Timeline applied between two video clips. NLE software is typically based on a
timeline interface where sections moving image video recordings, known as clips, are laid out in sequence and played back. The NLE offers a range of tools for trimming, splicing, cutting, and arranging clips across the timeline. Another kind of clip is a text clip, used to add text to a video, such as
title screens or
movie credits. Audio clips can additionally be mixed together, such as mixing a
soundtrack with multiple
sound effects. Typically, the timeline is divided into multiple rows on the y-axis for different clips playing simultaneously, whereas the x-axis represents the run time of the video. Effects such as
transitions can be performed on each clip, such as a
crossfade effect going from one scene to another.
Exporting Since video editors represent a project with a
file format specific to the program, one needs to export the video file in order to publish it. Once a project is complete, the editor can then
export to movies in a variety of formats in a context that may range from broadcast tape formats to
compressed video files for web publishing (such as on an
online video platform or
personal website),
optical media, or saved to mobile devices. To facilitate editing, source video typically has a higher resolution than the desired output. Therefore, higher resolution video needs to be
downscaled during exporting, or after exporting in a process known as
transsizing.
Visual effects , commonly done with a
green screen, allows a subject to appear composited against the background. As digital video editing advanced, visual effects became possible, and is part of the standard toolkit, usually found in prosumer and professional grade software. A common ability is to do
compositing techniques such as
chroma keying or
luma keying, among others, which allow different objects to look as if they are in the same scene. A different kind of visual effects is
motion capture. Software such as
Blender can perform motion capture to make animated objects follow an actor's movements.
Additional features Most professional video editors are able to do
color grading, which is to manipulate visual attributes of a video such as contrast to enhance output, and improve emotional impact. Some video editors such as
iMovie include
stock footage available for use. ==Hardware requirements==