How do you edit audio in your videos?

1 Record your audio

The first step to edit audio in your videos is to record it properly. You want to capture clear, crisp, and consistent sound without any background noise, distortion, or clipping. To do that, you need to use a good microphone, preferably a condenser or a dynamic one, and place it close to your sound source. You also need to choose a quiet and acoustically treated environment, or use a pop filter, a windscreen, or a shock mount to reduce unwanted sounds. Finally, you need to set your recording level to avoid peaking or low volume.

2 Import your audio

The next step is to import your audio files into your video editing software. Depending on your software, you may have different options to do that. Some software allow you to drag and drop your files directly into the timeline, while others require you to import them into a media bin first. You may also have to sync your audio with your video if they are recorded separately, using the waveform or the clap method. Once you have your audio files in your timeline, you can rename them, organize them, and lock them if needed.

3 Trim your audio

The third step is to trim your audio tracks to remove any unwanted parts, such as silence, mistakes, or filler words. You can use the razor tool, the trim tool, or the keyboard shortcuts to cut your audio tracks at the desired points. You can also use the ripple edit or the slip edit to adjust the duration or the position of your audio clips without affecting the rest of the timeline. You may want to zoom in or out of your timeline to make precise edits and avoid gaps or overlaps.

4 Adjust your audio

The fourth step is to adjust your audio levels to balance the volume and the dynamics of your sound. You can use the audio meters, the keyframes, or the automation modes to control the loudness and the fading of your audio tracks. You may also want to normalize your audio to make it consistent across your video, or compress it to reduce the difference between the loudest and the quietest parts. You can also use the equalizer, the noise reduction, or the reverb effects to shape the tone and the quality of your sound.

5 Enhance your audio

The final step is to enhance your audio tracks to add some flair and creativity to your sound. You can use the transitions, the filters, or the sound effects to create smooth changes, alter the mood, or add realism to your audio. You may also want to mix your audio tracks to create a stereo or a surround sound effect, or to pan them to different channels. You can also use the audio mixer, the submixes, or the buses to adjust the volume and the effects of your audio tracks as a group.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?