Which preset should I use first?

Balanced is the best default for most clips. Fast is better when speed matters most, and High Quality is better when the clip needs stronger cleanup.

What does the enhancement level slider do?

Lower values usually preserve more quality and produce larger files, while higher values compress harder. The default middle setting is the safest place to start.

Usually no. Leaving FPS blank keeps the source frame rate. Only force FPS if you need a specific delivery requirement.

When should I remove or replace audio?

Remove audio when you only need a silent visual export. Replace audio when you want a new music, narration, or corrected sound track.

Advanced Video Editing Guide

Start Here

Presets and Main Controls

The right-side options toolbar opens the setup and settings panels, while the main stage stays focused on preview and trim work.

Start Here

Workspace Flow

Upload a clip from the compact drop area in the right inspector lane.
Use the centered Media, Preview, Adjust, and Output bar above the stage to jump around the editor.
Open Quick Setup, Encoding Settings, Quick Video Adjustments, or Advanced Look Controls from the right-side options toolbar.

Fast, Balanced, and High Quality

Fast: quickest option when speed matters more than deeper cleanup.
Balanced: safest default for most real clips.
High Quality: stronger denoise and sharper recovery when the source is softer or noisier.

Output Size and Enhancement Level

480p and 720p are lighter exports.
1080p is the best general-purpose default.
1440p and 2160p should be used only when the source and delivery need it.
The enhancement level slider behaves like output quality pressure: lower values usually preserve more quality and produce larger files.

Trim Flow

Live Trim Preview

The trim stage stays open on the left so you can keep watching the clip while the inspector controls change on the right.

Trim First

Timeline, Playhead, and Waveform

Use the preview timeline to scrub visually and the waveform to spot louder moments like speech or music hits. Set Start and Set End from Playhead are the fastest way to mark useful sections.

Trim Start, Trim End, and Output Duration

Use the sliders for quick visual trimming and the second-based fields for precise cuts. Leave Trim End blank if you want the clip to run through the original ending.

Core Output

Encoding and Audio Controls

This is the part that most people mean when they ask about the video dropdowns. These options control how the output is rendered and how the audio is handled.

Core Options

GPU Processing, Codec, Denoise, and Sharpen

GPU processing: leave enabled for most jobs.
Video codec: use H.264 for compatibility, HEVC for more efficient files if your destination supports it.
Denoise: start light; medium or strong only when the source is genuinely noisy.
Sharpen: light is safest; too much can create harsh edges.

FPS, Audio Bitrate, Audio Output, and Volume

Optional FPS: usually leave blank to keep source FPS.
Audio bitrate: 128k is the safe middle ground.
Audio output: keep original audio unless you need a silent export.
Audio volume: 100% keeps the source level, 0% effectively mutes it.

Replace Audio and Audio Start Offset

Turn on audio replacement only when you want to swap in a new music bed, narration, or corrected track. Use the start offset when that replacement audio should begin later than the first frame.

Best Default Audio Habit

If you are only cleaning up the picture, keep the original audio and leave the volume at 100%. Change audio settings only when the final export actually needs it.

Correction Layer

Advanced Look Controls

These controls are for correction, not for heavy stylizing. Most good results come from small nudges, not large jumps.

Use Light Touches

Rotate, Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, and Gamma

Rotate: use only when the source orientation is wrong.
Brightness: small changes only, or highlights can wash out.
Contrast: use when the clip is truly flat or too harsh.
Saturation: adjust gently for color intensity.
Gamma: helps midtones, but is easy to overdo.

Watermark Position, Size, Opacity, and Text

Bottom right is the least disruptive default.
Smaller sizes and lower opacity look more professional.
Keep watermark text short so it does not dominate the frame.

Starting Recipes

Recommended Recipes

Use these as starting points, not hard rules.

Starting Recipes

Quick Social Clip

Fast preset, 720p or 1080p, light cleanup, leave FPS alone.

General Cleanup

Balanced preset, 1080p, keep original audio, no extra look controls unless needed.

Noisy or Soft Footage

High Quality preset, medium denoise, light or medium sharpen, avoid strong brightness or saturation changes.

Quick Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

These answers match the current MikeSullyTools video workspace controls.

FAQ

Which preset should I start with?

Balanced unless you already know speed or heavier cleanup is the bigger priority.

Should I change frame rate?

Usually no. Keep FPS blank unless you have a delivery requirement.

When should I remove audio?

When you need a silent export or plan to add audio later in another step.

How far should I push look controls?

As little as possible. Small correction moves usually look better than big swings.

Next Steps

Related Pages

Jump back into the workspace or use the other video-focused pages.

Next Steps