Video Editing Terms

4K resolution is a video resolution with roughly 4,000 pixels of detail across the frame's width, most commonly 3840 x 2160 pixels (UHD).

AI captions are subtitles or closed captions generated automatically from a video's audio using machine-learning speech recognition, with no manual transcription.

AI rotoscoping uses machine learning to automatically isolate subjects from their backgrounds in video, creating masks frame by frame instead of drawing by hand.

AI transcription uses machine-learning models to automatically turn spoken audio into written text, usually with timecodes so it syncs to video.

AI video editing uses machine-learning tools to automate parts of the editing process, from transcription and rough cuts to colour grading and effects.

Filler words are the little sounds and phrases ("um," "uh," "like," "you know") that pad out speech to fill pauses without adding meaning.

A fine cut is the polished version of the rough cut, with structure locked and details like pacing, transitions, and music refined toward final.

A hard cut is an instant transition from one shot to the next with no fade, dissolve, or effect in between. Editing's default.

A histogram is a graph showing how brightness is distributed in your image, from pure black on the left to white on the right.

A J-cut starts the next shot's audio before the picture cuts to it, so you hear the new sound before you see it.

A lavalier microphone, or lav mic, is a small mic that clips to a speaker's clothing, usually near the chest, to capture clear dialogue.

A lower third is a graphic at the bottom of the frame, used to show a speaker's name, title, location, or other context.

Motion graphics are graphic design that moves: text, icons, shapes, and logos animated to add information, structure, and visual interest to video.

Offline editing is a workflow where you cut using low-resolution proxy files, then re-link to the high-resolution originals for final colour grading and export.

Picture lock is the point where the visual edit is finalised and frozen, so sound design, colour grading, and VFX can proceed.

ProRes is a family of video codecs made by Apple, built for editing rather than delivery, producing large files that play back smoothly.

A timeline is the main workspace in video editing software where you arrange clips, audio, effects, and graphics in time order.