Top Keyboard Shortcuts Every Video Editor Should Know

Video editing is a creative endeavor that is enjoyable to undertake, but it's exhausting—especially when you're mousing around on everything. That is where keyboard shortcuts are a lifesaver. With a few carefully selected shortcuts, you can be more efficient, remain focused, and get to spend more time on the creative aspect of editing.

In this blog post, we're going to discuss the most keyboard shortcuts you should learn. Video editors must learn to edit smarter not harder and become efficient sooner editors, save time and get work done faster—whether editing with Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve.

Why Shortcuts Are a Game-Changer in Editing?

Editing is doing the same thing over and over again—cutting, trimming, zooming, undoing, saving. Using your mouse for everything slows you down and takes you out of flow. But with the right keyboard shortcuts, the same thing becomes second nature. You work faster, spend less time in menus, and remain in creative flow.

1. Split Clips Instantly with Ctrl/Cmd + K

This is a hack of know-it-alls. It locks your clip to the play head, so you don't need to keep clicking on the razor tool repeatedly. Whether trimming vlogs, interviews, or shorts, the quick cut comes in handy.

Why it comes in handy: You can fine-tune and edit clips faster, with an edited and silky feel.

2. Play and Pause with Spacebar

One of the most basic and cross-platform shortcuts in any editing application, spacebar turns your playback on and off.

It's tiny, but it's saving you clicks in the long run and making you easily see your changes.

How it assists: Prevents fatigue and accelerates how frequently you can look over your edits.

3. Undo Errors Instantly with Ctrl/Cmd + Z

Accidentally deleted a clip or used the wrong effect? Don't panic—Ctrl (or Cmd) + Z to the rescue.

This shortcut proves useful—not only but necessary in the prevention of frustration in complicated edits.

Why it's a time-saver: You can play around without worrying about messing things up.

4. Trim Timelines with Ripple Delete (Shift + Delete)

Ripple Delete not just deletes a clip, it also moves the rest of the timeline up to cover the space. This keeps your sequence tidy.

How it assists: Avoids jarring jumps or breaks in your clip and conserves time for hand adjustments.

5. Mark In and Out Points Fast (I and O)

Need. Select a section. Use I to mark your in-point and O. as your out-point. Excellent. This isolates the section you wish to use with your pre-trim before. bringing it into your timeline.

Why does it assist : Accelerates your choice of footage and makes it more to the point, especially when dealing with longer shots.

6. Zoom in and out of Your Timeline (+ and – Keys)

Editing a fine-grained section? Press + to zoom in and – to zoom out on your timeline. Faster and more convenient.

Why it helps: Allows you to toggle between fine-tuning and bird's-eye views without breaking rhythm.

7. Toggle Audio Waveforms (Shift + `)

Want to sync audio and video? Having waveforms is a time-saver when editing by ear. Toggle waveforms on and off with Shift + Grave (`).

Why it helps: Sync dialogue, sync beats, or eliminate unwanted noise without delay.

8. Save Your Progress (Ctrl/Cmd + S)

It needs no explanation, but one of the most useful shortcuts. The editing software can crash at any time. Save your project on a regular basis with Ctrl/Cmd + S.

How it helps: Prevents your hard work from being lost. Don't wait for auto-save—use automation.

Edit Smarter, Not Harder

Mastering these shortcuts will be no tall order, but the time and effort they save you will soon add up. You'll be able to work through projects with greater ease, avoid frustrating pitfalls, and do what's truly important—create great content.

No matter if you remember 3 or 4 of these shortcuts, you can tell a difference in your editing. They will feel like second nature to the rhythm of your editing after practice.

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