Using 'Blending Modes' you can create your own visual effects and filters. For example, let's see how to create the so-called Ghost Effect.

Add a video where you'd like to apply a Ghost Effect. To make it perfectly fit the scene, select "Yes" in the "Stretch Video" option.

Tip: To make a video perfectly fit the scene size, add a video using the Import Content option

With the ghost effect, an object obtains several contours of different types and colors. To achieve this effect, we need to add as many identical video layers as the number of contours we want for our object.

All added videos should be exactly the same size. For this reason, we recommend making a duplicate of every inserted video. Right-click the original video on the scene and select the "Duplicate" option. The duplicated layer will instantly appear on the timeline.

Now comes the most interesting part: we're going to apply a blending mode to one of our video layers. Double-click the layer you want to apply a filter to (on the timeline) and select the "Rectangle" tool.

Place the rectangle over the entire scene

Tip: Choose a rectangle with no borders and filled with color (third type):

Go to the "Properties" window and choose a color for your rectangle.

To change the blending mode type, select the appropriate blending type in the "Composition mode" tab.

To make the ghost effect more impressive, let's add one more layer (contour). Go to the main scene, make a duplicate of the blended layer and stretch it to match the scene size.

Double-click the duplicated layer and change the color of the rectangle. (Why do we have a rectangle here? That's simple – we made a duplicate of the blended layer where we previously added a rectangle)

Tip: Try using contrasting colors for different layers to achieve the best effect

Select one of the blending modes from the "Composition mode" menu on the timeline:

To make our blended layers more phantom-like, let's adjust their transparency. Double-click one of the blended layers and decrease the opacity of the rectangle.

Now let's shift our blended layers to achieve a multi-contour effect for the main video. Go to the main scene and change layer positions by dragging and dropping layers with the mouse.

Tip: Vary blending modes and opacity on the main scene to achieve the best result.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a blending mode?

A blending mode is a special effect that determines how the colors of an object on the top layer will interact (blend) with the colors of an object on the bottom layer. Without a blending mode the object on the top layer would simply cover the object beneath it.
For clarity, consider an example with paints: we draw a yellow sun, then we draw a blue sky over the sun. With a blending mode the yellow paint of the sun will mix with the blue paint of the sky. As a result, the sun will become green. Without a blending mode the blue sky would simply cover the yellow sun, and the sun would not be visible.

2. What is the difference between Opacity and Blending Mode?

The Opacity parameter is used when you need to make an object on the scene transparent or semi-transparent. In this case the colors of the transparent object and the object visible through it do not interact in any way.
Blending Mode is used when you need the colors of objects to interact with each other, creating a new color or effect in the process. It's less about transparency and more about the mixing of colors between layers.

3. Where exactly is the blending mode in VSDC?

To find the blending mode and apply it to an object (layer), please follow these steps:
Option 1: For an object
- Select the object on the timeline to which you want to apply the mode.
- Go to the properties window of this object and find the "Composition mode" parameter.
- Set the "Composition mode" parameter to the desired value.
Option 2: For a layer
- Locate the "Composition Mode" parameter for the desired layer on the timeline. By default, it is set to "Blend".
- Left-click on the arrow next to "Blend" to open the drop-down menu.
- Select the desired option in the drop-down menu.

4. I applied a blending mode, but nothing changed. Why?

Blending modes only work when objects overlap. If your object is on an empty or transparent background, you won't see the effect. Make sure there is another layer with video or image beneath your object.

When we talk about VSDC, we like to describe it as a professional-level video editing software. Partly because of the non-linear video editing technique it allows for using, and partly because of its mighty feature-set (have you checked our color correction tools yet? Masking? Animation?).

On the other hand, before you jump into exploring all these fancy video editing tricks, you’ll need to get familiar with the basics. Especially if you’ve never worked with a non-linear video editor before. And that’s exactly what we’ll cover below. We’ll show you how to perform the most essential basic actions in VSDC: cutting, cropping, rotating, and more. So, prepare yourself a large mug of coffee (or whatever helps you stay focused), sit back, and launch VSDC on your PC to practice new skills right away.

By the way, we encourage you to always make sure you’ve installed the latest version of VSDC from our official website. Here is where you can do it.

How to import a video to VSDC

There are several ways to import files to VSDC. First, you can use the “Import content” icon on the start screen when you launch the program (illustrated above). This is an optimal way because VSDC will automatically detect all the parameters of your video and adjust the project parameters accordingly. After you choose a file on your PC, a window will pop up asking whether you’d like to change resolution, framerate, or other parameters. Once ready, hit “Finish”.

You can also add files to your project in real-time while working on it. To do it, use the dedicated “Add object” buttons located at the top and on the left-hand side of the program menu - see the illustration below. Note that when you add a new file this way, a window pops up to confirm object’s position settings and layer’s position. The latter allows you to choose whether the file should be added as a new layer or placed on the current one.

If you select “Add a new layer”, the new layer will be added at the very top. The “Insert new layer” option will add one right below the selected layer.

Finally, you can use hotkeys:

• Shift + I – to add an image
• Shift + A – to add an audio file
• Shift +V – to add a video

Each time you select a file on your computer, it’s automatically placed on the timeline. Keep in mind that you can have files on the same layer (linear sequence) or on different layers (non-linear sequence). Still feeling a bit confused? Check out this video tutorial to get a hang of VSDC timeline.

How to cut, split, crop, and rotate a video in VSDC

The reason these features are united in one chapter – they all are available in the same quick-access menu. It’s located at the top of the program interface and called “Cutting and Splitting tools” – see the illustration below.

The first icon is an image of scissors – the cutting tool. It’s especially convenient when you need to trim the beginning of a video or its ending. Place the cursor precisely where you need to make a cut, open the dropdown cutting menu (the little triangle near the scissors icon) and choose “Trim start” or “Trim end”.

Now, if you need to split a video into parts, use the next icon – the one looking like a razor. Keep in mind, that when you need to delete a fragment, you should first click anywhere on the timeline to remove the selection from the entire file (otherwise you’ll delete the file entirely) and then select the fragment you want to get rid of. A very detailed guide on splitting videos into parts in VSDC is published here.

Cropping is quite easy too. If you have recorded too much extra space around the scene object, just click on the file you need to crop and use the cropping icon from the “Cutting and Splitting” menu. A new window will pop up where you’ll be able to select the area that should remain in the scene. Check out this tutorial on cropping borders of a video if you need further guidance.

Finally, the quick access menu includes two icons allowing you to rotate your footage 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise. This feature is quite intuitive: click on the file you need to rotate and choose the required direction. If your project requires custom angle rotation, check out this detailed instruction.

How to apply effects and transitions in VSDC

VSDC allows for creating dozens of eye-catching video effects. Some of them are applied in one click and require no experience. They are located on the “Video effects” tab at the top ribbon menu and include quick Instagram-style filters, basic color adjustments, transitions, transformational and transparency effects.

To apply one, select the video file you want to modify, go to the Video effects tab and choose the necessary effect. A new tab will be created on the timeline – it will contain all the effects applied to the selected object. There, you’ll be able to change the effect duration and its position timewise by dragging it with the mouse. Other parameters can be configured in the properties window located on the right-hand side.

The same rule applies to transitions. Place a cursor exactly where the transition should start, select the transition from the Video effects dropdown menu, and adjust its duration manually.

How to mute a video in VSDC

If you need to shut down the sound of a video completely, the easiest way is the following:

• Click on the video file with a right mouse button
• From the menu, select “Properties”
• Go to the Properties window on the right-hand side
• Scroll down and find “Audio track”
• Select “Don’t use audio”

Alternatively, you can use the button “Split to video and audio” (also located on the Properties window) and once the audio track is separated on the timeline, just delete it.

How to add a text to a video or an image in VSDC

VSDC offers a full-featured built-in text editor. It allows you to create beautiful titles and text-related effects. To add a text object in VSDC, go to the left-hand side of the program interface and hit the “T” icon. Select “Text” and place the cursor on the scene to specify title location. Then type your text and adjust its size, style, and color using the upper menu as you would do in a regular text editor.

Again, you can use the dragging motion and the Properties window to change the duration and other parameters of your text object. Here is a very detailed how-to guide on working with text in VSDC.

How to export a video in VSDC

Before exporting your video, make sure everything looks exactly the way you want. Use the red preview button and lower the preview quality if the video appears choppy. Lagging sometimes happens when the resources of the PC aren’t enough to process the video in real-time. Keep in mind, it doesn’t affect the outcome in any way.

Once ready, go to the Export project tab and choose the output format. For your convenience, there are a few pre-configured export profiles available. Their settings are based on how you’re planning to use the video. For instance, if you want to upload it to YouTube, select “Web – For YouTube”. The output file is typically saved in the “C:\Users\Owner\Videos\” folder unless indicated differently. If you’d like to change the location, you can do that by clicking the “Change name” button (located right below the preview window).

Hit the red “Export project” button at the top of the menu and wait until the conversion process is over. If you see a Pro version upgrade popup, and you aren’t ready to upgrade, simply hit the Continue button at the bottom right corner.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if the video lags during playback in the preview? Will this affect my video after export?

No, this will not affect the final video in any way. The lag only indicates that the computer lacks the resources to process such a large amount of information quickly. However, it does not affect the quality of the saved video.
If you are experiencing choppy playback, try the following solutions to improve performance:

Method 1: Lower the preview quality
Find the eye icon on the panel above the timeline. Next to it, the current preview quality is displayed, for example, 720p. Click on the arrow next to this value and in the menu that opens select an option with a lower resolution (for example, 360p).

Method 2: Enable Fast Preview Mode
This mode provides continuous playback by dropping frames, which may result in less smooth video but will prevent sudden stuttering.
To activate it, go to "Options" in the upper right corner of the video editor, select the "Player Options" section and set an appropriate value for the "Skip frames in the player" parameter.

Method 3: Create Proxy Files (Optimal for 4K and Resource-Intensive Footage)
If the first two methods didn't help solve the problem, the most effective solution is to use proxy files. These are lightweight copies of your original videos in low resolution, which are much more comfortable to work with during video editing. You don't need to worry about the quality of the final video: when you export the project, the program will automatically use the original quality of the files.

To start working with proxies, please follow these steps:

1. Go to "Options" and in the "Proxy Options" section, select a suitable lower resolution for the "Proxy for preview" parameter.
2. Then in the "Resources window" right-click on the desired video file and select the "Generate proxy media" option. Wait for the process to complete.
3. After creating the proxy files, activate their use. On the panel above the timeline find and enable the very first option, "Show proxy files" (it is located to the left of the eye icon).

Now the lightweight version will be used for preview.

2. Why when adding files to the timeline one video ends up above another?

This happens because VSDC automatically places files on new layers if the previous layer is already occupied at that point on the timeline. If you need to place files on the same layer, simply drag and drop the desired video to the desired location by holding down the left mouse button.

3. I've deleted a part of the video, and a gap has formed between the remaining clips on the timeline. How do I shift them together?

To join the remaining parts of the video on the timeline layer, you can use one of two methods:
The first method is manual. Hold down the left mouse button on the third clip and drag it close to the first one.
The second method is automatic. Select all the clips on the layer that should follow sequentially. Then on the panel above the timeline find and click the icon for the "Remove gaps" option. The program will automatically shift the fragments together.

4. How to precisely find the moment to cut a video? Using the timeline slider doesn't let you land on the exact frame.

Use the arrow keys on your keyboard. Position the timeline slider roughly where you need it, then move frame by frame using the left arrow for one frame back and right arrow for one frame forward. This method allows for precise positioning on the timeline.

5. Does the "Split into parts" tool cut videos on all timeline layers at once? What if I need to cut only one object on a specific layer?

This tool is applied only to those objects that are selected on the timeline. Before using it, make sure you have selected the desired object and set the timeline slider to the split point. In this case only the selected layer will be processed and the others will remain untouched.

This rule applies to all tools: to perform any action, the objects you are working with must be pre-selected on the timeline.

Looking forward to learning more about VSDC capabilities?

Check out our How-to section, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and follow our Facebook page for the latest updates, tips and tricks.

It happens to everybody: wrong camera angle while shooting a video. Neither smartphone users, nor action camera owners are immune to that. And if you’re looking for a way to rotate a video right now, you probably know the feeling.

In this quick tutorial, we’ll show you how to fix the little slip-up and perform video rotation on a Windows PC. We’ll also show you how to rotate a video at custom angles and how to make a video rotate while playing.

To recreate all that on your footage, you’ll need to download VSDC Free Video Editor first. VSDC is a mighty program to have if you happen to work with videos often because it includes a versatile feature-set amateur shooters and experienced users will benefit from.

Download VSDC Free Video Editor

How to rotate a video at 90 degrees

So. VSDC offers two options: a standard video rotation – with 90-degree increments clockwise and counterclockwise – and a video rotation at custom angles. Let’s start with the first one.

Open a video or an image file in the program. While having it selected on the timeline, click one of the corresponding “Rotate” buttons in the top “Cutting and Splitting” toolset menu. These buttons allow you to rotate the entire file 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise.

Custom angle video rotation

Sometimes you need to rotate a video at a particular angle, whether it’s to align a scene or to achieve the desired effect of a titled video. Here is how to do it in VSDC:

1. Add a video to the scene.
2. Go to Video Effects, proceed to Transforms and choose Rotate.
3. In the popup window, there will be “Whole parent duration” already selected. Just click OK.
4. A new tab will appear on the timeline with the “Rotate” effect placed on it.
5. Click on it with the right mouse button and select Properties.
6. In the Properties window, scroll down to “Rotate angles” and choose the desired angle as illustrated below.

How to make a video rotate at a particular moment in time

If you want to make your video rotate at a chosen angle while playing, use the Rotation effect:

1. Place the cursor on the timeline exactly at the point where the rotation should happen.
2. Go to the Video Effects tab and select Transforms > Rotate.
3. When you see a popup window asking you to set the object position, select “From cursor position”.
4. Go to the Properties window to select the rotation angle just like we did in the previous example.

Now the video will rotate automatically while playing at the moment you’ve chosen.

How to apply the advanced video rotation effect  

Finally, in VSDC, you can apply an advanced rotation effect to your video, so that it will be continuously rotating around a single point in any direction.

Again, you’ll need to apply the “Rotate” effect from the Video Effects tab and open the Properties window. In the properties window, click on the “…” button next to the “Rotate angles” field. A new tab will be opened on the timeline. called “Rotate angles”. That’s where you’ll be able to adjust the rotation trajectory and chose whether rotation will go clockwise or counterclockwise.

Now, select the trajectory type – it’s a small icon between “Rotate angles” and the “…” button. On the working area, you’ll see a line – that’s the trajectory. To modify it, set new trajectory points by double-clicking above or below the line. You can click any of the existing points and drag them to appropriate positions. To delete the unnecessary points, use the “Remove” button on the toolbar.

Use the “Preview” button to see the result of your editing and adjust the effect as you go.

Now that you know how to rotate a video, here are three other video editing tricks you can perform in VSDC:

• How to crop video borders
• How to fix a vertical video
• How to create a picture-in-picture effect

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and message us on Facebook if you have any questions!

While creating a video presentation or a business slideshow you may need to compare or analyse some information. The best way to ease the understanding of large volume of data is to represent it graphically. The latest version of VSDC Free Video Editor offers this option providing you with a wide array of charts. Let’s see how it works.

Step 1 Getting started

Launch VSDC Free Video Editor and create a new Project or open the Project you have already worked at. To add video or image files to your Project, select the necessary element from the “Add object” drop-down menu on the “Editor” tab or use the corresponding buttons on the toolbar.

Step 2 Adding a chart

The chart is added to the timeline as a common object. Place the cursor at the moment you want your Chart to appear in the video and click the  button on the toolbar. Later you can change the Chart position adjusting the “Object position settings”  or simply using the drag-and-drop method.

You can also adjust the Chart size so that it fills the entire screen or just a part of it. To do that, select the chart object, place the mouse cursor at one of the black squares and move it. It’s also possible to modify the Chart size changing the “Width” and “Height” values in the “Properties window” on the right. This window shows all the available parameters for customization.

Step 3 Adding data

The chart feature of VSDC Free Video Editor is very powerful. It allows you to represent numeric data graphically.

Double click the chart object at the timeline to open the Diagram properties and change them in the “Properties window”. One chart can contain several diagrams. To add one, click the  button on the toolbar and select the “Diagram” option from the drop-down menu.

To enter your own data, double click the Diagram object at the timeline. The Series object will appear.

Change its settings, specify Argument, Value and Color of each Point or set your own values. You can change the Value manually clicking the appropriate button and entering necessary numbers or you can import data from Excel clicking the Set values button and selecting the corresponding option.

The parameter of each value can be constant or linear changing in time. Click the corresponding button, select the needed parameter and double click the timeline to set points.

Here you can also customize the graph according to your needs. Click the Style line and select the graph style from the drop-down menu. The available styles are: Bar, Point, Bubble, Line, Pie, Gantt, Pyramid, Area and others.

The same way you’ve added more Diagrams, you can add Series as many as you need.

Thanks to the chart tool added to VSDC Free Video Editor, it’s possible to provide a video presentation with a graph helping viewers perceive information, in other words, to make the complex simple!