Animation and design · lesson 20 of 24 · free

Editing basics — Animation for kids

In a video editor, clips sit in order on the timeline. A cut switches straight from one shot to the next, or splits a clip in two. Trimming shortens a clip by cutting off its slow start or end. A transition, like a fade or a wipe, joins two clips — use them sparingly. A title puts words on screen, such as the name of the video or the credits. The usual order: collect clips → place them in order → trim → add transitions → add titles and music → watch and fix → export.

▶ Watch how it works

Got it? Practise ↓

Creator's tip

Shorter is better — “trim every clip to its best part and join them in order on the timeline”

  1. Cut = switch or split; trim = shorten the ends; transition = fade or wipe between clips; title = words on screen; timeline = where clips are arranged.
  2. New length = clip − trim at the start − trim at the end.
  3. Joined clips add up; each 1-second transition overlap takes away 1 second.

Use it for: Editing school projects, trip videos and short films in any free video editor.

Worked example: ✂️ A clip is 30 seconds long. You trim 2 seconds off the start and 3 seconds off the end. How long is it now (in seconds)? → 25

  1. Take away both trimmed parts.
  2. 30 − 2 − 3 = 25 seconds.

Check: 25 + 2 + 3 = 30 seconds ✓

▶ Watch it animated

✏️ Practice

Work it out in your head or on paper, type the answer and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

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🏁 Lesson 20 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the ✂️ Clip Trimmer badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 8 lessons of Part 3 · Video. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Video Editing Worksheet: Editing Basics

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