A to Z Video Editing

Dive right into the all-encompassing video editing 101 dictionary to decode all the aces a pro video editor has up their sleeve. This is the only resource you’ll ever need to master the art of video editing terms and create visual storytelling magic.

A

A-Roll = Primary or main footage in a video production. It is the essential footage that tells the main story or conveys the primary message through content.

Add Fade In / Add Fade Out = Audio transition options available in the Properties menu or via right-click, used to create a smooth audio volume pass at the start or end of a clip.

AI Shortcuts = A dedicated menu located in the bottom left corner packed with time-saving AI tools like Video GPT, Generate Sounds, and Enhance Audio.

AI Suggested Transition = A transition menu feature that allows the system to choose the best transition for your text or media automatically.

AI Video = Artificial Intelligence integration that aids with video creation/editing. Often used to automate a video editing workflow or as a standalone tool.

Arrange = A right-click clip action used to send visual layers backward or bring them to the front of your canvas.

Aspect Ratio = The image or video ratio of its width to its height. Aspect ratio is expressed through two numbers separated by a colon. Examples include 16:9 and 4:3.

Audio Gain Meter = A visual timeline tool used to monitor a project's overall audio levels to ensure sound is perfectly balanced and avoids distortion.

Auto in-between transition = A timeline settings option that automatically applies a transition when two clips overlap on the same track.

Auto Subtitle = A Flixier feature that recognizes voices from video or audio files to automatically generate accurate text captions on the timeline.

Autofocus = Camera feature that automatically adjusts the focus of the lens to ensure the subject of the photograph or video is sharp and clear.

Autosave = A feature that stores video editing progress without any action from the creator. Automatically saving progress prevents wasted time with repetitive manual actions or the loss of recent video editing changes.

Project auto save

B

Background = The area or scenery behind the main subject.

Bit rate = The amount of data used to represent one second of multimedia content. Higher bit rates generally result in better quality but also require more storage space or bandwidth.

Brand Kit = A properties menu feature that allows you to save custom text styles, colors, and fonts so you can quickly apply them to future projects for consistent styling.

B-Roll = Supplemental or secondary footage that is intercut with the main shot or primary footage in filmmaking, television production, and video editing.

C

Cloud Integrations = Import options in the Flixier library that let you bring media directly from Google Drive, Dropbox, Google Photos, OneDrive, Zoom, Twitch, Webex, and SoundCloud.

Color correction = The process of adjusting colors in a video to ensure that they are accurate and consistent.

Color enhance = The process of intensifying or improving the colors in an image or video to make them more vivid, vibrant, or aesthetically pleasing. This can involve adjusting various aspects of color, including saturation, contrast, brightness, and overall color balance.

Color grading = The process of adjusting and enhancing the colors of a video to achieve a desired look or visual atmosphere.

Compress = The process of reducing the size of a file or data.

Convert = The process of changing a file format, be it video, audio, image, GIF, or text. Often required due to compatibility issues.

• Audio

• Video

• Text

Subtitle converter

• Image

• GIF

GIF converter

Crop = Video editing action that reduces the visible part of an image. Technique often used to respect platform-specific video sizes and prevent faulty framing.

‍CTA (Call to Action) = A short prompt that encourages your viewers to engage in a specific behavior (take action through a click, by writing a comment, or by sharing a video)

Motion titles, calls to action, overlays

Cut = The point where one shot or scene transitions to another. Not to be confused with 'crop' or 'trim'.

D

Delete Gaps = A timeline quick action that instantly snaps right-hand clips over to close an unwanted empty space between media assets.

Delete all empty tracks = A right-click gap management tool that instantly cleans up your project by removing all timeline tracks that contain no media.

Delete all gaps to the right = A right-click gap management tool that instantly closes multiple empty spaces across your timeline.

Detach audio = A right-click action that separates the audio track from a selected video clip so they can be edited independently.

Dissolve = A transitional video or film editing technique where one shot gradually fades into another.

Download = The process of transferring data or files from a remote computer, server, or another device to a local device.

Duration = The time it takes to play a video or audio clip from start to finish.

‍E

Edit by Transcript = An AI shortcut that allows you to edit your video simply by deleting or modifying the automatically generated text transcript.

Effect = A visual or audio alteration applied to footage or audio tracks to achieve a specific artistic, stylistic, or technical result.

Enhance Audio = An AI feature that instantly cleans up your audio by letting you choose the option that best matches your recording environment.

Equalizer = An audio properties tool in Flixier that lets you manually adjust Hz frequency settings or apply presets like Acoustic, Bass Boost, Loud, or Vocals to tune your audio.

Export = The process of saving or converting a project, file, or data from a specific application or format to an external file that can be used independently or shared with others. Exporting is often the final step in the production workflow, allowing users to generate a standalone file that encapsulates their work.

Export Selection = A right-click menu option used when multiple clips are highlighted, allowing you to export only the selected portion of your timeline directly.

F

Fade = A gradual transition between different states, such as a transition between images, scenes, or audio levels.

Fit to Timeline = A timeline view tool (represented by expanding arrows) that instantly adjusts your zoom level so your entire project fits perfectly within your screen view.

FPS = It stands for "Frames Per Second," and it is a unit of measurement used to quantify the frame rate in video recording, playback, and animation. FPS represents the number of individual frames or images displayed or captured in one second.

Frame rate = The number of individual frames or images displayed per second in a video, animation, or film. It is also expressed in frames per second (FPS).

Freeze frame = A technique in video editing where a single frame of a video is extended to appear as a still image, creating the illusion that time has stopped.

G

Gain = An audio properties slider in Flixier used to adjust the overall tone and loudness of your audio file.

Generate Image = A creative AI tool used to generate unique images using your own creative prompts.

Generate Sounds = A creative AI tool used to generate unique sound effects using your own custom creative prompts.

Generate Thumbnail = A creative AI tool that generates eye-catching thumbnails for your videos.

Glitch = A sudden and often temporary malfunction or irregularity in the regular operation of a system, device, or process. Glitches can manifest as unexpected errors, disruptions, or artifacts deviating from the intended behavior. In digital media, glitches can result in visual or auditory artifacts. Visual glitches may include distorted images, screen flickering, or unexpected graphic elements. Auditory glitches can manifest as unexpected sounds or audio distortions during playback. Glitches are sometimes intentionally introduced for artistic or creative purposes. Artists and designers may incorporate glitch effects into digital art, music, or video to create a visually striking or unconventional aesthetic.

Green Screen = Also known as a chroma key screen or backdrop, is a colored background used in video and filmmaking to enable the superimposition of different images or video streams during post-production.

Groups = A timeline management feature that allows you to organize multiple tracks under a single group to collapse them or adjust their timing all at once easily.

H

HDMI = Stands for "High-Definition Multimedia Interface." It is a standardized audio/video interface used for transmitting uncompressed digital data.

Highlights = The brightest parts of an image, where the light intensity is at its highest. These are often the areas closest to being overexposed and contain the most reflective or illuminated elements. In media coverage, "highlights" are short summaries or clips that showcase an event's most exciting or significant moments. Highlight reels are commonly created to capture the key plays or actions.

Hit sound effect = An audio element that delivers a sudden, impactful burst of sound. It grabs the viewer's attention and enhances the overall audio-visual experience. This sound works well after a Riser sound effect, intensifying the scene's tension.

I

ISO = The sensitivity of the camera's image sensor to light. It is one of the three elements of the exposure triangle, along with aperture and shutter speed. A higher ISO setting makes the sensor more sensitive to light, enabling better performance in low-light conditions but potentially introducing more digital noise or grain.

‍

J

J-Cut = A technique where the audio from the following scene precedes the corresponding visual, creating a smooth and natural transition. The name comes from the shape it forms in the timeline. This cut allows for a seamless connection between scenes, enhancing continuity.
Jump cut = A type of cut used in film and video editing where the continuity of the action is disrupted by a noticeable jump or abrupt shift in the frame.

‍K

Keyboard shortcuts = Key combinations that provide a quick and efficient way to perform specific actions or commands in software applications.

Keyframes = Specific frames that define the starting and ending points of any smooth transition or animation.

L

Layering = The action of stacking different images, audio, and video elements on separate layers, which can ideally be toggled on and off for previews.

Layouts = A menu available during and after screen or webcam recording, allowing you to easily toggle between 10+ visual arrangements (like Split Screen or Webcam Insert).

L-Cut = A technique where the audio from the preceding scene continues into the following visual, creating a smooth transition. Named for the shape it forms in the editing timeline, this cut allows the audio to overlap between scenes, enhancing continuity and providing a natural flow to the narrative.

Long-form = In reference to content that is extensive and in-depth.

Loop = A video, GIF, or audio file that repeats itself without an evident stopping point. This technique is often used to create a smooth, prolonged viewing or listening experience.

LUT = Preset used in color grading and color correction to transform one range of colors in an image or video to another.

Unlocking the power of LUTs in video editing

‍M

Macro = Type of lens that is designed for capturing close-up images or videos of small subjects, such as insects, flowers, or other objects of tiny dimensions.

Manual Subtitle = A feature that allows you to create your own subtitles from scratch by typing text and manually entering the exact IN and OUT timestamps for maximum precision.

MatchCut = A technique that connects two or more shots by aligning visual or audio elements, creating continuity or tension. This method emphasizes similarities in composition or movement, contributing to a smooth narrative flow. This technique, paired with the Riser and Hit sound effects, creates tension, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Mirror Camera = A recording setting that flips the video feed horizontally, allowing the creator to see themselves as they would in a mirror while recording.

Motion graphics = Form of digital animation that involves the use of graphic design elements, text, and other visual components to create dynamic, visually appealing, and often narrative-driven content.

Motion tracking = Also known as motion analysis or object tracking. Technique used in video production, visual effects, computer graphics, and augmented reality to follow the movement of objects or elements within a video sequence.

N

Narration = The act of telling a story or conveying information through a spoken or written commentary. Technique often used through voice over.

O

Object Size = A timeline setting slider that allows you to change the vertical size of each timeline track, helping keep complex projects visible on your screen.

Opacity = The degree of transparency or translucency of an object or layer.

Overlay = Graphic element or image that is placed on top of another image, video, or design to add a visual effect, alter the appearance, or convey additional information.

P

Pan = Camera movement where the camera rotates horizontally from a fixed position.

Perspective = A properties menu tool that allows you to alter the 3D perspective and tilt of your text or subtitles.

Picture in picture = A technique that focuses on more than one central picture or video. Also referred to as split screen or simultaneous multi-cam video editing.

Position = A properties menu tool allowing you to adjust the exact X and Y coordinates in pixels manually, as well as the rotation degree, of your text or media.

Post-production = Phase of filmmaking, video production, photography, and other media creation processes that occur after the initial recording or shooting phase.

Props = A dedicated tab in the properties menu containing the raw JSON configuration and metadata for the currently selected media asset.

Q

‍Quick Edit = A streamlined interface that opens immediately after recording media in Flixier, allowing you to easily adjust layouts, trim silences, and edit text transcripts before entering Full Edit mode.

R

Record screen = Process of capturing and recording visual content that is displayed on a device screen.

Record voice = Process of capturing and recording sound or audio. The instruments used are microphones or other audio input devices.

Online voice recorder

Render = Processing video footage and effects to create the final output. Rendering in this context often involves converting the edited timeline into a playable video file.

Replace media = A right-click quick action that allows you to instantly swap an existing clip on the timeline with a new file while retaining its exact placement.

Resolution = Level of detail and clarity in an image, video, or display, typically measured in terms of pixels or dots. It indicates the number of pixels or dots that make up an image and is often expressed as width x height. The number of pixels is directly proportional to resolution, meaning that more pixels yield sharper, more detailed visual representations.

Ripple Delete = A timeline quick action (Shortcut: Shift + Del) that deletes a selected clip and automatically shifts the remaining timeline to the left to close the empty gap.

Ripple Move = A timeline function that allows you to move an asset along with every other asset to the right of it, ensuring they maintain their relative positions.

Ripple Split = A timeline tool executed by holding SHIFT and clicking to cut clips into two parts, moving the rest of the timeline to the right to create a gap instantly.

Riser sound effect = An audio element characterized by a gradual increase in intensity, pitch, or volume over time. Risers build suspense and keep the viewer engaged in tense moments. What goes great after this sound is a Hit sound effect, further punctuating the moment with a sudden, impactful sound.

S

Saturation = The intensity or vividness of colors in an image.

Save as New Project = A right-click action for multiple selected clips, perfect for quickly extracting a short highlight from an editing timeline into a brand new project.

Scale = A properties menu tool used to adjust the width and height percentages of your subtitles or media, featuring a link icon to lock or unlock the aspect ratio.

Sequence = A series of related scenes or shots that collectively form a distinct narrative unit within a film.

Shadow = A visibility adjustment tool in the Properties menu used to edit the softness, color, offsets, and blur of the shadow behind your text.

Short-form = Content that is brief, concise, and relatively quick to consume.

Show Object Names = A timeline setting checkbox that toggles the names of media objects on and off within the timeline tracks.

Show Waveforms = A timeline setting checkbox that displays the audio waveforms on the timeline.

Slide = A transition that involves one clip smoothly moving horizontally, vertically, or diagonally across the screen to reveal the next clip underneath.

Slow motion = A filmmaking and video production technique where the playback speed of a recorded sequence is intentionally reduced, resulting in a slower apparent motion of the depicted events.

Snap Objects = A timeline setting that helps editors align clips by snapping them into place relative to other clips or to the playhead.

Social Media Safe Zone = Areas on the screen not covered by buttons or text like titles, captions, descriptions, or hashtags. Great feature to avoid overlap with the platform interface.

Sound effects = Often abbreviated as SFX, they are artificially created or recorded sounds used to enhance the auditory experience in various forms of media.

Speed = The rate or pace at which a video is rolling. Not to be confused with FPS.

Split Screen = A video editing technique that results in showcasing two different video productions at the same time. While traditionally split-screen videos are divided into two equal, symmetrical parts, it is also possible to integrate different shapes, sizes, and formats. It can be associated with picture-in-picture.

Stop motion = A filmmaking technique that involves creating an animation by photographing individual frames of a scene in a sequential order.

Stroke = A visibility adjustment tool in the Properties menu used to manage the color, border width, and dashed line of your text outline.

Subtitle Effects = Dynamic, word-by-word text animations applied to captions, such as Karaoke, Typewriter, Word Bounce, or Word Reveal.

Subtitle Timings = A menu on the left side of the screen that displays the exact IN and OUT timestamps for each generated subtitle text box, allowing for frame-perfect adjustments.

Sync = The alignment or synchronization of audio and video elements. Lip-sync, for instance, ensures that the spoken words match the actors' lip movements on screen.

T

Teaser = Short promotional video or an image released well before the final form of content. It’s a promotional tactic designed to capture attention, generate excitement, and build anticipation among the target audience.

Teleprompter = A built-in Flixier recording feature that displays scrolling text, allowing you to read your script while maintaining eye contact with your webcam.

Templates = Pre-designed sequences, transitions, and effects. Video editors can use these templates to streamline the editing process and achieve a consistent look for their videos.

Text Presets = A grid of pre-styled text options in the Style menu, often featuring built-in animations, used as a quick starting point for text typography.

Timelapse = A visually condensed version of footage, played at a higher speed than the original. This technique is often used in films to illustrate the passing of time.

Tracks = Horizontal layers on a timeline where audio, video, text, and effects can be placed, organized, and edited independently without affecting other clips in the project.

Trailer = Short promotional video that provides a preview or highlights of an upcoming bigger form of content.

Transcoding = Process of converting digital media files from one encoding or compression format to another.

Transcript = A written or typed record of spoken words or dialogue.

Meeting transcript

Transitions = Visual and auditory effects used to move smoothly from one video or audio clip to another.

Translate Subtitles = A property menu feature that automatically translates an existing generated transcript into dozens of different languages.

Trim = The process of adjusting the duration of a video clip by removing portions from either the beginning or the end.

‍U

Uploading videos = Process of transferring video files from a local device or computer to an online platform or server.

Upload Subtitle = A feature within the Subtitles tab that allows you to import your own custom .srt or .vtt transcript files directly into your project.

V

Video Brief = The video roadmap that gathers all the relevant information to help a creator with the development and production of a video. Not to be confused with a video script, since the latter is mainly concerned with production-focused elements, while a video brief is a more strategic document, dealing with pre-production and distribution.

All you need to know about video briefs

Video GPT = A powerful AI feature that can create a complete video project from a single creative prompt.

Video SEO = A holistic approach to maximizing the presence of a video in search engine results. The optimization process boosts both the quantity and quality of video traffic.

Video Script = An all-encompassing document that defines every element of a video, starting from dialogue, to sound or audio cues, going all the way to editing prompts

Vlog = A vlog is much like a blog post in video form. This is an authentic form of communication with the audience, through which the vlogger shares snippets of their day or sits down in front of the camera to discuss various topics.

Vlog Video editor

Volume = An audio properties slider in Flixier that allows you to increase or decrease the audio percentage of a selected clip.

Voiceover = Narration of a video without featuring the image of the speaker. Think of it as faceless storytelling.

‍W

White balance = The adjustment of colors in an image or video to ensure that white objects appear truly white, without any unwanted color casts.

Wide-angle = A lens with a shorter focal length, allowing it to capture a broader field of view than a standard or telephoto lens.

X

‍

Y

‍

Z

Zoom in = The act of adjusting the focal length of a camera lens to magnify and bring a subject closer, filling more of the frame.

Zoom out = The act of adjusting the focal length of a camera lens, a digital zoom setting, or the viewing perspective to capture a wider field of view or show more of the surroundings.

Zoom Slider = A timeline toolbar feature used to visually zoom in and out of your timeline tracks for precise frame-by-frame editing.