---
title: "Add and trim video clips"
canonical_url: https://docs.zvid.io/docs/editor/video/
source: docs/editor/video.md
content_revision: 6338386a1dd87e4a
---

# Add and trim video clips

Add footage to a video project and choose which part plays, when it appears, and how its audio is mixed.

## When to use it

Use video clips for product demonstrations, recorded footage, stock backgrounds, and montages. A **source trim** selects a portion of the original file; a **timeline window** controls where that clip appears in your composition.

## Before you begin

Open a **Video project**. Video tools are hidden in image projects. Use a file you have uploaded or a URL the cloud render service can access.

## How to add and fit a clip

**Navigation:** **Editor → Videos**.

1. Select the scene and place the playhead where the clip should begin.
2. Add footage from a [URL, upload, or stock result](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/editor/media/).
3. Select the clip and open **Design → Source**.
4. Set **Resize mode** to **contain — letterbox, fully visible** or **cover — fill frame, may crop**.
5. Adjust its [layout](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/editor/canvas/#how-to-position-and-resize-an-element) if it should occupy only part of the canvas.

![Zvid Videos tool with Add video by URL expanded and the Add video button below the source field.](https://docs.zvid.io/img/dashboard-guide/editor-video-url.png)

## How to trim and change playback

1. Select the clip on the stage or timeline and open **Timing**.
2. Under **Source trim**, set **Video begin** to the time in the source file where playback should start.
3. Set **Video end** to the source time where playback should stop, or leave it automatic to use the remaining source.
4. Set **Playback speed**. A value of `1` uses normal speed; changing speed changes how the selected source segment plays.
5. Set **Volume**. Use `0%` to mute the clip's own audio while keeping its picture.
6. Under **Timeline window**, set **Appears at (enterBegin)** and **Disappears at (exitEnd)** to position the clip in the composition.
7. Play across the edited boundary and check the result.

## How to split a clip

1. Select the clip and place the playhead inside it.
2. Open **Selected element actions** or right-click the clip.
3. Click **Split at playhead**, or press `S` outside a text field.
4. Select each resulting segment to edit it separately.

The split action is disabled when the current selection or playhead cannot be split. Use **Undo** if the cut is in the wrong place.

## What happens next

Your source file stays unchanged; the project stores the trim, timing, speed, and volume settings. To join footage with an effect, use [Transition to another video](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/editor/animations/#how-to-transition-between-video-clips), or arrange clips in [scenes](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/editor/scenes/).

## Troubleshooting

### The clip is cut off before it finishes

**Cause:** Its visible window or the containing scene/project ends before the desired footage.

**Solution:** Check **Video begin**, **Video end**, and **Playback speed**, then extend **Disappears at (exitEnd)** if necessary. If the timeline shows a content-length warning, use **Extend scene to fit** or **Extend project to fit**.

## Related documentation

- [Timeline and timing](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/editor/timeline/)
- [Audio and music](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/editor/audio/)
- [Preview and render differences](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/editor/preview/)