ChatGPT for Video Editors: 15 Helpful Ready-to-Use Prompts

copy and paste them as-is or modify them as needed!

Emily Olson
3 min readJun 7, 2023

I think a great use of ChatGPT is it’s technical abilities, and more specifically, it’s ability to give easy and clear instructions on anything I need to know in my video editing program Final Cut Pro.

And it can do this for you, and your editing program, too!

Feel free to copy and paste these prompts into ChatGPT, or modify them to align with your specific needs.

Important: Any Italicized text in a prompt is text you can add to any prompt to super-charge it’s effectiveness and output.

Ideas & Workflow:

  • Video Ideas: “Can you provide three unique concepts for a short YouTube video about video editing? Ask me any relevant questions you may have to complete this task to the best of your abilities.”
  • Optimizing Workflow Efficiency: “What are some tips to optimize my video editing workflow for increased efficiency and productivity in [your editing software].

Project Management and Editing Techniques:

  • Project Planning: “What are the key things I should consider when editing a [music] video?”
  • Task Prioritization: “What should be my priority tasks while editing a [feature film]?”
  • Editing Techniques: “Can you explain the difference between J-cut and L-cut in film editing?”
  • Software Use: “What are some fast tips for using Davinci Resolve more effectively?”
  • Troubleshooting: “Why might my video footage be lagging in Final Cut Pro X?” or “How can I troubleshoot a red screen issue in FCP?”

Technical Aspects of Video Editing:

  • Optimizing Export Settings: “I want to export my video for online platforms while maintaining a balance between file size and video quality. What export settings and codecs do you recommend?”
  • Audio Editing Assistance: “I have recorded an interview with background noise. How can I enhance the audio quality and reduce the background noise? I’m working in [insert editing software].”
  • Color Grading Guidance: “I want to achieve a vintage look for my music video. What specific color grading adjustments can I make to evoke that aesthetic?”
  • Aspect Ratio Selection: “I’m editing a short film for online distribution. Which aspect ratio would be most suitable for maximizing the visual impact and engagement on digital platforms?”
  • Mastering Audio Levels: “What are the standard audio level targets for broadcast television and online video platforms? How can I ensure my audio meets those standards? Please put this in simple and actionable terms.
  • Frame Rate Selection: “I’m editing a video that will be displayed on a digital billboard. What frame rate should I use to ensure smooth playback on such a large screen?”
  • High-Frame rate Editing: “What things should I keep in mind when editing high-frame rate footage, such as 60fps or 120fps?
  • Color Correction for Skin Tones: “I’m editing a portrait video, and the skin tones appear unnatural. What are some techniques or tools I can use to correct and enhance the skin tones during color grading?”
  • Multicam Editing Workflow: “What is the best approach to efficiently synchronize footage from multiple cameras for a multi-angle video project?”

Note: ChatGPT should not replace your judgement or expertise. Its responses are only generated based on data available up to September 2021, so it might not be aware of events or overall trends beyond that date.

Have you been loving ChatGPT as much as me? Let me know!

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