How to Add Video Clips in Shotcut

Shotcut is a free and open-source video editing software that provides a range of tools for editing and enhancing videos. One of the essential tasks of video editing is to add video clips to the project, and in this article, we will discuss how to add video clips in Shotcut.

Quick Steps to Add Video Clips in Shotcut

  • Open a New Project
  • Select the Playlist option from the toolbar
  • Navigate to your video clips
  • Drag and drop them into the Playlist

TIP: You can add images and audio in exactly the same way as a video in Shotcut. It is a very versatile platform and has tools for working with all the major file types. If you need any more help then do not hesitate to drop me an email or visit my YouTube channel for free videos on Shotcut.

Full Guide to Adding Video Clips in Shotcut

Step 1: Launch Shotcut and Create a New Project

The first step in adding video clips in Shotcut is to launch the software and create a new project. To create a new project, click on the “New” button in the main window’s top left corner. A dialog box will appear, asking you to select the video mode and frame rate for your project. Select the appropriate video mode and frame rate for your video, and click on the “Create” button.

Step 2: Open the Video File in Shotcut

After creating a new project, the next step is to open the video file you want to add to the project. To open a video file, click on the “Open File” button in the top left corner of the main window. A file browser will appear, allowing you to browse your computer for the video file you want to add. Select the video file and click on the “Open” button.

Step 3: Preview the Video Clip in Shotcut

Once you have opened the video clip in Shotcut, it will appear in the preview window. You can use the preview window to preview the video clip before adding it to the project. To preview the video clip, click on the “Play” button in the preview window’s bottom left corner.

Step 4: Add the Video Clip to the Timeline

To add the video clip to the project, drag and drop the video clip from the preview window to the timeline at the bottom of the screen. The video clip will appear as a new track in the timeline, and you can resize the track by dragging the edges.

Step 5: Add More Video Clips to the Timeline

If you want to add more video clips to the project, repeat the same process by opening the video file in Shotcut, previewing it, and adding it to the timeline. You can add as many video clips as you want to the timeline, and each video clip will appear as a new track in the timeline.

Step 6: Adjust the Length of Each Video Clip

Once you have added all the video clips to the timeline, you can adjust the length of each clip by dragging the edges of the clip on the timeline. You can also use the “Ripple Edit” tool to adjust the length of multiple clips at once.

Step 7: Add Transitions Between Video Clips

To add transitions between video clips, select the “Transitions” tab from the top menu and drag the desired transition onto the timeline between two clips. You can choose from a range of transitions, including fades, wipes, and dissolves. Once you have added a transition, you can adjust its duration by dragging the edges of the transition on the timeline.

Step 8: Export Your Project as a Video File

Once you have finished editing your video, you can export it as a video file by selecting the “Export” button from the top menu. A dialog box will appear, asking you to choose the format and quality settings for your video file. Select the appropriate settings and click on the “Export File” button to export your project as a video file.

Next Steps with Shotcut

Learn how to use the video editor for free: Complete Shotcut Tutorial

Ready to take the next step and fast-track your progress? Shotcut Training