Cut videos and add effects using Lightworks
Working with Sound
The software handles audio files much like their video counterparts: An audio clip contains audio tracks with a black background whose video track is essentially disabled. You can also just use the audio part of videos by disabling the video track.
To do so, open a clip in the Content Manager by double-clicking it. You'll find the track display in the bottom-right corner of the editor with the markers V1, A1, and A2. You can select the in and out points of the audio clip for the video track. Then, you can replace this selection with an existing audio track or insert the selection as described for the videos (Figure 7).
A small, integrated mixer for audio files can be used to adjust the film's sound as required. Just open up the Settings menu – either via the button with the gear icon in one of the windows or via the context menu. Then, choose the Audio Mixer Panel entry.
Using this button, you can set the input channels to mix channels, which you can in turn assign to the left or right output and thus control the corresponding volume everywhere. This way, you can coordinate a video's background music and original sound, among other things.
Export
The biggest limitation with the free version of Lightworks is its export function. You can open the Export dialog via the toolbar (Figure 8), and two options are available under Format: the Lightworks archive is for saving projects for processing later, and YouTube is Lightworks' name for MP4/H.264 files. These are again limited to 720p format. Only the Pro version allows you to export files to other, more professional formats.
Choose the YouTube export format. Then, set the Frame rate and resolution. Under Destination, you can determine a location on the hard disk and give the file a name. You can then start the export by clicking Start, or you can upload the video directly to the video platform.
You just need to enter your username and password. In testing, I experienced some issues with the direct upload option, which occasionally terminated. This isn't Lightworks' fault, but rather the fault of the website's interface. Exporting onto a hard disk before uploading via the browser is thus an easier option.
Conclusions
Lightworks is generally aimed at professional filmmakers. However, the attractive pricing means anyone can cut videos professionally for free as long as they don't need a full HD output format. People swapping from other editing programs might need a bit of time to get used to it, because not every mouse click appears logical at first. Those using the program frequently, however, will quickly achieve their goal using Lightworks, and they can refer to numerous tutorials [3] and a detailed manual [4] for additional help.
Infos
- Lightworks: https://www.lwks.com
- Features: https://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=102&Itemid=213
- Tutorials: http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=162&Itemid=246&start=v12_5
- Manual: http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=198
« Previous 1 2 3
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs