Ubuntu Manpage: openshot-qt - OpenShot Video Editor Documentation

Provided by: openshot-qt_3.1.1+dfsg1-1_all

NAME

       openshot-qt - OpenShot Video Editor Documentation

       OpenShot  Video Editor is an award-winning, open-source video editor, available on Linux, Mac, Chrome OS,
       and Windows. OpenShot can create stunning videos, films, and animations with an easy-to-use interface and
       rich set of features.  [image]

Installation
The latest stable version of OpenShot Video Editor for Linux, Mac, Chrome OS, and Windows can be
downloaded from the official download page at https://www.openshot.org/download/. You can find our latest
unstable versions (i.e. daily builds) at https://www.openshot.org/download#daily (these versions are
updated very frequently, and often contain many improvements not yet released in our stable build).

Windows (Installer)
Download the Windows installer from the official download page (the download page contains both 64-bit
and 32-bit versions), double click it, and follow the directions on screen. Once completed, OpenShot will
be installed and available in your Start menu. [image] [image]

Windows (Portable)
If you need to install OpenShot on Windows without Administrator permissions, we also support a portable
installation process. Download the Windows installer from the official download page, open the command
prompt, and type the following commands:

Install portable version of OpenShot (no administrator permissions required)

cd C:\Users\USER\Downloads\
OpenShot-v2.6.1-x86_64.exe /portable=1 /currentuser /noicons
[image]

Mac
Download the DMG file from the official download page, double click it, and then drag the OpenShot
application icon into your Applications shortcut. This is very similar to how most Mac applications are
installed. Now launch OpenShot from Launchpad or Applications in Finder. [image]

Linux (AppImage)
Most Linux distributions have a version of OpenShot in their software repositories, which can be
installed using your package manager / software store. However, these packaged versions are often very
outdated (be sure to check the version number: Help→About OpenShot). For this reason, we recommend
installing an AppImage from the official download page.

Once downloaded, right click on the AppImage, choose Properties, and mark the file as Executable.
Finally, double click the AppImage to launch OpenShot. If double clicking does not launch OpenShot, you
can also right click on the AppImage, and choose Execute or Run. For a detailed guide on installing our
AppImage and creating a launcher for it, see our AppImage Installation Guide. [image]

Linux (PPA)
For Debian-based Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Mint, etc…), we also have a PPA (Personal Package Archive),
which adds our official OpenShot software repository to your package manager, making it possible to
install our latest version, without relying on our AppImages.

Stable PPA (Contains only official releases)

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:openshot.developers/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install openshot-qt python3-openshot

Daily PPA (Highly experimental and unstable, for testers)

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:openshot.developers/libopenshot-daily
sudo apt update
sudo apt install openshot-qt python3-openshot

Chrome OS (Chromebook)
Chrome OS supports Linux apps, but this feature is off by default. You can turn it on in Settings. Once
Linux is enabled, you can install and run OpenShot Linux AppImages on any x86-based Chromebook. The
command below will download our AppImage and configure your system to run OpenShot successfully.

• Navigate to chrome://os-settings/crostini (Copy/Paste)

• Under “Linux (Beta)” select “Turn On”. Default values are fine.

•

When the Terminal appears (i.e. black window), Copy/Paste the following command:

• bash <(wget -O - http://openshot.org/files/chromeos/install-stable.sh)

Quick Tutorial
Using OpenShot is very easy, and this tutorial will take you through the basics in under 5 minutes. After
this tutorial, you will be able to make a simple photo slide-show with music.

Basic Terminology
To help understand the steps below, here are some definitions of a few basic terms used in this tutorial.
┌────────────┬───────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Term │ Description │
├────────────┼───────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Project │ A project includes references to all │
│ │ the video files and edits │
│ │ (animations, titles, etc…), saved in │
│ │ a single file. │
├────────────┼───────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Timeline │ The timeline is an editing user │
│ │ interface that represents edits and │
│ │ clips on a horizontal ruler. Time │
│ │ progresses from left to right. │
├────────────┼───────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Track │ A separate layer on the timeline, │
│ │ which can hold clips. A timeline is │
│ │ made up of many tracks, stacked │
│ │ vertically. │
├────────────┼───────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Clip │ A trimmed portion of video, audio, or │
│ │ both positioned on a track, and at a │
│ │ specific position in time. When files │
│ │ are dropped on the timeline, they are │
│ │ represented as a Clip. │
├────────────┼───────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Transition │ A method to blend two images. │
│ │ Transitions can take many forms, │
│ │ including cuts, dissolves, and wipes. │
└────────────┴───────────────────────────────────────┘

Video Tutorials
If you prefer to learn by watching videos instead of reading, we have many official video tutorials that
cover a wide range of beginner and introductory topics. These videos are a great next step on your way to
master OpenShot Video Editor!

• Video: Getting Started

• Video: The Basics (Part 1)

• Video: The Basics (Part 2)

• Video: Basic Animation

• Video: Trim, Slice, and Split

• Video: Chroma Key

• Video: Masks & Transitions

• Video: Backup & Recovery

Step 1 – Import Photos & Music
Before we can begin making a video, we need to import media files into OpenShot. Most video, image and
music file formats will work. Drag and drop a few videos or images and a music file from your Desktop to
OpenShot. Be sure to drop the files where the arrow in the illustration is pointing to. [image]

Alternative methods to add files to your projects are described in the section Import Files. The “Show
All”, “Video”, “Audio”, “Image” filters above the added files allows you to only see the file types you
are interested in.

Step 2 – Add Photos to Timeline
Next, drag each video or photo onto a track in the timeline (as seen in the illustration). The timeline
represents your final video, so arrange your photos (i.e. clips) in whatever sequence you want them to
appear in your video. If you overlap two clips, OpenShot will automatically create a smooth fade between
them, displayed by blue rounded rectangles between the clips. Remember, you can rearrange the clips as
many times as needed by simply dragging and dropping them.

You can also shorten or lengthen each clip, by clicking the left or right edge and dragging your mouse.
For example, if you want a photo to last longer than 10 seconds (the default duration), simply grab the
right edge of the photo (on the timeline), and drag it to the right (to increase the clip’s duration on
the timeline). [image]

Step 3 – Add Music to Timeline
To make our creation more interesting, we need to add some music. Click on the music file that you
imported in step 1, and drag it onto the timeline. If the song is too long, grab the right edge of your
music clip, and resize it smaller (that will make it end earlier). You could also insert the same file
multiple times, if your music is too short. [image]

Step 4 – Preview your Project
To preview what our video looks & sounds like, click the Play button under the preview window. You can
also pause, rewind, and fast-forward your video project by clicking the corresponding buttons. [image]

Step 5 – Export your Video
Once you have edited your photo slide-show video, the last step is to export the project. Exporting
converts your OpenShot project into a single video output file. By using the default settings, the video
works on most media players (such as VLC) or websites (such as YouTube, Vimeo, …).

Click on the Export Video icon at the top of the screen (or use the File→Export Video menu). The default
values will work fine, so just click the Export Video button to render your new video. [image]

Conclusion
You should now have a basic understanding of how OpenShot works. Importing, Arranging, Previewing, and
Exporting. Hopefully this tutorial took less than 5 minutes for you to complete. Please read the rest of
this guide for a more detailed understanding of OpenShot and its advanced features.

If you have any questions after reading this User Guide, please consider joining our Reddit User
Community to discuss topics, ask questions, and meet with other OpenShot users.

Video Editing Basics
You do not need to be a trained videographer to understand how to create videos well. Simple editing can
keep your viewers engaged longer, and add a professional feel, even if you are not a professional video
editor.

Basically, video editing is taking footage, cutting it up, removing the pieces you do not want, and
keeping the bits you do. Back in the old days, editing was slicing reels of film and piecing it together.
Thankfully software makes the whole process much more manageable.

There are three main jobs of video editing:

1. Remove mistakes or unwanted sections

2. Keep the video moving at an engaging pace

3. Insert supporting footage, audio, or titles

Use these three points as a checklist as you edit.

Computer
Video editing does not require an expensive machine, especially if you are a beginner. It would be best
if you had a decent monitor and graphics card. If you have an older computer, check your system
specifications against OpenShot’s System Requirements to make sure it works for video editing.
Unfortunately, many older computers are not fast enough for video editing, and you should upgrade your
whole system, if possible.

Accessories
Before beginning a video project, ensure there is enough storage space on your computer to save all the
necessary clips. For example, one hour of 1080i video, such as from a mini-DV camcorder, takes up nearly
11 GB of storage. If your computer’s internal storage device cannot store all the clips, the solution is
to buy an external drive.

It would help if you had several cables, usually Firewire or USB, to connect your computer, external hard
drive, and a camera. Different computers and cameras accept other connectors, so check your manuals
before buying anything.

Practical Tips
Becoming a great video editor isn’t effortless, but with practice and patience, you’ll be editing like a
professional in no time. Here are a few of the essential tips and techniques you need to know to become a
skilled video editor.

Pick the Right Computer
While having a great computer won’t necessarily make you a great video editor, a faster
computer will allow you to focus more of your time on the story you’re trying to tell rather
than your computer rendering. Everyone has their own opinions about what computer is best for
editing, but it all depends on your own preferences.

Keep Shooting
Record more video that you think you will need for your project. Include video that enhances
the scene, sets a mood, or tells a story. You can use the extra video for smooth transitions
in your project. If you are comfortable using multiple devices, use two devices simultaneously
the insert video from either device into your project.

Organize Your Project Files
Composition is the key to success, whether you are running Linux, on a Mac, or a Windows
machine. Be sure to label video files, audio files, and even still images clearly and keep all
your clips on the same device and in the same folder for easy access. OpenShot tries to keep
up with your clips, but if you move them after your project is saved, you could lose your
entire project. Organizing before you begin editing can be very advantageous.

Watch Everything
Watching everything is the first step in the editing process. Writer and filmmaker David
Andrew Stoler says there is gold in the most unlikely of places: “Some of the most beautiful
expressions you’re going to get from the actors are after the cut.”

Edit for a Story
Remember that as you edit, you are telling a story. Editing is so much more than merely
cutting footage and adding effects. It is an opportunity to take your audience on a journey.
Whether you are editing a complex narrative film or only putting together a personal video,
you tell a more in-depth story.

Keyboard Shortcuts
One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between and professional video editor and a
novice is to simply look at how much they use the keyboard. Editors that have been in the
business for some time know that a few seconds saved add up over the length of the project.

Learn the Lingo
Video editing is not just a hobby or a profession; it is an industry. And just like any
industry, there is a ton of jargon to learn. Practically speaking, you do not need to know all
the terms on the Glossary to become a better video editor, but a fundamental knowledge of the
terms may help you communicate better with other video editors or clients.

Assemble, Then Make a Rough Cut
Drag and drop all your video footage into a timeline and make sure your frame size and frame
rates are consistent. Begin a new timeline and drag-and-drop the best clips into what becomes
your assembly cut. Remember to save your work frequently, and notate the date and time of each
version.

Refine Your Video
In this phase, your rough cut begins to resemble a cohesive project. Adjust the sound and
color, make sure the dialog is audible, and add music, titles, or graphics in this phase.
Color correction is the process of setting your footage to a color baseline. No matter how
great your subject looks on set, you will almost always need to do some basic post-processing
for a consistent video.

10.

Refine Some More
A slow scene can set the mood and add tension or it can bore an audience. A fast scene can
add adrenaline to your audience’s systems or it can give them headaches. Some editors cut
their projects several different ways before they find the right pace. Do not let cutting your
project several times discourage you.

Exporting
People view most of their projects on phones, tablets, or computers, so it is essential to know how to
export for the web. The goal when exporting a video for the web is to create the highest quality possible
with the smallest file size. Four main factors determine the file size of your finished video:

•

Codec: A codec determines the type of file format (MP4, AVI, MOV). The more compression performed by
the codec, the smaller your video’s size. Videos that are smaller in file size tend to be lower
in visual quality.

•

Resolution:
Resolution refers to the number of horizontal and vertical pixels (dots on display) your video
contains. For example, a 4K UHD (2160P) video has four times the resolution of FHD (1080P)
video. A higher resolution means more information to store so that you will have larger file
sizes.

•

Bit Rate:
The Bit Rate is the measure of the speed of data processing of your video. A higher bit rate
means higher-quality video and larger files. OpenShot allows you to manually set the Bit Rate /
Quality in the Advanced tab of the Export Video window.

•

Frame Rate:
The frequency (in Hz) at which consecutive images, called frames, appear on the display is the
Frame Rate. Typically, you export your video in the film standard (24fps) or the TV broadcast
standard of 30fps (or 25fps in PAL). While there is not much wiggle room here, you should note
that if you decide to export your video in 48fps, 50fps, or 60fps, your file size doubles.

Main Window
OpenShot Video Editor has one main window which contains most of the information, buttons, and menus
needed to edit your video project.

Overview
[image]
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
# Name Description
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
1 Main Toolbar Contains buttons to open,
save, and export your video
project.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
2 Function Tabs Switch between Project
Files, Transitions, Effects,
and Emojis.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
3 Project Files All audio, video, and image
files that have been
imported into your project.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
4 Preview Window This is the area that the
video will playback on the
screen.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
5 Edit Toolbar This toolbar contains
buttons used for snapping,
inserting markers, slicing
razor, and jumping between
markers.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
6 Zoom Slider This slider will adjust the
time-scale of your timeline.
Drag the left or right edge
to zoom in or out. Drag the
blue area to scroll the
timeline left or right.
Clips and transitions are
displayed as simple
rectangles, to give you
context for adjusting the
zoom to specific clips.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
7 Play-head / Ruler The ruler shows the
time-scale, and the red line
is the play-head. The
play-head represents the
current playback position.
Hold Shift key while
dragging the playhead to
snap to nearby clips.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
8 Timeline The timeline visualizes your
video project, and each clip
and transition in your
project. You can drag the
mouse to select, move, or
delete multiple items.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
9 Filter Filter the list of items
shown (project files,
transitions, effects, and
emojis) by using these
buttons and filter textbox.
Enter a few letters of what
you are looking for, and the
results will be shown.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
10 Playback Left to Right: Jump to
Start, Rewind, Play/Pause,
Fast Forward, and Jump to
End
┌────┬───────────────────┬──────────────────────────────┐
│ │ │ │
--

AUTHOR

       Jonathan Thomas

COPYRIGHT

       OpenShot Studios, LLC

3.1                                               Oct 11, 2023                                    OPENSHOT-QT(1)

NAME

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

AUTHOR

COPYRIGHT