It is where you arrange clips, audio, and effects in the order they play. You build and refine your video by trimming and rearranging items on the timeline.
Video Glossary
Timeline
A timeline is the workspace in video editing software where clips, audio, and effects are arranged in order.
What is a timeline?
A timeline is the main workspace in a video editor. It shows your clips, audio tracks, and effects laid out left to right in the order they play. You build your video by dragging items onto the timeline, then trimming and rearranging them until the story flows.
How the timeline works
Most timelines use layered tracks. Video sits on one set of tracks and audio on another, so you can stack overlays, music, and voice-over. A playhead marks your current position, and you cut, move, and trim clips against it.
Why the timeline matters
The timeline is where pacing and structure come together. Good editors spend most of their time here, adjusting timing and transitions so the video feels smooth. Understanding it is the first step to editing any kind of video.
Timelines and simpler editing
Traditional timelines can be complex. Newer tools offer text-based editing, where you cut video by editing its transcript instead of dragging clips. Livestorm's AI features lean on this idea to make repurposing recordings faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the timeline used for in video editing?
What is the difference between a timeline and a track?
The timeline is the whole workspace, while tracks are the individual layers within it. Video sits on one set of tracks and audio on another, so you can stack elements.
Do I need to learn a timeline to edit video?
Not always. Newer tools offer text-based editing, where you cut video by editing its transcript, which is faster for repurposing recordings.
What is text-based editing?
It is a way of editing where you cut and rearrange video by editing its transcript instead of dragging clips on a timeline. Livestorm's AI features (https://livestorm.co/features/ai) use this approach to speed up repurposing.
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