We live in a world of hacks and tricks where people try to do everything quickly and easily to save time. These hacks are not just limited to our daily activities but are also associated with techy things like video editing. 

Because who loves to follow lengthy procedures over shortcuts and easy methods?

So, we won't bore you with a lengthy intro and dive straight into the 7 ultimate video editing hacks that will take your editing skills to the next level and help you create breathtaking videos. ️

If you're ready to up your video editing game and become a pro in no time, buckle up and keep reading!

7 Best hacks for Video Editing for Beginners

1. Alt Key

The Alt key can be a useful shortcut that beginners won't regret while online video editing. This is because it allows you to quickly adjust your video clips without navigating through menus or using multiple mouse clicks. Here are some ways the Alt key can be used as a hack for video editing:

  • Trimming clips: With a clip selected on the timeline, hold down the Alt key and drag the edge of the clip inwards. This will trim the video length from the opposite end, allowing you to adjust the length of the clip quickly.
  • Copying clips: Select the clip you want to copy, hold down the Alt key, and drag the clip to a new location on the timeline. This will create a copy of the clip at the new location, saving you time and effort.
  • Duplicating effects: Select the clip with the effect you want to duplicate, hold down the Alt key, and drag the effect to a new clip. This will duplicate the effect onto the new clip, making it easy to create consistent visual effects throughout your video.
  • Moving clips: Select a clip and hold down the Alt key, then use the arrow keys to move the clip up, down, left, or right. This can be a useful way to make precise adjustments to the positioning of clips on the timeline.

2. Command+ Drag

Command+Drag is a useful editing feature for professional video editing for beginners. As it allows for easy manipulation of video clips on the timeline.

Some video editing programs for beginners that you can use for this are Movavi Video Editor, Da Vinci Resolve, Kawping, InVideo, Adobe Creative Cloud, Pinnacle Studio, Nero Video, etc.

When you hold down the Command key and click on a video clip in your editing software, you can drag it to a new location on the timeline without affecting the other clips. This is a great way to quickly adjust your video sequence without rearranging everything manually.

Additionally, Command+Drag can be used to easily duplicate clips, create split screens, and adjust the duration of clips. It is a simple and intuitive option for beginners to quickly and efficiently edit a video file.

Overall, using Command+Drag is an excellent hack for video editing because it saves time, simplifies the editing process, and makes experimenting with different video sequences easier.

3. Item button

An item button, also known as a cutaway, is a technique used in video editing where you cut away from the main scene to show a different shot or angle. This can help create visual interest, add context, or hide edits.

The best video editing software for beginners and professionals, like Adobe Premiere Pro, uses this technique.

Using item buttons can be helpful for beginners because it's a relatively simple learning technique and can add much value to a beginner video. It can also help hide mistakes or awkward cuts.

To use item buttons, insert a different shot or angle into your professional-grade video at the appropriate time. You can use footage you've already captured or find stock footage that fits the theme of your great video.

When you're editing, match the timing and flow of the main scene so that the cutaway feels seamless.

4. 321 editing rule

The Follow the 321 editing rule is a simple and effective way for beginners to use this to approach video editing. The rule suggests that for every minute of a finished video, you should aim to have at least three different camera angles, two different shots, and one cutaway shot.

From video editing beginners to video editing professionals, here's how this rule can be a helpful hack.

  • Incorporating multiple camera angles and shots makes your video more visually interesting and dynamic. This can help to keep your viewers engaged and interested in your content.
  • Multiple camera angles and shots give you more video editing options. You can choose the best shots, angles, and moments to include in your final edit, which can help to create a more polished and professional-looking video.
  • Using the Follow the 321 rule can help you to tell a more complete and engaging story through your video. Using different camera angles and shots, you can capture different perspectives and moments that help build a narrative and keep your viewers interested.

5. Nesting and Un-nesting

Nesting and un-nesting are two techniques that can help beginners in video editing. While this is the name recognized by Premiere Pro, other tools like Resolve and Final Cut Pro call kit compounding and Collapsing by Media Composer.  

To nest or compound clips in different video editing software that offers such a feature, you can follow these steps:

  • In Final Cut Pro (FCP) – Select clips and press Alt+G
  • In Resolve – Right-click on a clip selection and choose “New Compound Clip…”
  • In Premiere – Right-click on a clip selection and choose “Nest” (there is no default shortcut).

To un-nest or decompose clips, you can follow these steps:

  • In Final Cut Pro(FCP) – Select your compound clip and press Cmd+Shift+G.
  • In Resolve – Select your compound clip and right-click to choose “Decompose in Place”
  • In Premiere – To extract nested footage in Adobe Premiere Pro, follow these steps: right-click on the nested sequence and choose “Reveal in Project.” Then, deselect the blue button below the timecode and drag the nested files from the project panel onto the nested sequence.

By implementing this process of nesting and un-nesting, there are some advantages that can't be ignored. This includes simplifying complex editing tasks, saving time, making it easier to apply effects, and providing flexibility.

6. Edit with one hand

Start editing videos with one hand easily by using a keyboard. It can be accomplished through the use of keyboard shortcuts. Many easy-to-use video editing software programs come with pre-defined keyboard shortcuts that allow users to perform various editing functions without using a mouse or touchpad. ️

These shortcuts are commonly used in video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Corel Video Studio, etc. Here's a brief explanation of each shortcut:

  • Add Edit – H: This shortcut allows you to add an edit point to your video creation. You can use it to split a clip into two or more parts or to add a transition between clips.
  • Play in Reverse – J: This shortcut reverses the clip, allowing you to review footage or check for any mistakes or errors quickly.
  • Pause/Play – K: This is a basic playback shortcut that allows you to pause and resume the playback of your clip.
  • Play Forward – L: This shortcut plays the clip forward, allowing you to review footage quickly or check for any mistakes or errors.
  • Ripple Delete – /: This shortcut deletes a selected clip from the timeline and automatically closes the gap left behind by the deleted clip. It is called a “ripple delete” because it ripples the timeline to fill the gap.
  • Cutting clips: You can use the “Ctrl + X” shortcut to cut the selected clip.
  • Moving clips: To move clips, you can use the arrow keys to move the selected clip left, right, up, or down.
  • Trimming clips: You can use the “Ctrl + T” shortcut to split the clip into two parts and then use the arrow keys to adjust each part's in and out points.
  • Adjusting volume: To adjust the volume of an audio and video clip, you can use the “Ctrl + Shift + Up/Down arrow” keys to increase or decrease the volume.
  • Adding transitions: To add transitions between clips, you can use the “Ctrl + D” shortcut to add a default transition or “Ctrl + Shift + D” to add a specific transition.
  • Playing back footage: To play back footage, you can use the “Space” key to start and stop playback.

These common shortcuts help increase efficiency and simplify the editing process. 

7. Always Start at the End 

Starting at the end of your video, you better understand how your video should look and feel and what story or message you want to convey.

Using video editing tip or hack can help you make more deliberate and purposeful editing choices, such as which clips to include, how long each shot should be, and what transitions to use.

Additionally, it can help you avoid getting bogged down in the details too early in the editing procedure. If you start by trying to perfect individual clips or transitions, you may spend too much time on things that won't matter in the final product.

Of course, this approach may not work for everyone, as everyone's editing procedure is different. However, for beginners who may feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start, starting at the end can be a helpful way to structure your process and ensure that your video has a clear, cohesive message.

By focusing on the end goal first, you can work backwards and ensure that everything you include in your range of videos serves that goal. Thus, giving you a chance to start with your powerful video editing.

Excited to try these hacks to boost your Video Editing game?

Getting started with video editing today is a skill that takes time and practice to master, especially when you are new to video editing. But with these seven hacks, you can improve your editing skills and create video projects that engage and captivate your audience.

Remember always to keep learning, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible with video editing. So, choose the best paid or free video editing software for beginners in 2023 that offers amazing features, get started on your next project, and show some mesmerizing video effects to your audience. Happy editing!

Feel free to reach out if you still need to know how the best videos get created and edited.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Starting basic video editing can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. The first step is to choose high-quality video editing software that suits your needs and is within your budget. List of the best video editing tools includes Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and iMovie. Once you have your software, start importing your footage into the program and creating a new project. You can begin cutting and trimming your footage from there, audio editing, and adding transitions and effects. You can explore more advanced techniques and features as you become more comfortable with the software. Don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes – that's part of the learning process!

The 321 rule is an important point included in the guide to video editing to ensure your project is adequately backed up and protected from data loss. The rule states that three copies of your footage should be stored on two different media types, with at least one copy stored offsite. This means you should have multiple backups of your footage stored on devices such as hard drives, cloud storage, or physical media such as DVDs. Following the 321 rule, you can ensure your footage is safe in case of a hardware failure, theft, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Learning video editing can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires time and dedication. There are many resources available online that can help you get started. One option is to take an online course or video tutorial, such as those offered by platforms like Udemy or Lynda. Another option is to watch tutorial videos on YouTube or Vimeo. It's also a good idea to practice editing with your footage or freely available online. As you gain more experience, try experimenting with different techniques and styles to find your unique editing style.

Yes, you can learn basic editing by yourself. While taking a course or working with a mentor can be helpful, many online resources can help you learn the basics and beyond. By practicing with your footage and experimenting with different techniques, you can develop your skills and create your unique editing style. It's essential to be patient with yourself and not expect to become an expert overnight. With time and practice, you can become a proficient video editor.