Video Editing Shortcuts: How I Cut My Editing Time in Half With These Techniques

When I first started creating video content, I spent an agonizing six hours editing a simple 10-minute video. Fast forward to today, and I can produce the same quality output in under 90 minutes. This dramatic improvement didn’t come from expensive gear or software—it came from systematically optimizing my editing workflow.

In this post, I’m sharing the exact shortcuts, techniques, and systems that allowed me to cut my editing time in half while actually improving the quality of my final videos. Whether you’re editing in Premiere Pro, Final Cut, DaVinci Resolve, or any other platform, these principles will transform your efficiency.

The High Cost of Inefficient Editing

Before diving into specific techniques, let’s understand what’s at stake. Video editing inefficiency creates three major problems:

1. Time drain: The average 10-minute YouTube video takes 6-8 hours to edit using inefficient methods
2. Creative fatigue: Longer editing sessions lead to diminished creative decision-making
3. Reduced output: Slow editing directly limits how much content you can produce

By implementing the techniques in this post, you’ll reclaim hours of your life while producing better content more consistently.

Part 1: Pre-Editing Preparation That Saves Hours

The most impactful time-saving techniques actually happen before you open your editing software.

1. Script-Based Recording

The single biggest time-saver in my workflow was implementing script-based recording. Instead of rambling and then editing out the fluff, I now:

1. Write a tight script in advance
2. Record directly from the script (using a teleprompter app)
3. Mark sections that need re-recording during the shoot

This approach has reduced my raw footage-to-final ratio from 5:1 to about 1.5:1, meaning I have 70% less unnecessary footage to sort through.

Implementation tip: Use the free Teleprompter Mirror app on a tablet positioned directly below your camera lens.

2. Structured Recording Markers

During recording, I use a simple system of visual and audio markers to make editing easier:

• Visual marker: Hold up fingers to indicate take numbers
• Audio marker: Clap once before good takes
• Reset marker: Say “reset” clearly before starting a new section

According to Caleb Wojcik, a professional video editor with over 10 years of experience, “Providing visual or audible notes during filming allows for easier editing later.”

These markers create visual and audio spikes that are instantly recognizable when scrubbing through footage, saving countless minutes of review time.

3. Organized Folder Structure

Before importing any footage, I create a standardized project folder structure:

This consistent organization eliminates the time wasted searching for assets and ensures nothing gets lost between projects.

Part 2: Essential Keyboard Shortcuts That Transform Efficiency

Keyboard shortcuts are the foundation of efficient editing. Here are the ones that have saved me the most time across different editing platforms:

Universal Shortcuts (Work in Most Editors)

Adobe Premiere Pro Power Shortcuts

These lesser-known Premiere shortcuts have dramatically improved my editing speed:

The Q and W shortcuts for ripple trimming are game-changers that many editors don’t know about. As noted in a recent Reddit thread, these two shortcuts alone can “10x your editing speed” for certain types of content.

Final Cut Pro X Efficiency Shortcuts

For Final Cut users, these are the shortcuts that have most dramatically improved my workflow:

DaVinci Resolve Time-Savers

If you’re using Resolve, these shortcuts will significantly speed up your editing:

Implementation tip: Print your most-used shortcuts and keep them visible next to your workstation for the first two weeks until muscle memory kicks in.

Part 3: Workflow Optimization Techniques

Beyond shortcuts, these workflow strategies have transformed my editing efficiency:

1. The “Edit in Passes” Technique

Instead of editing chronologically, I now edit in specific passes:

1. Assembly pass: Rough cut of primary footage only
2. Trimming pass: Tighten pacing and remove dead space
3. B-roll pass: Add supplementary footage
4. Graphics pass: Add text, lower thirds, and graphics
5. Audio pass: Adjust levels, add music, sound effects
6. Color pass: Apply color correction and grading

This approach keeps me focused on one type of task at a time, eliminating the cognitive switching costs that slow down many editors. As Caleb Wojcik notes, “Edit in stages to maintain focus, completing one type of task at a time.”

2. Backward Editing for Interview Content

For interview-based content, I’ve adopted a backward editing approach:

1. Start by identifying the final statement/conclusion
2. Work backward to find supporting points
3. Arrange these key moments first
4. Fill in transitions and context afterward

This technique ensures the most impactful content makes the cut and has reduced my interview editing time by approximately 40%.

3. Proxy Workflow for 4K+ Footage

Editing with proxy files has eliminated frustrating playback lag when working with high-resolution footage:

1. Create 720p proxy files of all 4K+ footage
2. Edit using the lightweight proxies
3. Switch back to full resolution for final export

In Premiere Pro, this is now automated through the “Ingest Settings” option. For a 20-minute project with multiple 4K clips, this saves approximately 30-45 minutes of cumulative waiting time.

Part 4: Template-Based Acceleration

Creating and using templates has been revolutionary for my editing efficiency:

1. Project Templates

For each content type I regularly produce, I’ve created a project template that includes:

• Properly configured sequence settings
• Organized bin structure
• Commonly used assets (intro/outro, music, graphics)
• Adjustment layers with standard color grading

Starting with these templates saves 15-20 minutes of setup time per project.

2. Adjustment Layer Presets

Instead of applying the same effects to multiple clips, I use adjustment layers with saved presets for:

• Standard color correction
• Sharpening
• Audio enhancement
• Vignette effects

This approach not only saves time but makes global changes much easier to implement.

3. Text and Graphic Templates

For recurring elements like lower thirds, title cards, and call-to-action screens, I’ve created:

• Essential Graphics templates in Premiere Pro
• Motion Templates in Final Cut Pro
• Fusion Templates in DaVinci Resolve

These allow me to simply update text while maintaining consistent branding across all videos.

Part 5: Hardware and Environment Optimization

The physical setup of your editing environment significantly impacts efficiency:

1. Dual Monitor Configuration

Adding a second monitor increased my editing speed by approximately 20%. My optimal setup:

• Primary monitor: Timeline and preview window
• Secondary monitor: Project media, effects controls, and reference materials

This eliminates constant panel switching and allows for better visual organization.

2. Keyboard and Mouse Optimization

I’ve invested in:

• Editing keyboard: Logitech Craft with customizable dial
• Programmable mouse: Logitech MX Master with custom button mapping
• Macro pad: Stream Deck with 15 custom editing functions

The Stream Deck alone has saved me approximately 30 minutes per video by automating complex multi-step processes into single button presses.

3. Storage and Processing Considerations

Editing from an external hard drive was causing significant delays. Switching to this setup dramatically improved performance:

• System drive: NVMe SSD for OS and applications
• Cache drive: Secondary SSD for scratch disk and cache files
• Project drive: High-speed external SSD (not HDD) for active projects

This configuration has eliminated nearly all waiting time for file operations.

Part 6: AI-Assisted Editing Tools

In 2025, AI tools have become invaluable for accelerating specific editing tasks:

1. Automated Transcription and Caption Generation

Using AI transcription services like Descript or built-in tools in Premiere Pro saves approximately 30-45 minutes per 10-minute video compared to manual transcription.

2. Content-Aware Fill for Video

Adobe’s Content-Aware Fill for video has reduced the time needed to remove unwanted objects from footage by approximately 75% compared to manual frame-by-frame editing.

3. AI-Powered Audio Enhancement

Tools like Adobe’s Essential Sound panel with AI noise reduction have reduced audio editing time by approximately 50% while improving quality.

My Actual Results: Before and After

Here’s a breakdown of my editing time for a standard 10-minute tutorial video:

Before Optimization:

After Optimization:

Time saved: 4 hours, 20 minutes per video (62% reduction)

Implementation Plan: Your Next Steps

To implement these techniques in your own workflow:

Week 1: Foundation Building

• Day 1-2: Learn and practice 5 essential keyboard shortcuts
• Day 3-4: Create your standardized folder structure
• Day 5-7: Implement the “edit in passes” technique

Week 2: Template Creation

• Day 1-3: Build your project template
• Day 4-5: Create adjustment layer presets
• Day 6-7: Develop text and graphic templates

Week 3: Advanced Optimization

• Day 1-3: Optimize your hardware setup
• Day 4-5: Explore AI-assisted tools
• Day 6-7: Refine and personalize your workflow

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

In my journey to faster editing, I’ve encountered several pitfalls:

1. Plugin overload: Adding too many plugins actually slowed my workflow
2. Premature optimization: Trying to perfect footage too early in the process
3. Inconsistent systems: Changing workflows between projects eliminated efficiency gains
4. Skipping preparation: Rushing into editing without proper footage organization

Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your optimization efforts actually save time rather than creating new problems.

Conclusion: Beyond Time Savings

The techniques in this post have not only cut my editing time in half but have created several additional benefits:

1. Increased output: I now produce twice as many videos with the same time investment
2. Improved quality: More time for creative decisions rather than technical tasks
3. Reduced burnout: Shorter, more focused editing sessions
4. Greater creativity: The technical aspects have become automatic, freeing mental space for creative choices

Video editing doesn’t have to be a time sink. By implementing these shortcuts, techniques, and systems, you can transform your productivity while actually improving the quality of your work.

What editing techniques have saved you the most time? Share your experiences in the comments below!