Skip to main content
beginner

Timeline Basics

Arrange your story

Learn to use the timeline to arrange frames, sync audio, and control the pacing of your film.

6 min read
33 views
beginnertimelineediting

Timeline Basics

The timeline is where you arrange, time, and sync all elements of your film.

Timeline Overview

The timeline shows:

  • Frame track (top) - Your video clips
  • Voiceover track - Narration/dialogue
  • Music track - Background music
  • SFX track - Sound effects
  • Playhead - Current position
  • Timecode - Current time

Playback Controls

ControlAction
▶️ PlayStart playback
⏸️ PauseStop playback
⏮️ Skip BackJump to start
⏭️ Skip ForwardJump to end

Navigating the Timeline

  • Click on the timeline to move the playhead
  • Scroll horizontally to see more of the timeline
  • Zoom in/out using the zoom controls

Selecting Clips

  • Click to select a single clip
  • Shift+Click to select multiple
  • Click and drag to move clips

Moving Clips

Drag any clip left or right to reposition it on the timeline. The clip will snap to the playhead or other clips.

Clip Duration

For audio clips:

  • Trim handles on edges to shorten
  • Original duration preserved
  • Can extend silence before/after

For video frames:

  • Adjust in the sidebar
  • Changes ripple through timeline (if enabled)

Timeline Zoom

Zoom in for precise editing, zoom out to see the full project:

  • Use zoom slider
  • Or scroll wheel while holding Ctrl/Cmd

Was this guide helpful?

Your feedback helps us improve our guides

Related Guides