Video Editing Workflow
Edit videos efficiently from raw footage to polished final export.
Usage
- Organize footage: create folder structure (raw, selects, audio, graphics, exports)
- Review all footage and mark selects (best takes, usable B-roll)
- Build rough cut: assemble story/narrative structure with selects
- Fine cut: trim, adjust pacing, add transitions, B-roll, and graphics
- Polish: color grade, audio mix, add music/SFX, export for target platform
Examples
- YouTube video workflow: Import → Create bins (A-roll, B-roll, Screen recordings, Audio, Graphics) → Assembly cut on timeline (follow script) → Cut pauses/mistakes (J and L cuts for natural flow) → Add B-roll over jump cuts → Lower thirds and text overlays → Color correct → Audio: normalize dialogue -16 LUFS, music -30 LUFS → Export: H.264, 1080p/4K, 10-20 Mbps
- Project folder structure:
/ProjectName/01_Raw_Footage/,/02_Audio/,/03_Graphics/,/04_Music_SFX/,/05_Project_Files/,/06_Exports/. Never rename or move raw files after importing — it breaks project links. Use a consistent naming convention:YYYYMMDD_ProjectName_ClipDescription - Keyboard-driven editing (Premiere/DaVinci): I/O to set in/out points, J-K-L for playback speed control, Q/W for ripple trim (saves hours over mouse trimming), Ctrl+Shift+D for default transition. Learn 10 shortcuts and your editing speed doubles. Mark favorites: ` key in DaVinci, color label in Premiere
Guidelines
- Edit the story first, visuals second. A compelling narrative with average footage beats beautiful footage with no structure
- The 321 backup rule: 3 copies, 2 different media types, 1 offsite. Raw footage is irreplaceable — always backup before editing
- Cut on action and dialogue, not arbitrarily — cuts feel invisible when they coincide with movement or speech rhythm
- Audio is 50% of the viewing experience. Viewers tolerate mediocre video but immediately click away from bad audio
- Export settings by platform: YouTube (H.264, 1080p, 16 Mbps), Instagram Reels (H.264, 1080x1920, 10 Mbps), Twitter (H.264, 720p, 5 Mbps)
- Save project versions (v1, v2, v3) at major milestones — never rely on auto-save alone for recovery