Editing Shots
Whether you're creating simple product demonstrations or complex marketing sequences, understanding shot editing is essential for professional results.
Shots are the building blocks of your video sequences. Each shot combines a camera target, animation type, and custom adjustments to create a specific visual effect. This guide explains how to edit individual shots to achieve exactly the look and feel you want for your product presentations.
Effective shot editing allows you to emphasize your product's key features, create a professional visual narrative, and maintain viewer engagement throughout your video
Accessing Shot Editing Controls
To edit a shot in your timeline:
Select a shot by clicking on it in the timeline
The Shot Editor panel will appear in the right sidebar
All available editing controls will be displayed in organized sections
If you've just added a new shot, it will be automatically selected, and the Shot Editor will be ready for your input. You can edit any shot in your sequence at any time by selecting it from the timeline.
Every Shot is made up of three editable properties
Every shot has fundamental properties that determine its overall behavior and appearance:
1. Camera Animation Selection
The animation type defines how the camera moves during your shot. To select or change the animation:
Find the "Shot Type" section in the Shot Editor
Choose from the primary animation categories:
Slider: Linear camera movements
Orbit: Circular movements around the target
Crane: Combined vertical and horizontal movements
Zoom: Movement toward or away from the target
Static: Fixed position with no movement
After selecting a category, choose from the available presets
Each preset offers a different variation of the main animation type
Preview each option to find the one that best suits your needs
The right animation enhances your product's presentation by showing it from the most flattering angles and creating an engaging visual experience.
2. Camera Target Selection
The camera target determines what your shot focuses on. To select or change a target:
Find the "Target" section in the Shot Editor
Choose from the dropdown menu:
Full Product: Centers on your entire model
Any saved camera target: Focuses on a specific feature
If you need a new target, select "Add Target" and click on your model to create one
Camera targets play a crucial role in by directing the viewer's attention, and making diverse capture easy. For detailed products, creating multiple targets lets you highlight specific features sequentially throughout your video.
3. Camera Settings and Offsets
Fine-tune your camera's behavior with these technical adjustments:
Focal Length
Use the slider to adjust the camera's field of view
Lower values create a wider angle (good for context)
Higher values create a narrower angle (good for details)
Changes in focal length affect perspective and depth
Focus & Depth of Field
Control what portions of the shot are in focus
Adjust the f-stop value to change the focus range
Distance & Offsets
For moving shots, you can adjust how the camera travels:
Distance: Control how far the camera stays from the target
Position Offset: Fine-tune exact camera positioning
Rotation (above and below): Control camera roll to capture different angles.
Best Practices for Shot Editing
To achieve professional results with your shot editing:
Start simple: Begin with standard presets before applying custom adjustments
Maintain consistency: Use similar settings across related shots for cohesive style
Preview frequently: Test your edits regularly to ensure desired results
Consider pacing: Balance between faster and slower shots for rhythm
Layer information: Start with context shots and progress to detailed features
Match product style: Align your animation choices with your product's character
Limit complexity: Sometimes simple movements can be more effective than elaborate ones
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