Windows 11 comes with a powerful built-in video editor called Clipchamp that makes it easy to create professional-looking videos. This free tool offers a range of features for trimming clips, adding effects, and producing polished final videos. Let’s explore how to use Clipchamp to edit videos on Windows 11.
Getting Started with Clipchamp
Clipchamp comes pre-installed on Windows 11 computers. To access it:
Step 1: Click the Start button and type “Clipchamp” in the search bar.
Step 2: Click on the Clipchamp app icon to launch it.
Step 3: Sign in with your Microsoft account when prompted.
When you first open Clipchamp, you’ll see options to create a new project or use a template. For this guide, we’ll focus on creating a project from scratch.
Importing Video Clips
Before you can start editing, you need to add video clips to your project:
Step 1: Click the “Create a new video” button on the Clipchamp homepage.
Step 2: Give your project a name when prompted.
Step 3: Click the “+” button in the media panel on the left side of the screen.
Step 4: Select “My device” to browse your computer for video files.
Step 5: Choose the video clips you want to use and click “Open” to import them.
Your selected clips will now appear in the media panel, ready for editing.
Basic Editing Techniques
Clipchamp offers several essential editing tools to refine your video:
Trimming Clips
Step 1: Drag a clip from the media panel to the timeline at the bottom of the screen.
Step 2: Click on the clip in the timeline to select it.
Step 3: Drag the edges of the clip inward to trim off unwanted sections from the beginning or end.
Splitting Clips
Step 1: Position the playhead (vertical line) in the timeline where you want to split the clip.
Step 2: Click the “Split” button (scissors icon) above the timeline.
The clip will be divided into two separate sections that you can edit independently.
Adding Transitions
Step 1: Click the “Transitions” tab in the left sidebar.
Step 2: Drag your chosen transition between two clips in the timeline.
Step 3: Adjust the duration of the transition by dragging its edges.
Enhancing Your Video
Clipchamp provides various tools to improve the look and feel of your video:
Adding Text
Step 1: Click the “Text” tab in the left sidebar.
Step 2: Choose a text style and drag it onto the timeline above your video clips.
Step 3: Double-click the text in the preview window to edit its content.
Step 4: Use the text editing tools to adjust font, size, color, and positioning.
Applying Filters
Step 1: Select a clip in the timeline.
Step 2: Click the “Filters” tab in the right sidebar.
Step 3: Browse through the available filters and click on one to apply it to your clip.
Step 4: Adjust the filter intensity using the slider if desired.
Adding Music
Step 1: Click the “Music” tab in the left sidebar.
Step 2: Browse through Clipchamp’s royalty-free music library or upload your own audio file.
Step 3: Drag your chosen track onto the timeline below your video clips.
Step 4: Adjust the volume of the music track relative to your video’s audio using the volume slider.
Exporting Your Finished Video
Once you’re satisfied with your edits, it’s time to export your video:
Step 1: Click the “Export” button in the top-right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Choose your desired resolution and quality settings.
Step 3: Click “Continue” to begin the export process.
Step 4: Once the export is complete, click “Download” to save the video to your computer.
Clipchamp on Windows 11 offers an intuitive way to create impressive videos without needing advanced editing skills. With practice, you’ll be producing polished content for social media, presentations, or personal projects in no time.