How to Fix Common Video Editing Problems

Every editor hits the same handful of problems. Here are quick fixes for the most common ones.

Playback is laggy or choppy

Your computer is struggling to play high-resolution footage in real time.

• Lower the timeline/playback resolution (e.g. to 1/2 or 1/4) — this doesn’t affect your export.
• Use proxy media: edit with lightweight stand-ins, then swap back for export.
• Close other apps and make sure you’re editing from a fast drive (SSD).

Exported file is way too big

• Lower the bitrate in export settings — for 1080p, 8–12 Mbps is plenty for most uploads.
• Use H.264/H.265 rather than an uncompressed codec.
• Compress after export with HandBrake, or for a quick browser option, a tool like VEED. (Our in-browser video compressor is on the way.)

Audio is out of sync

• Check your project frame rate matches your footage.
• For variable-frame-rate phone footage, transcode it first (HandBrake) to a constant frame rate.
• Manually nudge the audio track to align with a clap or transient.

Export looks blurry or pixelated

• Export at the same resolution as your footage (don’t upscale 720p to 4K).
• Raise the bitrate — blurriness is usually too much compression.
• Make sure your timeline resolution isn’t set lower than your export.

Colors look washed out or too dark

• You may be viewing footage with the wrong color tag. In DaVinci Resolve, check your color space settings.
• Do a basic grade: set black and white points, then adjust midtones.

The whole project feels slow to edit

Sometimes the tool is the problem. If you’re fighting your editor, a friendlier one helps — see best free video editors.

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