Glossary · Updated
What is timeline?
Short answer
A timeline is the part of a video editor where you arrange clips, audio and effects along time. Video and audio sit on separate tracks, and a playhead shows the current position. Timeline editors give precise control, but each change is a manual step.
How is timeline used in editing?
Cuts, transitions, titles and music are all placed on the timeline. Learning one takes time.
What mistakes do people make?
- Too many tracks
- Unnamed clips
- No saved project versions
How does a skill differ?
A skill such as Layers builds the edit from instructions, so you work without a timeline for that job. See Premiere Pro vs SkilledCut.
Frequently asked questions
What is a track?
A layer of clips or audio.
What is a playhead?
The marker of current time.
Do I need a timeline?
You need one for manual editing, but automated tools and skills can build certain edits without you operating a timeline.
Can I edit without one?
With automated tools, for some jobs.
Skills mentioned on this page
Layers
A full motion-graphics edit from one plain clip: words behind your head, plates, charts and cards.
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