The basic method: importing clips and arranging them in order
Connecting videos together means placing separate video files into a single timeline so they play one after another without gaps. Most editing software works the same way: you import your clips, drag them onto a timeline in the order you want them, and the software plays them back as one continuous video.
The timeline is the horizontal strip where your clips sit. Think of it like a film strip — each clip occupies a space, and whatever comes first plays first. When you export (save) the final result, the software stitches all those clips into a single video file.
This process is identical whether you are using DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere, CapCut, or iMovie. The names of buttons change, but the steps stay the same: import, arrange, preview, export.
Key Takeaways
- Import your video clips into your editing software's media library, then drag them onto the timeline in the order you want them to play.
- Clips on the timeline connect automatically — there is no separate "join" step, just placement and order.
- You can trim the start or end of any clip before or after placing it on the timeline, and the software will only use the trimmed portion.
- Transitions (fades, wipes, dissolves) are optional effects that sit between clips; most software defaults to a hard cut if you add nothing.
- Preview your timeline by pressing play before you export, so you can catch timing problems or clips in the wrong order.
Importing clips so they appear in your software
Before you can arrange clips, you need to bring them into your software. Open the File menu and look for "Import" or "Import Media" — the exact wording depends on your program. Navigate to the folder where your video files live and select the ones you want. You can usually select multiple files at once by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) and clicking each one.
The clips will appear in a panel called the media library, project panel, or assets panel — again, the name varies. This panel is just a list of everything you have imported. It does not affect the final video yet. You are straightforward telling the software "these files exist and I might use them."
If a clip does not import, check that your software supports that file type. DaVinci Resolve handles most formats, but older versions of iMovie may reject certain file types. Converting the clip to MP4 or MOV usually solves the problem.
Dragging clips onto the timeline in the right order
The timeline is where the actual editing happens. It sits below or to the right of your preview window — the screen where you watch your video as you work. To add a clip, click and hold on it in the media library, then drag it onto the timeline. Drop it where you want it to sit.
The first clip you drag becomes the start of your video. The second clip lands right after it. If you drag a third clip between the first two, the software moves everything to make room. You can rearrange clips at any time by dragging them to new positions.
Most software shows you a vertical line or highlight as you drag, indicating where the clip will land. Pay attention to that line — it prevents you from accidentally dropping a clip in the middle of another one.
Trimming clips so they start and end where you want
A clip on the timeline usually plays from its first frame to its last frame. If you filmed a 30-second clip but only want to use the middle 10 seconds, you trim it. Trimming removes the unwanted parts without deleting the original file.
To trim, hover your mouse over the edge of a clip on the timeline until the cursor changes to a resize arrow, then drag left or right. Dragging the left edge forward skips the beginning. Dragging the right edge backward cuts off the end. You will see the timeline update as you drag, and the preview window will jump to show you what the new start or end point looks like.
If you are not comfortable with dragging, most software has a trim tool in the toolbar. Select the clip, click the trim button, and a panel opens where you can type exact frame numbers or use sliders. This method is slower but more precise.
Adding transitions between clips
By default, when one clip ends and the next begins, the picture cuts when ready from one to the other. A transition is an effect that softens that cut — a fade to black, a dissolve (one image blends into the next), or a wipe (one image slides across the screen).
Transitions are optional. Many videos look fine with hard cuts. But if you want a transition, find the transitions panel in your software (usually a folder icon or a tab labeled "Transitions"). Drag a transition onto the timeline between two clips. Most software places it at the boundary where the clips meet.
A transition takes time — usually half a second to one second. The software borrows frames from the end of the first clip and the start of the second clip to create the effect. If your clips are very short, a long transition can cause problems. Start with the default duration and adjust if needed.
Previewing your timeline before you save
Before you export your final video, play through the entire timeline to catch mistakes. Press the spacebar or click the play button in the preview window. Watch for clips in the wrong order, timing problems, audio that does not match the video, or transitions that feel too slow or too fast.
If you spot a problem, pause playback, fix it, and play again. Rearranging clips is fast — just drag them to new positions. Trimming is also quick. Fixing problems now is much easier than re-exporting.
Pay special attention to the audio. If you have music or voiceover, make sure it lines up with the video. If a clip has its own sound and you do not want it, mute that clip by right-clicking it and selecting "Mute" or "Disable Audio."
Exporting your connected video as a single file
Once your timeline looks correct, export it. Go to File and look for "Export," "Export Video," or "Render." A dialog box opens asking where to save the file and what format to use. MP4 is the safest choice — it plays on almost every device and website.
The software will ask about quality settings. For most purposes, 1080p (full HD) at medium bitrate is fine. Higher bitrate means larger file size and longer export time, but the visual difference is small on most screens. If you are uploading to social media, check that platform's recommended settings first.
Export time depends on your video length and your computer's speed. A 5-minute video might take 2 to 10 minutes to export. Do not close the software or unplug your computer while it is working. When the export finishes, you will have a single video file containing all your clips in order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to trim clips before I put them on the timeline?
No. You can trim before or after placing a clip on the timeline — the result is the same. Many people find it easier to trim after placing clips, because they can see exactly how each clip fits with the ones around it. Trim as you go or trim everything first; both workflows work.
What if I want to use the same clip twice in my video?
Drag the clip onto the timeline as many times as you need. Each instance is independent, so you can trim them differently or add different effects to each one. The original file is not affected.
Can I undo if I accidentally delete a clip from the timeline?
Yes. Press Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Command+Z (Mac) to undo. You can undo multiple steps, so if you make several mistakes, keep pressing undo until you get back to where you want to be. The clip is still in your media library, so you can drag it back onto the timeline.
Why does my exported video look blurry or pixelated?
This usually means your export quality settings were too low, or your original clips were filmed at a lower resolution than your timeline. Check that your timeline resolution matches your original clips. If you filmed in 1080p, export at 1080p. If you filmed in 4K, export at 4K for the best result.
How do I add audio or music between my video clips?
Audio files import the same way as video — use File > Import and select your music or voiceover file. Drag it onto the audio track below your video clips on the timeline. You can trim audio the same way you trim video, and you can adjust its volume by right-clicking and selecting "Volume" or by dragging a volume slider that appears on the audio clip itself.