Have you ever captured great footage, only to find it ruined by shakiness? Shakiness in videos can be caused by many things when using handheld devices like smartphones or GoPro cameras when you don’t have a portable stabilizer to set your camera on during recording. That’s why VSDC's Stabilization tool is here to rescue your videos from unwanted jitters. It allows you to remove the effect of camera shake from captured videos, transforming shaky shots into polished, professional-quality content.

The stabilization process involves examining the shaky footage and making frame-by-frame adjustments. This may include cropping the edges, rotating or shifting frames, and using advanced algorithms. The outcome is a smoother, stable video that's visually appealing. Continue reading to learn about this useful tool and watch our video tutorial to see everything with your own eyes.

Getting started

First, launch VSDC and navigate to the Tools tab on the Ribbon command bar in VSDC and select Video stabilization. Please, note that this is an advanced feature and is only available to PRO users.

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After selecting Video stabilization, a pop-up window will appear warning you that the stabilization tool does not have a real-time preview. This means that the effects of the settings you apply will only be visible after you export your video. Click OK to start working with the tool.

To get started, you need to add your footage. Use one of the following options above the Source files panel:

• Open files: Use it to select one or multiple files from your computer. Note, that if you already added files to the Source panel, this option will delete them and replace them with the ones you select.
• Add files: Use it to add files to previously added items.
• Add folder: Use it to add all files from the selected folder.
• Add DVD: Use it to add files from a DVD or from an HDD.

If you made a mistake in file selection or want to remove the entire list, use the options Close files or Close all files. To access information about the properties of a specific file in the Source files pane, use the File's information option on the same panel.

Adjust stabilization settings

Stabilization settings are located on the upper toolbar of the video stabilization window. In the Stabilization tab you can smoothen the video and ensure the most optimal stabilization result. Let’s review it in more detail.

Shakiness

Shakiness setting controls how much the video stabilizer corrects the shakiness in your video. Imagine, you’re recording holding the camera in your hands or moving quickly, and the video looks shaky or unsteady. This setting will help to make it smoother.

This is how it works:

• You can select the value of shakiness correction from 1 to 10.
• If you set it to a minimum, the stabilization will be gentle. It’ll fix some shakes but still keep some of the original movement. It will result in a more natural look of the video like in a documentary.
• If you set the value to 10, the stabilization will be strong enough to fix even really strong shakes. This option is great for a video with much action or movement.
• The default value is 5. If you set it like this, it will smoothen the shakes but still keep some natural motion. It’s a good starting point for most videos.

Accuracy

The Accuracy setting controls how carefully the video stabilizer looks for shaky movements in your video.

This is how it works:

• You can set the value of accuracy from 1 to 15.
• If you set the value to a minimum, the stabilizer will operate faster but it may miss some shakes. It is suitable for videos where speed is essential and minor camera shakes can be tolerated.
• The default value is 15. If you keep it, the stabilizer will analyze the video very carefully and catch even tiny shakes. This will make your video look really smooth, but it might take longer to process. So, choose the value that matches your video's complexity and how perfect you want it to be.

Step Size

The Step Size setting determines the interval in pixels at which the video stabilizer scans the region for the best way to fix shaky footage.

This is how it works:

Smoothing

The Smoothing setting applies a denoise filter to the camera movements resulting in a smoother and more stable video output. This setting refers to the number of frames (forward and backward) used for filtering.

This is how it works:

Max Shift

The Max Shift setting determines by how many pixels the frames in the video can move to fix the shaky camera movement.

This is how it works:

Max Angle

The Max Angle setting determines how many degrees the frames in a video can be rotated to fix shaky camera movement.

This is how it works:

Contrast Threshold

The Contrast Threshold setting determines how noticeable objects should be in the frame for the stabilizer to catch it and fix it. This parameter sets the contrast threshold that the program takes into analysis during the stabilization process.

This is how it works:

Zoom

The Zoom setting specifies by how many percent the image will be enlarged or reduced during stabilization. This means you can either zoom in (make things bigger) or zoom out (make things smaller) in the video. The Zoom effect can be cool for focusing on details or creating a specific look.

This is how it works:

Zoom Speed

The Zoom Speed setting controls how fast the zoom changes from frame to frame during stabilization. This option helps you control how quickly the video zooms in or out from one frame to the next. It's great for making engaging and dynamic videos.

This is how it works:

Optimal Zoom

The Optimal Zoom setting controls how the video stabilization handles zooming to avoid empty borders.

The following options are available:

It's important to note that the Optimal Zoom value interacts with the Zoom parameter, where the value set for Zoom is added to the optimal zoom value determined by this setting.

Smooth Zoom

The Smooth Zoom setting controls how zoom adjustments are handled.

The following options are available:

Interpolation

The Interpolation setting allows you to specify the type of interpolation used during the video stabilization process. Interpolation is a crucial aspect of video stabilization, determining how frame adjustments are made to reduce jerky motion and ensure seamless transitions between frames.

The following options are available:

Camera

The Camera setting allows you to choose the algorithm to optimize the camera movement to reach a smoother video representation.

The following options are available:

Crop

The Crop setting allows you to define how to handle empty frame borders or gaps formed during stabilization.

The following options are available:

Invert

The Invert setting determines how the position of the pixel in the image will be adjusted during stabilization. There are 2 options: based on the previous frame and based on the next frame.

The following options are available:

Relative

The Relative setting lets you choose whether to adjust frames based on their differences from the previous frame or independently without considering the previous frame.

The following options are available:

Motion

When you're fixing a shaky video, you need to know how the camera moved overall in each frame. This is called "global motion." The "Motion" setting lets you choose how to figure out this movement. There are two choices:

The following options are available:

That’s it! Now you are ready to proceed to the next step and see the result. In case you want to reset all settings to default values, simply click the Reset to defaults button next to the Export project button.

Preview and Partial Video Export

As we’ve already mentioned, the stabilization tool does not have a real-time preview. This means that the effects of the settings you apply will only be visible after you export the stabilized video. Therefore, if you are satisfied with your current settings adjustments, you can proceed to exporting by clicking on the Export project button right in the stabilization window.

However, if your video is lengthy, and you would like to assess the impact of the applied settings before exporting the entire file, you have the option to export only a shorter segment of your video. To do this, navigate to the Editor tab located on the right to the stabilization window. Here, you can use the cutting and splitting tools available to shorten your video and focus on specific sections. To learn more about cutting and splitting tools, we recommend you to watch our video tutorial.

Wrapping up

In the world of video creation, shaky footage can be a real downer, but with VSDC's Stabilization tool in your arsenal, those worries are a thing of the past. By offering a range of powerful settings that cater to your specific needs, VSDC empowers you to transform amateur videos into professional-looking masterpieces.

Whether you're a content creator sharing memories, a social media enthusiast, or a professional working on important projects, the Stabilization tool enhances your videos' quality and elevates the viewing experience. Remember, while mastering the tool might take a bit of practice, the results will undoubtedly speak for themselves. So go ahead, dive into the world of smooth, polished videos, and unlock the full potential of your creative vision with VSDC's Stabilization tool. Happy editing!

Boost your productivity and enhance editing efficiency with our extensive collection of keyboard shortcuts tailored for VSDC Free Video Editor. Download the convenient PDF file and swiftly navigate through various features and commands, streamlining your workflow and elevating your video editing skills to new heights!

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Additionally, VSDC Free Video Editor allows you to customize your desired hotkeys. To do so, simply access the Options menu and navigate to the Keyboard Shortcuts tab.

In this section, you will discover the available keyboard shortcuts in the editor and learn how to reassign them or create your own combinations. The first field, Keyboard Scheme, is designed for users transitioning from different video editing software. You'll find four pre-defined keyboard shortcut schemes there: Default, Adobe Premier, Filmora, and HitFilm.

A comprehensive list of all available hotkeys can be found in a table at the center of this window. To quickly find the desired keyboard shortcut, use the Shortcuts filter option.

Selecting any command from the table will display its assigned hotkey in the Shortcut for selected commands field. If necessary, you can remove the assigned hotkey using the option of the same name or reassign it in the Press shortcut keys field.

Be cautious that if the new combination is already being used by another action, you will receive a warning in the Shortcut currently used by field.

If you wish to reset the keyboard shortcuts to their default settings, simply click the Reset button next to the Keyboard scheme.

To make this process even more accessible, we have provided a helpful video below, illustrating the entire customization process.

In today's digital landscape, watermarks and logos serve as both protective measures against unauthorized use and symbols of brand identity. Yet, there are legitimate circumstances for removing watermarks and hiding logos from a video, whether for aesthetic reasons, content reusability or to avoid native advertising. So, as you see, knowing how to efficiently eliminate or conceal watermarks becomes essential, and VSDC Free Video Editor emerges as a powerful tool in this domain. This article provides solutions on how to effectively tackle these marks using VSDC. Dive in to master this art and elevate your video editing skills!

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DeLogo Filter

Offered in the free version of VSDC, the DeLogo filter presents a straightforward approach to remove watermarks, obscure unwanted logos or other overlay graphics from videos. It can be applied the following way:

• Start by launching VSDC Free Video Editor. Click on the Blank project button to create your own project.
• Then choose a file in the file explorer, drag it to the scene and drop the mouse button. If you are new to VSDC and want to learn more about how to get started with VSDC, we advise you to watch our comprehensive video guide.
• To access the DeLogo filter, make sure your video file is selected on the timeline. Then head to the Video Effects tab located on the Ribbon, opt for Filters from the dropdown menu and choose the DeLogo option.
• After selecting an object, a pop-up window will emerge, allowing you to define the exact timing for when the effect should be visible and when it should disappear. As soon as you're satisfied with the configurations, click “Ok” to confirm changes. Then you'll observe a pixelated rectangle in the video's center. Simultaneously, DeLogo filter will appear on the timeline.

If the default settings aren't ideal:

1. Click on the DeLogo filter on the timeline and navigate to the Properties window on the right side of the scene. If it isn't immediately visible, right-click on the DeLogo filter and select Properties. In the Properties window you can adjust the size and position of the pixelated rectangle, ensuring it effectively covers the watermark or logo.
2. Within the settings, you have a choice of five presets: Pixelate, Box blur, Lens blur, Mosaic, and Gaussian blur. Choose one that best fits your needs.
3. Below, there's an option to adjust the intensity level to fine-tune the appearance.

Now the logo is covered by a blurred rectangle and successfully hidden from your video. If you are satisfied with the result, export your project. This way you can easily remove watermarks, logos, GPS details, vehicle registration numbers and more. So, you see that the DeLogo filter is quite handy, allowing for performing different tasks. But if you are looking for an even more refined appearance, Telea mode is your go-to.

Telea Mode

For those desiring a highly discreet and sophisticated watermark hiding technique, Telea mode is the answer. Unlike basic blurring or pixelation methods that might leave visible traces, the Telea method is based on an algorithm that fills in the unwanted region by analyzing and replicating the surrounding pixels, allowing for a more seamless and discreet removal. However, this feature requires an upgrade to VSDC Pro, which unlocks a world of advanced video editing capabilities. So, this is how to use the Telea mode:

• Again, start by uploading your video into VSDC Free Video Editor. To do this, follow the steps described above.
• Navigate to the vertical tab on the left of the scene and choose the Rectangle tool.
• Use this tool to craft a rectangle that matches the size of the object you wish to conceal, positioning it accordingly.
• Select the Rectangle on the timeline and navigate to the Blend menu on the left of the timeline.
• In the Blend menu find Advanced modes >> Telea inpaint in the drop-down menu and click on it. That’s it!

As a result, Telea mode has removed the watermark by replacing it with the existing parts of your video. So, the area's edges are almost invisible and a bit more subdued than with the DeLogo filter.

Please, note, that when you apply Telea mode in a video editor and launch the preview, you might notice a slowdown. It occurs because both the video and the mask are being processed simultaneously. To optimize the editing process and prevent such delays, we recommend you to convert the original video into a proxy format.

Wrapping up

Removing or hiding watermarks and logos can be a challenging task. VSDC Free Video Editor has proved to be an effective tool for this purpose. Whether you opt for the straightforward DeLogo filter or the more refined Telea Mode, it's crucial to use these instruments responsibly and ethically, always respecting the original content creators' rights and intellectual property.

As you continue your video editing journey, subscribe to VSDC YouTube channel to receive instant notifications about new tutorials published. And if you have any questions or need assistance, you can reach our support team via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through Facebook and Twitter.

How do you evaluate the accuracy of exposure? How do you determine if color correction is necessary? How do you identify overexposed or underexposed areas? Sometimes a mere visual assessment is insufficient to answer these questions and more.

In this article, we will delve into a powerful color analysis tool - histograms, which are accessible in the Free version of VSDC Video Editor. They enable you to objectively assess the color distribution within the frame and determine if color correction is required.

We will guide you through the process of working with this analytical tool to achieve your desired outcome.

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What is a histogram?

Histograms are visual graphs that display the pixel values of a frame, enabling the analysis of brightness, contrast levels, and color balance of an image. They provide objective information about the characteristics and deficiencies of the image, helping to determine if color correction is required.

In VSDC Video Editor, you can access histograms in the Scopes window, typically located in the bottom right corner of the software. If you don't see the window, navigate to the View tab in the upper part of the program and activate the corresponding option.

At the upper left corner of the Scopes window, you'll find a dropdown menu that allows you to select the object to be analyzed: the selected media file or the overall scene. To fix your selection, click on the selection field with the left mouse button, then with the right mouse button to confirm.

In the upper right corner, there's another dropdown menu offering four Scopes modes: Wave, Parade, RGB, and Vectorscope. Each mode provides information on the brightness and saturation of the pixels in the frame, with slight differences in representation and details.

Let's explore each mode in more detail.

Wave

By default, the Scopes window displays the Wave mode, which allows you to analyze the brightness and color values of the scene or selected object. When you place the cursor on a frame in the timeline, you can observe the characteristics of that frame represented as pixels in a waveform on the graph. It's important to note that each column on the graph corresponds to a column of pixels in the object.

The horizontal axis (X-axis) on the graph represents the distribution of color tones of the object from left to right. This means that the left side of the object corresponds to the left side of the graph, and the right side of the object corresponds to the right side of the graph.

The vertical axis (Y-axis) of the graph represents the brightness of color, ranging from 0% for black tones (shadows) to 100% for white tones (highlights).

Let's review several specific examples of using this mode:

1. Uneven brightness: If the graph shows a significant imbalance in the heights between the left and right sides, it may indicate an uneven distribution of brightness. In such cases, you can use the corresponding tools in the Basic Effects window above the Scopes to adjust the brightness or contrast levels and achieve a more balanced distribution.



2. High or low contrast: If the graph shows a narrow and high waveform, it may indicate a high contrast in the object, where bright and dark areas strongly contrast each other. In this situation, you may need to decrease the contrast or adjust it to achieve the desired level.



3. Lack of details in shadows or highlights: If the graph shows clipped peaks, it may indicate a loss of details in the shadows or highlights of the image. In this case, you can adjust the brightness and contrast to restore the details and create a more balanced image.

By default, the waveform displays RGB values (Red, Green, Blue) for each pixel. If you need to not only evaluate the brightness and contrast levels but also determine which color components predominate in each area, you can activate the RGB channels separately:

However, if you want to solely focus on the levels of brightness without being distracted by the color components of the object, you can switch to the Luma mode. This mode will display the histogram in black-and-white, showing only the relevant brightness characteristics.

Parade

The Parade mode is useful when you want to determine the predominant color (red, green, or blue) in the scene or object. In this mode, the color channels are displayed closely together without crossing. The horizontal axis (X-axis) represents the selected frame in pixels, with three miniature graphs for red, green, and blue colors respectively, maintaining their orientation. The vertical axis (Y-axis) represents the brightness of the color from dark to light.

By analyzing the graphs of each color channel, you can determine their respective predominance. If one color channel's graph has a higher peak or if the waveform is positioned higher on the graph, it indicates that there are more pixels of that color in the scene or object.

The Parade mode provides a detailed examination of color distribution. If you need to correct a specific color channel, we recommend using the RGB curves tool available in the Color Grading panel. Additionally, you can focus on a specific color by disabling the display of other channels using the corresponding buttons above the graph. This allows you to isolate and make adjustments to individual color channels as needed.

RGB

In RGB mode, the graph displays curves for the three color channels: Red, Green, and Blue. Unlike other modes that are linked to pixel columns of the frame, RGB mode provides tonal information about the object as a whole.

Each color curve is represented by a separate line, showing the distribution of brightness values in a color channel. The horizontal axis represents different levels of brightness, while the vertical axis displays the quantity of pixels at each level. The height and shape of the curves provide information about the predominant color channels and the distribution of brightness among them.

Here are a few examples to consider:

1. If the curve of one color channel is higher than the others, it indicates that the object contains more brightness in that particular color.



2. If the values on the graph in one or several color channels touch the X-axis, it suggests a loss of color hues. This means that the corresponding color components are absent or insufficient.



3. If the graph is shifted to the left, it indicates an underexposed image, where the brightness and details in the dark areas are not prominent enough.



4. If the graph is shifted to the right, it indicates an overexposed image, where the brightness and details in the light areas are lost.

By analyzing the RGB curves, you can gain valuable insights into the overall tonal distribution and make adjustments to achieve the desired color balance and exposure in your video.

Vectorscope

Vectorscope is a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing the color components of an object. It presents the hues and saturation levels of colors in a selected frame using a circular diagram divided into segments. Each segment represents a specific color, such as yellow, red, magenta, blue, and others, indicated by corresponding square brackets.

Each color segment on the vectorscope has a radius, representing the distance from the center of the diagram to the edge. The length of the radius indicates the saturation or intensity of the color value. A longer radius indicates higher saturation, while a shorter radius indicates lower saturation. For example, if the color value extends beyond the radius of the diagram, it means that the frame is oversaturated.

Above the vectorscope, you will find four options with additional functions:

1. Vectorscope modes: The first icon from the left allows you to select from three available display modes. The classic mode displays a vectorscope graph as a traditional circle diagram with indicators, providing a general idea of color distribution in a frame. The vector mode splits the diagram into sectors of different colors, allowing for a more detailed examination of color distribution and specific hues. The Hide graticule/vectors mode shows only the color values of the object on the vectorscope, hiding the sectors, circle, and indicators. This mode is useful when you want to focus solely on the color of the object.



2. Color borders: The second icon controls the display of color borders represented as square boxes. There are six of these boxes, and they indicate excessive saturation of the object.
3. Color mode: The third icon allows you to toggle the display of color in the graph. When activated, the diagram displays the color palette, illustrating the distribution of hues. When deactivated, the graph displays black, gray, and white hues.
4. Skin tone radius line: The last icon activates a line indicating optimal color values for more precise skin tone adjustment. When analyzing a frame with a person in it, you can observe how the pixels on the graph align with this line. If the pixels match the line, it indicates that the color values in the frame correspond to the optimal skin tone color. If the pixels deviate significantly from the line, color correction may be needed to align them.

Once you have selected the mode, you can analyze how the colors and saturation levels are distributed on the vectorscope. If you notice any unevenness or issues on the graph, you can use the corresponding color correction effects or tools from the Lift, Gamma & Gain tools in VSDC. These tools allow you to adjust color values, saturation, and other parameters to achieve the desired result.

Wrapping up

The Scopes window in VSDC provides reliable tools for enhancing the quality of your images. Even with basic skills, you can effectively control the contrast level, saturation, and color balance in your projects without risking the loss of details or making exposure mistakes. We encourage you to explore and experiment with these tools and share your successes with us.

It's important to note that there is no universal rule or one-size-fits-all approach to pixel distribution in a graph. You have the freedom to deviate from the classical representation of the graphs based on your preferences, objectives, or the mood you wish to convey. Feel free to customize and adapt the graphs according to your creative vision.

Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., through Facebook or Twitter.