Image and video editing - New Generation Capture

Overview

This page allows the user to visually edit either an image or a video - including cropping, rotating, and adding other special effects.

It is accessible from the Single Asset Mini Menu + symbol in the media menu browse screen by selecting the 'edit asset' option (note this option is only available when the 'New Generation Capture Beta One' is selected).

Depending on whether an image or a video is being accessed, the editing screen will open with the appropriate controls.

The screen allows much more than just the ability to edit the displayed assets - composites can be created and edited in a variety of ways.

Note that currently, all edits to an asset are not saved back over the original asset in the system, which remains unchanged. However, the edited asset can be exported - and then uploaded into Capture, or used in any other way, as desired by the user.

Image editing - getting into the picture

When the screen first appears, it simply shows the image - no other controls are visible.

To display the tools, click on the image.

Now the editing tools are visible and selectable. 

For instance, selecting the crop tool presents the screen below. The 'drag bars' on the image allow cropping. The user can also straighten the image by degrees (if, for instance the horizon is not parallel), or by 90 degrees, or flip it horizontally or vertically. The Reset button centres the crop.

Click 'Done' once complete, and the asset will be saved - although you can still undo your edit by clicking the 'Undo' button just above the 'Done' button.

'Replace Image' allows a replacement image to be uploaded from outside the system.

'Duplicate' duplicates the selected pane.

'Placeholder' replaces the selected pane with a patterned placeholder pane.

'Delete' deletes the selected pane.

At the the bottom of the screen there is a button to 'Add page' - which adds a further blank page into the composite.

Controls top right of the screen allow the image to be viewed at different magnifications, the current preview to be displayed - and the image to be exported. Note, the resulting image can be exported at any stage, multiple times, so different versions can be saved (outside of the Capture system).

Other tools across the top of the image allow Adjustment, Filters, Effect, Blur and Stroke (outline) to be selected. 

Selecting 'Adjustments'

reveals the Adjustments panel, which allows wide control over image quality, including sharpness and saturation.

Selecting 'Effects' allows different effects to be applied to the image:

Selecting 'Effect' allows a range of imaginative effects to be applied to the image.

'Blur' allows a range of different blurs to be applied to the image.

'Stroke' allows different outlines to be applied to the image.

Video editing - craft your visual story

Dive into the world of storytelling with the help of Capture video editing tools.

NB: Before starting video editing, it is imperative to note that the Capture system presently does not save projects or edited files, nor does it offer an autosave feature. Therefore, it is important to export your video before you end the session to preserve your work.

Getting started

Within the 'Browse and Search' section, choose the video you wish to edit. Then, proceed to the plus (+) icon and select the 'Edit Asset' option.

Your asset will be imported into the video editing tool, granting you the capability to make the necessary modifications.

The initial screen display only shows the video itself, with no additional controls. 

Selecting the asset activates a range of control tools and panels.

Key tools explained

Timeline overview

The timeline is the canvas where your video editing comes to life. It's where you arrange and sequence your clips, adjust audio, and fine-tune the pacing of your project. The timeline is your creative playground, allowing you to control the flow and narrative of your video.

• To adjust the size of the Timeline drag the sides or use the 'Timeline Scale' icons.
• To initiate the video use the 'Play' button.

Cropping

Cropping tool serves as a precision instrument for modifying the visible frame of the video clips. It allows you to remove unwanted portions, focus on specific details, adjust aspect ratios, and enhance the overall composition. Whether you're eliminating distractions, creating a specific visual style, or conforming your video for different screens, the cropping tool is a versatile asset for crafting visually compelling narratives.

Use the 'Straighten' or rotation tool to adjust the size of the frame or simply click and drag your mouse cursor over the image to create a cropping frame. This frame represents the area you want to keep. You can adjust the size and position of the frame by clicking and dragging its edges or corners.

Maintain the desired aspect ratio by holding down the Shift key while resizing.

Upon achieving the desired crop, execute the action by clicking 'Done'. At this point, the cropping frame will adapt to the predetermined dimensions.

Trimming

The trimming tool is a fundamental feature that enables precise control over the duration of the video clips. With this tool, you can cut and remove unwanted sections from your footage, ensuring a seamless flow and perfect timing.

To utilise the tool, drag the in and out points in the trim timeline. Once you're satisfied with the trim range, initiate the trimming process by clicking ‘Done’.

Stroke

The stroke tool allows you to add an outline or border to shapes, text, or objects within your video frame. It serves to emphasise, highlight, or separate elements, enhancing their visibility and visual impact. Whether you want to draw attention to a specific element, improve text readability, or add creative effects, the stroke tool is your key to achieving precision and style in video editing.

To activate 'Stroke' tool click on the 'Hidden' icon:

Once you enable the option, a wide array of tools and settings will become accessible, enabling you to tailor the outline or border to precisely match your intended object.

Volume

The volume controls audio levels within your video clips. It enables you to adjust the volume, mute or unmute audio tracks, and fine-tune the audio to create a balanced and immersive audio-visual experience.

Filters

Filters are powerful tools that allow you to apply various visual effects to your footage. These effects can dramatically alter the mood, tone, and style of your video. Whether you're enhancing colours, adding vintage vibes, or creating dramatic atmospheres, filters enable you to infuse your videos with creativity and personality, transforming ordinary footage into captivating visual stories.

To enable the filters, begin by selecting the video you wish to enhance, and then proceed to the filter icon. On the right-hand side of your screen, you'll find a range of options, allowing you to choose the ideal filter.

To fine-tune the intensity navigate the option underneath the filter panel and use the slider to suit your needs.

Adjustment tool

The adjustment tools let you modify and enhance the visual quality of your clips. With these tools, you can refine brightness, contrast, saturation, and other parameters, ensuring your video achieves the desired look and feel. Whether you're correcting exposure issues, creating cinematic effects, or optimising colours, adjustment tools empower you to craft visually stunning videos.

Navigate to the tool on the right and select the adjustment you would like to make. Once selected use the sliders to modify the parameters to suit your needs.

Effects

Effects offer an array of visual enhancements and transformation tools. From adding cinematic flair to your footage, creating unique transitions, to incorporating stylised overlays, effects breathe life into your videos.

To add effects to your video navigate to the panel on the right and use sliders to modify the parameters to suit your needs.

Blur

The blur is used to obscure or soften specific areas within a video frame. Whether you're protecting sensitive information, emphasising a subject, or achieving artistic effects, blurring allows you to control the focus and privacy of your content.

To add the blur navigate to the panel on the right and use sliders to adjust the parameters to suit your needs.

Replace video

The ‘Replace Video’ feature allows you to swap out one video clip for another while preserving the rest of your project intact. This capability is incredibly useful for making updates, corrections, or substitutions in your video content without starting from scratch.

To swap the asset, simply click on 'Replace Video.' This action will open up a set of choices on the left-side control panel. From this menu, you can either import a video by selecting 'Add File' or opt for existing assets from the library.

Duplicate

The ‘Duplicate’ function serves as a convenient tool for copying and replicating video clips within your project. This feature is invaluable for creating visual effects, extending scenes, or ensuring consistency in your edits. By making identical copies of video segments, you can experiment, edit with confidence, and maintain a seamless flow in your video project. Just click 'Duplicate' to create an additional copy.

Placeholder

Placeholder adds an asset that serves as a temporary stand-in for missing or incomplete footage in your video editing project. This feature allows you to continue working on your project's structure and timing, even if you haven't yet acquired or finalised all the necessary clips. Once your actual video content becomes available, you can easily replace the placeholders, ensuring a smooth and efficient editing workflow.

When you navigate to the 'Placeholder,' a new set of options will become available, allowing you to make adjustments to the temporary asset as needed.

Delete

The ‘Delete’ function enables you to remove unwanted video clips or segments from your project. This essential tool helps you refine your video's content by eliminating errors, trimming excess footage, or enhancing pacing. With a simple click, you can ensure your final video is concise, polished, and free from any unnecessary elements, delivering a more engaging viewing experience to your audience.

Position

The Position allows you to precisely control the placement and arrangement of video clips within your project's timeline. This tool is indispensable for achieving the desired sequence and flow of your video content. Whether you're arranging clips in a specific order, aligning them with audio or visual cues, or creating dynamic transitions, the ‘Position Video’ function gives you the flexibility to craft a polished and engaging video narrative with precision.

Blend modes and opacity

Blend modes and opacity are indispensable to control the interaction between layers or elements within your video composition. Blend modes determine how one-layer blends with the layers beneath it, while opacity allows you to adjust the transparency of a layer. These features are essential for creating visual effects, compositing multiple elements, and achieving artistic and stylistic enhancements. Whether you’re blending images, adding texture, or creating unique visual atmospheres, blend modes and opacity provide the creative control needed to craft stunning and impactful videos.

You can select the desired mode by using the dropdown menu under 'Blend Mode,' or fine-tune the opacity settings using the provided sliders.

Using the Undo and Redo functions

‘Undo’ lets you backtrack and correct errors, while ‘Redo’ allows you to reapply changes you've undone. These functions ensure that your editing process remains flexible, empowering you to experiment, refine, and perfect your video with confidence. Whether you're fine-tuning effects, adjusting timing, or testing different edits, ‘Undo’ and ‘Redo’ are your allies for achieving the perfect result in your video project.

Zoom

The ‘Zoom in/out’ functions offer precise control over the scale and perspective of your video clips. By zooming in, you can highlight details or create dramatic close-ups, while zooming out provides a wider view or perspective shift. These tools are essential for enhancing storytelling, emphasising visual elements, and adding depth to your video composition. With zoom capabilities, your video projects gain versatility and creative flair.

Preview

The ‘Preview’ feature allows you to get a real-time glimpse of your work in progress. It's your window into how your video will look and sound when it's fully rendered and ready for viewing. By utilising the preview function, you can review your edits, check for errors, fine-tune effects, and ensure your video meets your creative vision before exporting the final product. It's a crucial step to guarantee a polished and engaging video.

Exporting the final video

The ‘Export Video’ function is the final step in the video editing process, where you transform your project into a shareable, viewable format. This critical feature enables you to choose the output settings, resolution, and file format to suit your intended audience and platform. It's the gateway to showcasing your creative work to the world, whether on social media, streaming platforms, or in presentations.