Linear vs Non-Linear Video Editing: A Complete Comparison

As a video editor one of the most fundamental decisions you’ll make is whether to use a linear or non-linear editing system. Both approaches have their benefits and downsides. In this comprehensive guide we’ll break down the key differences between linear and non-linear editing to help you determine the best workflow for your video projects.

What is Linear Video Editing?

Linear editing is the more traditional editing method that was widely used before the digital era. It involves physically cutting and splicing together tape from different camera sources to construct a video in sequence.

Here’s a quick rundown of how linear editing works:

• Video footage is recorded directly onto tapes. Common tape formats include VHS, Betacam, and Hi8.

• The editor then uses specialized equipment to view and log the footage, selecting the specific clips they want to include.

• Using an edit decision list (EDL), the editor indicates where cuts should be made and which clips should be inserted.

• The footage tapes are physically cut and spliced together in the desired sequence using glue or tape. This happens in real time as the tape plays.

• Any transitions, titles, or effects are added by recording over the assembled master tape.

Overall, linear editing follows a very sequential, start-to-finish workflow. It does not allow the ability to easily rearrange clips or insert new footage without rebuilding the entire video from that point onwards.

The Pros and Cons of Linear Editing

Linear video editing has both advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

• Simple to learn and execute for basic edits

• Minimal equipment needed – just tapes and a splicing system

• Teaches strong foundational editing skills

Cons

• Very time consuming process

• Labor intensive, with lots of physical tape handling

• Restrictive, makes changes difficult after the fact

• Quality degrades with each generation of dubbing

While linear editing laid the groundwork for video editing as we know it today, it has largely been replaced by more flexible non-linear methods. However, it still has value as a training tool and for executing simple edits.

What is Non-Linear Editing?

Non-linear editing takes a radically different approach made possible by digital video. Rather than cutting physical tape, footage is digitized and assembled on a computer using editing software.

Here is an overview of how non-linear video editing works:

• Video is recorded to a digital format like a memory card, hard drive, or SSD.

• Footage is ingested into the editing software and converted into files on the computer’s storage.

• The editor can instantly access any clip at any time in the project timeline. Sequences are assembled by adding and trimming clips rather than splicing tape.

• Rearranging clips is as easy as dragging them to a new spot on the timeline. New shots can also be inserted seamlessly.

• Transitions, titles, effects, and color grading are added within the editing software.

• The final video can be exported directly from the editing timeline.

This non-sequential approach provides editors much more flexibility and control compared to linear methods.

The Pros and Cons of Non-linear Editing

Non-linear video editing solves many of the restrictions of linear editing, but also has some tradeoffs:

Pros

• Extremely flexible editing with easy rearrangement
• No loss of quality from dubbing footage
• Instant access to all footage at all times
• Faster edit turnaround time
• Visual effects and color grading done in software

Cons

• Requires expensive equipment and storage
• Steep learning curve for software
• Needs robust computer processing power
• More prone to technical glitches

For most professional video editors today, the advantages far outweigh the downsides. Non-linear editing is now the dominant workflow for video post-production.

Key Differences Between the Workflows

To summarize, here are the major differences between linear and non-linear editing:

Is Linear or Non-Linear Editing Better?

So which type of editing is superior – linear or non-linear? There is no objective “better” method. Each has advantages that make them preferable for certain scenarios:

• Non-linear is better for professional, high-quality editing where flexibility and polish matter. The access and creative freedom cannot be matched by linear tape editing.

• Linear has benefits for quick turnaround live editing like news or sports. It also trains fundamental manual skills and sequences logical thinking.

• Beginners will progress faster learning non-linear software, which offers more feedback and assistance. But starting on linear edit systems builds tangible physical skills.

• Simple edits can sometimes be executed faster linearly, not requiring the overhead of importing and exporting digital footage. But non-linear allows easy revisions.

The best approach depends entirely on your specific project and personal preferences. Many skilled editors are comfortable working across both analog linear and digital non-linear systems.

Tips for Getting Started with Non-Linear Editing

For most video editors today, non-linear editing is simply a requirement. Here are some tips if you’re just getting started:

• Choose your software carefully. Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and AVID Media Composer are leading options.

• Invest in the most powerful computer you can afford, emphasizing GPU, RAM, processor, and storage.

• Allow ample time to learn the specifics of your program’s interface and tools.

• Start with smaller test projects to get comfortable before tackling long form videos.

• Utilize the many video tutorials available to build your skills and workflows.

• Save frequently, organize footage meticulously, and backup constantly to avoid disasters!

The Evolution Continues

While non-linear editing is now the norm, the world of video editing continues to rapidly evolve. New technologies like cloud-based workflows, mobile editing tools, AI-assisted features, and virtual reality displays are reshaping workflows.

As an editor, being adaptable and open-minded will serve you well. But the core concepts of translating vision into an impactful viewing experience remain the same, whether you’re cutting tape or dragging clips across a timeline!