How to Change the Speed of Multiple Clips Simultaneously

Changing the speed of video clips is a common task in video editing that can dramatically alter the pacing and feel of a project. Whether you’re creating a fast-paced action sequence, a timelapse, or simply want to slow down a memorable moment, adjusting clip speed can greatly enhance your storytelling. Fortunately, many video editing applications have features that allow you to change the speed of multiple clips simultaneously. In this guide, we will explore how to achieve this in popular video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, and DaVinci Resolve. We’ll also cover the principles behind speed adjustments, including motion, timing, and audio considerations.

Before diving into the specifics of software techniques, it’s important to understand the concept of speed changes in video editing.

Playback Speed: Changing the playback speed of a clip alters how fast it plays back compared to its original speed. For example, setting a clip to 200% speed will cause it to play back twice as fast, while 50% speed will slow it down half as much.
Frame Rate and Duration: The playback speed also affects the duration of the clip: increasing speed shortens duration, while decreasing speed lengthens it. This can have important implications for how the clip fits into the overall timeline of a project.
Visual Impact: Speed changes can create various visual effects, such as slow-motion (often achieved by shooting at a higher frame rate) and fast-forward sequences. These effects can enhance dramatic moments or condense time in storytelling.
Audio Considerations: Changing the speed of video clips also impacts the audio. Audio can become distorted if not handled carefully, especially in extreme speed alterations. In many video editing applications, there are options to maintain pitch or to adjust it during speed changes.

Table of Contents

Adobe premiere pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the most widely used editing platforms, and it offers robust tools for speed adjustments.

Step 1: Select Multiple Clips

First, you need to have your clips on the timeline:

Open your project in Premiere Pro.
Select the clips you want to adjust by holding down the Shift key and clicking on each clip. Alternatively, you can use the Marquee Tool (by clicking and dragging over the clips) to select multiple clips at once.

Step 2: Adjust Speed

With your clips selected, you can adjust their speed in two main ways:

Speed/Duration Tool:
- Right-click on one of the selected clips and choose Speed/Duration from the context menu.
- In the dialog box that appears, enter the desired speed percentage (e.g., 200% for double speed, or 50% for half speed).
- Make sure to check the options that suit your needs, such as Ripple Edit, Moving Tools (to maintain timing in your timeline) and Maintain Audio Pitch (to avoid audio distortion).
- Click OK to apply the changes to all selected clips.
Rate Stretch Tool:
- Alternatively, select the Rate Stretch Tool from the toolbar (shortcut R).
- Click and drag the end of any selected clip to speed it up (dragging to the left) or slow it down (dragging to the right). This method lets you visually see how much the time will be altered.

Step 3: Preview and Adjust Audio

Once you’ve made your speed adjustments:

Preview the Clips: You can scrub through or play the timeline to see how the changes affect pacing.
Audio Fine-Tuning: If you notice any audio distortion, consider separating the audio track from the video and adjusting its speed separately, utilizing audio effects to maintain pitch.

Final Cut Pro X (FCPX)

Final Cut Pro X (FCPX) is popular among Mac users and features user-friendly tools for speed adjustments.

Step 1: Select Your Clips

Open your FCPX project and navigate to the timeline.
Select multiple clips by holding the Command key and clicking each one.

Step 2: Modify Speed with the Retime Editor

With the clips selected, right-click and choose Show Retime Editor or press Command + R to open the retime options.
You’ll see a retime bar appear above the selected clips. Click on the dropdown menu next to the retime bar, and choose a speed setting like “Fast” or “Slow”.
You can also enter a custom speed percentage by selecting Custom. Enter your desired percentage, such as 200% for faster playback or 50% for slower playback.

Step 3: Manage Audio

FCPX typically maintains audio but may distort it. To adjust audio pitch, consider using plugins or manual adjustments after applying speed changes.
Play through the timeline to ensure that the timing fits well and that the audio suits your clips.

DaVinci

DaVinci Resolve is somewhat unique in its workflow and color correction capabilities but handles speed changes effectively.

Step 1: Select Your Clips

Launch DaVinci Resolve and open your project.
Navigate to the Edit Page.
Select multiple clips in your timeline by holding the Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) key and clicking each clip.

Step 2: Change Speed

Right-click on one of the selected clips and navigate to Change Clip Speed.
Create a speed adjustment by setting a percentage in the dialog box (like 200% for faster playback).
For more nuanced speed control, you can also use the Retime Controls by navigating to the top menu and selecting Clip > Retime Controls or using the shortcut (Ctrl + R on Windows or Command + R on Mac).
Drag the retime bar to adjust speed dynamically. Grabbing the edge of the bar allows for slow-motion effects.

Step 3: Fine-tune Audio

Preview the clips to ensure synchronization. Adjust audio as necessary using plugins or other audio editing techniques available in DaVinci Resolve.

Creative Intent: Always align speed changes with the creative intent of the project. Fast clips can convey urgency, while slow clips can emphasize emotional moments.
Visual Consistency: Ensure that the pacing of clips matches their visual content and genre conventions (e.g., action vs. drama).
Audio Quality: Be mindful that audio changes can impact viewer experience. Test different adjustments to ensure both video and audio are coherent.
Timing and Transitions: Consider how speed adjustments impact transitions between scenes—both audio and visual. Often, smooth transitions benefit from carefully planned timing.

Changing the speed of multiple clips simultaneously is an invaluable skill in video editing, allowing producers to enhance narratives through pacing and visual effects. Each software—Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, and DaVinci Resolve—offers unique tools and methods for achieving this, from simple adjustments in menus to more complex keyframe techniques. By understanding how to manipulate speed and rhythm, video editors can create compelling and professionally polished content that captivates audiences. Whether incorporating fast cuts or slow-motion sequences, mastering these techniques will significantly elevate the quality of your video projects.