Edit video in Premiere

Last updated on Apr 2, 2026

Learn to use the editing tools in Adobe Premiere to select, cut, and trim clips, or use keyboard shortcuts to switch tools faster.

After you import media into a new project in Premiere, you can see all your clips assembled in a sequence on the timeline. You are ready to start editing.

There are basic editing tools such as trim, cutm and reposition that you can use on the timeline in Adobe Premiere.
Basic editing tool that you can use on the timeline in Premiere.

  • To trim a clip, select it on the timeline, and drag one of the edges of the clip.
  • To cut a clip, choose the Razor   tool, position it over a clip in the timeline, and select.
  • To reposition a clip, select it and drag it.
Note

Editing on the timeline is non-destructive: you can trim, cut, copy, and move clips without altering the original media. All of your original media is available in the Project panel.

Add or remove clips

  • To remove a clip from the sequence, select it and press delete.
  • To add a new clip to your sequence, drag it from the Project panel onto the timeline. You can also add clips directly from folders on your computer.

Remove gaps

  • To close a gap between clips, select the gap and press delete.
  • You can also use the Ripple Edit   tool to trim the edge of a clip and automatically close the gap with the clip next to it.

Work faster with keyboard shortcuts

  • Use V to switch to the Selection   tool.
  • Use C to switch to the Razor   tool.
  • Use B to switch to the Ripple Edit   tool. 
  • Use the spacebar to play and pause when you want to preview the current edit

Other editing tips

  • Use the right and left arrow keys to nudge the playhead forwards or backward, one frame at a time.
  • Double-click clips to preview them on their own in the Source Monitor.
  • Position clips on different video tracks. This allows you to stack clips without overwriting the clips below them. 
  • Add music to an audio track.