Shotcut Video Editor Tutorial

Kevin introduces the video tutorial on Shotcut, a free and open-source video editor. He explains that Shotcut was voted as the top choice by his audience for a tutorial. Shotcut's versatility and power are highlighted, as it can produce and edit all the videos on Kevin's channel. The tutorial will cover basics like downloading Shotcut, editing, filters, and keyframes. Kevin provides a link to video files used in the tutorial and encourages viewers to follow along.

The process of obtaining Shotcut begins with visiting shotcut.org. After landing on the homepage, users are instructed to click the prominent 'click to download' link, which leads to the download page. Care must be taken to avoid ads that mimic download links. Shotcut automatically detects the user's operating system and provides appropriate installation options for Linux, Mac, or Windows. Users are advised to select between 64-bit and 32-bit versions based on their system information, accessible via the Start menu on Windows.

Once Shotcut is installed, Kevin walks through opening the application and setting up a new project. Users can define the project folder location and name the project. Video mode, including resolution and frame rate, can be set manually or automatically detected from the first clip. The interface's initial view includes a playlist for adding media files, which can be done through open file dialogue or drag and drop. The view mode of the playlist can be adjusted between detailed, card, and grid views.

Kevin explores Shotcut's interface, focusing on the playlist and timeline. He demonstrates how to preview clips, adjust view modes, and organize the playlist. The timeline's functionality is introduced, explaining how clips are added and edited. Various editing shortcuts are highlighted, such as using 'I' and 'O' keys to set in and out points for trimming clips. The process of dragging clips to the timeline and adjusting the interface for better visibility is also covered.

The tutorial delves into advanced editing techniques, such as splitting clips and using shortcut keys for efficient editing. Kevin shows how to insert transitions between clips and move clips around on the timeline using ripple trim and drop. The process of adding more content to the commercial project is demonstrated, with an emphasis on using shortcut keys to set entry and exit points for clips.

Filters can be applied to clips to adjust properties like brightness. The filters pane is accessed from the top toolbar, and favorite filters can be selected for quick application. Audio tracks can be added to the timeline, and audio files can be trimmed to match video length. Fade in and out effects can be applied to audio clips, and volume can be adjusted using audio filters.

Two methods for adding text to videos are discussed: directly into a video clip via a filter or as an overlay on multiple clips. Text can be styled and positioned within the clip. Keyframes are introduced for creating effects like zooming in or out during a clip. The process involves applying a filter, setting keyframes, and adjusting the timeline for a smooth effect.

The final steps involve exporting the edited video. Kevin demonstrates selecting the timeline for export and choosing the desired export format, such as YouTube. The export process is initiated, and once completed, the video is saved to the desktop. The outcome of the video project is then reviewed, showcasing the results of the tutorial.

Kevin concludes the tutorial by recapping the capabilities of Shotcut and encouraging viewer engagement through likes and subscriptions. He invites feedback and suggestions for future tutorial topics in the comments section and signs off with a farewell, indicating the end of the tutorial session.