Linear and Non-Linear Editing

 (These notes are compiled for the benefit of the students. This blog is a public service initiative, with no commercial interests involved) 

Modern video editing software allows professionals and amateurs to arrange/ edit clips in their desired order. This method is called nonlinear editing, though one can also appreciate traditional linear editing.

What is linear editing?

Linear editing, or tape-to-tape editing, is the process of arranging images and audio recordings in chronological order. Because editing clips that you already added to the sequence is challenging, it's important to establish a predetermined order of events when using this method.

One of the most popular applications of linear editing was for movies and TV shows that used traditional film. Editors would cut film strips into different scenes and glue them together to create a logical sequence. Linear editing also applies to workflows that involve recordings on camcorders and VCRs.

For instance, consider someone using footage from a camcorder and VCR. If they want to begin the movie with footage from the camcorder, they load the tape into a source deck. They scrub to the desired scene, set an in-point and set an out-point after scrubbing to the final frame of the scene.

The source deck feeds into a record deck that records the scene and stops the recording once it reaches the outpoint. The editor can add the next scene to the record deck by loading the VCR tape into the source deck and repeating the scrubbing process.

What is nonlinear editing?

Non-linear editing is a more versatile method for creating movies. It involves the arrangement of images and sounds in any order and relies on advanced nonlinear editing computer software.

Editors can use footage from various source materials and start in the middle or at the end of segments. They can also copy and paste clips, restore deleted segments and edit a clip's color, brightness and contrast.

For instance, consider an advertiser who wants to film a promotional video for a new product. They upload two videos that feature people using the product and narration audio to their editing software. They can intercut the footage together to establish the video's pace and add a separate track so that the narration plays over the two videos.

The software makes it relatively simple to trim footage, change the order of clips and delete clips without affecting the rest of the sequence. The advertiser can also add music and text to the screen to encourage customers to buy the product.

Non-Linear Editing vs. Linear Editing

Linear editing is a traditional method where images and audio recordings are arranged in chronological order. This method was popular for movies and TV shows that used traditional film. Editors would cut film strips into different scenes and glue them together to create a logical sequence. Linear editing also applies to workflows that involve recordings on camcorders and VCRs

Non-linear editing, on the other hand, is a more versatile method that involves the arrangement of images and sounds in any order using advanced computer software. Editors can use footage from various sources and start editing from any point in the sequence. They can also copy and paste clips, restore deleted segments, and edit a clip's color, brightness, and contrast

Key Differences

Preservation of Quality

 Linear editing requires recording a tape from the source deck to the record deck, a process called dubbing, which results in a generational loss of quality. Even high-quality tapes and decks result in some loss of quality. Nonlinear editing, however, maintains the original files, preserving the quality regardless of the number of edits made

Flexibility

Linear editing is less flexible as it is challenging to correct mistakes. For instance, if you wanted to switch the order of clips, you would need to start a new recording. Nonlinear editing allows for easy rearrangement of clips without starting a new project

Time

Linear editing can be time-consuming due to the need for careful planning and selection of clips to prevent extensive revisions later. Nonlinear editing is more efficient as it allows for instant playback and adjustments, helping editors develop new ideas and be as efficient as possible

Modern Usage

Due to the accessibility of advanced editing software, linear editing is relatively obsolete today. Nonlinear editing is more common as it allows for more creative freedom and easier correction of mistakes. However, linear editing may still be used for educational purposes, simplicity, or achieving a specific aesthetic

Educational purposes: Some film schools teach linear editing while exposing students to the history of the film. Learning about this technique can also develop your knowledge base and improve your nonlinear editing skills.

Simplicity: Linear editing may be appropriate when you want to prevent format conflicts and quickly cut together a few video sections. For instance, you might upload clip A to your video editing software and add clip B directly after it without making any alterations.

Aesthetics: Despite the advent of modern recording technology, some filmmakers may want to use film or a camcorder. Achieving your desired aesthetic with these traditional mediums requires you to understand linear editing.

In summary, while linear editing has its roots in traditional film editing, nonlinear editing offers greater flexibility, efficiency, and quality preservation, making it the preferred method in modern video editing workflows.