22 June 2026
Mastering Runway: A Comprehensive Guide to Editing Footage from Scratch

Editing runway footage from scratch involves several key steps:
1. Uploading and Managing Assets
Begin by uploading your video files to Runway's asset library. Navigate to the 'Assets' section, click 'Upload,' and select your files. Once uploaded, you can organize them for easy access during editing. (help.runwayml.com)
2. Setting Up the Timeline
Open the 'Editor' to access the timeline, where you'll arrange your clips. Drag and drop your assets onto the timeline, positioning them in the desired sequence. For precise adjustments, use the snapping feature by holding the 'Shift' key while dragging clips. (help.runwayml.com)
3. Editing Clips
Trim clips by dragging their edges or by splitting them at specific points using the slicer tool. To split a clip, select it and press 'Cmd+B' or right-click and choose 'Split.' After splitting, select the unwanted portion and press 'Delete' to remove it. (lecture.nakayasu.com)
4. Adding Transitions and Effects
Enhance your footage by adding transitions like cross dissolves or fades. To apply a transition, select the edit point between two clips and choose the desired effect. For visual effects, utilize Runway's generative models to transform scenes or add elements. For instance, you can change the time of day in a scene or add rain effects. (lecture.nakayasu.com)
5. Adjusting Speed and Audio
Modify the playback speed of clips by selecting them and adjusting the speed settings. For audio, separate it from the video clip if available, and add background music, sound effects, or narration on separate tracks. Adjust volume levels and apply fade-ins or fade-outs as needed. (lecture.nakayasu.com)
6. Exporting the Final Video
Once satisfied with your edits, export the video by clicking 'Export' in the upper-right corner. Choose the desired resolution (720p, 1080p, or 4K) and frame rate (24 or 30 fps). Note that outputs from the Free plan include a Runway watermark; a Standard plan or higher is required for final delivery without the watermark. (lecture.nakayasu.com)
By following these steps, you can effectively edit runway footage from scratch using Runway's comprehensive suite of tools.
For more detailed guidance, refer to Runway's official documentation and tutorials.




