Video Editing with Descript – Complete Tutorial
Education
Introduction
In this article, we will walk through a complete tutorial on video editing using Descript. Descript is a powerful tool that allows you to edit your videos with ease by transcribing your audio and providing a unique editing experience. We will cover the entire process, from recording audio and video to finalizing your edit. So let's dive in!
Recording and Setting up Descript
To start, open Descript and set up your recording preferences. You can choose to record audio only, camera-only, or both. Ensure that your audio is coming from the correct source, such as a microphone connected to your camera. You can also see a green indicator to confirm that the audio is being received. Start recording your video by clicking the record button at the top of the screen.
Editing in the Descript Dock
Descript's editing workflow takes place in the dock. Here, you will find the scene rail on the left, which represents different sections of your video. The script, which displays the transcript of your video, is located next to the scene rail. The scenes in the script are indicated by slashes, representing the start of a new scene. The preview window, known as the canvas, allows you to see your video and make edits in real-time. The right-hand side displays effects, controls, and settings that change based on your selection.
Basic Editing and Rough Cut
Start by using the "Shorten Word Gaps" feature to remove gaps longer than one second. This eliminates pauses, breaths, and other interruptions, reducing your video's length. Next, watch your video and remove any mistakes or sections you want to delete. In Descript, you can select and ignore these sections instead of deleting them entirely. Ignored sections are crossed out but can be easily restored if needed. Continue this process throughout the video, creating a rough cut of your content.
Fine-Tuning and Effects
After the rough cut, start fine-tuning your video. Arrange scenes in the script to maintain a smooth flow. Add background music and lower-thirds by creating scenes for them to attach to in the timeline. Descript's magnetic feature ensures these elements stick to the corresponding scenes. You can also adjust their positions, sizes, and other settings in the canvas. Additionally, explore options for creative effects like animations and titles.
Adding B-Roll and Additional Elements
To enhance your video, include b-roll footage, gifs, or other visuals. Create scenes for each element and add them to the script. Further edit these elements by trimming, muting audio, or applying animations. Utilize Descript's layering system by adjusting the position and order of elements to achieve the desired visual layout.
Correcting the Transcript and Finalizing
Before exporting, it's important to review and correct the transcript for accuracy. Descript does an impressive job transcribing, but minor errors can occur. Ensure your transcript is error-free, especially if you plan to export captions for accessibility purposes. Watch the entire video to check for any final tweaks or adjustments. When satisfied, you can choose to publish your video directly to Descript's cloud or export it as a video file.
Keyword
Video Editing, Descript, Descript Tutorial, Rough Cut, Fine-Tuning, Transcription, Editing Workflow, Background Music, Lower Thirds, Effects, B-Roll, Visuals, Correct Transcript, Finalizing.
FAQ
Can Descript be used for screen recording and editing? Yes, Descript provides screen recording capabilities along with advanced editing features.
How does Descript handle captions and accessibility? Descript allows you to export caption files, ensuring accessibility for viewers who are hard of hearing or prefer subtitles.
Can I customize the positioning and appearance of elements in the video? Yes, Descript's canvas provides options to adjust the position, size, and effects of elements like text, images, or logos.
Is Descript suitable for professional video editing? While Descript offers powerful editing capabilities, it may not replace dedicated video editing software for complex projects. However, it can still handle a wide range of editing needs.
Is Descript available for different platforms? Descript is available for both macOS and Windows, offering accessibility to users on various operating systems.
Can I edit videos recorded outside of Descript in the platform? Descript also allows you to import video files recorded using other software, making it a versatile editing tool.
These steps and features cover the complete video editing process using Descript. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced editor, Descript simplifies the editing workflow, allowing you to create professional videos with ease. Try it out and elevate your video editing game!