Summary  
This chapter covers selecting and trimming segments of media clips, placing them on a timeline, and using specialized edit tools to adjust segment boundaries and alignment.  

General domain of usage  
Video editing

In this chapter we'll take a look at the basic process of cutting videos.
	So, we've already recorded a voice-over for our video, and I've prepared some video files from one shooting I've had in the past that match our story. All my files are organized in the source folder within our file structure.


1. Organize all source files in a dedicated project folder;
2. Open Premiere Pro and navigate to the project panel;
3. Drag and drop video files from the folder into the project panel;
4. Check the imported files and ensure they match the project settings.

Importing video files

1. Highlight the timeline panel;
2. Go to Sequence > Sequence Settings;
3. Select the correct time base to match the footage (e.g., 29.97 FPS);
4. Click OK to apply the changes.

Adjusting sequence settings

1. Open a video clip in the source panel by double-clicking it;
2. Preview the clip and set the playhead to the desired start point;
3. Click the "Mark In" button to set the starting point;
4. Move the playhead to the desired end point and click "Mark Out";
5. Drag the trimmed clip onto the timeline.

Selecting and trimming clips

1. Use the "Drag Video Only" or "Drag Audio Only" buttons in the source panel;
2. Place the visual or audio component separately on the timeline;
3. Ensure the clips align correctly with the voiceover;
4. Adjust placement if necessary to match the timing.

Working with audio and video separately

1. Select the Rolling Edit tool to adjust cut points between clips;
2. Use the Slip tool to change the in and out points of a clip without altering its position;
3. Enable the Snap in Timeline function to make clips align seamlessly;
4. Right-click on a clip and select "Scale to Frame Size" if needed.

Using advanced editing tools

1. Arrange clips into groups and leave gaps between different sections if needed;
2. Ensure clips follow the intended story flow and match the voiceover;
3. Preview the timeline to check for any necessary adjustments;
4. Save your progress and prepare for additional refinements.

Finalizing and organizing your timeline

If playback is too laggy, lower the Playback Resolution. Use the dropdown in the bottom right corner of the Program panel to switch between Full, ½, ¼, ⅛, and ⅛ 1/16 (some options may be unavailable depending on your sequence resolution).

Note

Find some footage that matches the story you picked in the previous chapter. It can be anything from the internet or your own videos – just make sure they’re not protected by copyright. Make a draft edit using that footage.

Download Files for Project

Master short-form video editing with Adobe Premiere Pro. Learn the editing workflow, interface, transitions, effects, text and graphic templates, and subtitles—everything you need to create engaging short videos for social media and beyond.

Draft Edit in Premiere Pro