Keyboard Shortcuts for Video Editing in Premiere Pro

Discover essential keyboard shortcuts for video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro with practical, easy-to-follow examples.
By Taylor

Introduction

Video editing can be a complex task, but using keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up your workflow in Adobe Premiere Pro. Instead of spending time navigating menus, you can use these shortcuts to perform common tasks quickly and efficiently. Here are three practical examples of keyboard shortcuts that can enhance your video editing experience.

Example 1: Trim Clips Quickly with the Ripple Edit Tool

Context

When editing video, you might find yourself needing to trim clips frequently. The Ripple Edit Tool allows you to trim a clip while automatically closing the gap created in the timeline, making your editing process smoother.

Shortcut

To activate the Ripple Edit Tool, simply press B on your keyboard. Once activated, click and drag the edge of a clip on the timeline to trim it.

Additional Notes

You can switch back to the Selection Tool by pressing V. This shortcut is especially useful when you’re working with multiple clips and want to maintain the flow of your sequence without leaving empty spaces.

Example 2: Cut and Paste Clips Efficiently

Context

Cutting and pasting clips can be tedious if done through the mouse. By using keyboard shortcuts, you can quickly move clips around your timeline without interrupting your editing flow.

Shortcut

To cut a selected clip, press Ctrl + X (or Command + X on Mac). To paste it in a new location, navigate to where you want the clip to go and press Ctrl + V (or Command + V on Mac).

Additional Notes

These shortcuts work not only for clips but also for other elements like audio tracks and effects. If you want to duplicate a clip instead of cutting it, use Ctrl + C (or Command + C on Mac) to copy, followed by Ctrl + V (or Command + V) to paste.

Example 3: Exporting Your Final Product

Context

Once you’ve finished editing your video, you’ll want to export it for sharing or uploading. Using shortcuts during this process can save you valuable time.

Shortcut

To open the export settings, press Ctrl + M (or Command + M on Mac). This will bring up the Export Settings window where you can choose your format, destination, and other settings.

Additional Notes

After opening the export settings, you can quickly select common formats by using the arrow keys to navigate through the options. Once you’ve made your selections, hit Enter to start exporting immediately. Remember, keeping your project organized before exporting can make this process smoother.

By incorporating these examples of keyboard shortcuts for video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro into your workflow, you’ll find that you can edit more efficiently and effectively, allowing you to focus more on the creative aspects of your projects.