Editing Videos
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Editing Videos
Once you have recorded a new video, you'll likely want to edit it. Video editing software allows you to cut and arrange parts of your video to give it a better flow, and add effects to enhance the content.
Recommended Editing Software
ReCap
Simple edits, like removing unnecessary pauses or errors, can be easily done through ReCap.
However, there may be times you would like to make more advanced edits, such as combining recordings, adding text and images, or applying video transitions, which are out of ReCap's scope.
Apple iMovie
Apple devices have access to iMovie, a more-advanced video editor which makes editing easy through its simple interface and navigation. With iMovie, you can trim and merge video files, add transitions and titles, and apply basic colour correction to your recordings.
You can download this to your Apple devices via the App Store, if not already installed.
Shotcut
Shotcut is a free and open-source video editor which allows you to trim and merge your recordings, and add subtitles, text and images to your video. Like iMovie, Shotcut also makes it possible to edit things like lighting, as well as adding video transitions and effects.
You can download and install Shotcut on your computer by visiting their website.
Editing Software Options
Which video editor is right for you and your project? There are many tools to choose from with many of the same features, though they differ in cost and learning time. To help you choose the best one for you, we have compiled a list of available editors and their capabilities into one handy table for comparison.
Please note, this information was last updated in October 2023. Some features may have since been added to these video editors.
|
Can my video editor... |
Software
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ReCap | OBS | Camtasia | Rush | iMovie | Shotcut | |
| Record in-app? | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top and tail recordings? | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Delete unwanted sections? | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Add automatic captions? | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Merge / combine recordings? | ✓* | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Add titles and text? | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Edit lighting / add filters? | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Apply video transitions? | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Be used on desktop? | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓** | ✓*** | ✓ |
| Be used on mobile / tablet? | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓*** | ✓ |
* Technically possible but not advisable.
** Free version limited to three exports, but unlimited when editing via mobile or tablet.
*** Can only be used on Apple devices.
In most cases, you will find ReCap to be the best choice for simple editing tasks. If you are looking for more features, then Shotcut and iMovie are recommended. If you require an advanced video editor, then we recommend DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premier Pro. Please note these editors often come with a steep learning curve and require systems with high processing power.
Editing basics
Editing can be a time-consuming task, so it is always best to try and capture your video right first time. Plan what you want your video to look like before you start, consider writing a script or outline, have everything to hand before you press record, and practice practice practice your delivery.
The following list outlines some of the most popular types of video edit. However, remember that most videos do not have to be perfect! Small errors, pauses or stumbles are very rarely a problem. Rather than spend a long time editing a video or creating recording after recording looking for the perfect take, be happy with the odd error and move on - small hiccups are fine and even tend to add a sense of authenticity and realism to your content.
Topping and Tailing
A lot of new video content has unwanted footage at the start and end; usually recorded when setting up and stopping your recording device. 'Topping and tailing' involves trimming the start and end of that video.
Most video editors have the facility to top and tail videos. Some software will have cutting tools, others such as ReCap have sliders which you can click and drag to remove unwanted footage. When recording a new video, try to leave a couple of seconds of silence at the start and end to make topping and tailing easier.
Cut unwanted pauses and or mistakes
Cutting out unwanted sections in a video is easy and uses the same tools as topping and tailing. However, be aware that cutting parts from the middle of moving footage can cause ugly and distracting jumps in the video.
Don't be tempted to over-edit a video. Most mistakes are usually minor, and the odd stumble and pause is perfectly normal and natural. Cutting these out can create a disjointed, unrealistic and artificial video.
Add titles and images
ReCap is designed to record lecture content and presentations. Although you can't overlay title text and images using the editor, you can insert PowerPoint title and image slides. Consider the title cards and graphics you want to display in your video before recording, and make sure you include them in your accompanying presentation slides.
If you need to add on-screen text and graphics over the top of live action video, you will need to use more advanced software such as Microsoft Video Editor or Apple iMovie.
Adding and editing captions
Accessibility guidelines recommend the use of captions for any videos that are produced. If you cannot create captions, at least provide a transcript of the audio from your video. Find out more on the Transcripts and Captions page.
Exporting videos
If you use ReCap, your videos will automatically be available to share directly in Canvas. However, if you want to edit your videos in a more advanced editing tool, you will need to export or download first - and then reupload later.
The most common and recommended video formats, especially for online videos, are MP4 (H.264) and MOV. Exported files will have an .mp4 or .mov file extension respectively when saved.
For advanced video editing software, when you export a video, you may need to set a number of export parameters; these are described below along with recommended settings.
Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of pixels in your video. A video with a standard HD resolution of 1920x1080 has 1920 horizontal pixels multiplied by 1080 vertical pixels. The lower the two numbers, the lower the video resolution.
HD 1920x1080 or SD 1280x720 are two popular widescreen formats. We recommend you use either of these; a higher resolution and the video will become unwieldy to upload and download; a lower resolution and the video will be of noticeably lower quality.
Bit rates
Bit rates are the amount of data dedicated to a second of video. A higher the bit rate, the higher the video quality (and the larger the file). These can be set to be variable, and some programs allow you to set a minimum and maximum bit rate. A frame rate of between 8 Mbps and 12 Mbps is recommended.
Frame rate
Frame Rate is the number of video frames that appear in one second of video. If you increase the number of frames per second, the video will have a perceivably smoother quality. If you decrease the frame rate too much, the video will appear to stutter, and will have a lower-quality feel. A frame rate of 30fps is recommended.