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Adobe Premiere Pro Video Editing Basics

Tap a step to see how it works.

  1. Create a new project

    Click "New Project" on the start screen, name your project, and choose a save location to get set up for editing.

  2. Import footage and build a sequence

    Import your video files into the Project panel, then drag them onto the timeline β€” a sequence matching that footage's settings is created automatically.

  3. Arrange and trim clips on the timeline

    Use the Razor tool to cut out sections you don't need, then drag clips to reorder or resize them as you build out the structure of your video.

  4. Add basic captions or text

    Insert captions with the Text tool or the built-in captions feature, then adjust the font, size, and position in the Properties panel on the right.

  5. Add transitions and adjust audio

    Add a basic transition like a cross dissolve between clips, and adjust the volume on your audio tracks to balance sound with picture.

  6. Set up basic export settings

    When you're finished editing, choose a format like H.264 and a resolution in the export menu, then start rendering to produce your final video file.

The industry-standard editing tool

Premiere Pro is used everywhere from YouTube videos to commercials and feature films, and even mastering just its core tools is enough to finish a polished video of your own.

Want to start editing for free? Try DaVinci Resolve

If you'd rather start editing without a subscription, DaVinci Resolve's free tier covers most of the same core workflow β€” cutting, color, and audio β€” and is worth trying before committing to a paid tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can beginners add captions easily?

Yes β€” the Text tool or the built-in captions feature let you add and style subtitles directly on the timeline without any extra software.

Which format should I choose when exporting?

For uploading to most online platforms like YouTube, MP4 with H.264 is the standard choice β€” it balances file size and quality well.