Timeline

What are the main functions of the timeline in video editing?

The timeline is essential in any video editing software, since it allows us to organize, modify and perfect our audiovisual project. Understanding each of its functions can significantly optimize time and improve editing. I will explain its main features and how they can influence your creative process.

How are the video and audio tracks organized?

In an editing project, video tracks are placed at the top of the timeline, while audio tracks are placed at the bottom. This allows you a clear and orderly visual separation between the visual and audio elements.

• Video Tracks: Marked as B1, B2, B3, they reflect the order in ascending order.
• Audio Tracks: Identified as A1, A2, A3, allowing you to segregate the audio from the image with ease.

What options allow me to manipulate the tracks?

Each track has a series of commands that facilitate its handling:

• Select or activate tracks: decide which track you want to work on, activating it so that any editing affects only the selected track.
• Lock or toggle track lock: Locks a track to prevent unintentional modifications during editing.
• Toggle track output (eye): By activating or deactivating it, you can choose whether you want to display the track content.
• Mute audio track: Disables the sound of a specific track during playback.
• Play only one audio track: Useful to listen exclusively to one track among several, helping in complex sound mixes.

How can I record voice-over directly on the timeline?

A highlight of Premiere Pro 2020 is the ability to record voice-over directly from the timeline. By activating the microphone icon you will be able to:

• Record directly onto a new audio track.
• Get immediate feedback via signal display.
• Edit and adjust your recording instantly.

What is the timeline adjustment option?

It's ideal for precisely arranging clips:

• Magnet effect: Keeps clips in position without overlapping, making alignment easier.
• Snap disable: Allows you to move and overlap clips without restrictions.

What is the benefit of linked selection?

Linked selection is indispensable when working with clips that have both video and audio:

• It allows you to select video and audio together to move them in sync.
• By disabling this option, you can independently select video or audio.

How to use markers?

Bookmarks are perfect tools for marking key points on your timeline:

• Add observations and notes about scenes or transitions.
• Reference them later during the editing process.

What additional features does the timeline offer?

The timeline display settings menu simplifies editing by offering prominent options such as:

• Show Audio Waveform: Displays sound waves directly above the clip, making it easy to edit audio accurately.
• Show audio keyframes: For detailed volume adjustments and audio effects.

What is timecode?

Timecode is an essential guide to how far you've progressed in your recording or edit, showing you:

• Minutes and seconds elapsed in the project.
• Allowing an efficient planning for the duration of the video.

Discovering these features will allow you to take your editing project from a simple concept to a polished and artistic audiovisual work. Constant study and practice will allow you to get even better at this exciting field of editing.