The editing phase, also known as post-production, can feel like a marathon. It’s where your raw footage (and all your grand ideas) turn into a cohesive story—sometimes after a few hair-pulling moments. Fortunately, once you get the hang of it, video editing becomes one of the most rewarding parts of the entire production process. And with Descript’s sleek editing approach, it might even be (dare we say) fun.

Plan your video editing

Before you fire up your editing software, start planning your video edit long before you hit the record button. That means outlining a shot list, brainstorming visual sequences, and thinking about storytelling structure.

If you want a more formal approach, try creating a shot list or an organized script. It may sound like extra work, but having a blueprint for both your footage and your editing process can spare you from painful reshoots or disjointed narratives.

On top of that, shoot with coverage in mind—film multiple takes and let the camera roll a few seconds before and after the main action. Doing so gives you a generous buffer when you trim clips later. This helps you find the cleanest edit points, and it’s especially handy if you plan on adding music, transitions, or voiceover. Speaking of which, it’s always a good idea to capture a bit of “room tone” (the natural sound of each location). If your edit has an awkward silence, patching it with room tone might save the day.

11 basic video editing principles

Now that you’ve planned ahead, let’s look at a straightforward approach to editing. There’s no single “right” method—every creator does it a bit differently. But these tried-and-true principles will streamline your workflow and help you shape a strong final product.

Step 1: Organize your footage

“You have to be organized,” says Tiff Bauer, former video producer at Descript. Make folders for your raw clips, audio files, and graphics so you can quickly locate anything you need. Consistency is key—stick to one system and keep everything labeled. This small amount of prep work in the beginning prevents hours of frantic searching later.

Step 2: Make a plan

Create a simple roadmap. This can be a shot list (if you haven’t already made one) or a rough storyboard. If you want to add narration or voiceover, write out your script and read it aloud to ensure it sounds natural. Focus on the main points you want to convey, and keep it short and conversational.

Step 3: Choose the key action

Trim your footage to highlight only the best moments that advance your narrative. If a scene or clip doesn’t serve your story or your overall goals, skip it. This can be tough if you’re attached to a certain shot, but you’ll often find that leaving things out leads to a sharper, more engaging video.

Step 4: Use establishing shots

Viewers like to know where they are. Establishing shots give your audience a visual “zoom out” of the setting—be it a city skyline, a bustling studio, or your cozy living room. You can learn more about framing and contextualizing your environment in this post about establishing shots.

Step 5: Use match cuts

A match cut creates visual continuity by matching similar shapes, movements, or positions between two clips. For instance, a person raising their hand at the end of one shot could transition to a similar motion in the next clip. It’s a neat trick that keeps viewers focused on the action, rather than the edit.

Step 6: Pick the right transitions

If you’re staying within the same scene, stick to simple cuts—don’t worry about fancy transitions for every edit. If you are changing scenes or moods, crossfades or dissolves can help create a smoother handoff. When in doubt, simpler transitions usually look more professional and keep attention on your content, not the fancy wipes.

Step 7: Control pacing

The rhythm of your video can make or break audience engagement. Fast cuts can convey action or excitement, while slower pacing can allow for reflection or build tension. Watch out for abrupt changes in pacing between scenes that could feel jarring. A consistent flow keeps viewers immersed.

Step 8: Pick a color scheme

Color correction gets your footage looking accurate, while color grading injects style—think cinematic teals or moody shadows. Some editors like video proxies to handle large files quickly, then color-grade later. Not sure where to start? Try mild adjustments to contrast and saturation for a subtle yet polished look. You can also explore video filters for creative styles.

Step 9: Refine your audio

Audio deserves at least as much attention as the visuals. Good sound can elevate even basic footage. Balance your levels so dialogue doesn’t get buried under music or sound effects. Want to get extra fancy? Split edits, like J-cuts, bring the audio of the next scene in early to create a seamless audio bridge. Consider an external recorder (like a ZOOM H1n) for crisper sound.

Step 10: Add music

Music shapes the emotional tone. Make sure you have the rights to any track you use or opt for a royalty-free library. Remember, silence can sometimes be powerful—if it’s intentional. If you have a weird gap, fill it with room tone to keep things natural.

Step 11: Export properly

Choosing the right aspect ratio and resolution helps your video shine on your target platform—Vimeo, YouTube, or social media. When you export, you might see different formats like .mp4 or .mov. Most major platforms accept these. Just confirm compatibility before you commit.

Try AI tools for faster editing

Finding the perfect edit points isn’t always easy, and that’s where Descript’s AI-powered features can be a game-changer. If you’re wrestling with uneven audio, for instance, Descript offers auto-leveling to help keep everything sounding consistent. Need to remove filler words like “um” and “uh”? That’s just a couple clicks away.

Even details like microfades happen automatically in Descript, reducing those pesky audio pops at edit boundaries. The best part? Most of it happens behind the scenes, so you can focus on shaping your storyline instead of tweaking every frame. Essentially, AI handles the tedium, you handle the creativity.

Choose the best video editing software

There are countless video editing software options, from the simplest all-in-one solutions to more elaborate tools with a steep learning curve. Your choice depends on the scope of your project and your comfort level with editing features.

At the very least, look for editing software that can trim clips, add transitions, and handle music or narration tracks. If you’re doing more advanced work—keyframe animation, 3D illusions, or visual effects—consider offerings like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro X.

Is this a big project?

If you’re compiling a feature-length documentary or a video with complex visual effects, you’ll need a tool that can support large video files, advanced features, and possible team collaboration. Tools such as Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro X let you do things like import video proxies and add motion graphics.

These programs are also more demanding on your computer, so be prepared to free up disk space and have decent processing power to avoid crashes.

Is it short and sweet?

If you’re working on a quick YouTube video, social media content, or a short product demo, a simpler editor might be all you need. Many computers come with pre-installed software that can handle basic editing. Mac users can start with iMovie, which is free, user-friendly, and powerful enough for most day-to-day tasks.

For vlogs, instructional demos, or content that relies heavily on scripting, Descript’s script-based approach is especially handy. It turns your video into a transcript you can edit just like text—which can speed up your workflow when you’re making lots of cuts, rearranging dialogue, or re-recording voiceovers.

Is my computer powerful enough?

Editing can push your machine to the limit, especially when you’re dealing with high-res footage. Be sure you’re working on a computer that can handle video editing. Check system requirements for any software you consider, and expect to need plenty of RAM.

If your computer’s specs are lacking, you may experience crashes or choppy playback. In that case, working with smaller proxy files or using a more lightweight (often cloud-based) editor is a practical workaround.

Becoming an expert filmmaker

No matter the tools or techniques, the best way to sharpen your video editing skills is to keep editing. Watch your footage from start to finish, look for patterns or clumsy transitions, and reshape until you’re satisfied. There’s no rule that says you have to nail it on the first pass. Editing, like filmmaking itself, is a craft: the more you practice, the more you’ll discover your unique style.

When you’re ready—or even if you’re not—hit that export button, share your creation, and let your audience in on the magic.

FAQ about video editing

What are the basics of video editing?

Video editing involves arranging, trimming, and enhancing clips to create a cohesive story. It often includes adding music, text overlays, color correction, and sound design. Essentially, you’re aiming to guide viewers through a clear beginning, middle, and end—even if it’s just a quick tutorial or social post.

How do I teach myself video editing?

You’re already on the right track by reading guides like this. Plenty of free online tutorials break down beginner, intermediate, and advanced techniques in short, approachable lessons. Try practicing with simple projects first—like a highlight reel from your phone footage—and gradually build up to bigger, more complex edits.

What is the 3-2-1 rule in video editing?

It’s a simple but crucial backup strategy. Keep three copies of your files, on at least two different types of media (like a computer hard drive and an external hard drive), with one copy stored off-site. That way, no single mishap (a crashed drive, a spilled coffee) can wipe out your hard work.

Which editor is best for beginners?

It depends on your goals. iMovie is a classic choice for simple, quick edits. Descript is fantastic if you plan on working with a lot of dialogue or want AI-assisted tools to remove filler words and balance audio. There are also web-based editors if you prefer to avoid desktop software entirely.

Is there a free version of Descript?

Yes, Descript offers a free plan so you can explore its core features (like script-based editing and filler word removal). If you need advanced options or higher usage limits, you can opt for one of Descript’s paid plans.

Can I edit directly in my browser?

Yes. Many online platforms like Clipchamp, CapCut, or even Descript’s web-based components allow you to edit videos right in your browser. This is helpful if your computer isn’t super powerful, or if you just want to avoid downloading more software.

And that’s it! Now you have a clear roadmap to guide your entire production—from that first idea to the final export. Embrace the process, let your creativity flair, and remember that there’s magic in every cut.