How To Trim Video In Adobe After Effects

During the current age of technology, the ability to edit videos is a valuable skill. Adobe After Effects is a commonly used software by individuals of all levels, from beginners to experts, to produce impressive visual effects for videos and movies. A crucial technique to acquire in Adobe After Effects is how to edit and shorten a video. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to do so.

Step 1: Import Your Video

To start trimming your video in Adobe After Effects, the first step involves importing the video clip that you want to edit. Here’s how:

File > Import > File (or simply hit Control+I)

After this, select the video file you want to edit and click on Import.

Step 2: Add the Video to Your Composition

Once you have imported your video, the next step is to add it to your composition. To do this, you need to:

Drag and drop the file from the Project panel to the Timeline panel.

Step 3: Select the Part of the Video You Want to Trim

With your video now in your timeline, you can begin the process of trimming. Select the Layer you want to trim by clicking on it in the Timeline panel. You will notice that the layer is highlighted once selected.

Step 4: Set the Time Indicator

Move the time indicator to the point where you want to make the cut. This can be done by moving the blue handle on the timeline.

Step 5: Trim the Layer

To trim the start or end of your clip, you need to use the following commands:

Alt+[ (for trimming the in point of the layer)
Alt+] (for trimming the out point of the layer)

By using the above commands, you can trim your video to the desired point.

Step 6: Finalize Your Trim

Once you have successfully trimmed your video, it’s time to finalize your clip. To do this, you need to:

Go to Composition > Add to Render Queue

Then, choose your output module and output destination, and click on Render.

Conclusion

Trimming a video in Adobe After Effects is a simple process that can significantly enhance your video editing skills. By following these steps, you can quickly learn how to cut and trim your video clips to create precise and professional-looking videos.