CapCut Video Editing Tutorial for Beginners | Capcut Template | Video Editing Software | Capcut For PC

Check out the new CapCut templates to create stunning videos in just a few clicks of your mouse. CapCut is a powerful video editing program that allows you to add effects, transitions, and music like a pro! You can now download CapCut for PC and get responsive and beautiful video editing on your desktop. You can easily start editing videos today!

CapCut Video Editing Tutorial for Beginners: Master Editing on Android, iOS, or iPad

Making videos of professional quality doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money on software. CapCut, and simple to use app, is free and will allow you to create videos like a professional even if you don’t have any experience. This guide takes you step-by-step, from opening your first project, to exporting a professional-looking video. This guide was demonstrated on an iPad; however, it can be used on an Android and iPhone and the steps will remain the same!

1. Starting Your Project: Setting the Foundation

Step 1: Open CapCut and Create a New Project

• Launch the app and select “New Project” (no need to sign in for free accounts).
• Choose your main footage: Pick the first clip you want to edit. There’s no need to add all clips right away.
• Pro Tip: Start with just one clip to avoid feeling overwhelmed and expand from there.

Step 2: Trim Your Clip (Optional)

• Use the Trim tool to set the start and end points before importing.
• Drag the white handles in the preview window to select the part you want.
• Why trim now? It’s great for cutting out obvious mistakes or lengthy pauses early.
• Prefer to edit later? Click “Add” to bring in the full clip and trim it in the timeline.

2. Project Setup: Resolution, Frame Rate, and Aspect Ratio

Step 1: Change Video Quality

•        Tap "1080p" in the top-right corner.

•        Resolution options:

          ◦        1080p: Default (good for most social media).

          ◦        2K/4K: Better quality (recommended for YouTube or professional use).

•        Framerates: Use the same framerate as your clip (e.g.: 24fps for cinema, use 30fps/60fps for smoother motion).

Step 2: Change the Aspect Ratio

•        Tap "Aspect Ratio" in the bottom menu.

•        Aspect Ratio options:

          ◦        Portrait (9:16) Tik Tok/Reels.

          ◦        Square (1:1) Instagram posts.

          ◦        Widescreen (16:9) YouTube or blogs.

•        Issues with Portrait mode - it will squeeze your wide clips.

o       Solution: Pinch to zoom on the preview screen so you can adjust the clip's position.

3. Editing Your Timeline: Trimming, Splitting, and Rearranging

Step 1: Trim Clips in the Timeline

• Zoom in or out: Pinch the timeline to see details up close.

• Trim handles: Move the white ends of a clip to shorten or lengthen.

• Example: Cut out the awkward pause at the start or end of a clip.

Step 2: Split Clips to Take Out Mistakes

• Select  "Split" (the scissors icon) once you put it where you want on the clip.

• Tap on the portion you want to get rid of and tap "delete."

• Pro Tip: When you are splitting clips, split it at a natural break, like between sentences, to make it all smoother.

Step 3: Reorder Clips

• Tap and press hold on a clip to shuffle it left and right in the timeline.

• Use Case: You could story tell and change the order of the scenes.

 

4. Adding B-Roll and Overlay Footage: Elevate Your Video

 

Step 1: Add Overlays

• Tap "Overlays” > "Add Overlay" and select other footage (for example, B-Roll and graphics).

• Why overlays? They are generally good to provide relevant context, hide jump cuts or introduce a focus to elements or details.

Step 2: Resize and Move Overlays

• You can pinch to zoom and drag an overlay to resize it.

• Example: If your overlay is of you demonstrating a product, you might select to just use one corner and keep your full video feed still visible.

Step 3: Trim your Overlays

• The white handles on the overlay clip allows you to trim the time of your overlay clip.

• Tip: Perfect access timing of your overlays with a voice (ie. say "Check out the demo" when the overlay drops in).

 

5. Adding Text and Titles: Engage Your Audience

 

Step 1: Create Basic Text

• Tap the "Text" tab then "Add Text", and type your message.

• Each font can be customized: there are free options such as Modern or Bold.

• Animations: Apply a Typewriter effect for your introductions, or a Fade Out for your endings.

Step 2: Use Templates

• Tap the "Text Templates" tab for pre-orchestrated, animated titles (example, "Subscribe" buttons or chapter headings).

• Edit the text: simply double-click on a text template to change the wording.

• Drag titles up or down so that they do not interfere with the key visuals in the frame.

 

6. Transitions and Effects: Smooth Out Your Edits

 

Step 1: Add Transitions Between Clips

• To add transitions tap on the white box between clips and then make your choices for effects like:

o Fade: a nice transition for interview or tutorial videos.

o Zoom: a fun effect for montage videos.

• Try not to go overboard: Use transitions intelligently in order to keep attention on your content.

Step 2: Use Video Effects

• Tap "Effects" > "Video Effects" to apply filters (e.g. Vintage, Cinematic).

• Body Effects: add special effects (e.g. sparkles, motion blur) (Requires pro feature).

Step 3: Remove Backgrounds (Pro)

• Tap "Background Removal" to remove captive subjects (i.e. useful for green-screen style videos.

 

7. Adding Music and Sound: Set the Mood

Step 1: Bring in Royalty-Free Music

•        Add your own music rather than using your sound library:  Use Epidemic Sound or Artlist (linked in the description) if you want to be safe from copyright issues.

•        Import music files: If you're on iOS, you can simply share those music files into CapCut using "Import audio".

Step 2:  Set your audio levels

•        Mute the audio in the beginning: While you're adjusting your voice overs, bring the track volume down to 0%.

•        For better clarity: If needed, go ahead and raise the volume on the main clip to 150-200%.

•        Background music volume: You can set this to 25-33% to keep the dialogue clear.

Step 3: Edit to the pulse of the music

•        When you have your clips split or you have added cuts, you should be doing this to the snaps or peaks in the music for an engaging visual rhythm.

 

8. Color Correction: Fix Lighting and Tones

Step 1: Filters

•        Go to “Adjust” > “Filters” for quick upgrades (e.g., Bright for dark clips).

Step 2: What You Can Adjust Manually

•        Brightness: You may use this adjustment to correct or process underexposed footage.

•        Contrast: This will help your colors pop.

•        Saturation: Watch for oversaturation, especially with skin tones.

•        Temperature: You can either make blue hues cooler or orange hues warmer.

Step 3: Apply to All Clips

•        Once you adjust one clip, select “Apply to All” to make sure you have continuity.

 

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9. Exporting Your Video: Final Checks

Step 1: Delete Watermarks

•        In the export settings, tap "CapCut" > "Hide" (you can use it seven times free with per month).

Step 2: Quality Settings

•        Resolution: stay at 1080p for social media.

•        Bitrate: higher (= clearer, = larger file) or lower (= faster uploads).

Step 3: Export and Share

•        Tap "Export" and wait for the video to render.

•        Pro-tip: Save an original copy using cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, iCloud).

 

What's Next?: Move Your Skills to the Next Level.

 

1.      Free Stuff: Download music and stock footage royalty free (links below).

2.      Advanced Skills: Learn about keyframes, speed changes, and multi-track edits with our complete CapCut Mastery Course.

3.      Community: Follow CapCut hashtags on TikTok to find trending templates.