Complete Video Editing Guide

Master video editing with our comprehensive guide. Learn about video formats, codecs, trimming, conversion, and optimization techniques.

Video Formats Explained
Understanding different video container formats and their use cases

MP4
MP4 Format

MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is the most widely supported video format. It uses the H.264 or H.265 codec and offers excellent compatibility across devices and platforms.

Advantages

  • Universal browser support
  • Excellent compression
  • Streaming friendly
  • Mobile device compatible

Best For

  • Web video hosting
  • Social media uploads
  • Mobile apps
  • General purpose use

WebM
WebM Format

WebM is an open, royalty-free video format designed specifically for web use. It uses VP8, VP9, or AV1 codecs and offers superior compression.

Advantages

  • Open source format
  • Excellent compression
  • HTML5 video support
  • No licensing fees

Best For

  • Web applications
  • YouTube video
  • Modern browsers
  • Open source projects

MOV
QuickTime MOV

MOV is Apple's QuickTime container format. It's commonly used in professional video editing and offers high quality with efficient compression.

AVI
AVI Format

AVI (Audio Video Interleave) is an older format with good compatibility but larger file sizes. Still used for legacy systems and specific applications.

Video Codecs Explained
Understanding video compression codecs and their characteristics
H.264 (AVC)

Most widely supported codec, used in MP4 files. Excellent balance of quality and file size.

  • ✓ Universal support
  • ✓ Good compression
  • ✓ Hardware acceleration
VP9

Google's codec, better compression than H.264. Used in WebM format.

  • ✓ Better compression
  • ✓ Open source
  • ✓ YouTube standard
H.265 (HEVC)

Next-generation codec with 50% better compression than H.264. Requires more processing power.

  • ✓ Superior compression
  • ✓ Future-proof
  • ✓ 4K/8K ready
Video Trimming & Editing
Learn about cutting, trimming, and basic video editing techniques

What is Video Trimming?

Video trimming is the process of removing unwanted portions from the beginning or end of a video clip. It's the most fundamental video editing operation and essential for creating concise, focused video content.

Start Point

Set the exact timestamp where your trimmed video should begin. Use timeline scrubbing for precision.

End Point

Define where the trimmed video should end. Preview before finalizing to ensure correct cuts.

Try Video Trimming

Use our free video trimmer to cut and edit videos online. All processing happens in your browser.

Video Optimization
Tips for optimizing video quality, file size, and playback performance

Choose the Right Resolution

Match video resolution to your use case. 1080p is ideal for most web applications, while 4K is only necessary for high-quality displays.

Optimize Bitrate

Balance quality and file size. Higher bitrates provide better quality but larger files. Start with medium settings and adjust based on results.

Use Appropriate Codecs

H.264 for maximum compatibility, VP9 for better compression, H.265 for future-proof high-quality videos.

Consider Frame Rate

30fps is standard for most applications. 60fps for gaming or action content. Lower frame rates for smaller file sizes.

Video Editing Best Practices

Quality & Format

  • Always maintain source quality when possible
  • Use MP4 for maximum compatibility
  • Optimize for target platform requirements

Workflow Tips

  • Trim videos before conversion to save processing time
  • Keep original files for future edits
  • Test videos on target devices before publishing