30 Video Editing Terms You Should Know About
Video editing is the process of manipulating and rearranging video clips to create a new work. It can be used for various purposes, such as entertainment, education, marketing, and storytelling. However, video editing can also be a complex and challenging task, especially for beginners who are not familiar with the technical terms and concepts involved. To help you navigate the world of video editing, here are 21 video editing terms you should know about.
1. Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio is the ratio of the width to the height of a video frame. It determines how the video will look on different screens and devices. The most common aspect ratios are 4:3 (standard), 16:9 (widescreen), and 1:1 (square). For example, a video with a 4:3 aspect ratio will have black bars on the sides when played on a widescreen TV, while a video with a 16:9 aspect ratio will have black bars on the top and bottom when played on a standard TV.
To avoid unwanted cropping or distortion, you should choose the aspect ratio that matches your intended output and audience. You can also change the aspect ratio of your video clips using video editing software, but this may result in some quality loss or unwanted stretching.
2. Frame Rate
The frame rate is the number of frames (or images) that are displayed per second in a video. It affects the smoothness and realism of the video motion. The higher the frame rate, the smoother the video, but also the larger the file size. The standard frame rate for most videos is 24 frames per second (fps), which is also the frame rate used in cinema. However, some videos may use higher frame rates, such as 30 fps, 60 fps, or even 120 fps, to create a more fluid and immersive experience.
To ensure a consistent and optimal playback, you should match the frame rate of your video clips with the frame rate of your project and output. You can also adjust the frame rate of your video clips using video editing software, but this may result in some quality loss or unwanted speed changes.
3. Resolution
The resolution is the number of pixels (or dots) that make up a video frame. It determines the sharpness and clarity of the video image. The higher the resolution, the clearer the video, but also the larger the file size. The most common resolutions are 480p (standard definition), 720p (high definition), 1080p (full high definition), and 4K (ultra high definition). For example, a video with a 480p resolution will have 480 vertical pixels and 640 horizontal pixels, while a video with a 4K resolution will have 2160 vertical pixels and 3840 horizontal pixels.
To achieve the best quality, you should choose the resolution that matches your intended output and device. You can also change the resolution of your video clips using video editing software, but this may result in some quality loss or unwanted scaling.
4. Bit Rate
The bit rate is the amount of data that is transferred per second in a video. It affects the compression and quality of the video. The higher the bit rate, the less compressed the video, but also the larger the file size. The bit rate is measured in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (kbps), or megabits per second (Mbps). For example, a video with a bit rate of 1 Mbps will transfer 1 million bits per second, while a video with a bit rate of 10 Mbps will transfer 10 million bits per second.
To balance the quality and size of your video, you should choose the bit rate that suits your intended output and platform. You can also adjust the bit rate of your video clips using video editing software, but this may result in some quality loss or unwanted artifacts.
5. Codec
The codec is the method or algorithm that is used to encode and decode a video. It affects the compatibility and performance of the video. There are many different codecs available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular codecs are H.264, MPEG-4, AVI, MOV, and WMV. For example, H.264 is a codec that offers high quality and low file size, but also requires more processing power and time to encode and decode.
To ensure a smooth and error-free playback, you should choose the codec that matches your intended output and device. You can also change the codec of your video clips using video editing software, but this may result in some quality loss or compatibility issues.
6. Format
The format is the container or wrapper that holds the video data and metadata. It affects the accessibility and functionality of the video. There are many different formats available, each with its own features and limitations. Some of the most common formats are MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, and FLV. For example, MP4 is a format that supports multiple codecs, subtitles, and chapters, but also has some restrictions on editing and streaming.
To ensure a versatile and user-friendly video, you should choose the format that matches your intended output and platform. You can also change the format of your video clips using video editing software, but this may result in some quality loss or compatibility issues.
7. Timeline
The timeline is the interface or workspace that allows you to arrange and edit your video clips in a video editing software. It consists of multiple tracks or layers that can hold different types of media, such as video, audio, images, text, and effects. You can use the timeline to trim, split, crop, rotate, resize, move, and align your video clips, as well as to add transitions, filters, animations, and other enhancements.
To create a professional and engaging video, you should use the timeline to organize and manipulate your video clips according to your vision and goals. You can also use the timeline to preview and adjust your video before exporting it.
8. Transition
The transition of a video is the effect that is used to change from one clip to another. It is a way of connecting and blending different scenes and shots in a video. There are many types of transitions, such as cut, fade, dissolve, wipe, slide, zoom, and so on. Each transition has its own style and mood, which can enhance the flow and the emotion of the video.
Transition is important for video editing because it affects the pace and the rhythm of the video. If you want to change the transition of your video, you need to either add or remove the effect that is used to change from one clip to another. However, this may result in affecting the continuity and the coherence of the video. Therefore, you should always use the appropriate transition for your video based on your story and message.
9. Filter
The filter of a video is the effect that is used to modify the color, contrast, brightness, saturation, hue, and so on of the video. It is a way of adjusting and enhancing the appearance and the atmosphere of the video. There are many types of filters, such as black and white, sepia, vintage, retro, cinematic, and so on. Each filter has its own tone and vibe, which can create a different impression and mood for the video.
Filter is important for video editing because it affects the style and the theme of the video. If you want to change the filter of your video, you need to either apply or remove the effect that is used to modify the color, contrast, brightness, saturation, hue, and so on of the video. However, this may result in affecting the realism and the consistency of the video. Therefore, you should always choose the suitable filter for your video based on your vision and taste.
10. Overlay
The overlay of a video is the effect that is used to add an extra layer of image, text, or graphics on top of the video. It is a way of adding and combining more elements and information to the video. There are many types of overlays, such as logo, watermark, subtitle, caption, title, banner, sticker, emoji, and so on. Each overlay has its own function and purpose, which can enrich and complement the video.
Overlay is important for video editing because it affects the content and the context of the video. If you want to change the overlay of your video, you need to either insert or delete the extra layer of image, text, or graphics on top of the video. However, this may result in affecting the clarity and the balance of the video. Therefore, you should always use the relevant overlay for your video based on your intention and audience.
11. Animation
The animation of a video is the effect that is used to make the video move and change over time. It is a way of creating and expressing motion and dynamics in the video. There are many types of animations, such as keyframe, tween, morph, warp, bounce, and so on. Each animation has its own speed and direction, which can produce a different action and reaction in the video.
Animation is important for video editing because it affects the energy and the excitement of the video. If you want to change the animation of your video, you need to either adjust or remove the effect that is used to make the video move and change over time. However, this may result in affecting the smoothness and the timing of the video. Therefore, you should always apply the suitable animation for your video based on your creativity and fun.
12. Music
The music of a video is the background sound that sets the tone and mood of the video. It is a way of enhancing and supporting the atmosphere and emotion of the video. There are many types of music, such as classical, rock, pop, jazz, hip hop, and so on. Each music has its own genre and style, which can create a different impact and feeling for the video.
Music is important for video editing because it affects the tempo and the harmony of the video. If you want to change the music of your video, you need to either add or remove the background sound that sets the tone and mood of the video. However, this may result in affecting the audio and the balance of the video. Therefore, you should always choose the appropriate music for your video based on your theme and message.
13. Sound Effect
The sound effect of a video is the specific sound that is added to the video to emphasize or illustrate a certain action or event. It is a way of adding and conveying more realism and detail to the video. There are many types of sound effects, such as explosion, gunshot, car horn, door slam, and so on. Each sound effect has its own source and intensity, which can produce a different reaction and impression for the video.
Sound effect is important for video editing because it affects the immersion and the engagement of the video. If you want to change the sound effect of your video, you need to either insert or delete the specific sound that is added to the video to emphasize or illustrate a certain action or event. However, this may result in affecting the audio and the synchronization of the video. Therefore, you should always use the relevant sound effect for your video based on your story and audience.
14. Voice Over
The voice over of a video is the narration or commentary that is added to the video to explain or inform something. It is a way of adding and conveying more meaning and information to the video. There are many types of voice overs, such as documentary, instructional, promotional, and so on. Each voice over has its own tone and purpose, which can create a different perspective and understanding for the video.
Voice over is important for video editing because it affects the content and the context of the video. If you want to change the voice over of your video, you need to either record or edit the narration or commentary that is added to the video to explain or inform something. However, this may result in affecting the audio and the clarity of the video. Therefore, you should always use the suitable voice over for your video based on your intention and goal.
15. Cut
The cut of a video is the basic and most common type of transition that is used to change from one clip to another. It is a way of connecting and blending different scenes and shots in a video. A cut is simply a switch from one clip to another without any effect or delay. A cut can be used to create a sense of continuity, contrast, or surprise in the video.
Cut is important for video editing because it affects the pace and the rhythm of the video. If you want to change the cut of your video, you need to either add or remove the switch from one clip to another without any effect or delay. However, this may result in affecting the continuity and the coherence of the video. Therefore, you should always use the appropriate cut for your video based on your story and message.
16. Fade
The fade of a video is a type of transition that is used to change from one clip to another by gradually increasing or decreasing the opacity of the video. It is a way of connecting and blending different scenes and shots in a video. A fade can be either a fade in or a fade out. A fade in is when the video gradually becomes visible from a black or white screen. A fade out is when the video gradually becomes invisible to a black or white screen. A fade can be used to create a sense of closure, opening, or transition in the video.
Fade is important for video editing because it affects the pace and the rhythm of the video. If you want to change the fade of your video, you need to either add or remove the gradual increase or decrease of the opacity of the video. However, this may result in affecting the continuity and the coherence of the video. Therefore, you should always use the suitable fade for your video based on your story and message.
17. Dissolve
The dissolve of a video is a type of transition that is used to change from one clip to another by gradually blending the two clips together. It is a way of connecting and blending different scenes and shots in a video. A dissolve is when the video gradually transitions from one clip to another by overlapping them. A dissolve can be used to create a sense of connection, relation, or progression in the video.
Dissolve is important for video editing because it affects the pace and the rhythm of the video. If you want to change the dissolve of your video, you need to either add or remove the gradual blending of the two clips together. However, this may result in affecting the continuity and the coherence of the video. Therefore, you should always use the appropriate dissolve for your video based on your story and message.
18. Wipe
The wipe of a video is a type of transition that is used to change from one clip to another by sliding one clip over the other. It is a way of connecting and blending different scenes and shots in a video. A wipe is when the video transitions from one clip to another by moving one clip across the screen. A wipe can be either horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or circular. A wipe can be used to create a sense of direction, movement, or change in the video.
Wipe is important for video editing because it affects the pace and the rhythm of the video. If you want to change the wipe of your video, you need to either add or remove the sliding of one clip over the other. However, this may result in affecting the continuity and the coherence of the video. Therefore, you should always use the suitable wipe for your video based on your story and message.
19. Slide
The slide of a video is a type of transition that is used to change from one clip to another by pushing one clip off the screen and bringing another clip on the screen. It is a way of connecting and blending different scenes and shots in a video. A slide is when the video transitions from one clip to another by moving both clips across the screen. A slide can be either horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or circular. A slide can be used to create a sense of direction, movement, or change in the video.
Slide is important for video editing because it affects the pace and the rhythm of the video. If you want to change the slide of your video, you need to either add or remove the pushing of one clip off the screen and bringing another clip on the screen. However, this may result in affecting the continuity and the coherence of the video. Therefore, you should always use the suitable slide for your video based on your story and message.
20. Zoom
The zoom of a video is a type of transition that is used to change from one clip to another by enlarging or reducing the size of the video. It is a way of connecting and blending different scenes and shots in a video. A zoom can be either a zoom in or a zoom out. A zoom in is when the video gradually becomes larger and closer to the viewer. A zoom out is when the video gradually becomes smaller and farther from the viewer. A zoom can be used to create a sense of focus, detail, or perspective in the video.
Zoom is important for video editing because it affects the pace and the rhythm of the video. If you want to change the zoom of your video, you need to either add or remove the enlarging or reducing of the size of the video. However, this may result in affecting the continuity and the coherence of the video. Therefore, you should always use the suitable zoom for your video based on your story and message.
21. Crop
The crop of a video is the effect that is used to change the aspect ratio of the video by cutting off some parts of the video. It is a way of adjusting and enhancing the composition and framing of the video. A crop can be either horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or custom. A crop can be used to create a sense of focus, detail, or perspective in the video.
Crop is important for video editing because it affects the size and quality of the video. If you want to change the crop of your video, you need to either add or remove the cutting off of some parts of the video. However, this may result in losing some parts of the video or distorting the image quality. Therefore, you should always choose the optimal crop for your video based on your target audience and platform.
22. Aperture
Aperture is the lens opening of a camera that controls exactly how much light passes through the lens. It is measured in “f-stops” or “f-numbers” — for example, you may see f/4 or f/5.6. In each case, this represents the focal length of the lens. The smaller the f-stop number, the larger the aperture is.
The greater the aperture, the more shallow the video’s depth of field is. This means your subject or forefront is in focus, while your background is blurred. The reverse is also true, with a smaller aperture, you’ll have a sharper depth of field and a background with more focus.
23. Keyframe
The keyframe of a video is a frame that marks the start or end of a change in the video. It is a way of creating and controlling animation, transition, or effect in the video. A keyframe can be used to define the position, scale, rotation, opacity, color, or any other property of the video at a certain point in time. By setting multiple keyframes, the video editing software can interpolate the values between them and create a smooth and gradual change in the video.
Keyframe is important for video editing because it affects the motion and the dynamics of the video. If you want to change the keyframe of your video, you need to either add or remove the frame that marks the start or end of a change in the video. However, this may result in affecting the animation, transition, or effect of the video. Therefore, you should always use the appropriate keyframe for your video based on your creativity and fun.
24. L-Cut
The L-cut of a video is a type of edit that creates an overlap between the audio and the video. It is a way of creating and enhancing the continuity and the flow of the video. An L-cut is when the audio of the first clip continues to play after the video of the first clip has changed to the video of the second clip. An L-cut can be used to create a sense of connection, relation, or progression in the video.
L-cut is important for video editing because it affects the pace and the rhythm of the video. If you want to change the L-cut of your video, you need to either add or remove the overlap between the audio and the video. However, this may result in affecting the continuity and the coherence of the video. Therefore, you should always use the suitable L-cut for your video based on your story and message.
25. Montage
The montage of a video is a sequence of shots that are edited together to show a series of events or actions in a condensed and stylized way. It is a way of creating and expressing motion and dynamics in the video. A montage can be used to show the passage of time, the development of a character, the progression of a plot, or the mood of a scene in the video.
Montage is important for video editing because it affects the energy and the excitement of the video. If you want to change the montage of your video, you need to either add or remove the sequence of shots that are edited together to show a series of events or actions in a condensed and stylized way. However, this may result in affecting the content and the context of the video. Therefore, you should always use the suitable montage for your video based on your story and message.
26. Non-Linear Editing
The non-linear editing of a video is a type of editing that allows the editor to access and manipulate any part of the video at any time. It is a way of editing and enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of the video. A non-linear editing system is a computer-based system that uses digital files and software to edit the video. A non-linear editing system can be used to perform various editing functions, such as cutting, trimming, cropping, resizing, rotating, adding, deleting, moving, copying, pasting, and so on.
Non-linear editing is important for video editing because it affects the quality and the speed of the video. If you want to change the non-linear editing of your video, you need to either use or switch the computer-based system that uses digital files and software to edit the video. However, this may result in affecting the format and the compatibility of the video. Therefore, you should always use the best non-linear editing system for your video based on your needs and goals.
27. Opacity
The opacity of a video is the degree of transparency or visibility of the video. It is a way of adjusting and enhancing the appearance and the atmosphere of the video. The opacity of a video can be either 0% or 100% or any value in between. 0% opacity means the video is completely transparent and invisible. 100% opacity means the video is completely opaque and visible. The opacity of a video can be used to create a sense of layering, blending, or fading in the video.
Opacity is important for video editing because it affects the style and the theme of the video. If you want to change the opacity of your video, you need to either increase or decrease the degree of transparency or visibility of the video. However, this may result in affecting the realism and the consistency of the video. Therefore, you should always choose the optimal opacity for your video based on your vision and taste.
28. Pan
The pan of a video is a type of camera movement that rotates the camera horizontally from left to right or right to left. It is a way of creating and expressing motion and dynamics in the video. A pan can be either slow or fast, smooth or jerky, or any speed or style in between. A pan can be used to show the surroundings, follow the action, or reveal something in the video.
Pan is important for video editing because it affects the energy and the excitement of the video. If you want to change the pan of your video, you need to either add or remove the camera movement that rotates the camera horizontally from left to right or right to left. However, this may result in affecting the motion and the dynamics of the video. Therefore, you should always use the suitable pan for your video based on your creativity and fun.
29. Ripple Edit
The ripple edit of a video is a type of edit that adjusts the length of a clip without affecting the position of the other clips on the timeline. It is a way of editing and enhancing the continuity and the flow of the video. A ripple edit is when the editor trims or extends the start or end of a clip and the other clips on the same track automatically move to fill the gap or create the space. A ripple edit can be used to adjust the timing, pace, or rhythm of the video.
Ripple edit is important for video editing because it affects the pace and the rhythm of the video. If you want to change the ripple edit of your video, you need to either trim or extend the start or end of a clip and the other clips on the same track automatically move to fill the gap or create the space. However, this may result in affecting the continuity and the coherence of the video. Therefore, you should always use the appropriate ripple edit for your video based on your story and message.
30. Split Screen
The split screen of a video is a type of effect that divides the screen into two or more parts and shows different clips simultaneously. It is a way of creating and expressing contrast, comparison, or relation in the video. A split screen can be either horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or custom. A split screen can be used to show different perspectives, locations, or times in the video.
Split screen is important for video editing because it affects the content and the context of the video. If you want to change the split screen of your video, you need to either add or remove the effect that divides the screen into two or more parts and shows different clips simultaneously. However, this may result in affecting the contrast, comparison, or relation of the video. Therefore, you should always use the suitable split screen for your video based on your intention and goal.
31. Timecode
The timecode of a video is a sequence of numbers that indicates the exact position and duration of a frame or a clip in the video. It is a way of identifying and locating a specific part of the video. A timecode can be either drop frame or non-drop frame. A drop frame timecode is a timecode that skips some frames to match the actual running time of the video. A non-drop frame timecode is a timecode that does not skip any frames and counts every frame of the video.
Timecode is important for video editing because it affects the accuracy and the efficiency of the video. If you want to change the timecode of your video, you need to either use or switch the sequence of numbers that indicates the exact position and duration of a frame or a clip in the video. However, this may result in affecting the identification and the location of a specific part of the video. Therefore, you should always use the best timecode for your video based on your needs and goals.
Conclusion
Video editing is a complex and creative process that requires a lot of technical skills and knowledge, as well as a good sense of aesthetics and creativity. By knowing and understanding the basic video editing terms, you can improve your video editing skills and create better videos. We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about the 20 video editing terms you should know about. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy video editing!
