Essential CapCut Video Editing Guide

Aug 9, 2024

Notes on CapCut Video Editing Tutorial

Introduction to Content Creation and Video Editing

  • Content creation and video editing are booming industries.
  • Businesses require quality content for social media to attract customers.
  • There are many jobs and opportunities in content creation.
  • CapCut is a recommended free app for beginners in video editing.

Getting Started with CapCut

Opening CapCut

  • Upon opening, users are greeted with the interface.
  • First step: Import footage.
    • Options to import:
      • Click the Import button.
      • Drag and drop clips.

Importing Clips

  • Select the desired videos and audio to import them into the software.
  • To place clips on the timeline:
    • Click the plus icon next to the clip or drag and drop it directly.
  • To import a specific part of a clip:
    • Set the in point (press I or drag the edge).
    • Set the out point (press O or drag the edge).

Setting Up Project Settings

  • Aspect Ratio: Set the project aspect ratio (9:16 for vertical videos, 16:9 for horizontal).
  • Frame Rate: Modify settings for frame rate (recommended: 24 fps).
  • Project Name and Save Location can also be configured.

Software Layout Overview

Timeline

  • Main area for cutting and editing clips.
  • Zoom controls: Mouse pad, keyboard shortcuts (Command/Control + plus/minus), slider on the right.
  • Undo/Redo functionality (Control + Z).
  • Split clips and delete sections.

Player Section

  • Preview edits and playback.
  • Change playback quality (performance vs. quality).
  • Export frames as PNG or JPEG.

Right Panel (Clip Settings)

  • Details about the selected clip:
    • Video adjustments, speed modifications, animations, color adjustments.

Media Panel (Left Side)

  • Access to imported clips, audio library, text options, stickers, effects, transitions, and filters.

Editing Clips

Resizing and Positioning Clips

  • Scale clips to fit the timeline.
  • Adjust position and rotation using sliders or drag.
  • Use Blending Modes for effects.

Stabilizing Clips

  • Stabilization feature to smooth shaky footage.
  • Options for stabilization levels.

Keyframing (Animation)

  • Create animations (e.g., slow zoom) using keyframes.
    • Add keyframes to start and end points for animations.

Cutting and Trimming Clips

  • Use the blade tool (press B) to split clips.
  • Adjust clip lengths by dragging edges to trim.
  • Alternate between select (A) and split (B) modes.

Adding Music and Sound Effects

  • Import music by dragging it onto the timeline.
  • Adjust volume by dragging the white line or using the right panel.
  • Recommend using Epidemic Sound for royalty-free music.
    • Affordable subscription model for access to a large library of sound.

Adding Text to Video

  • Insert default text and customize font, size, and opacity.
  • Use templates for faster editing.
  • Animate text for dynamic presentations.

Color Grading and Filters

  • Adjust color settings using curves, color wheels, and HSL adjustments.
  • Apply filters for quick style changes.

Transitions and Effects

  • Use transitions between clips for smooth shifts.
  • Apply effects over clips to enhance visuals.

Advanced Features

Auto-Captions and Cutouts

  • Automatically generate captions for talking videos.
  • Use auto cutout for background removal.

Voiceover Recording and Snapping Features

  • Record voiceovers directly in the software.
  • Use snapping features for precise timeline editing.

Finalizing the Project

  • Export project settings:
    • Name, location, quality settings (1080p, bitrate).
    • Option to export captions and run a copyright check.

Conclusion

  • CapCut offers extensive tools for video editing.
  • Encouragement to explore more tutorials and subscribe for further learning.
  • Reminder to utilize Epidemic Sound for music needs.