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Computers today typically come standard with a basic video editing software package. For Windows users, this software is known as Windows Movie Maker and features basic cut and slice features along with interactive transitions. For Mac users, iMovie is the Windows Movie Maker equivalent and features many of the same features.
The more advanced programs are known as Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro. Final Cut Pro is only available on a Mac computer while Adobe Premiere Pro is available both on Windows and Mac computers.
Other 3rd party software is available like Movie Star 5, Nero Burning Rom and programs that come packaged with camcorders and digital cameras. These programs feature simple editing tools much like Windows Movie Maker. - Video editing software edits numerous types of video files. Users can upload their files directly into the program by using a Firewire connection or use a video capture card to get video from older resources like a VCR. Other video editing formats come from MPEG, AVI, MOV and WMV files that may stored on the computer already. Simple editing programs let you cut and trim sections off of videos and change the order of them, along with adding sound or music to the video. More advanced video editing programs allow the user to use multiple layers of video and audio so users can add music, sound effects, and keep the original audio on there if necessary.
- Video editing programs can be used for something as simple as a family home video or something more advanced like a feature film. Bigger projects take up a lot of hard drive space and a hard drive of at least 100 gigabytes is recommended. In a program like Adobe Premiere Pro, users can create split shots and show scenes at the same time, along with specialized titles that feature fonts, motion, and shadows. As Hollywood abandons the film format for digital cameras, editing actually takes place using these programs and the movie "Full Frontal" was created using Final Cut Pro.
- Most video editing programs follow the same layout. One section of the program is known as the "Project Window". Here, all of the media for the project is stored and that includes video, audio, photos, and titles. This media can be organized into separate folders to make it easier. The "Timeline" window is based across the whole bottom of the screen and it features the complete duration of the project. This is one of the most important sections because this is where all of the editing takes place. The "Monitor" window is a preview window to see what frame you are on and gives the visuals of what you are editing. All new video editing programs use real-time monitors to provide precise editing tools. The "Toolbar" window allows you to change the function of your mouse, whether it is to "cut," "trim," "move," or "click."
- Some video editing programs work with other programs to specifically focus on special effects. Adobe After Effects works hand in hand with Adobe Premiere and the two programs can seamlessly transfer projects to each other. In After Effects, users can create animations and visual effects for their project that Adobe Premiere does not have the capabilities of doing. The program uses key frames to create the animations and many other programs also follow this method like Swish Max, and Maya.
