Trim and compile videos in Kdenlive

This page describes the process for editing one or more video files on a computer to cut and arrange clips in any order. Compare to Trim videos on phone interface and see Video Trimming Workflow Comparison.canvas

Interface

  • The top left area begins as the project bin, where you can select and add the files you want to edit for this project
  • The top middle is the clip preview area which shows the currently-editing movie clip
  • The top right is the move preview, and this shows the expected end result view
  • The large bottom left section is for editing the project clips and adding effects
  • The bottom right contains audio and video effects settings
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Process

  1. Open Kdenlive, and add your target clips to the project using the top left project bin tab
    1. the file(s) must already exist on the computer
    2. you may add more than one file to be clipped together, and/or select sub-portions of the project can optionally be exported/rendered as individual pieces
  2. You can trim the clips while importing them by using the Set Zone In and Out buttons in the source clip preview
  3. You can also use the bottom timeline section to re-trim them and also move them in time among other added clips
    1. Use the Razor tool on the portions of the clips that you want separate. This will separate the clip into parts. Use this to cut sections as if setting the handles on a phone version. Delete the separated clipped portions as needed.
  4. When the movie files are clipped as desired, use the File options to Render to create a new, finished, movie file made from the selected parts of your original captures
    1. Your original movie file archive data is not changed or deleted- Kdenlive only refers to that source data to create the new movie file based on the project you created.

Next steps

With a rendered movie file, your original phone clips are now trimmed and compiled into a separate data file which can be published and shared in different ways.

  • Convert it to different format
  • Save the movie file onto a CD or USB disk
  • Publish and share on the internet