How to work with the timeline in Clipchamp
Applies ToClipchamp for personal accounts Clipchamp for work accounts

An image of the editor explained with labels.

After you've added files to your media library, you'll need to move them to the timeline to start editing your video. 

  • This is the space where you edit together video, image, or audio assets to create your final video, and where you can add texts and transitions.

  • What you add to the timeline is what will export when you save your finished video.

How to add media to the timeline

The video timeline is located at the bottom of the editor. To add media to your timeline, go to the toolbar then drag and drop an asset from the your media tab or content library tab onto the timeline.

A screenshot of a personal Clipchamp user adding a video to the timeline.

How to zoom in and out on the timeline

If you add several clips to the timeline, they may disappear off the right edge of the screen. In this case, you can zoom out on the timeline to see all your assets at once. You can also zoom in on the timeline to make your assets appear bigger.

To do this, use the zoom buttons in the top right-hand corner of the timeline. Click on the plus button to zoom in, or click on the minus button to zoom out on the timeline. You can also click on the zoom to fit button to show everything on the timeline at once. 

You can also use the scroller at the bottom of the screen to scroll to the left or right to view different parts of the timeline.

A screenshot of how to zoom in and out of the timeline in the personal version of Clipchamp.

How to undo and redo on the timeline

You can undo and redo actions on the timeline if you change your mind about any edits. To do so, just click on the undo and redo buttons on the left of the timeline.

A screenshot of how to undo and redo in the personal version of Clipchamp.

How to preview your video on the timeline

Move the seeker on the timeline to exact timestamps to preview the specific video or asset on the stage. Just drag the seeker to your timestamp, then click on the play button

You can also click on the space bar on your keyboard to play your video. 

A screenshot of how to preview in the personal version of Clipchamp.

How to work with multiple assets on the timeline 

The timeline will most likely contain multiple different assets like videos, images, text, music, and more. You can layer assets on the timeline by placing them above one another.

If you have multiple video assets stacked on the timeline, the video that is on the top of the stack will play on the video preview. All sound will play from each video asset, but only the top asset will be seen on the video. You can mute videos using the volume tab on the property panel.

A screenshot of the volume button on the property panel in the personal version of Clipchamp.

How to use AI suggestions on the timeline

At any time while editing, you can use the in-built AI editing tool to offer suggestions of how to enhance and improve your video. Just click on the AI suggestions button at the top left of the timeline. You will then see one or multiple editing suggestions. To implement these changes, just click on the suggestion button.

A screenshot of how to use the AI suggestion tool in the personal version of Clipchamp.

How to edit a video on the timeline

If you would like to know how to trim, split and add effects to your clips once they're in the timeline, see: How to edit your video.

How to fix assets that aren't loading on the timeline

If you have problems adding media assets to your project or your timeline or playing back your video in the preview, see: What to do if your assets aren't loading.

An image of the Clipchamp commercial app.

After you've added files to the my media library, you'll need to move them to the timeline to start editing your video.

  • This is the space where you edit video, image, or audio clips to create your final video, and where you can add texts and effects.

  • What you add to the timeline is what will be exported when you select Export and save your finished video.

How to add media to the timeline

The video timeline is located at the bottom of the editor. To add media to your timeline, go to the toolbar and drag and drop an asset onto the timeline from the my media tab, stock video tab, or stock image tab.

A screenshot of a Clipchamp for work user adding a video clip to the timeline.

How to zoom in and out on the timeline

If you add several clips to the timeline, they may disappear off the right edge of the screen. In this case, you can zoom out on the timeline to see all your assets at once. You can also zoom in on the timeline to make your assets appear bigger.

To do this, use the zoom buttons in the top right-hand corner of the timeline. Click on the plus button to zoom in, or click on the minus button to zoom out on the timeline. You can also click on the zoom to fit button to show everything on the timeline at once. 

Use the timeline scroll bar at the bottom of the video editor to move left and right on the timeline.

A screenshot of how to zoom in and out in the work version of Clipchamp.

How to undo and redo on the timeline

You can undo and redo actions on the timeline if you change your mind about any edits. To undo or redo any changes, just click on the undo and redo buttons on the left of the timeline.

A screenshot of the undo and redo buttons in the work version of Clipchamp.

How to preview your video on the timeline

Move the seeker on the timeline to exact timestamps to preview the specific video or asset on the stage. Just drag the seeker to your timestamp, then click on the play buttonYou can also click on the space bar on your keyboard to play your video.

A screenshot of how to preview a video in the work version of Clipchamp.

How to work with multiple assets on the timeline 

The timeline will most likely contain multiple different assets like videos, images, text, music, and more. You can layer assets on the timeline by placing them above one another.

If you have multiple video assets stacked on the timeline, the video that is on the top of the stack will play on the video preview. All sound will play from each video asset, but only the top asset will be seen on the video. You can mute videos using the volume tab on the property panel. 

A screenshot of how to mute audio in the work version of Clipchamp.

How to use AI suggestions on the timeline

At any time while editing, you can use the in-built AI editing tool to offer suggestions of how to enhance and improve your video. Just click on the AI suggestions button at the top left of the timeline. You will then see one or multiple editing suggestions. To implement these changes, just click on the suggestion button.

A screenshot of how to use the AI suggestion tool in the work version of Clipchamp.

How to edit a video on the timeline

If you would like to know how to trim, split and add effects to your clips after they're on the timeline, see: How to edit your video

How to fix assets that aren't loading on the timeline 

If you have problems adding media assets to your project or your timeline or playing back your video in the preview, see: What to do if your assets aren't loading.

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