Alight Motion is a comprehensive yet easy-to-use video editing app for mobile devices. With Alight Motion, you can create professional-looking videos right on your phone or tablet.
In this simple, step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the basics of using Alight Motion to edit videos, add effects, include audio, and export your finished videos. Whether you’re brand new to video editing or looking to step up your editing game, read on to learn how to harness the power of this versatile video editor.
Getting Started
First, install Alight Motion from the App Store if you’re using an iOS device or Google Play Store for Android. Open the app once installed. When you first launch Alight Motion, you may be prompted to sign up for an account.
This allows you to save projects to the cloud and work on them from different devices. It’s free to sign up if you want to take advantage of these features.
The Alight Motion workflow is centered around projects. To start a new project, tap the “Plus” icon in the top right corner.
You can then select videos from your device’s library to add them to your Alight Motion timeline. The app also allows you to record videos directly into your project timeline.
Timeline Editing Basics
The timeline editor is where you can rearrange clips, trim them, split them, and enhance them with transitions, effects, audio, and more. Zoom in and out on the timeline using two-finger pinch and expand gestures.
To delete any clip, photo, or other element, tap to select it then choose the trash can icon. Use your finger to drag the edges of a clip in toward the center to shorten or “trim” the clip.
Use the “Split” option to divide a clip into two pieces so you can remove a section or rearrange the order. Get comfortable with these core timeline editing tools before moving on.
Adding Transitions
Transition effects smoothly blend one clip into the next. Tap on a spot between two clips on the timeline to add a transition.
The Transitions menu will appear—scroll through to see options like Cross Dissolve, Push, Wipe, Flash and more. Tap a transition to preview it then click “Add” to place it between your clips.
Adjust the precise duration of any transition by dragging the edges, just like a standard clip. This helps fine-tune the timing of each effect.
Enhancing Video with Effects
Alight Motion is stacked with visual effects to spice up your videos. Tap a clip on the timeline then select “Layer” > “Effects” to browse them. Categories are conveniently divided into Correct color, Distort, Light, Organic, Stylize, Tiling, Time, and more.
Effects are applied universally by default. To restrict an effect to only a section of the clip, tap that clip then select “Split” “Trim” or “Crop” prior to adding the effect. This limits it to just that shortened clip section.
Working with Audio
You can include audio tracks like sound effects, music, or voice recordings in your Alight Motion video projects.
Tap the music note icon at the top, then “Add New Audio” to select sound files from your device or record directly into the app. Drag audio clips onto the timeline to arrange them.
Adjust audio volume by selecting the clip then dragging the volume slider. Use the waveform visual as a guide. Background music can be set to loop by tapping the repeating curved arrow icon on the clip.
Exporting Your Video
When your Alight Motion masterpiece is complete, it’s time to export it as a shareable video file.
Tap the three-dot menu on the main preview screen then choose “Export”. Select the output quality and resolution—go as high quality as possible if you aim to share on YouTube or other platforms.
The app watermarks unregistered versions. Sign up for an account (free) to export without watermarks. Videos save to your device camera roll for easy sharing.
Advanced Editing in Alight Motion
Once you have the basics under your belt, Alight Motion has ample advanced features at your disposal too. Here is a quick overview:
- Keyframing: Manually control effect and clip parameters over time by adding keyframes at certain points then adjusting the values between frames.
- Masking: Limit effects or color changes to specific areas of video clips using masks and splines. Useful for isolating or protecting parts of a clip.
- Chroma Key: Replace solid color backgrounds with other video or photo layers underneath by toggling Chroma Key settings like Tolerance. This essentially “deletes” backgrounds.
- Blending Modes: Alter how visual layers interact using modes like Add, Subtract, Multiply, Overlay and more for unique effects combinations.
- Speed Ramps: Smoothly speed up, slow down or even reverse sections of clips for dramatic pacing shifts in your video storytelling.
- 3D Effects: Add immersive 3D effects like Camera Shake and Layer Rotations for a dynamic viewing experience.
Conclusion
Alight Motion packs professional punch into intuitive, user-friendly mobile video editing software. Import media, arrange clips on the timeline, enhance with effects, incorporate audio, export, then share your unique videos with the world.
Take your mobile video efforts to new heights by harnessing these tools and techniques for eye-catching editing results! Whether you’re making personal video projects, aspiring YouTube creator content or anything in between, Alight Motion has you covered.