How to edit videos faster: Time-saving tips & tricks

Video editing can be time-consuming, especially if you're working with large files or juggling multiple projects. With countless cuts, trims, tweaks, and adjustments to make, it’s easy for hours to slip away.

But what if you could cut down your editing time without sacrificing quality? Imagine having extra hours to brainstorm new content, refine your storytelling, or even take a break. 

As a content creator, marketer, or professional editor, learning how to edit videos faster will help you save valuable time and increase productivity. 

The good news?

You just need the right workflow, smart editing techniques, and a few game-changing tools. Streamlining your editing will let you meet deadlines more effectively and produce more content.

In this guide, I'll show you practical strategies that can help you master how to edit videos faster.

Effective strategies on how to edit videos faster 

Knowing how to edit videos faster is about working smarter, not harder. With a bit of strategic planning and some workflow hacks, you can trim down your editing time without sacrificing quality.

Let's take a look at some key strategies that can transform your video editing workflow.

1. Optimise your editing setup for efficiency

According to Attrock, one of the most common video editing mistakes professionals make is inadequate pre-production planning. Having a well-optimised editing setup is essential when learning how to edit videos faster. This includes investing in the right hardware and software to streamline your workflow.

Invest in a system with at least 16GB of RAM for optimal hardware performance. This ensures your computer can efficiently handle large files and run multiple applications simultaneously without slowing down.

Getting a dedicated GPU with sufficient VRAM and fast SSDs can also help reduce load times and facilitate quicker data access for your project files.

Ensure you regularly update your editing software, as many updates include bug fixes and performance improvements that boost speed and stability. Choose software tailored to your specific needs and compatible with your hardware for the best results.

2. Organise your media and project files

Proper file management is another critical aspect of an efficient editing setup. Before editing, organise your footage, audio, and assets in properly labelled folders to avoid wasting time searching for files. The more structured your project is, the easier it becomes to navigate and make edits.

Improving production efficiency is another way how to edit videos faster if you run a video production business. You can create a standardised naming system for files and sequences. You can also use bins and markers in your editing software to categorise different sections of your project. 

To streamline your workflow, create organised folders like "Raw Footage," "Audio," "Graphics," and "Exports." A well-structured file system keeps everything easily accessible and accelerates project turnaround times. By optimising how you organise your files and assets, you’ll significantly improve your editing efficiency and speed.

2. Master keyboard shortcuts to customise workflows

Using keyboard shortcuts is one of the best ways to learn how to edit videos faster. You can execute actions instantly instead of relying on manual clicks and dragging through menus.

Video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Movavi Video Editor, and others have built-in shortcuts that can significantly speed up routine tasks. Take the time to familiarise yourself with the default shortcuts of your chosen software when learning how to edit videos faster.

Here are some essential shortcuts for popular video editing software:

• On Adobe Premiere Pro, you can use shortcuts like the spacebar to play or pause your video quickly without using the mouse. Use Ctrl + K (Windows) or Cmd + K (Mac) to split a clip for precise editing. Here are other essential shortcuts you can use.

• Similarly, Movavi Video Editor users can use shortcuts like Ctrl + B to split a clip, Ctrl + → to jump to the next frame, and Ctrl + ← to go to the previous frame. Familiarising yourself with this software's essential shortcuts will help you learn how to edit videos faster.

You can also customise hotkeys to suit your editing style and further enhance the efficiency of the software. Assign frequently used functions to easily accessible keys for a more streamlined workflow. 

3. Use macros and automation tools to speed up repetitive tasks

Editing any kind of video, whether content for social media, professional projects, or music videos, often involves many repetitive tasks. These tasks can include adding transitions or special effects, grading colours, or adjusting the audio, which can consume considerable time.

Learning how to edit videos faster can save you hours of work, and one way to achieve such results is with macro and automation tools. Macro tools like AutoHotkey (Windows) or Keyboard Maestro (Mac) let you create custom commands that automate repetitive actions in one keystroke.

Most video editing software also has built-in automation features to help you learn how to edit videos faster. This way, you can optimise different video formats for other platforms and improve engagement rates with your audience.

4. Use templates, presets, and plugins

Leveraging pre-designed elements is a key strategy when learning how to edit videos faster. Rather than starting from the beginning, you can incorporate premade settings and effects into your footage. 

Many professional editors rely on film editing techniques and templates to ensure consistency while reducing manual adjustments. 

For example, using motion graphics templates for intros and transitions saves time compared to designing them manually. Similarly, you can quickly apply your frequently-used settings, such as colour grades or transitions with presets, to ensure consistency and efficiency.

Plugins, on the other hand, can introduce new functionalities or simplify existing processes. For instance, motion graphics plugins can automate complex animations, while audio plugins can quickly enhance sound quality. 

Integrating these tools into your workflow can lead to more efficient editing sessions if you run video marketing campaigns for an online business. It helps you master how to edit videos faster and streamline the production process.

5. Cut down on rendering and exporting time

Rendering and exporting are often the most time-consuming stages of video editing. To learn how to edit videos faster, you need to optimise your export settings and use hardware acceleration. 

Many editing programs offer GPU acceleration, which allows your computer’s graphics card to handle rendering tasks more efficiently. If you’re editing videos for social media campaigns, adjusting your export settings to match the intended delivery platform can make the process more efficient.

Additionally, consider using proxy files when editing high-resolution footage. Proxies are lower-resolution versions of your video clips that make the editing process smoother. Once the project is complete, you can relink the original high-resolution files for final export.

Final thoughts on how to edit videos faster 

Mastering how to edit videos faster requires innovative techniques, organisation, and the right tools. 

You can edit efficiently without sacrificing quality by implementing these time-saving tips: using keyboard shortcuts, optimising your system, and leveraging automation. 

The more you practice these methods, the quicker your editing skills will become. Most importantly, keep up with video marketing trends to understand how different emerging tools and techniques can streamline your video production and editing process.

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