Getting the Hang of Video Editing in Windows 11
Jumping into video editing on Windows 11 might seem a bit daunting at first, but the built-in tools actually make it pretty straightforward. If all you want to do is trim some clips or add a few effects to your holiday videos, Windows’ Video Editor within the Photos app has you covered. It’s all there—just open the app, and you’re good to go. Simply click the Photos icon or type Photos into the search bar, and you’ll be set.
Starting Your Editing Journey
It’s easy to kick things off with the Photos app—no need to download anything extra! Open the app, select Video Editor, and you’ll see some options to get started. If you’re aiming to get a bit more advanced later on, you might consider programs like DaVinci Resolve, but for now, let’s focus on what’s already built in.
Open the Photos App
Launch Photos from the Start menu or via the search bar. Once it’s open, click on the Video Editor tab. Alternatively, navigate through: Start Menu > Microsoft Photos > Video Editor. Easy as pie, right?
Start Your Video Project
When you’re in the Video Editor, click on New Video Project. Name your project—something like My Summer Trip works well to keep things organised. Once that’s done, the workspace appears, and you’re ready to start adding your clips!
Import Your Videos
Next, bring in your footage. Click the Add button to select your files. Most videos will be stored in File Explorer under C:\Users\YourUsername\Videos. You can drag and drop your clips or click Add to browse. The editor accepts formats like MP4, WMV, and AVI—perfect for most users.
Get Creative with Edits
Once your clips are in, you can trim or split them using the Trim or Split options—just select a clip, and the buttons appear in the toolbar. Pretty handy! Want to add some text overlays? Select the clip and click on Text. To add music, use Background Music for some royalty-free tunes or choose Custom Audio to add your own tracks from, say, C:\Users\YourUsername\Music.
Wrapping Up Your Video
When you’re finished editing, click Finish Video in the top right corner. Choose your resolution—options like High (1080p) or Medium (720p)—and select where to save it. Usually, everything goes to your Videos folder, but you can pick another location if you prefer. Keep in mind, exporting larger files can take a little time.
Tips and Tricks for Editing Like a Pro
Looking to speed things up? Here are some handy tips:
- Keyboard shortcuts save heaps of time! Try Windows key + N to start a new project or Ctrl + Z to undo any mistakes.
- Keep your files organised by naming them clearly and saving them in folders like
C:\Users\YourUsername\Videos\MyProjects. - If something goes awry, you can reset the Photos app via: Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Photos > Advanced options > Reset.
Common Questions About Editing Videos on Windows 11
Can I edit videos on Windows 11 without installing extra apps?
Absolutely! Windows 11’s Video Editor handles basic tasks like trimming and adding simple effects. Just remember, it’s all within the Photos app, so it pays to familiarise yourself with it!
How do I add music to my videos?
Easy! Click on Background Music for some free options, or use Custom Audio to add your favourite tracks—your music files are usually in C:\Users\YourUsername\Music.
Can I edit 4K videos with this editor?
Yes, but make sure your PC is up to the task—ideally with a decent processor and at least 16GB of RAM—to keep things running smoothly without hassles.
How do I overlay text on my videos?
Select the clip you want to add text to, click on Text, and pick a style. Position and customise it to suit your style—timing and placement really make a difference!
Is there a way to change playback speed in the Video Editor?
Not at the moment. If you need to speed up or slow down parts of your video, you might want to try third-party editors like Shotcut.
A Final Word on Editing with Windows 11
Using Windows 11 for casual video editing is quite manageable. The built-in tools provide a solid foundation for basic projects, and you can always upgrade to more advanced software if needed. Remember, backing up your files—using cloud services like OneDrive or File History—is always a good idea. Happy editing, and hopefully this helps save you some time and effort!