When editing in Blackbird, you can use various techniques, as shown in the previous videos, alongside the following method, depending on your editing requirements. Editing directly from the source to the edit viewer gives you the most control over the initial edit or assembly. Blackbird embraces the three-point edit rules, which allows for precise and efficient editing. Here's how the three-point edit works in Blackbird:
Three Point Edit
- Load a clip in the edit viewer and place your playhead halfway through the edit.
- Load a new clip in the source viewer.
- Drag from the source viewer to the edit viewer.
- You will be presented with a menu dialog of "Insert" or "Overwrite."
- If you choose "Insert," the new clip will be inserted in its full duration at the park point on the edit viewer, effectively interjecting the clip and pushing the remainder of the clip downstream.
- If you choose "Overwrite," the video in the edit viewer will be overwritten, covering it up based on the duration of the source clip.
This three-point edit method can also be used with precise marks while using the edit side track selectors. For example:
If you want to back-time video only to a precise frame in the source video and keep a specific duration on the edit side:
- Place an out point only and make sure that the in point is empty on the source.
- Mark an in and out point to show the desired duration in the edit viewer.
- Disable the audio tracks on the edit side.
- Perform the overwrite edit.
The rule of three-point editing can be used in any combination for front or back-timing, using the source or edit side for viewer-to-viewer editing. However, when it comes to viewer-to-viewer editing, the edit side track selectors always win, ensuring you have full control over your edits.
By using the three-point edit rules, marks, and track selectors, you can achieve precise and controlled editing in the Blackbird Editor, streamlining your editing workflow and creating professional-looking videos.