Adobe Premiere Pro – Beginners Video Tutorial

Getting Started with Adobe Premiere Pro

Downloading Video and Audio Tracks

Before we dive into the software, let’s quickly download some example video and audio tracks.

1. Open your web browser and go to Pixabay. Select the resolution 1920 by 1080 and click the green download button to download a video track.
2. For the audio track, visit the YouTube Audio Library and search for the track called Liquid Time. Click the download button to save it.

All the video and audio tracks used in this tutorial will be linked in the YouTube description for easy access.

Opening Adobe Premiere Pro

Now, let’s open Adobe Premiere Pro. Boot the application and wait for it to load. You will see a splash screen with options for previous projects and tutorials. Click on New Project.

Creating a New Project

1. In the new project window, name your project (e.g., Planet Earth) and choose a location on your PC to save it.
2. Select your video render and playback settings. It’s recommended to use your GPU for better performance.
3. Set the time code to hours, minutes, seconds, and frames and leave the audio settings as default.
4. Click OK to proceed.

Setting Up the Workspace

Once Premiere Pro is open, if your interface looks different, go to Window > Workspace and select All Panels. This layout is optimal for editing.

Importing Media

Project Panel

To store all your content, go to Window > Project. This panel allows you to manage your media files without returning to your desktop.

1. Select all nine video clips and the audio track you downloaded.
2. Drag and drop them into the project panel. This action references the files from your directory, making them easier to access.

Adding Clips to the Timeline

To start editing, drag your first video clip (e.g., Planet Earth) onto the Timeline. This is where you will arrange your clips.

1. You can scrub through the video using the timeline cursor to preview your clips.
2. If playback is jerky, adjust the playback resolution to Half for smoother performance.

Editing Your Video

Adding More Clips

Continue adding clips to the timeline by dragging them next to each other. Ensure the snapping tool is enabled for easier alignment.

1. If a clip has an audio track you don’t want, right-click on the clip and select Unlink to separate the audio from the video.
2. Delete the unwanted audio track.

Sequencing Clips

It’s best to sequence all your clips first before making detailed edits. Zoom in and out of the timeline to manage your clips effectively. You can use the zoom handle to adjust your view.

Trimming Clips

To trim clips to a specific duration:

1. Double-click on a clip to open it in a separate video player.
2. Set in and out points to define the duration you want (e.g., 11 seconds).
3. Use the Mark In and Mark Out tools to select the desired section.

Closing Gaps

If you have gaps between clips, select Sequence > Close Gap to automatically close them.

Adding Transitions and Effects

Applying Transitions

To create smooth transitions between clips:

1. Go to the Effects panel and find transitions like Cross Dissolve.
2. Drag and drop the transition between clips on the timeline.
3. Adjust the duration of the transition by dragging its edges.

Adding Titles

To add a title:

1. Select the Text Tool and click on the canvas to type your title (e.g., Planet Earth).
2. Use the Selection Tool to position the text in the center of the screen.
3. Adjust font size and style in the Effects Controls panel.

Color Grading Your Clips

To enhance the visual quality of your clips:

1. Select a clip and go to Window > Lumetri Color.
2. Adjust settings like Temperature, Exposure, Contrast, and Saturation to achieve the desired look.
3. Experiment with these settings to find the best color grading for your project.

Adding Audio

Importing Audio

Drag and drop the audio track (Liquid Time) into the timeline below your video clips.

Adjusting Audio Levels

1. Right-click on the audio track and select Audio Gain to adjust the volume.
2. Aim for levels around -12 dB to -6 dB to avoid distortion.

Fading Audio In and Out

To fade audio:

1. Use Audio Transitions like Exponential Fade at the beginning and end of the audio track.
2. Adjust the duration of the fade to your preference.

Exporting Your Video

Once you are satisfied with your edits:

1. Click File > Export > Media.
2. Choose H.264 for the format to create an MP4 file.
3. Set the bitrate to High for better quality.
4. Choose the output location and name your file (e.g., Planet Earth 01).
5. Click Export to render your video.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have now completed a beginner’s tutorial on Adobe Premiere Pro. This software can seem daunting at first, but with practice, you will become proficient in video editing. I hope you found this tutorial useful and look forward to seeing you in the next DCP Web tutorial!