Don’t Make These 7 Video Editing Mistakes in Adobe Premiere Pro

Video editing can be a daunting task, especially when you’re new to Adobe Premiere Pro. You might struggle with disorganized timelines, awkward cuts, or even physical discomfort from long hours at your desk. The good news? These issues are common and completely fixable. In this guide, the team at Content Creators identifies the seven most common Premiere Pro editing mistakes beginners make and offers practical solutions to help you streamline your workflow and improve the quality of your videos.

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Premiere Pro Mistakes Every Beginner Should Avoid

When you first start using Adobe Premiere Pro, it’s easy to make mistakes that can slow down your workflow and affect the quality of your videos.

Complex Timeline Approach

One of the first mistakes you can make is not using multiple timelines. By organizing your project with multiple timelines, you can more effectively manage your b-roll footage and select the best clips for your final edit. This approach also helps you organize footage from different shooting days and reuse graphics and sequences across projects. Using multiple timelines ensures that your project remains organized and manageable, especially as it grows in complexity.

• Create separate timelines for different segments of the video, such as the intro, main body, and ending.
• Use the timeline to organize footage from different days or shooting locations. This makes it easier to find and access specific clips.
• You can reuse graphics, titles, and sequences across multiple projects by saving them in dedicated timelines.

Rewording clips

Another common mistake is neglecting to reframe your clips. Adjusting the scale, position, and rotation of your footage can greatly improve its composition. For example, correcting the horizon and vertical lines can make your shots look more professional. Additionally, filling the frame with your subject helps avoid empty spaces that can distract viewers. Reframe is a simple but effective technique for improving the visual appeal of your videos.

• Use Scale AND Position tools that let you adjust the framing of your clips so that your main subject is the center of attention.
• Correct any tilted horizons or crooked vertical lines with Rotation a tool that allows you to create a more balanced and professional look.
• Experiment with different framing techniques, such as the rule of thirds, to create visually appealing compositions.

Below you will find a selection of other articles from our extensive library of content that you may be interested in about video editing and content creation:

Using the transformation effect

Many beginners overlook the benefits of the Transform effect in Premiere Pro. This tool lets you apply easy easing and motion blur directly in the software, creating smoother animations. By setting keyframes, you can achieve smooth transitions and movements. The Transform effect is especially useful for re-framing clips and improving their compositions, making your edits look more polished and professional.

• Apply Transformation effect to clips to access advanced animation options, such as easy smoothing and motion blur.
• Set keyframes to create smooth transitions and movements, adding a professional touch to your videos.
• Use the Transform effect in combination with reframe techniques to create dynamic and engaging compositions.

Creating ready-made effects

Not creating effect presets is another mistake that can hinder your workflow. Saving frequently used effects as presets can streamline your editing process. This is especially useful for adjusting audio, graphic overlays, and transitions. Reusing presets not only saves time, but also ensures consistency across projects. Preset effects are a valuable tool for maintaining a consistent look and feel across your videos.

• Create effects settings for commonly used sound adjustments such as equalization, compression and noise reduction.
• Save graphic overlays and titles as presets to maintain a consistent visual style across all your projects.
• Use transition presets to quickly apply professional-looking transitions between clips, saving time and effort.

Ergonomic editing setup

An often overlooked aspect of video editing is the ergonomic setup of your workspace. Investing in a high-quality chair and desk can help prevent physical strain during long editing sessions. Consider a sit-stand desk for added flexibility and comfort. An ergonomic setup not only improves your physical well-being, but also increases your productivity, allowing you to work more comfortably for longer periods of time.

• Invest in comfortable and supportive chair which promotes correct posture and reduces back strain.
• Use a desk with plenty of space for your equipment and consider desk with sitting and standing options for greater flexibility and movement throughout the day.
• Place your monitor at eye level and maintain a comfortable distance to reduce strain on your neck and eyes.

Cutting speed

Beginners often struggle with the pacing of their cuts. Faster cuts can increase engagement, especially in cinematic sequences. However, it’s key to balance the pacing to keep viewers interested without overwhelming them. Experiment with different cutting speeds to find the right rhythm for your project. The right pacing keeps viewers engaged and provides a smooth viewing experience.

• Diversify your cutting speed throughout the video to keep viewers engaged and create a dynamic flow.
• For action-packed, high-energy sequences, use faster cuts; for more emotional and educational moments, use slower cuts.
• Pay attention to the natural rhythm of your footage and adjust your cutting speed accordingly to achieve a smooth and engaging viewing experience.

Keyboard shortcuts

Underusing keyboard shortcuts is a mistake that can significantly slow down your editing process. Premiere Pro offers a wide range of shortcuts that can speed up various tasks. Customizing these shortcuts to your workflow can make actions more accessible and efficient. Familiarizing yourself with keyboard shortcuts is an easy way to increase your editing speed and overall productivity.

• Learn and remember the most frequently used keyboard shortcuts for tasks such as cutting, adding marks, and applying effects.
• Customize keyboard shortcuts to fit the way you work, making it easier to access frequently used tools and actions.
• Practice using keyboard shortcuts regularly to build muscle memory and increase your editing speed.

Film courses

To further develop your skills, consider enrolling in comprehensive videography courses. These courses offer tutorials on shooting, editing, and storytelling, providing a well-rounded education in video production. You can also access editing templates, sound effects, and software discounts. Participating in live Q&A sessions offers real-time support and insights from seasoned professionals. Investing in education can significantly improve your editing capabilities and overall video quality.

By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing the best practices outlined above, you can increase your productivity and produce higher-quality videos with Adobe Premiere Pro. Remember to stay organized, experiment with different techniques, and continue to invest in your education to become a more skilled and confident video editor.

Video and Image Source: Content Creators

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