How to edit video with Capcut

Video is huge these days. If you want to be an influencer, promote your business, or just share fun stuff with your family, knowing how to make great videos is a must. CapCut is a free video editing app made by the same people who created TikTok. It's super easy to use and packed with features. This guide will show you how to edit with CapCut, from the basics to the cool advanced stuff. You'll be turning your raw clips into awesome videos in no time.

Why CapCut?

There are tons of video editing apps out there. So, why choose CapCut? Here's why it's a great pick:

1. Free! Most pro video editors cost a lot. CapCut is totally free. Perfect for beginners or anyone on a budget.
2. Easy to Use. CapCut’s layout is clean and simple. You'll get the hang of it fast, even if you've never edited a video before.
3. Lots of Features. It's free, but it's powerful! You can trim, merge, add text, use filters, create transitions—you name it.
4. AI Magic. CapCut uses AI to make things easier. Auto-captions? Check. Background removal? Done. Text-to-speech? Easy.
5. Works Everywhere. Use it on your phone (iOS or Android) or on your computer. Edit videos whenever, wherever.
6. TikTok Ready. It works perfectly with TikTok. Share your creations directly to the platform.

Let's Get Started: Editing with CapCut

Alright, let's dive in! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to edit with CapCut:

1. Get CapCut

First, you need to download and install CapCut.

• On Your Phone (iOS or Android):
  • Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
  • Search for "CapCut".
  • Tap "Install." Wait for it to download.
• On Your Computer (Windows or macOS):
  • Go to the CapCut website. Google it to find it.
  • Download the version for your computer.
  • Follow the instructions to install it.

2. New Project Time

Open CapCut and start a new project.

• Tap the "New Project" button.
• Pick the videos and photos you want to use. You can select a bunch at once.
• Tap "Add." They'll be added to the timeline.

3. The CapCut Layout

Knowing your way around is key. Here's a quick tour:

• Timeline: This is where you put all your clips, audio, and other stuff. It shows how long your video is.
• Preview Window: This shows you what your video looks like as you edit.
• Toolbar: All your tools are here.
  • Edit: Trim, split, change speed, and more.
  • Audio: Add music, sound effects, or record your voice.
  • Text: Add words, captions, and titles.
  • Stickers: Animated stickers and emojis!
  • Overlay: Add picture-in-picture effects.
  • Effects: Filters, cool visual effects, and transitions.
  • Ratio: Change the shape of your video (like 16:9 for YouTube or 9:16 for TikTok).
  • Filter: Change the colors and style.

Basic Editing: Let's Do This!

Now, let's learn some basic video editing skills.

1. Trim and Split

Get rid of the parts you don't want. Here's how:

• Trim:
  • Select the clip on the timeline.
  • Drag the edges to make it shorter. The preview will show you what you're cutting.
• Split:
  • Select the clip.
  • Move the playhead (that vertical line) to where you want to cut.
  • Tap the "Split" button. Now you have two clips.

2. Smooth Transitions

Make your video flow nicely with transitions.

• Tap the white box between two clips. This opens the transition menu.
• Pick a transition you like.
• Use the slider to change how long the transition lasts.
• Tap the checkmark. Done!

3. Add Text and Stickers

Make your video more fun and informative.

• Adding Text:
  • Tap the "Text" button.
  • Pick a template or just add plain text.
  • Type what you want to say.
  • Change the font, size, color, and style.
  • Move and resize the text.
  • Change how long the text stays on screen.
• Adding Stickers:
  • Tap the "Stickers" button.
  • Pick a sticker.
  • Move and resize the sticker.
  • Change how long it stays on screen.

4. Music and Sound

Great audio makes a big difference.

• Tap the "Audio" button.
• Pick music or sound effects from CapCut's library, or use your own files.
• Change the volume.
• Trim or split the audio if needed.
• Record your own voiceover, too!

5. Filters and Effects

Add some style!

• Applying Filters:
  • Select the clip.
  • Tap the "Filter" button.
  • Pick a filter you like.
  • Adjust how strong the filter is.
• Applying Effects:
  • Select the clip.
  • Tap the "Effects" button.
  • Pick an effect.
  • Adjust the settings.

Advanced Editing: Level Up!

Ready for more? These advanced features can make your videos amazing.

1. Keyframes

Make things move! Keyframes let you animate things like text, stickers, and clips.

• Select the thing you want to animate.
• Tap the keyframe icon (the diamond) next to the setting you want to change.
• Set a keyframe at the beginning.
• Move the playhead to a different spot on the timeline.
• Change the setting. A new keyframe will be added.
• Repeat to create the animation.

2. Green Screen (Chroma Key)

Replace a green or blue background with something else.

• Import your green screen footage.
• Add the background image or video as an overlay.
• Select the green screen footage.
• Tap the "Chroma Key" button.
• Select the green color.
• Adjust the settings.

3. Speed Ramping

Change the speed of your clips to create cool effects.

• Select the clip.
• Tap the "Speed" button.
• Pick a speed ramping preset or create your own.

4. AI Features

Let AI do some of the work!

• Auto Captions: Automatically add captions to your videos.
• Text-to-Speech: Turn text into audio.
• Background Removal: Remove the background automatically.

Export Your Video

All done? Let's save it!

• Tap the "Export" button.
• Pick the resolution, frame rate, and quality.
• Tap "Export" again.
• Share it to social media or save it to your device.

CapCut Tips and Tricks

Here are some extra tips to help you become a CapCut master:

• Use good footage: The better the video you start with, the better the final result.
• Plan ahead: Know what you want to make before you start.
• Experiment! Try different filters and effects.
• Use music wisely: Pick audio that fits the mood of your video.
• Keep it short: People have short attention spans.
• Practice: The more you edit, the better you'll get.
• Watch tutorials: Learn from other creators online.

In Conclusion

CapCut is a powerful and easy-to-use video editing app. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced editor, it has something for everyone. By following this guide and practicing, you can learn how to edit with CapCut and create professional-looking videos that people will love. So, download CapCut and get creative!