Introduction
Editing videos can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re new to it. From managing footage to adding text and exporting the final product, it’s easy to get lost in the process. But video editing doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you master the foundations, editing becomes not only easier but enjoyable.
In this guide inspired by Omar El-Takrori from Think Media, we’ll break down five simple steps that will help you edit videos efficiently and effectively — no matter which software you use.
Step 1: Get Organised Before You Edit
Before even opening your editing software, start by organising your files. This step saves hours of frustration later.
- Create a project folder: On your desktop or external drive, make a folder titled with the date and video name. For example: 2025-10-10 How to Start a Podcast.
- Add subfolders: Create separate folders for your footage — one for A-roll (your talking-head shots) and another for B-roll (supporting visuals).
- Import your footage: Transfer files from your SD card or smartphone into these folders. This keeps your project clean and easy to navigate.
If you’re short on storage space, invest in a portable SSD like the Samsung T7. It’s fast, compact, and reliable — ideal for video projects that can easily reach hundreds of gigabytes.
Organisation at this stage ensures a smoother workflow and eliminates the risk of losing important files later.
Step 2: Set Up Your Editing Project
Once your folders are ready, it’s time to open your editing software. In Omar’s case, he uses Camtasia, a beginner-friendly tool that combines screen recording and video editing for both Mac and PC users.
Here’s how to set up your project:
- Open your software and create a new project.
- Save it in your main project folder (the one you created earlier).
- Import your media (A-roll and B-roll) directly from those subfolders.
Keeping everything in one place makes backing up or transferring projects easy.
After importing, drag your clips into the timeline — this is where the actual editing happens. You can now begin trimming, cutting, and arranging your footage.
Step 3: Trim the Fluff
This is where you turn raw footage into a polished video. Start by watching through your clips and removing mistakes, long pauses, and filler words like “um” or “uh.”
Most editing programs have a split tool (or splice tool) that lets you cut out unwanted parts of your footage quickly. In Camtasia, for example, the shortcut is Command + T (Mac) or Ctrl + T (Windows).
Pro tip:
Edit backwards. Often, your last takes are your best ones because you’ve already warmed up and refined your delivery. By editing from the end toward the beginning, you can save time and quickly identify your strongest clips.
Once you’ve trimmed the video, you’ll be left with a clean sequence of A-roll that flows naturally. In Omar’s example, trimming his 37-minute raw footage resulted in a tight nine-and-a-half-minute video.
Step 4: Add B-Roll and Text to Enhance Your Story
With your A-roll complete, it’s time to make your video more visually engaging.
Adding B-roll
B-roll is the secondary footage that supports your main video — it might show product shots, actions, or related visuals. You can:
- Shoot your own using a camera or smartphone.
- Use stock footage from a trusted source.
If you’re using Camtasia, you can access TechSmith Assets, a library of over 20 million video clips, templates, and songs. Just search for a keyword (like “podcast” or “editing”), select your desired clip, and insert it directly into your timeline.
Remember: if you’re only using the video portion of a B-roll clip, mute its audio so it doesn’t interfere with your main sound.
Adding Text
Text adds clarity and variety to your videos. Use it to:
- Emphasise key points.
- Display names, product titles, or instructions.
- Break up visuals to keep viewers engaged.
Most editing software, including Camtasia, allows you to easily add animated text templates. You can customise fonts, colours, and motion — and even save templates for future use to maintain a consistent brand style.
Step 5: Review, Render, and Export
Before finalising, watch your entire video carefully. Check for:
- Missed edits or awkward cuts.
- Spelling or text errors.
- Audio mismatches or background noise.
Once satisfied, you’re ready to render (or export) your video — the process that converts your timeline into a playable file.
Rendering tips:
- Match your export settings to your footage (e.g., 4K export for 4K clips).
- Keep frame rates consistent — 24, 29.97, or 60 fps depending on your project.
- Save your rendered file in the same project folder for easy organisation.
Camtasia also allows direct export to YouTube with a single click, saving you time from manual uploads.
Bonus Tip: Keep Improving
Every edit teaches you something new. Omar’s advice is simple — aim to get 1% better with each video. Experiment with new transitions, try adding background music, or explore colour grading once you’re comfortable with the basics.
Consistency builds confidence, and every project refines your editing eye.
Conclusion: Master the Foundations, Then Grow
Video editing doesn’t have to feel like a mountain to climb. By following these five foundational steps —
- Get organised,
- Set up your project,
- Trim the fluff,
- Add B-roll and text, and
- Review and export carefully —
you’ll create professional-looking videos faster and with less frustration.
Start small, stay organised, and keep learning. With time, editing will feel less like a chore and more like a creative craft — helping you tell stories that people actually want to watch.
As Omar puts it:
“Just get 1% better with every video you edit.”
That’s how you go from a beginner to a confident video creator — one project at a time.
