How to edit 10x Faster in 11 minutes

In today's fast-paced editing world, efficiency is key. For those who frequently use Descript, there's a game-changing feature that can revolutionize your editing projects, saving you hours of work. This feature is known as layouts, and it's incredibly simple to master. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of layouts, how to create them, and how they can significantly enhance your editing workflow.

The Secret to Efficient Editing: Layouts

Most people edit in Descript without taking full advantage of its capabilities, often spending unnecessary time on repetitive tasks. By incorporating layouts into your workflow, you can streamline various aspects of your editing projects. Think of layouts as the editing equivalent to Steve Jobs' wardrobe choice; a method to eliminate unnecessary decisions and consistent repetition, thus freeing up mental space for more important creative tasks.

A layout allows you to save specific configurations of text, music, and images that you can apply across multiple projects with a simple click. Imagine having a title card or an intro sequence at your disposal whenever you need it, without recreating it each time. This is what layouts offer – efficiency, consistency, and ease.

Creating Your First Layout

Setting up a layout in Descript is a straightforward process. Start by selecting a scene in your project you frequently use. This could be a combination of text, music, and imagery. By right-clicking on the scene, you can save it as a layout by choosing "Save Layout." You can organize these layouts in folders, making them private or public depending on your audience needs. By naming your templates appropriately, you ensure easy access for future projects.

Applying and Managing Layouts

Once you've created your layouts, applying them is a breeze. Whether you’re starting a new project or are midway through an existing one, accessing your layouts simply requires navigating to the right section in Descript and selecting your saved layout. This flexibility allows you to seamlessly introduce consistent elements like intro screens and captions across different editing projects.

More Than Just Title Cards

Layouts extend far beyond simple title cards. They can be used for intros, outros, captions, and recurring lower-third elements in your videos. By transforming frequently used elements into reusable layouts, you eliminate redundancy and boost productivity. Consider how production teams, like those behind "60 Minutes," utilize layouts to maintain consistency across episodes without needless recreation.

Advanced Layout Techniques

Taking layouts to the next level means integrating them into your multi-camera podcast edits. By using Descript's features like Multicam and Automatic Multicam, you can effortlessly switch between speakers and apply consistent visual styles. This approach drastically reduces manual editing time and enhances project consistency, saving hours in the process.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Layouts

Layouts in Descript are more than just a time-saving feature; they are a gateway to a more efficient, consistent, and streamlined editing process. By mastering layouts, you simplify repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – creating compelling content. Now, equipped with the knowledge of creating and applying layouts, you're ready to take your editing skills to a new level. Explore more advanced techniques and enhance your video production workflow with Descript's robust capabilities.

Start implementing layouts today and experience the transformation in your editing workflow. Happy editing!