What is the difference between linear and non-linear editing

[hhamzeh]

Hi all,

I am familiar with video editing and I use Ulead video/media studio for editing. However, I would appreciate it if someone can explain the differences between linear and non-linear video editing (mentioning the differences, software names and specially usage of both methods will be a big help). Thanks for your input.

[adam]

Linear means just cutting out bits and pieces but keeping the same order of things. Non-linear means the ability to move things around in time.

So say you got scenes A,B,C,D.

Linear would be A,C,D. Non-linear would be D,B,A,C.

[BJ_M]

Linear = tape editing online

non Linear = editing offline and/or via software (digital)


roughly speaking

[solarfox]

Basically, a linear editor is like using a typewriter. Linear editors can only lay down shots in a sequential order from beginning to end; you can't move back and forth at will within the project, nor can you make changes to what you've already done without re-rendering the entire project. You're also flying blind when it comes to inserting effects such as wipes, fades, and titles, since you can't see what they'll look like until the whole project is rendered. Linear editing is what you do when you hook two VCR's together and dub between them, using the Pause button on the recording deck to halt recording while you use the Stop-Forward-Rewind-Play buttons on the source deck to find your desired clips.

Non-Linear editing, by contrast, is like using a word processor -- you can make changes at any point in the project simply by cutting and pasting, you can undo changes you don't like, and you can preview the results of your edits from any arbitrary starting and stopping point. You can also preview what your effects will look like without having to render them to tape first. If you use ULead Media Studio, then you already know what "non-linear editing" is.