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Learn MoreLearn Avid Media Composer
Rating: 4.3 out of 54.3(603 ratings)
3,130 students
What you'll learn
- By the end of this course, you should be able to complete an entire project from beginning to end.
Explore related topics
Course content
17 sections • 87 lectures • 4h 23m total length
- Read Me First - Download the Media Files here1:13
Click on the Resources Button to download the Media. Then unzip the files.
- Video of Interface Media Composer Interface Windows3:06
Welcome to Avid Media Composer 2019. The short lesson will walk you through the new Media Composer Interface (Version 2019.X)
- Bin Layouts3:35
- Interface Windows
- Linking to Media4:02
- Capture Tool2:10
Author Notes:
The capture tool is only necessary if you are capturing from a tape-based format.
Please note: If you are running a software only version of Avid Media Composer, the easiest way to ingest from a tape based format is to connect your camera to your computer via a 'firewire' cable.
If your camera and/or tape machine does not have an output for firewire, then you will third party hardware. - Using the Media Tool4:34Author Notes:
The best way to manage your media within Avid Media Composer is to import it. Here are the important concepts to remember if you choose to import media.- Importing Media takes up additional space, because Media Composer re-wraps the media within an .mxf extension.
- Importing Media takes time to import.
- Importing Media makes it easy to manage your media using the media tool.
- Importing your media creates meta-data that provides critical information for archiving a project.
I recommend that you spend the extra time and storage requirements to import your media into Avid Media Composer for larger projects.
Also, there are two third party products that will help you archive media that has been imported into Avid. You can read about them by clicking on the link.
- Working with Media
- Working with Bins3:23Author Notes:
This video contains some critical fundamentals within this video lesson that you should master before moving forward. This includes:
Each bin window has three different views. These are:- Text View
- Frame View
- Script View
When working in Frame View or Text View, make sure you memorize the following keyboard shortcuts.
Command L - makes clip thumbnails larger
Command K - makes clip thumbnails smaller - Creating a Sequence4:49Author Notes:
This lesson focuses on several key concepts, which are:- Creating a New Sequence
- Naming a Sequence
- Loading a clip into the source window
- Using the Recent Clips Menu
- Understanding source / sequence tracks
- Editing a Clip to the timeline
Also, it's very important that give each sequence it's own unique name. Do not leave your sequences 'untitled', because this will create problems later. - Auto Saving Bins3:10Author Notes:
The important concept in this lesson covers Avid Media Composer's autosave feature.
Remember, the Auto-save feature is saving bins, and not projects. That's why it is so important that you place your sequence(s) within a sequence bin so that you'll be able find your work if you encounter a problem.
The critical concepts behind the auto-save function are:- The saved bins are always placed in a folder called the Avid Attic
- Bins must be moved out of the Avid Attic folder, before you can open them.
- Make sure all your other bins are closed when opening a previous bin, you cannot have two of the same bin(s) open at the same time.
- On a PC, you may want to add the extension .avb (avid video bin), so any bins that you have copied out of the attic will open directly into Avid Media Composer.
If you need to find the Attic, it's best to a simple search on your internal hard drive for it. With that being said, if you are running the current version of Avid Media Composer, here are the current locations of the Avid Attic folder.
On a PC: c: / public / public documents / Avid Media Composer / Avid Attic
On a MAC: Mac HD / Users / Shared / AvidMediaComposer / Avid Attic
The location of the Avid Attic cannot be changed. Therefore, it may be wise to store your projects somewhere other than the internal hard drive. This way, you will have have back up copies of all your bins if the internal hard drive were to fail.
- Bins
- Yellow Segment Mode6:07Author Notes:
This video lesson covers the yellow Segment Mode (Extract-Splice-in) Smart Tool.
If you are new to Avid Media Composer, I recommend that you turn off all the smart tools, and only activate one smart tool at a time as you need them.
It's important to note, that if you have ALL the smart tools turned on, the default tool is the yellow segment arrow.
This means, if you drag a clip directly to a sequence, it will always default to a splice-in function unless a different smart tool is turned on.
- Red Segment Mode5:09Author Notes:
This video lesson covers the basics of using the red Segment Mode (Lift/Overwrite) smart tool function.
For most types of projects, the red segment is a very practical tool. The red segment smart tool allows you to easily move clips around in a sequence. It will makes it easy to replace existing content.
If you are comfortable with how the red segment smart tool functions, you may want to leave it turned on, with all the other smart tools turned off.
You can also use the keyboard shortcut Shift A to toggle the red segment mode on/off.
Please note: In terms of a good editing workflow, I do not recommend trying to edit exclusively with the smart tools. However, it's important to understand how each tool function. - Ripple Trim4:24Author Notes:
This video lesson covers the basics of using the ripple trim smart tool function.
The key thing to remember about the ripple trim function, is that it will change the duration of your sequence. Therefore, be very careful when using the ripple trim, and insure you have the correct tracks indicators turned on when performing a trim. Otherwise, you risk moving clip segments out of sync from their associated audio elements.
When preforming a ripple trim, pay special attention to the 'link selection toggle' icon. By leaving this icon turned on, it less likely you will move segments out of sync when performing a ripple trim edit.
- Overwrite Trim2:42Author Notes:
The video lesson covers the basics of using the red overwrite trim tool.
The red overwrite trim tool is a very practical tool learn master.
When using the overwrite trim function, you will never have to worry about accidentally trimming something out of sync.
One important thing that the video lesson doesn't mention, is you can use the keyboard shortcut Shift D to toggle the overwrite trim function on/off. - Smart Tool Settings3:13Author Notes:
This lesson focuses on using the smart editing tools if they are all turned on.
It's important to note that if these smart tools are all turned on, the placement of the mouse cursor plays a critical role when moving or trimming clips. Again, I recommend that you only turn on the individual smart tools when you need them.
With the being said, pay special attention to this lesson if you choose to leave all the smart tools enabled while editing.
There is a critical setting within Avid Media Composer that allows you to configure the default smart tool when you drag and drop clips into a sequence. I highly recommend that you change the default timeline settings so the Segment Overwrite Smart Tool becomes the default smart tool. - Editing (Smart Tools)
- Rolling Trim3:20Author Notes:
This video lesson focuses on the basics of using the rolling trim function.
Critical fundamentals in this lesson include:- Learning the difference between a rolling trim, and the smart trim tools
- How to create a split edit
You can press the U key to enter directly into rolling trim mode.
- Slip Mode2:47Author Notes:
This lesson covers the fundamentals of using the slip trim function.
Slipping a clip is a very important editing technique. It allows you to change the starting and ending point of a clip segment without affecting it's placement or duration within a sequence.
There are several ways to enter into slip mode. These are:- Highlight a clip using the red segment arrow, and then press the trim button (or the U key)
- Hold down the ALT key and draw a reverse lasso around the entire clip segment
- Drag a reverse lasso from within the upper empty grey area above the sequence around the entire clip segment
- Enter into trim mode, and hold down the shift key to select outgoing and incoming edges of the clip segment.
- Slide Mode2:44Author Notes:
This video lesson covers the basic fundamentals of sliding a clip in trim mode.
Sliding a clip is similar to moving a clip with the red segment smart tool. However, when you slide a clip using trim mode, it will not leave filler. It will extend the media from the clip on the left to fill the gap.
In my experience sliding a clip using trim mode isn't a common editing function, but it's important to understand how it works. - Trim Modes
- Overwrite Edit3:39Author Notes:
This lesson covers the basic fundamentals of using the overwrite edit function within Avid Media composer.
The overwrite edit function is one of the most widely used editing tools within Avid Media Composer. It is critical that you master the concept of performing an overwrite edit.
The keyboard shortcut for the overwrite edit is the B key. Using the overwrite edit function is one of the most efficient methods of editing within Avid Media Composer. - Splice Edit2:36Author Notes:
This lesson covers the basic fundamentals of using the splice edit function.
The splice edit function is a commonly used editing tool for narrative style video editing. Be careful when using the splice-edit function, because it will always change the duration of your sequence.
It's critical that you pay special attention to the sync relationship of video and audio segments when using the splice edit function. Using the splice edit function can move items out of sync if you are not mindful of the tracks that are selected within the timeline window. - Replace Edit4:09Author Notes:
The lesson focuses on the fundamentals of using the replace edit function.
The Replace Edit function is one of this hidden gems within Avid Media Composer. It's similar to the overwrite edit, but provides additional functionality that is a must-have for professionals.The replace edit function, allow you to easily replace content within a sequence without having to mark in-out points. It also allows you to edit your content based on a sync point, which makes it easy to pin point where specific action within a clip takes place.
I urge you to become efficient in using the replace edit tool. The replace edit tool is hidden, and I recommend that you map it to your keyboard to use as a shortcut.Note: If you do have in/out points with a timeline, the replace edit will obey those in/out points instead of replacing the clip segment based on the position of the playhead indicator.
- A-S Keys1:24Author Notes:
This lesson focuses on adjusting user settings to configure Avid Media Composer so you can easily jump between edit points using keyboard shortcuts.
Depending on the Version of Avid Media Composer you are using, you may need to re-configure the keyboard so you can easily jump between edit points without having to use the mouse.
The default keyboard layout defines the A and S keys, as the ability to jump between edit point (forward or backward). These keys must be configured so they do not automatically enter into trim mode. - Multicam Editing4:01Author Notes:
This lesson focuses on the fundamentals of using Multi-Camera Mode with Avid Media Composer.
Key concepts in this lesson include:- Options for creating a grouped clip
- Switching Cameras in real-time
- Replacing clip segments after a Multicam edit
- Trimming Clip Segments
- Adjusting Composer Window Settings
- Exporting a Sequence4:20Author Notes:
This lesson focuses on how to export a sequence.
Key concepts in this lesson include:- The importance of the video output quality button
- How to export to a tape device
- How to add filler to the beginning of a sequence
- Creating an export file template
- Exporting a customized movie file
- The importance of the video output quality button
- Editing
- Creating a Basic Title4:13Author Notes:
This lesson focuses on the basic fundamentals of creating a lower third title using the standard title tool within Avid Media Composer.
Key concepts covered in this lesson include:- Using the text tool to create a title
- Adding an edge to a title
- Adjusting the kerning between individual letters
- Adding a drop shadow to a title
- Changing Text Object Colors2:35Author Notes:
The video lesson covers the fundamentals of adjusting the color of a text object.
Key concepts covered in this video lesson include:- Moving layered text objects forward or backward within the canvas area.
- Creating a color blend
- Adjusting the transparency of a text object
- Saving a title to a bin
Note: A title object can contain a single color or a blend of colors. However, you cannot change the color of each glyph within a title object.
The following rules apply to title objects.
- Each character (or glyph) within an object can be it's own font size
- Each character can be a different font
- Each character can not contain it's own unique color. Adjusting the color of one character will change the color of all the other characters.
The work around would be to create a separate object for each character and then group them together into a single object.
- Editing Titles to the Timeline4:37Author Notes:
The lesson focuses on editing a title to a sequence.
Important concepts covered in this lesson include:- Editing a title to a sequence
- Auto Patching source tracks to edit a title to V2
- Adding a fade in/out to a title
- Making a change to a title that's already in a sequence
- Adjusting the settings for the video monitor icon
- NewBlue Title Tool - MC7 only3:18
Author Notes:
A new title tool is available for those who own Media Composer 7.X. It's called NewBlue Titler Pro.
It's located within the effects palette under the NewBlue Titler category within the effects palette.
- Avid FX - 3D Title2:47
Author Notes:
Avid FX is a plug-in that now ships with Avid Media Composer. If you have a current version of Avid Media Composer, you can download Avid FX from Avid's Download Center.
Avid FX is essentially the same thing as 'Boris FX' which is licensed to be used with Avid Media Composer.
- Title Tool
- Audio Workspace4:41Author Notes:
This video lesson focuses on configuring an audio workspace so you can easily work with audio within Avid Media Composer.
Key fundamentals in this lesson include:- Creating new audio tracks (Command U will add a new audio track.)
- Configuring the audio workspace
- Adjusting the size of Audio Tracks
- Turning on the audio gain displays within a sequence
- Saving a timeline view
- Linking an audio workspace to a timeline view
- Audio Mixer5:10Author Notes:
This video lesson covers the basic fundamentals of using the audio mixer tool to adjust audio levels within Avid Media Composer.
Key concepts in this lesson include:- Adjusting audio levels within the Audio Mixer Tool
- Linking audio mixer channels together
- Copying level adjustments to other clip segments
- Ramping up/down audio levels
- Adding multiple audio cross fades between clip segments
- Audio Mixing Shortcuts2:15
Author Notes:
You must have a minimum of Media Composer Version 7 in order to adjust volume sliders directly within a clip segment.This lesson will also demonstrate how to much a menu function to a shortcut key. So for example, you could map the Audio Waveform functional to 'Shift W'.
- Audio Keyframing4:53Author Notes:
The video lesson focuses on using audio keyframes within Avid Media Composer.
Key concepts covered in this video lesson are:- Adding keyframes to adjust audio levels
- Adjusting the position of keyframes
If you don't have one of those fancy Avid Video Editing Keyboards , the keyframe button is mapped to the comma key.
Otherwise, I recommend that you map the add-keyframe button to an empty tool palette location by using the command palette.
Please note: If you have a version of Media Composer that is earlier than 6.5, this lesson may not be relevant.
If you have a previous version of Avid Media Composer please note:- You cannot move multiple keyframes (left/right). You can only move one keyframe at a time.
- When deleting a keyframe, you do not need to select it, just make sure the sequence track indicator is turned on, and make sure the position indicator is parked over the audio keyframe. Then press the delete key.
- To delete multiple keyframes - mark in-out points around the keyframes you want to delete. Make sure the sequence track indicators are turned on for those tracks. Then press the delete key.
- To move a section of keyframes up/down, mark in-out points around the keyframes you want to delete. Make sure the sequence track indicators are turned on for those tracks. Then press the delete key.
- RTAS Filters4:32
Author Notes:
The video lesson covers the basic fundamentals of using the RTAS (Real Time Audio Suite) filters within Avid Media Composer.
Key concepts covered in this lesson include:
- Using the Solo / Mute buttons within audio tracks
- Applying a RTAS filter to a track
- Looping an area of the timeline while adjusting a RTAS filter
- Inserting an additional audio track
Note: It's important to remember that when using a RTAS filter, the audio filter will affect the entire track. If you need to apply a filter to an individual clip segment you have two options.
- Create a separate track for a single clip segment.
- Use a standard Audio Suite Filter (covered in the next video lesson)
- Audio Suite Plugins - Speed Ramp Motion Effect3:27Author Notes:
This video lesson incorporates a couple of concepts in order to demonstrate how you would use an Audio Suite filter.
Key concepts in this lesson include:- Using the Timewarp - Trim to Fill effect
- Applying an Audio Suite Filter - Time Shift effect to a clip segment
It's important to note a few limitations of using audiosuiite filters:
- You can only apply 1 audio suite filter per clip segment.
- You cannot preview a video clip in real-time while adjusting an audiosuite filter
- Audio Suite Filters must always be rendered to hear the final result
- Audio Editing
- Basic Effects2:48Author Notes:
This video lesson covers the basic fundamentals of applying a video filter to a clip segment.
Important concepts covered in this lesson include:- Applying a video filter to a clip segment
- Adjusting parameters of an effect filter
- How to remove an effect
- Applying a video transition
- Picture in Picture4:07Author Notes:
This video lesson covers the basic fundamentals of creating a picture-in-picture effect.
Important concepts covered in this lesson include:- Creating a basic Picture in Picture Effect
- Adjusting the parameters of a picture- in-picture effect using the wireframe within the composer window.
- Nesting an effect within a picture-in-picture
When adjusting a picture in picture within the composer window, it's important that you keep the playhead indicator parked over the pink keyframe. Otherwise, you may accidentally create unwanted additional keyframes.
If you need slide a keyframe within the composer window, hold down the alt key and you will be able to drag the keyframe to the left or right.
- Keyframing Graphics3:47Author Notes:
The video lesson covers the basic fundamentals of animating a graphic within Avid Media Composer.
Key concepts in this lesson include:- Importing a graphic with an Alpha Channel
- Adding keyframes to animate a graphic
- Adjusting effect parameters within the effect editor window
- Sliding keyframes by holding down the alt key.
- Lightning Strike Effect1:55
Author Notes:
Learn the basics of applying an effects filter to create a lightning bolt strike.
- Light Rays through a Title1:28Author Notes:
This video lesson demonstrates how to use a Boris Continuum filter on text created within Avid Media Composer.
Important Concepts in this lesson include:- Building a title in Media Composer
- Using the Rays Puffy Filter from the BBC Category
- Adjusting the parameters of the Rays Puffy Filter to 'Apply to Title-Matte"
- Creating keyframes for the light rays
Note: The most recent version of Avid Media Composer no long ships with BCC (Boris Continuum). However, many previous retail version of Avid Media Composer did ship with BCC.
If you own Avid Symphony, the most recent version still ships with BBC.
If you'd like to follow along, but do know have a BCC license, you can download a 15 day trial version by visiting BorisFX.com and clicking on the free trial button.
- Wind Blur Effect3:08Author Notes:
This video lesson will walk you through creating a customized wind blur effect.
Key concepts in this lesson include:- Creating an area of filler for an effect
- Using the paint effect to blur an image
- Keyframing a paint effect to create a transition
- Correcting a Color Cast - Spectra Matte Effect2:24
Author Notes:
This is a fantastic lesson that demonstrates how to correct a color cast problem when working with multiple cameras.
Important concepts that are covered in this lesson include:
- Using the Add-Edit Function
- Copying and Pasting a Clip Segment to a Different Layer
- Using the Color Correction Effect
- Using the Spectra Matte Effect
*This lesson has a downloadable QuickTime file within the module so you can follow along.
- Using Blending Modes2:25
Learn how to use FREE plugins to add REAL-TIME blending modes.
- Pleasantville Effect2:11Author Notes:
This video lesson will walk you through the basics of creating the 'Pleasantville Effect'
Key concepts covered in this lesson include:- Using a color effect to create a black/white clip segment
- Using the Spectra Matte effect to key out a color
- Inverting a Key
- Using a color effect to create a black/white clip segment
- Video Effects
- Flying Characters2:11Author Notes:
This video lesson demonstrates how to animated individual characters (glyphs) within a text object.
Important concepts in this lesson include:- How to select individual characters (glyphs) within a text object
- Turning on the animation mode function
- Adding keyframes for individual glyphs
- Utilizing the the rotate tool
- Rotating Glyphs3:24Author Notes:
This video lesson also focuses on animating individual characters (glyphs) within a text object.
Important concepts in this lesson include:- Animating individual glpyhs
- Working with individual tracks for each glyph
- Offs-setting tracks for glyphs to create a type-on effect
- Animating individual glpyhs
- Light Edges1:46Author Notes:
The video lesson covers the basics of animating a light within the Avid Marquee title tool.
Important concepts covered in this lesson include:- Creating an edge for a text object
- Creating an additional light source
- Changing a light into a spot light
- Animating a light
- Creating an edge for a text object
- Liight Graphs3:26Author Notes:
This video lesson covers the basic fundamentals displaying and working with a light graph in the timeline window.
Important concepts in this lesson include:- Display the light graph within the timeline window
- Adjusting keyframes for a light object
- Adjusting light parameters within the Light Properties window
- Blur Title Effect2:34Author Notes:
The video lesson covers the basic fundamentals of creating a lower third title the blurs onto the screen.
Important concepts in this lesson include:- Creating a title blur using a drop shadow
- Animating the kerning parameter
Note: Since there isn't a method within Marquee to blur characters, you can perform a trick by creating a soft drop shadow that matches the color of the title object that you want.
- Auto Titler2:20Author Notes:
This video lesson covers the steps of using the auto-titler within Avid Marquee.
The auto titler function is a fantastic way to save time, having having Marquee automatically generate and render titles for you based on a template. If you have a long format show that requires a lot of lower thirds, pay close attention to this video lesson.
Key concepts in this lesson include:- Building a title template with multiple objects
- Renaming object layers to (text 1, text 2, ect.)
- Importing a .txt file for auto-titler
- Saving multiple titles to a bin
In order for the auto tilter function to work, the text file must be a plain .txt file.
- Marquee DVE Effect3:13Author Notes:
This video lesson covers the basics of creating a DVE (Digital Video Effect) within Avid Marquee
Important concepts covered in this lesson include:- Importing a still image into Marquee
- Promoting a still into into a DVE object
- Adjusting DVE parameters for an object
- Creating an animation using DVE controls
Note: DVE objects can only be created from still images.
- Text on a Path1:10Author Notes:
This video lesson covers the basic fundamentals of adding and animating text on a path.
Key concepts covered in this lesson include:- Creating a path using the shape tool
- Converting a shape to a path object
- Changing the motion parameters of a path from static to crawl.
- Giant Crawling Title1:56Author Notes:
This video lesson will walk you through the process of creating a giant crawling title that appears like glass.
Key concepts covered in this lesson include:- Creating a giant sized text object
- Animating the text object
- Adding a beveled edge to the text object
- Removing the fill from a text object
- Video Inside Text Characters3:14Author Notes:
This video lesson is an advanced lesson that will walk you through the steps of putting moving video into each character of a giant crawling title.
Key concepts covered in this lesson are:- Creating a giant crawling title
- Saving each individual letter of a crawl into Avid Media Composer
- Replacing the fill of each letter using Avid Media Composer
- 3D Layers3:32Author Notes:
This video lesson demonstrates the difference between 2D and 3D object layers in Marquee
Key concepts in this lesson include:- Creating an object
- Changing an object layer from 2D to 3D
- Animating a 3D object
Note: In Marquee, the default layer type for an object is always 2D. This is done to enhance real-time play back within the Marquee software. Object's may still appear that they are in 3D, but they will exist in separate planes.
If you need all your object's to exist in a single 3D plane, then you will need to convert your layers to 3D. This is done by right clicking on a layer within the layers property window, and choosing 3D for the layer type.
- Marquee Title Tool
Requirements
- A licensed copy of Avid Media Composer (version 7.0 or higher is preferred)
- Optional: A licensed copy of Photoshop
- Optional: A licensed copy of Avid FX and Boris Continuum
Description
This training class provides the critical fundamentals of learning Avid Media Composer from the ground-up.
PLEASE NOTE: The Main Avid Media Composer interface has been been recently updated! This training series is based on the 'older' version that is still being used by Hollywood, and 90% of most Avid users.
There are some additional videos that I will continue to upload to explain the interface change(s). I estimate it will take a year to two for the industry to slowly adapt to the new interface.
It is recommended that you have a recent version of Avid Media Composer installed before taking this course. Avid offers a 30 day fully functional trial if you do not own an active license. This course is NOT compatible with Avid First. You must have a fully functional FULL TRIAL or LICENSED version of Avid Media Composer.
This training represents a culmination of 25 years experience of using Avid Media Composer. Each lesson has been methodically scripted and presents specific concepts at an easy to learn pace.
Practice media is provided so you can follow along.
Special rights to use REAL movie footage from the short-film Legacy.
Support is provided via 'Udemy's' Question/Answer forum.
Quizzes after each section to help you review critical concepts.
Special lecture descriptions are available for each lesson to enhance the instruction.
Extra bonus lessons on specific Media Composer effects are available.
* There are a few bonus lessons that require Avid FX, and Boris Continuum. Depending on the version of Avid Media Composer that you are running you may not have these third party plug-ins. This online training does not require these plug-ins, but if you have access to them, please enjoy the free bonus lessons.
* If are you are Mac User, you will not have access to the traditional title cool, or Marquee.
We also offer an option to become an Avid Media Composer Certified Specialist. Please contact us if your are interested in becoming Avid Certified.
You can always contact us 24/7 at 866-566-1881, and we will return your call.
Who this course is for:
- This training focuses on editing techniques from the ground up. It is intended for those who are new to Avid Media Composer.
- Intermediate to Advanced users may find some lessons that will enhance their current workflows and save them time.