worthy challenger to Adobe’s Premiere Pro (as well as any other NLE platforms for that matter). The real question for any beginners or those starting off in video editing for the first time isn’t really about functionality at this point, but about familiarness and comfort.

For instance, if you’re already familiar with iMovie or other Apple products and softwares, Final Cut Pro can be a great option to keep everything interconnected. Final Cut Pro X is also perhaps one of the most accessible and easy-to-learn, so you should expect to be up and running in a matter of days over weeks or months.

Also, if you’d like to further develop your skills and learn some other NLE editing tricks and techniques, check out these additional video editing resources:

• Looking for the best video editing software in 2021? Start here
• Video editing 101: Here are 6 basic tips every beginner needs to know
• Bookmark this guide to Adobe Premiere Pro from the pros
• Not sure how to use After Effects? Start here

Dive into our handy post-production tutorials.

**Originally written by Ashley Maas and Mark Cersosimo. Updated in 2021 by Jourdan Aldredge. 

Looking to get started with Adobe After Effects? For those beginning their video editing journey, there might not be anything scarier than opening AE for the first time. There’s a lot to take in.

But, don’t let Adobe’s visual effects, motion graphics and compositing software freak you out too much, underneath its complex-looking interface there is actually a quite intuitive design that is surprisingly easy to learn.

So, before you dive into After Effects for the first time, take a deep breath, fill your lungs with willful and positive air, and follow along with this ultimate guide to getting started with Adobe After Effects…

How do I get started in After Effects? 

As with any video editing platform, the trick to learning After Effects is to simply understand why it exists and what makes it so unique. After Effects is indeed a very powerful application, however its main functionalities are all centered around empowering visual creators with enough tools and controls to quickly and easily create video compositions which can be both quite basic as well as advanced.

A brief introduction to the Adobe Creative Cloud

If you aren’t familiar, After Effects is a part of the Adobe Creative Cloud. (This is what the CC stands for in case you were wondering.) To use After Effects you will either need to purchase it directly, or you will need to subscribe to the Creative Cloud – which is how most of its users pay for the app.

Joining the Creative Cloud will allow you to instantly access, install and even jump between the different Adobe platforms like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro and Media Composer. Looking specifically at After Effects, having this cross-functionality is especially key for the creation and editing of different assets which you might need to move across apps.

What sets After Effects apart from Adobe Premiere Pro? 

As we’ve covered in the past, Premiere Pro is another legacy video editing software offered by Adobe which is a true mainstay in the film and video industry. (And if you’re curious, here’s a helpful guide to Premiere Pro from the pros which you should bookmark for future reference.)

However, while Premiere Pro is a great NLE (non-linear editor) for editing your video projects on a straightforward timeline and with some basic effects, After Effects is a far superior editing system that offers much more in terms of visual effects, motion graphics and compositing.

Why should I try After Effects? 

To be honest, After Effects is not for everyone. At least not when you’re first starting out in film and video. For many video professionals, apps like Premiere Pro, or Apple’s Final Cut Pro, or Blackmagic’s DaVinci Resolve might be just fine.

However, for anyone who truly wants to up their game with some stunning visual effects and motion graphics, After Effects is by far one of the most powerful – as well as accessible.

A few more After Effects frequently asked questions

How to add keyframe in After Effects 

Let’s start by taking a look at adding keyframes, one of the most fundamental building blocks to any After Effects composition. Here are the quick steps you’ll need to follow to begin to craft your compositions.

1. Click the stopwatch icon next to the property name
2. Select Animation > Add Keyframe

Once you’ve made a selection, you’ll be able to move and adjust the keyframes as you see fit as you add in further effects.

How to make a gif in After Effects 

After Effects is also one of the best programs around for creating animated GIFs. You can create these GIFs either from scratch, or from pulling in previous video assets. Follow along with the video above as you try out these steps:

1. Select your composition
2. Click “Add to Adobe Media Encoder”
3. Click the triangle icon next to “Format” in the Render Panel
4. Choose “Animated GIF” and select the size
5. Choose your output file name and location
6. Click the Render button

Crafting GIFs is very much an artform unto itself, if you’d like to learn a bit more about the process you can read up on turning videos into GIFs by using several different Adobe programs as well.

How to import media into After Effects 

To help you get started, you’ll also want to make sure you know how to import media files into After Effects. These files can include an array of video and audio clips and assets. Here are the two basic ways to add media files into AE:

1. Choose File > Import > File (or Multiple Files)
2. Double click in the Project Panel 

You can also simply drag and drop any media files into the Project Panel as well. Pretty easy right?

How to export video from After Effects 

Exporting footage is a little more complicated on the other hand as you’ll have many more options to consider. However, don’t worry, the basic commands for exporting a video in After Effects are as follows:

1. Select the composition from which you’d like to export
2. Choose Composition > Add to Render Queue (or drag composition to Render Queue)
3. Choose name and location for output file
4. Choose Render and Log Type settings (or go with templates)
5. Choose your Output Module settings (or go with templates)

Once everything has been selected, your entry in the Render column will automatically be selected and changed to Queued and ready to render and export.

How to animate type in After Effects (in just 8 steps!) 

It’s easier than you think to create timeless type animation that will immediately up the value of your video — and help increase your view count in no time.

By using the animate functions within type layers in After Effects, you can copy and paste your animation to any other titles you wish. Let’s get started. 

1. Open an After Effects composition. You’ll find the type tool in the top left corner in between the pen and brush tool. 
2. Type out the title you’d like to animate.
3. Go to Animate > Position.
4. Once the animator appears, click on it. It will reveal the Range Selector and Position.  Change your Position value so the word is completely off the screen (down or up, dealers choice). To stay organized, rename your animator “Position.”
5. Now, animate the Range Selector. With the Range Selector, notice that Start is at 100 and End is at 0. When you toggle these, the letter will fly onto the screen one by one. We want the first letter to come first, so with End turned up to 100 and Start on 0, set a key frame. Track forward about 1 second and set another key frame, with Start turned up to 100. When you play it back now, each letter should fly into place one by one. If we stop here, your animation will look good. But let’s make it great.
6. Drop down the Advanced setting in your range selector. Under Shape set it to Ramp Up. This will make your animation look odd for a second and require us to fix the Offset. Turn on a keyframe at the start with the Offset at 0 and then a new keyframe at one second turned up to 100. Now it should animate more smoothly, with the letters flowing together, rather than one by one. 
7. Now, drop down your Animate column and add Opacity. The Start Animator will automatically change your type’s opacity from 0 to 100 so your letters smoothly animate on.
8. Last but not least, under Advanced, turn the value of Ease Low up to 100. Now you have smooth letters animating up onto the screen.

Bonus: If you’re already an After Effects pro, you can go into the speed graph to get the timing just right. Make sure to go through and fiddle with all of the different options in the Animate drop down — chances are you’ll stumble upon something awesome.

How to mask in After Effects 

Adding an animation behind an object in your video can give it that extra character in an otherwise static scene. To achieve this snazzy look, you need to mask out the object from your video, and then you can add in graphics or words behind it. Today we’ll intro you to basic masking (or rotoscoping), using the pen tool and animating a path. 

Let’s get started. 

How to make a mask in After Effects (in 9 steps)

For this very basic overview, we will be masking the beautiful Vimeo HQ building as it has a unique shape that will require us to use curves. 

1. Load your video into the project area and then drag and add it to your timeline. 
2. Now, add an adjustment layer above your video on your timeline. Go to Layer > New > Adjustment Layer. Name this layer “Mask.” Do this instead of masking directly onto your video. This is an ultra-secure method of saving your work. That way you’ll always have your original video file unharmed if something goes wrong.
3. Now, move your play head to the first frame in your timeline. Click on your Adjustment Layer.
4. On the top left corner of the screen, click on the pen icon. Click and drag your pen tool to begin outlining the object you want to mask out. Take your time to get your lines just right and make sure you close the path. Do this by connecting back to the first node you made. The mask won’t work if the path isn’t closed. You’ll know the path is closed when a small circle appears next to the pen tool when you hover over the node.
5. When you start drawing on this Adjustment Layer, you will notice a Mask appear in the layer’s dropdown menu. Go to Properties and click the stopwatch symbol next to Mask Path. You will see a keyframe (small diamond) appear on the timeline.
6. Step 6: Move your playhead 4-6 frames ahead on your timeline. You will see that either your object or the shot moves. You’ll need to move the mask to make it perfectly outline your object. Adjust your path while making sure you see another keyframe appear on the timeline. Then, move your nodes around to outline your shape again. Yes, it’s tedious, but the end results are totally worth it.
7. Step 7: Repeat Step 6 over and over and over (however many frames it takes). By the end, you’ll be an absolute wizard at the pen tool. 
8. Step 8: Drag the animation that you want behind your object into the timeline between your video and Mask layer. 
9. Step 9: Finally, toggle on the Track Matte function on your animation timeline. To display your Track Matte options, click the little icon in the bottom left corner that looks like a circle and square overlapping(it’s the middle of the three). This will reveal a TrkMat column. In that dropdown menu select None > Alpha Inverted Matte “Mask”.

Make sure your alpha inverted matte is on, and play it back to see your animation in action!

Pro-tip: To edit your path, click outside the path the nodes will become tiny filled-in circles. Now when you click on them, you can move them and adjust the handles as you please.

How to start animating Illustrator files in After Effects 

Animating graphics is an essential skill to keep in your filmmaking wheelhouse. Whether you’re refining some beautiful bumpers or creating compelling lower thirds, you will undoubtedly cross paths with After Effects during your animating journey.

In order to properly execute in After Effects, you’ll want complete control over the elements within your graphic. The best way to achieve this is to design your graphic in Adobe Illustrator first, and then import it into After Effects as separated layers. We’ll walk you through the process below.

Why Illustrator over After Effects?

It’s not really one over the other. It’s more: Illustrator first, After Effects second. While you could use After Effects for some of your design needs, the truth is that Illustrator is just easier, more intuitive, and more functional.

For simple shapes and text animations, designing in After Effects might be the quicker route, but for more complex graphics, Illustrator will save you time and sanity.

Creating your graphic

To begin, create an artboard in Illustrator that’s the same size as your video. In our example, we use 1920×1080. The final version will be a vector image that you can scale infinitely, but it’s nice to design in the same frame size as your video for perspective.

After creating your graphic, consider which pieces of it will need to be controlled in After Effects. You may find that you want control of every single element, or it might make more sense to keep certain elements together. Once you’ve decided what you want to control, you’ll need to separate them out into their own layers.

Layers on layers on layers

To create these separate elements, you’ll have to create new layers (click on the box with a folded corner). Each will function as its own separate layer in After Effects, so create as many as you need and then begin dragging the elements you want to control into each new layer.

Be sure to keep your layers in the order you designed them, so the correct elements are on top. As you drag your elements into their own separate layers, give them a name. This will help you stay organized and keep track of them all. Bonus: these names will carry over when you move your work to After Effects.

Transferring to After Effects

When you’re finished in Illustrator, save your .ai file.

Next, open After Effects and drag your .ai file into the Project panel. When the menu pops up, make sure to choose Composition for Import Kind and Layer Size for Footage Dimensions. When you click OK, a new composition will appear in your Project panel.

Open the composition and boom your layers will appear, nicely separated, organized, and ready to be animated.

Before you begin animating, make sure to check your Anchor Points. This is good practice since Anchor Points can get messed up, creating problems with scaling animation, in addition to other types of animation. You can move your Anchor Points around using the Pan Behind tool (Y).

If you want the ability to scale your layers infinitely, turn on Continuously Rasterize for each layer. You can also right click on a layer and choose Create Shapes from the Vector Layer to give yourself even more control over your layer(s).

Happy animating!

More video editing insights

If you’d like to further hone your video chopping skills and techniques, check out some of these other editing-focused articles from Vimeo, like these:

• Bookmark this guide to Adobe Premiere Pro from the pros
• Looking for the best video editing software in 2021? Start here
• Video editing 101: Here are 6 basic tips every beginner needs to know 
• Here’s how to crop a video (without even opening your laptop)

Continue your schooling with Vimeo Video School.

Originally written by Niko Brown, Coco McGuire, and Mark Cersosimo. Updated in 2021 by Jourdan Aldredge.