Gone are the days when video editing was simple and straightforward. Today, there are about a dozen different editing techniques that vary by approach, methods, goals, tools, and other parameters. And whether you are an aspiring vlogger or an experienced filmmaker, you'd better be aware of these nuances. By the end of this article, you'll learn about the main types of video editing, be able to distinguish between linear and non-linear editing, and understand the pros and cons of each approach. You'll also learn about the tool that can become your reliable partner for your video editing process.
What is video editing
Film editing is now something almost everyone can do at a simple level and enjoy it, but to take it to a higher level requires the same dedication and persistence that any art form does.
Video editing is the process of intentionally modifying raw footage to create a unique artistic project. This process involves both creative and technical elements, so if you want to turn your recording into something truly compelling, you need to be familiar with various editing techniques and styles.
Filmmakers of the past had to perform editing manually, literally cutting and splicing films with specialized machines that resembled small clippers. Today, you can record dozens of hours of raw video footage and edit it directly on your smartphone using video editing software or online tools.
Linear video editing
That's the most traditional type of video editing, dating back to the era of early physical films. This method involves sequentially reviewing raw footage, removing unneeded frames, and splicing the rest together. Although physical cutting is no longer necessary, inexperienced filmmakers and aspiring vloggers can still use this method in its digital form, as it's the simplest type of video editing. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to this approach.
- Low cost. You don't need specialized video editing software; generally, you can do linear editing directly on the camera or in a recording app.
- Simplicity. No professional filmmaking skills or training are required to handle it.
- Each copy reduces the quality of the film, and you'll need many copies to make the necessary cuts. This isn't an issue with digital videos.
- The entire process is tedious and time-consuming.
- This editing method leaves little room for creativity or adding extra elements, such as visual effects (possibly only very basic ones).
Even though modern filmmakers rarely edit videos in a linear fashion, this method can still be useful, for example, in intentionally "vintage-like" projects.
Non-linear video editing
Now, let's look at how non-linear editing differs from this traditional approach. A non-linear method implies that the chosen parts are modified not in a sequential order but as needed. As you are working with digital sources, you can make as many copies of the video files as you want, then cut, duplicate, and combine their parts.
This method also allows applying custom graphics and visual effects, adjusting color grading, and adding extra elements. The advantages include quick processing, high creativity, and each copy remaining unaffected in quality. However, there are some disadvantages too: you need special software, like Clideo Editor or Adobe Premiere Pro, and the learning curve can be steep.
Despite this, non-linear video editing is the standard for modern filmmakers because it's much more flexible than traditional methods and offers greater versatility.
Offline vs. online editing workflows
Online and offline video editing may seem like straightforward terms: the former is done online, the latter is not, right? Wrong. Or, more accurately, not exactly.
Offline editing involves creating a "first draft," or rough cuts, on low-resolution copies of the original files, simply to arrange the frames and develop an approximate visual storytelling. Usually, but not always, this step is done with local tools without an Internet connection, which is why it's called that.
Online video editing is the final refinement based on high-resolution original footage. During this phase, various visual and sound effects, transitions, and other editing techniques are added.
If you work with short clips that are no longer than 10-20 seconds, this approach might seem unnecessary. However, for longer video clips, maintaining this two-stage process is crucial for efficiency and quality.
Bespoke editing
The word "bespoke" refers to something tailored or customized. For example, bespoke shoes or suits are made individually, not based on standard sizes and measurements. The same applies to bespoke video editing: it's a process in which each visual is treated individually to meet specific project requirements or client needs.
In short, every corporate video, film, or social media content is bespoke (or at least should be so) to ensure it is unique and effective. Video editing is not a field where "one size fits all" — you need to make the effort to stand out.
Live editing
Live editing is a challenging form of video editing because it takes place during live broadcasts, such as streaming, sports events, or newscasts. Since there is no pre-recorded footage, you need to edit videos "on the go": changing camera angles if possible, adjusting audio levels or muting participants, adding visual effects, graphics, and inserting pre-recorded video content.
That's why this type of editing demands strong experience and quick reactions, as you need to act immediately if something goes wrong. It's also important to stay synchronized with other video editors, if there are any, and to keep smooth pacing and transitions. Technical skills are another crucial element, since camera failures, audio dropouts, connection interruptions, and other issues can occur.
Creative and experimental editing
We've mentioned only some of the most popular video editing approaches, but there are many more, both "official" and "non-official".
By narrative style:
- Montage editing involves arranging shots in the necessary sequence to convey a message.
- Narrative editing focuses on storytelling.
- Continuity editing ensures a logical flow and seamless transitions.
- Discontinuity editing includes jump cuts that create abrupt transitions between two shots of the same subject but with a slight shift in position.
By technique:
- Split-screen editing shows the action from different angles simultaneously or displays several actions side by side.
- Parallel editing, also known as cross-cutting, involves cutting between two scenes happening at the same time.
- Special effects editing and color grading are also common techniques.
The chosen method may depend on the social media platform you're working with, the available tools, your creativity, and other factors. While creative editing is based on one or multiple known techniques, it also requires thinking outside the box and pushing boundaries.
Why master multiple editing methodologies
The market is becoming increasingly challenging, so you "must run as fast as you can, just to stay in place. And if you wish to go anywhere, you must run twice as fast as that." ("Alice in Wonderland").
Whatever you're focused on — whether it's TikTok videos, YouTube long-form content, or something ultimately custom — the competition will be fierce. Each digital space has become a constant marathon where you need to keep learning to avoid falling behind and to secure your share of attention and success.
Editing feels almost like sculpting or a form of continuing the writing process.
How to get started with Clideo's Video Editor
Digital video content is usually edited in a non-linear way using online tools, mobile apps, or desktop software. Clideo's all-in-one online video editor is one of the most beginner-friendly tools with expanded functionality.
Its features include (but are not limited to):
- Text overlays
- Video and audio recording directly within the tool
- Aspect ratio adjustment
- Text-to-speech converter
- Built-in stock libraries with various sounds and visuals
- A full range of video editing techniques, such as cutting, trimming, resizing, slowing down, and speeding up, etc.
- Frame flipping or rotating
The tool is cross-platform, so you can use it directly in your browser on your computer or mobile device without installing any applications. If you are an app lover, there is a Clideo Video Editor app for iOS to keep your editing process in your pocket.
The simplest way to categorize them is into linear and non-linear editing. Additionally, we can distinguish between offline (initial draft) and online (final polishing and styling) processes, along with various creative techniques and approaches.
As the name implies, linear editing involves working sequentially, frame by frame, whereas non-linear editing allows for rearranging footage in any order without impacting the original files.
Offline editing involves creating a rough cut where unnecessary frames are removed, and the footage is roughly arranged to tell the story. Online editing is the finishing stage, focusing on refining and polishing high-quality copies.
Clideo's Video Editor enables you to undo actions, recover deleted clips, and experiment with different creative techniques without risking your original files, encouraging a playful and flexible editing process.
With all the competition over there, relying on a single technique is no longer enough. Experimenting with various methods helps you discover and develop your own unique style.