Intro!

Welcome! My goal is to teach you how to edit high-quality videos completely for free. This website will be emphasizing on how to use a specific editing software titled “Shotcut”. I spent four years learning how to edit on this application, and now I would like to show you what I’ve learned. That way you won’t have to start from square one! I will provide a text explanation along with video tutorials. A link to download Shotcut will also be provided at the bottom of this page. With that said, let’s get started!

Chapters

Figma & Capyskill

Here's a link to my figma and capyskill!

Timeline

The timeline is by far the number one thing you should learn. Without it, there would be no video at all. It allows the user to see their content along with everything they have edited. In order to use it, simply drag a video clip into the timeline. You can then make cuts, effects, and many more options. The timeline also comes with four very useful tools. The first one is “Snap” which allows you to perfectly place two clips next to each other. Next is the “Scrub While Dragging” tool. This lets the user move a clip directly on another one without causing an automatic transition. After that is the “Ripple” tool. This is the function I use the most. Rippling allows all video clips after the clip you selected to be moved along with the selection. Lastly, there is the “Ripple All Tracks” tool. This one doesn’t just ripple, but it also does the effect on every row (track) in your project. Please watch the video in order to see a visual representation.

Tutorial

Effects

Filters: Filters/Effects are simple, but effective. After clicking the “Filters” tab, and selecting a clip. You just need to press the + icon and then there are plenty of special effects that are all free to use. The best way to learn them all is by directly testing. I believe that is the most effective method to get educated on editing. My personal favorite is the “Size” filter. It allows the user to freely move the video around. Please watch the video in order to see a visual representation.

Tutorial

Keyframes

KEYFRAMES ARE LITERALLY THE BEST. They are simple to use and very effective in animation. They are automatically placed on the timestamp you are on; all you need to do is just move the position from one timestamp to another. Shotcut will do the rest of the animation. All you got to do is tell it where to start and finish. Most filters have a little clock icon next to them. That is the symbol to access keyframes. Please watch the video in order to see a visual representation.

Tutorial

Green Screen

Chroma Key is a filter. Once it’s applied, you just need to use its eyedropper tool to select a colour, and then everything in that colour will disappear. It is honestly way easier to use than most people think. MAKE SURE TO SELECT CHROMA KEY: SIMPLE WHEN CHOSING WHICH FILTER.There is also a “Distance” scale within the filter. That determines the strength of the chroma key/green screen Please watch the video in order to see a visual representation.

Tutorial

Overlay/ Sound Effects

YouTube has plenty of free green screen and sound effects that anyone can use. I usually download or sometimes create my own effects. Once they are installed, you just need to drag them in either the audio or visual tracks. If they have a green (or another color) screen, apply the chroma key. After that, you’re done! Please watch the video in order to see a visual representation.

Tutorial

Presets

I use presets all the time. You can create your own, which is what I usually do, but it’s ok to use the default Shotcut ones too. Every filter has its own “Presets” bar. Either click the bar to view them, or select the + icon to turn your current filter settings into a preset. Please watch the video in order to see a visual representation.

Tutorial

Mlts

MLTs are a file format. They are created every time you save your project WHICH YOU SHOULD FREQUENTLY DO. You can then use them to open a previous project. This can be done by either dragging the MLT into the timeline or finding it in the projects section when you open Shotcut. Please watch the video in order to see a visual representation.

Tutorial

Shotcut Download Link

My Shotcut Edited Videos

Conclusion

I hope you have learned something from my website. Editing is one of my biggest passions, and I am glad to be sharing it with you. Shotcut is an amazing software that constantly updates. Thank you so much for your time and GOOD LUCK EDITING