Using Pitivi Non-Linear Video Editor

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Purpose

This tutorial will show the user how to use the Pitivi non linear editor to produce a simple video.
If you user wants to produce more complex videos (with special effects), then the user should consider using Cinelerra. On the other hand, there is a short learning-curve with Pitivi.

Using Pitivi

YouTube Video

If you want to see the visual steps for "Powering Up Computer Lab", here is a link to a customized YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USHcMvzFToc


Written Instructions

Below are the written instructions (in case you prefer to have a printout of these procedures):


Launching Pitivi

In order to launch Pitivi, the user click on menu in the docking station panel, and selects SOUND & VIDEO -> VIDEO PRODUCTION -> Pitivi Video Editor.


Main Elements of Pitivi Application Window

The Pitivi application window has several elements. It is important to take some time to study and experiment with these areas in order to be more flexible and efficient when using the Pitivi application.


Element Description Diagram
Menubar Containing all operations for recording, editing and producing an auditory product. PitiviMenu.png
Tools Toolbar Contains various tools for common operations such as importing media clips, saving project, and rendering the project into a final file. PitiviToolsToolbar.png
Timeline Ruler Allows the user to display the measurement of project location in time, and to move to a particular location (time) in the video project. PitiviRuler.png
Marker Toolbar Allows the user to mark areas of the project for cutting, deleting, as well as setting keyframes for fade-ins and fade-outs. PitiviMarker.png
Transport Toolbar Audio meter to display and used to help control recording and playback volume levels. PitiviTransport.png
Preview Window Area to allow user to play project to build and edit prior to render the final version of the project. PitiviPreview.png
Media Library Contains all the video and audio clips that may be used in the project. PitiviMediaLibrary.png


Saving Your Work

It seems strange to be discussing the topic of saving your video project prior to creating or editing the project, but it is important to save your changes as often as possible when using this program. For time-to-time, this application may "freeze" while working in it, but if you have saved consistently, then you can close the Pitivi application (ie. "force a quit"), and then launch Pitivi and load your saved project...
In order to save your project, you click on the save button. It is recommended to click SAVE after each editing process you do!


Adding a Screencast / Video Clip into Pitivi

In order to add video clips into your Pitivi project, simply click on IMPORT CLIPS and select the appropriate video file. Note: video file clips can also relate to screen-casts created with gtk-recordmydesktop. The Pitivi video editor accepts many different video clip file formats.
Examples of Accepted File Formats:
  • MPEG
  • AVI
  • MP4
  • OGV (Ogg Theora Vorbis)
To add the video clip into the project area, simply click and drag the object into the area below the Timeline Ruler.
NOTE: Although the Pitivi video editor does not have the capability of generating titles, a user could use the gtk-recordmydesktop to perform a "screen-cast" of a running OpenOffice slide show.


Editing the Pitivi Video Project

To be completed ...


Adding Music

To be completed ...


Rendering the Final Product

To be completed ...


Additional Resources

Using Pitivi User Guide: http://www.pitivi.org/manual/
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