Video editing is the process of manipulating and rearranging video footage. It involves trimming, cutting, sequencing, and enhancing visuals to create a polished final product. Types of video editing include linear editing, non-linear editing, live editing (vision mixing), offline editing, and online editing.
Video editing is essential for transforming raw video footage into compelling stories. It organizes visuals and sounds, creating a cohesive and impactful narrative. With proper editing, content becomes more engaging, enhancing viewer retention and emotional connection.
The history of video editing began with the physical cutting/pasting of film reel, but is now mostly all done digitally. Digital Video Editing Software like Adobe Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve are widely used by professionals and hobbyists. Common video editing techniques are standard cuts, jump cuts, montage, cross dissolve, wipe, and many others.
In today’s creator economy, more and more independent creators are establishing their own audience through platforms like Youtube and Tiktok. Professional video editing is a key part of the formula for finding success in a visual video like video.
What is Video Editing?
Video editing is the process of manipulating and organizing video footage to create a cohesive and engaging final product. From a technological standpoint, it involves using software and hardware to cut, arrange, enhance, and export video sequences. Modern editing relies heavily on non-linear editing (NLE) systems, which offer powerful tools for precision editing, color grading, effects, and audio synchronization. These systems have evolved to include features like artificial intelligence for automated tasks, cloud-based workflows for remote collaboration, and support for ultra-high-definition formats, enabling editors to push creative boundaries.
Creatively, video editing is where raw footage transforms into a visual story, shaping the emotions, pacing, and impact of the narrative. Editors act as storytellers, deciding what to include, how scenes flow, and how transitions guide the audience through the story. Beyond technical execution, creativity in editing involves making artistic choices—such as using jump cuts to create energy, cross dissolves to evoke emotion, or montages to condense time—all to enhance the intended message. At its core, video editing is a blend of technical precision and artistic expression, with technology serving as a tool to realize creative visions.
5 Types of Video Editing Methods
The primary types of video editing include linear editing (sequential editing using physical tapes), non-linear editing (flexible, computer-based editing with digital timelines), live editing/vision mixing (real-time editing during events or broadcasts), offline editing (preliminary editing using low-resolution proxies), and online editing (finalizing edits with high-resolution footage).
We dive into each of the 5 below. If you want more info on these, or even more methods and approaches to video editing, see our full article on Types of Video Editing.
1. Linear Editing
Linear editing is the process of editing video sequentially from start to finish. It involves working with physical tape or film, where edits are made in the order they appear, using a video editing machine or tape deck. Unlike modern non-linear methods, linear editing does not allow easy rearrangement or corrections of earlier edits without redoing subsequent ones.
Historically, linear editing was the primary method of video production before the advent of digital technology. It dominated during the analog era, particularly from the mid-20th century through the 1980s and 1990s. Editors used tools like reel-to-reel tape systems and video switchers to cut and assemble footage. While it required precision and planning, it was effective for creating broadcasts, films, and television shows.
Today, linear editing is rarely used outside of specialized contexts or as a teaching tool for understanding the fundamentals of editing. The rise of non-linear editing systems (NLEs), like Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro, has largely replaced linear methods due to their flexibility, efficiency, and ease of use. However, linear editing remains relevant for live broadcasts or environments requiring real-time sequencing.
For more info, see our full article on Linear Video Editing.
2. Non-Linear Editing
Non-linear editing (NLE) is a digital video editing method that allows flexible, non-destructive editing. It enables editors to access and manipulate any part of a video clip without altering the original footage. Using NLE systems, editors can cut, rearrange, add effects, and make adjustments in any order, often working with a timeline interface.
NLE revolutionized video production with its introduction in the late 20th century, replacing linear editing’s rigid and time-consuming processes. The technology relies on computer-based software and digital storage, enabling seamless integration of video, audio, and effects. Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve are common examples of NLE tools.
This method is now the industry standard for video production due to its flexibility and efficiency. It allows for trial and error, instant playback of edits, and the ability to make changes at any stage of the process. NLE has democratized video editing, making professional-quality production accessible to a wide range of creators.
For more information, see our full article on Non-Linear Video Editing.
3. Live Editing (Vision Mixing)
Live editing, also known as vision mixing, is the real-time editing and production of video content during live events or broadcasts. It involves switching between multiple video sources, such as cameras, graphics, or pre-recorded clips, to create a cohesive live output. This process is typically carried out using a vision mixer (video switcher) or specialized software, often in a control room or on-site production setup.
Historically, live editing emerged alongside television broadcasting, where producers needed to seamlessly switch camera angles and incorporate visual effects during live shows. Over time, the technology evolved, incorporating advanced features like digital effects, transitions, and multi-layered graphics.
Today, live editing remains crucial in areas such as news broadcasts, live sports, concerts, and online streaming. While it requires precise timing and coordination, modern tools, like software-based switchers and cloud-enabled production systems, have made live editing more accessible. The growing popularity of live-streaming platforms has also expanded its use among content creators and small production teams.
4. Offline Video Editing
Offline video editing is the process of editing video footage using low-resolution copies of the original files. This method is used to create a preliminary cut of a video project without working directly with the full-quality footage, which may be large or resource-intensive. The low-resolution files, often called proxies, allow for smoother and faster editing on less powerful hardware.
Offline Video Editing does not refer to simply editing video while not being connected to the Internet. In fact, the term and it’s use predates the Internet by many years.
Historically, offline editing was crucial during the film and analog video eras when the original media (film reels or videotapes) needed to be preserved and could not handle repeated manipulation. Editors would work with copies and then produce an edit decision list (EDL) to guide the final cut using the original footage.
In modern digital workflows, offline editing is still used for large-scale projects, such as feature films or 4K/8K video productions. It optimizes performance during editing by reducing the load on hardware. Once the offline edit is complete, the edits are applied to the high-resolution files during the final stages of production.
5. Online Editing
Online editing is the final stage of video post-production where the high-resolution or original footage is used to conform the project. Online editing does not refer to simply editing video on the Internet, or using Cloud-based tools, but is something entirely different.
After an offline edit has been completed using proxy files or low-resolution versions, the edit decision list (EDL) or timeline from the offline editing process is used to reassemble the original, full-quality footage in an online editing environment.
This stage involves refining the project to its final form, including tasks like color grading, adding special effects, sound design, and ensuring all elements are in their highest quality. Online editing ensures the final video meets broadcast, cinematic, or distribution standards with no loss of quality.
Historically, online editing followed offline editing to preserve original film reels or tapes during the editing process. Today, it remains essential for large-scale projects or workflows involving high-resolution footage where working directly with originals during editing would be inefficient or impractical. The seamless transition between offline and online editing is a hallmark of modern professional video production workflows.
Video Editing Techniques
Video editing techniques are the methods and creative strategies used to manipulate and enhance video footage. These techniques help editors craft compelling stories, improve visuals, and engage viewers effectively. They range from basic cutting and splicing to advanced effects and transitions, all tailored to serve the narrative or visual style.
Common techniques include standard cuts (removing unwanted footage), match cuts (seamlessly connecting two scenes with similar visuals or actions), jump cuts (creating abrupt transitions to advance the story), cross dissolves (used for smooth transitions), and montages (present multiple perspectives or condense time).
To read more about all these techniques (including more advanced ones like color grading, speed ramping, and green screen compositing), read our full article on Video Editing Techniques.
1. Standard Cuts
Standard cuts are the most basic and widely used video editing transitions. A standard cut occurs when one shot ends, and the next begins immediately, without any special effects, transitions, or overlaps. This technique maintains the flow of a video and keeps the narrative straightforward and cohesive.
Standard cuts are fundamental in editing because they provide clarity and simplicity, ensuring the audience focuses on the story or content rather than the transition itself. They are used to progress a scene, introduce new information, or shift the perspective while maintaining continuity.
For example, in a conversation scene, a standard cut might move from one speaker to another or show a reaction shot. In documentaries or instructional videos, standard cuts help present information logically and efficiently. Despite their simplicity, they are essential tools for creating rhythm and pacing in video editing.
2. Match Cuts
A match cut is a video editing technique where two consecutive shots are connected through a visual, audio, or thematic similarity. This seamless transition creates a sense of continuity between the shots, even if they depict different times, locations, or subjects. Match cuts are used to maintain flow while emphasizing a connection or parallel between the two scenes.
For example, a classic match cut might show a door closing in one scene and immediately cut to a similar shape or movement, like the rising sun. Another example is matching action, where a character’s motion in one shot aligns perfectly with their motion in the next, even if the setting changes.
Match cuts are a powerful storytelling tool, allowing editors to convey symbolic meaning, enhance visual appeal, or advance the narrative without breaking the viewer’s immersion. Famous examples include the bone-to-spaceship transition in 2001: A Space Odyssey or the use of sound match cuts in musical transitions.
3. Jump Cuts
Jump cuts are a video editing technique where consecutive shots of the same subject are combined, but the position or time of the subject changes abruptly. This creates a sense of discontinuity, drawing attention to the cut itself. Unlike standard cuts, jump cuts intentionally break the illusion of seamless time and space, giving the edit a jarring or fast-paced effect.
Jump cuts are often used to compress time, such as showing a subject in different stages of an activity while skipping intermediate actions. They are also used stylistically to create energy, tension, or a sense of disorientation. For example, in vlogs or music videos, jump cuts are frequently employed to maintain viewer engagement and keep the pacing dynamic.
While traditionally considered a mistake in continuity editing, jump cuts have evolved into a deliberate creative choice, especially in modern digital content like Tiktok videos and Youtube shorts, where quick transitions align with shorter attention spans.
4. Cross Dissolve
A cross dissolve is a video editing transition where one clip gradually fades out while another simultaneously fades in. This creates a smooth overlap between the two clips, blending them together visually. The effect is often used to signify a passage of time, a change in location, or a soft transition between scenes.
Cross dissolves are commonly employed in storytelling to create a sense of continuity or emotional connection. For instance, fading between a character’s past and present can evoke nostalgia or reflection. They are also used in music videos and montages to maintain a fluid and dreamy visual style.
This technique is subtle and versatile, making it a staple in both beginner and professional video editing. By adjusting the duration of the dissolve, editors can control the pace and mood of the transition to match the tone of the content.
5. Montage
A montage is a video editing technique that combines a series of short clips or images to convey a larger idea, passage of time, or the progression of events. Typically set to music or accompanied by sound effects, montages are used to condense information or show the development of a character, relationship, or story in a brief and visually engaging sequence.
Montages are often used in films to depict training sequences, preparation for a significant event, or transformations over time. For example, a classic training montage might show a character improving their skills through various actions, such as running, lifting weights, and practicing techniques.
This technique allows editors to present a lot of information in a short amount of time while maintaining the audience’s emotional engagement. Montages rely on rhythm, pacing, and creative transitions to achieve their effect, making them a powerful storytelling tool in video production.
Video Editing Software
Video editing software refers to computer programs used to manipulate, organize, and enhance video footage for a polished final product. These tools range from beginner-friendly apps to professional-grade platforms, catering to diverse needs such as cinematic editing, social media content creation, and live event production.
Popular video editing software includes Adobe Premiere Pro (a professional, non-linear editor with advanced features for high-end productions), Final Cut Pro (Apple’s powerful editor optimized for macOS users with intuitive workflows), DaVinci Resolve (known for its industry-leading color grading and robust editing capabilities), iMovie (a beginner-friendly option for macOS users, ideal for basic editing tasks), and Camtasia (specialized software for screen recording and creating tutorial-style videos). These packages cater to different editing requirements, from simple edits to complex, feature-length productions.
1. Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a professional-grade, non-linear video editing software widely used in the film, television, and digital media industries. It offers a robust set of features for editing, color correction, audio mixing, motion graphics, and special effects, making it suitable for everything from short social media videos to full-length feature films. With its intuitive timeline-based interface, editors can easily organize and manipulate footage while accessing powerful tools for precision editing.
One of Premiere Pro’s standout features is its seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, such as After Effects for advanced visual effects and Photoshop for image editing. Its support for a wide range of video formats and resolutions, including 4K, 8K, and VR, ensures compatibility with diverse projects. Premiere Pro also offers collaborative features, like shared projects and cloud-based workflows, enabling teams to work together efficiently. This versatility and professional-level capability make it a go-to choice for many video editors worldwide.
2. Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is Apple’s professional video editing software, designed exclusively for macOS users. Known for its intuitive interface and powerful performance, it caters to filmmakers, content creators, and professionals seeking a streamlined editing experience. The software’s magnetic timeline allows for easy arrangement of clips, reducing the complexity of managing layers and tracks, while its optimized integration with macOS ensures smooth performance, even with high-resolution 4K and 8K video files.
Final Cut Pro excels in features like real-time rendering, advanced color grading tools, and support for 360-degree video editing. It also offers seamless integration with Apple’s hardware and ecosystem, such as using Motion for visual effects or Logic Pro for audio post-production. Its one-time purchase model, as opposed to subscription-based plans, makes it appealing for users seeking a professional tool without ongoing costs. Final Cut Pro remains a favorite for professionals and enthusiasts who prioritize speed, simplicity, and creative flexibility in their video projects.
3. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing and color grading software renowned for its industry-leading tools and versatility. Originally developed as a high-end color correction platform, it has evolved into a comprehensive solution for video editing, visual effects, audio post-production, and color grading. Its modular design allows users to seamlessly switch between these tasks within a single interface, making it a favorite for filmmakers and post-production professionals.
Resolve’s standout feature is its advanced color grading suite, which offers precise control over color and tone, enabling cinematic-quality visuals. It also includes a Fusion tab for motion graphics and visual effects and a Fairlight tab for professional-grade audio mixing. With support for 4K, 8K, HDR, and RAW workflows, it’s capable of handling the most demanding projects. DaVinci Resolve is available in a free version with robust features, while the paid Studio version unlocks additional tools like noise reduction and multi-user collaboration, making it an accessible yet powerful choice for creators at all levels.
4. iMovie
iMovie is Apple’s beginner-friendly video editing software, designed for macOS and iOS users. It provides an intuitive interface and easy-to-use tools, making it ideal for casual users, students, and content creators looking to edit videos quickly and efficiently. With drag-and-drop functionality, templates, and pre-designed themes, iMovie simplifies the editing process for those new to video production.
Despite its simplicity, iMovie offers robust features such as basic color correction, transitions, titles, and audio editing. It also supports 4K video editing, allowing users to create high-quality projects. iMovie’s seamless integration with Apple devices and services enables users to start editing on an iPhone or iPad and finish on a Mac, thanks to its compatibility with iCloud. While it lacks the advanced features of professional software, iMovie is an excellent choice for those seeking a straightforward and accessible editing experience.
5. Camtasia
Camtasia is a video editing software tailored for creating screen recordings, tutorials, presentations, and educational content. Known for its simplicity and functionality, it combines screen capture tools with a user-friendly video editor, making it popular among educators, trainers, and content creators. The software allows users to record their screens, add annotations, and edit footage seamlessly within the same platform.
Camtasia offers features like drag-and-drop editing, transitions, callouts, and audio enhancements to create polished videos quickly. It also includes built-in templates and themes to maintain consistent branding and style. Its focus on screen recording and interactivity, such as adding quizzes or clickable elements, makes it ideal for instructional videos and e-learning content. While it may lack the advanced tools of professional editing software, Camtasia excels in simplicity and efficiency for users looking to produce high-quality, screen-based videos.
Professional Video Editing Services
Professional video editing services (such as those provided by Vodpod) transform raw footage into polished, visually compelling videos tailored to specific goals or audiences. These services are typically offered by skilled editors or agencies who use advanced software and techniques to craft high-quality content. They cater to diverse industries, including marketing, entertainment, corporate training, and social media, ensuring videos meet technical standards and creative expectations.
If Vodpod can help you with your video, see our Video Editing Services page, or simply Contact Us.
The value of professional video editing lies in its ability to save time, deliver polished results, and ensure the content resonates with its intended audience. By combining technical precision with creative insight, these services enable businesses and individuals to achieve their video production goals efficiently and effectively.
For more information on how Vodpod can help on your next creative or business project, visit on Video Editing Services page.
Video Editing Careers
Video editing offers diverse career opportunities in industries such as film, television, advertising, social media, and corporate content production. Editors are responsible for assembling and refining video footage into compelling narratives, ensuring seamless pacing, visual appeal, and audience engagement. As video content continues to dominate digital platforms, skilled video editors are in high demand across creative and commercial fields.
If you are an aspiring video editor and looking to join a growing team in a growing field, contact Vodpod today!
History of Video Editing
The evolution of video editing began before “video” was a word, and when all editing was actually “film editing”. This section explores the key milestones in the history of video editing, beginning with cutting and splicing (the manual assembly of physical film strips), flatbed editing (which introduced mechanical precision to the process), video tape editing, and finally non-linear (digital) editing, where modern software dominates.
For more information on each of these era, including a full timeline and more detailed milestones, see our full article on the History of Video Editing.
Cutting and Splicing (1890s–1930s)
The early stages of film editing, known as cutting and splicing, involved physically manipulating film strips to create a sequence. Editors used scissors or razor blades to cut segments of celluloid film and then joined them using tape, glue, or cement. This painstaking process required precision, as each cut was permanent and mistakes could ruin valuable footage.
Introduced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cutting and splicing allowed filmmakers to assemble scenes, control pacing, and create narrative continuity. Editors worked with light tables or editing benches to view and align the frames, often using marked frames to guide their cuts.
While primitive by modern standards, this method was groundbreaking for its time, laying the foundation for storytelling through visuals. Iconic films from the silent era were edited using this technique, demonstrating the power of sequencing to evoke emotion and tell stories. Despite its labor-intensive nature, cutting and splicing established the editor’s role as a creative force in filmmaking.
Flatbed Editing (1940s–1980s)
Flatbed editing marked a significant advancement in film editing by introducing a more efficient and precise mechanical process. This method used a flatbed editing machine, a device with motorized reels and a screen, to view and edit film. Editors could move forward or backward through footage, isolate frames, and make precise cuts without the risk of damaging the film.
Flatbed machines, such as the Steenbeck and Moviola, became popular in the mid-20th century. They featured separate tracks for video and audio, allowing synchronized playback and easier handling of complex edits. The ability to quickly locate and review specific scenes made flatbed editing a major improvement over manual cutting and splicing.
Flatbed editing was particularly influential during the golden age of cinema, used to craft some of the most iconic films of the 20th century. Though largely replaced by digital systems, flatbed machines are still appreciated by some filmmakers for their tactile approach and historical significance.
Video Tape Editing (1950s–1990s)
Video tape editing emerged in the mid-20th century with the advent of magnetic tape technology, revolutionizing how video content was assembled and broadcast. Unlike film editing, which involved cutting and splicing physical film, video tape editing relied on electronic equipment to manipulate footage stored on magnetic tape.
Two primary methods defined this era: linear editing and assemble/insert editing. Linear editing required sequential adjustments, making revisions to earlier sections challenging. Assemble editing involved combining clips sequentially onto a master tape, while insert editing allowed replacing specific segments without altering the rest of the tape. These methods provided more flexibility and efficiency than traditional film editing.
This technique became essential for television production, enabling faster turnaround times for news broadcasts and live events. Video tape editing remained dominant until the late 20th century, when digital non-linear editing systems replaced it. Nevertheless, its contributions laid the groundwork for modern video workflows, emphasizing speed, precision, and innovation.
Non-Linear Editing (1990s–today)
Non-linear editing (NLE) revolutionized video production by introducing digital, computer-based workflows that allowed unparalleled flexibility and efficiency. Unlike linear editing, which required sequential adjustments, NLE enabled editors to access, rearrange, and modify any part of a project at any time without affecting the original footage. This non-destructive approach opened the door to creative experimentation and rapid iterations.
Emerging in the late 1980s and early 1990s, NLE systems like Avid Media Composer and Adobe Premiere Pro replaced analog methods with timeline-based interfaces. These tools allowed users to combine video, audio, and effects seamlessly, with features like drag-and-drop editing, real-time previews, and advanced color grading. This shift eliminated the limitations of physical media, reducing editing time and enhancing creative possibilities.
Non-linear editing quickly became the industry standard for film, television, and digital content. Its adoption democratized video production, enabling creators of all skill levels to produce professional-quality work. Today, NLE continues to evolve, incorporating cloud-based workflows, AI tools, and support for ultra-high-resolution formats like 4K and 8K.
