Editing videos can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not looking to break the bank. Luckily, Windows 11 comes with a free video editor that’s perfect for simple projects. Whether you’re looking to trim clips, add music, or throw in some fancy transitions, you can do it all without spending a dime. Let’s dive into how you can master the art of free video editing on Windows 11.
Step by Step Tutorial: Editing Video for Free With Windows 11
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand what these steps will help us achieve. You’ll learn how to access the video editor, import your clips, and make basic edits. By the end, you’ll have a polished video ready to share with the world.
Step 1: Accessing the Video Editor
Open the ‘Photos’ app on your Windows 11 computer.
Windows 11 has a hidden gem—the ‘Photos’ app, which isn’t just for viewing pictures. It includes a basic video editor that’s quite intuitive to use. You can find it by searching for ‘Photos’ in the start menu.
Step 2: Creating a New Video Project
Click on ‘Video Editor’ at the top of the screen and select ‘New video project’.
Once you’re in the ‘Photos’ app, you’ll see the ‘Video Editor’ option at the top. Clicking on it will open a new window where you can start a fresh project. You’ll need to give your project a name before you can begin importing clips.
Step 3: Importing Your Clips
Import your video clips by clicking on the ‘Add’ button and selecting ‘From this PC’.
Adding clips to your project is a breeze. The ‘Add’ button lets you browse your computer for the videos you want to edit. You can select multiple files at once, which speeds up the process if you have a lot of footage.
Step 4: Editing Your Clips
Drag and drop your clips onto the storyboard and begin editing by trimming, splitting, or adding text.
The storyboard is where the magic happens. Here, you can arrange your clips in the order you want them to play. If a clip is too long, you can trim it down. Want to add some text? There’s an option for that, too.
Step 5: Adding Music and Transitions
Enhance your video by adding background music and transitions between clips.
No video is complete without a little music and some smooth transitions. The video editor in Windows 11 lets you pick from a selection of royalty-free tracks and various transitions to give your video a professional touch.
Step 6: Exporting Your Finished Video
Once you’re happy with your edits, export your video by clicking on ‘Finish video’.
After all your hard work, it’s time to export your masterpiece. You can choose the video quality, with higher quality options taking longer to render. When it’s done, you’ll have a video file ready to be shared wherever you like.
After you complete these steps, you’ll have a fully edited video, tailored to your liking, and it didn’t cost you a penny. You can now share this video with friends, family, or even upload it to your favorite social media platform.
Tips: Editing Video for Free With Windows 11
- Keep your video project files organized by giving them descriptive names.
- Make use of the ‘Add title card’ feature to create custom opening or closing screens.
- Explore the ‘Motion’ and ‘3D effects’ features for more advanced editing options.
- Save your project frequently to avoid losing any progress due to unexpected issues.
- Experiment with different music tracks and transitions to find the perfect fit for your video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit 4K videos with the Windows 11 video editor?
While the Windows 11 video editor does support high-definition video, it may struggle with the demands of 4K editing. For professional-grade 4K editing, you may need to consider more advanced software.
Is the Windows 11 video editor good for professional use?
The video editor in Windows 11 is suitable for basic editing tasks. However, professionals typically require more advanced features and control than what the built-in editor offers.
Can I add my own music to my video project?
Absolutely! You can import your own music files into the video editor to personalize your project further.
How long can a video be when editing with Windows 11 video editor?
There’s no set limit, but longer videos may impact the performance of the editor, especially on less powerful systems.
Can I edit videos taken on my smartphone with the Windows 11 video editor?
Yes, you can edit videos from any source, including your smartphone, as long as they’re in a supported format and transferred to your PC.
Summary
- Access the ‘Photos’ app.
- Create a new video project.
- Import your video clips.
- Edit your clips on the storyboard.
- Add music and transitions.
- Export your finished video.
Conclusion
Editing video for free on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that anyone can master with a bit of practice. The built-in video editor is a handy tool for creating simple, yet effective video content without the need for expensive software. From personal projects to business presentations, the Windows 11 video editor is versatile enough to handle a range of basic editing tasks.
While it may not have all the bells and whistles of professional editing software, it’s a great starting point for those new to video editing or working on a budget. As you become more comfortable with the editing process, you may discover creative ways to make the most out of the available features. And who knows, you might just find that the Windows 11 video editor is all you need to bring your vision to life. So, why not give it a try and start editing your next video project today?
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.