How to edit a video in Clipchamp

For the best experience

Before you start using Clipchamp, we recommend you follow these steps to make sure your browser settings are optimal for the best editing experience.

Get familiar with Clipchamp’s editing functions: 

Clipchamp’s beginner-friendly interface helps you quickly locate all the professional editing functions, including the stage, timeline, sidebars, and the floating sidebar.

Getting started 

Sign in to Clipchamp or create an account for free. On the editor homepage, select Create a new video to begin editing. You can also click record something or the + button.

How to add videos to your media library

Before you can start editing your videos, you'll need to add the video files to your media library. There are three different ways to import media.

How to add videos to the timeline

To edit your video, drag and drop media onto the timeline at the bottom of the editor. You can also click on the + plus symbol to add media directly to the timeline.

Your timeline should look like this.

If you want to add multiple assets to it, simply repeat the above step. Drag and drop media assets like video, images, audio, and graphics onto the timeline.

How to edit in Clipchamp

Here's a list of some of the user-friendly editing tools we currently offer.

For more detailed instructions, screenshots and tips for a particular tool, follow the links that we've listed below.

• To trim an asset, select it (i.e. click on it, so it is highlighted), then click and drag the green bars back and forth. 

• To split an asset in two, select the clip, then move the scrubber (the white vertical line with the circle on top) so it is positioned where you want to cut the clip, then click the scissor icon in the group of icons.

• To delete media from the timeline of your project, select the asset and then click the trash icon (or hit the delete key on your keyboard).

• To zoom in and out of the timeline, use the buttons in the top right-hand corner: (+ to zoom in, and – to zoom out). Alternatively, use the fit to screen button (–><–) to fit everything that's on the timeline to the visible area.

• To fill, crop, picture in picture, rotate, flip horizontal or flip vertical, select the clip (i.e. click it, so it is highlighted) and select from the options in the floating toolbar.

• To add fades, add filters, adjust colors, change the volume, or edit the speed, use the tabs on the right property panel.

• To add stock music to your video, click on the music & SFX tab on the toolbar. Search through our categories to find the right audio file for your video, then drag and drop it onto the timeline below your media files. You can also click on the + button to add the stock audio automatically.

• To change the audio level of your music/audio file, click on the audio tab on the right property panel. Drag the volume slider to the left to turn down the volume, and right to make the volume louder.

• To add a title (text) to your video, click text in the toolbar. Scroll through our text options to find the perfect title for your video. Drag and drop the title onto the timeline above your video asset or click on the + button to add it.

• To add stickers, backgrounds, frames and overlays, shapes, annotations, and GIFs, click on the graphics tab on the left toolbar. Drag and drop an asset, background, or GIF onto the timeline.

• To export your video, click on the purple export button at the top right corner of the editor. Click on a video quality to save your video.

• To exit the editing project, click on the Clipchamp logo in the top left corner of the editor. Here, you can return to the homepage, create a new video, upgrade your plan, suggest a feature, view keyboard shortcuts, and access our help articles.

• To reopen a video, click on your project on the homepage. The video will automatically open where you left off. Videos you edit are automatically saved while you work, so there is no need to save them before exiting. 

Note: It is IMPORTANT to keep your source video, image, and audio files – i.e. the original files you added. Or enable the content backup feature in that video/project.

Why? Because Clipchamp doesn't upload your videos anywhere. Instead, it processes them in Chrome (or Edge) locally on your computer. This unique technology makes Clipchamp fast and private. However, from time to time, you may be asked to relink your files – so don't delete the originals!

Enabling content backup has several benefits, which include:

• No danger of losing your files/projects. If the original media files on your computer are lost, edited, or deleted, you'll still be able to access and work with your videos if you have content backup enabled.

• No relinking. When working with Clipchamp projects where the content backup is turned off, you will sometimes be asked to relink your original media files from your computer. With backed-up media files, you never have to worry about relinking.

• Access videos you're editing from any computer. Instead of having to manually move your media files and relink them on a new computer, you'll be able to log in to your Clipchamp account on any computer and keep editing straight away.