Learn the NEW Descript in 23 Minutes
Education
Introduction
As a longtime fan of Descript, I'm excited to share that the new iteration of the software has significantly improved—especially in the realm of video editing. With enhanced functionality and a variety of AI-powered features, Descript offers a whole new methodology for recording and producing polished, professional-looking content. My name is Meredith, and I'm here to provide you with the tools to look good, sound good, and feel good on camera as you build your thriving video brand. In this article, I will walk you through the new Descript step by step.
If you'd like to follow along and enhance your experience, I've created a free one-page printable cheat sheet, which you can download via the link provided at the end of this article.
Understanding Descript’s Workspace
One of the first things to understand about Descript is how its drive workspace operates. It's unique compared to other video editing tools, functioning similarly to Google Drive or your computer’s hard drive. You can utilize folders to organize your projects effectively. For instance, you can star important folders to make them accessible in your sidebar, simplifying project management and saving you time.
Once you navigate to your YouTube folder, you may find it empty or archived as you organize. To start a new video project, click "Start Project" and choose "Video Project" to access a blank screen. Here, you can import from Zoom, your hard drive, or hit "Record" to create a new video.
Descript has introduced a new recording feature called "Rooms," which allows for high-quality recordings when conducted properly. While recording, keep in mind a few settings to ensure your footage looks polished.
Importing and Transcribing Videos
For demonstration purposes, I’m going to import a pre-recorded video. Descript prompts me to choose whether to have it transcribed, which I recommend keeping checked to ensure everything is documented, especially since every account has transcription limits.
Once imported, you'll see your transcript on the left, a playback window in the center, and editing features on the right. By utilizing the show timeline option at the bottom, you can access the traditional timeline editor.
Descript excels in saving time during the creation and editing process. For example, you can delete sections of text from the transcript by merely highlighting them. This changes will be reflected in the timeline, thus allowing for seamless editing across both formats.
Leveraging AI Features and Efficient Editing
Descript's AI functionalities can be powerful assistants, especially in saving time. The Underlord section caters to a variety of unique features that streamline your editing process:
- Shorten Word Gaps: It helps you identify and remove gaps in your recording where silence occurs.
- Remove Retakes: This identifies sections where you've restarted sentences, allowing for efficient edits.
If you notice any unnecessary filler words or awkward pauses, the Underlord can assist here as well. Use the tools at your disposal to refine audio quality through the "Studio Sound" feature, though it's worth noting its effectiveness can depend on your recording environment.
As you progress in editing, it’s important to establish a workflow capturing the fundamental philosophy of BFF (Basic, Fine-tune, Fancy). The Underlord assists in the basic phase, rapidly iterating you into the fine-tuning stage.
Recording New Videos with Descript
When recording videos directly through Descript, it’s possible to use the Rooms feature for remote collaborations. It allows multiple people to connect, ensuring audio and video quality while recording. Always be mindful that what you see during recording may be a lower quality preview, but the actual recording will be in full HD.
Additionally, when using AI editing features, remember to duplicate your compositions as a backup before making significant edits. Adjusting playback speed can also enhance your editing efficiency, allowing you to review content at increased speeds if necessary.
Advanced Editing Features
Descript provides various advanced features for adding elements such as background music, b-roll, and graphics. You can import audio and visuals and manipulate them through the timeline for seamless incorporation into your video.
Dynamic captions, easily created from your transcript, help make your video more accessible and engaging. Once you’re ready to export, Descript offers two options: the cloud publishing feature (recommended for speed) and exporting directly to your hard drive.
In summary, Descript is a powerful tool that not only simplifies video editing but also enhances the quality of your content.
Keyword
Descript, video editing, AI features, transcription, remote recording, playback speed, background music, dynamic captions.
FAQ
Q: What is Descript?
A: Descript is an audio and video editing tool that allows users to edit their content through text-based transcripts, making the editing process more intuitive and time-efficient.
Q: Are there any AI features in Descript?
A: Yes, Descript includes AI features like Shorten Word Gaps and Removing Retakes, which assist in editing by identifying unnecessary content.
Q: How do I ensure high-quality recordings in Descript?
A: You can use the “Studio Sound” feature to enhance audio quality, but ensure you’re in a quiet environment with good equipment for the best results.
Q: Can I collaborate with others while recording in Descript?
A: Yes, through the Rooms feature, you can invite others to join your recording session, maintaining audio and video quality.
Q: What should I do if I need to go back to undo an edit?
A: You can duplicate your compositions before making significant edits so that you always have the original version to revert back to.
For anyone interested, don’t forget to grab my Descript cheat sheet linked in the description below!
