Automatic Editing
Add custom editing to your imported sequences with a flexible system of Effect Groups and Video Segments.
Overview
Automatic editing in Glambot Studio Desktop allows you to define a custom editing structure that will be applied to all imported videos. Build your sequence using Effect Groups (containers with effects) and Video Segments (the actual video content), arranged in any order you need.
Key Benefits:
- Add intros, outros, and branded content automatically
- Apply overlays, soundtracks, and effects to specific parts
- Create nested structures for complex editing workflows
- Reorder elements with drag and drop
- Consistent output across all imported videos
Accessing Automatic Editing
You can access the automatic editing settings in two ways:
- Menu: Click Project > Settings in the app menu, then select the Video Editing tab
- Quick access: Click the cogwheel icon next to the project name in the app window, then select the Video Editing tab
Core Concepts
The automatic editing system uses two types of elements:
| Element Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Effect Group | A container that wraps segments and applies effects (overlay, soundtrack, transformations, color correction) |
| Video Segment | The actual video content, either the imported file or a static file from your machine |
Default Configuration
Every new project starts with:
- One root Effect Group (mandatory, cannot be deleted)
- One Input File segment inside it
This default configuration simply processes your imported video as-is. You can then customize it by adding segments, enabling effects, or creating nested groups.
Effect Groups
Effect Groups are containers that wrap one or more segments and apply effects to all content within.
Effect Group Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Overlay | Select an image file (logo, watermark) to overlay on all segments in the group |
| Soundtrack | Select an audio file to play as background music for all segments in the group |
| Enable Transformations | Apply the transformations defined in Video Processing settings |
| Enable Color Correction | Apply the color correction defined in Color Correction settings |
Root Effect Group
The root Effect Group is mandatory and always present. It contains your entire editing sequence. You can:
- Expand it to view and edit its options
- Add segments and sub-groups inside it
- Configure which effects apply to the entire sequence
Video Segments
Video Segments define the actual video content in your sequence. There are two types:
Input File Segment
References the video file being imported. This is your main content.
- Automatically replaced with each imported video
- One Input File segment is included by default
Static File Segment
References a fixed video file on your machine (intro, outro, bumper, etc.).
- Always plays the same video regardless of what's being imported
- Perfect for branded intros, outros, transitions, or B-roll
Segment Options
Both segment types share these options:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| IN | Start point - where the video begins playing (timecode) |
| OUT | End point - where the video stops playing (timecode) |
| Speed | Playback speed (e.g., 1.0x normal, 0.5x slow motion, 2.0x fast) |
| Keep Audio | Checkbox to include or exclude the segment's original audio |
Building Your Sequence
The Interface
The automatic editing interface displays your sequence as a hierarchical list:
- Root Effect Group - Always visible at the top, expandable
- Segments list - Shows all segments with a summary of their options
- Nested groups - Sub-groups appear as expandable items within their parent
Adding Elements
Click the three dots menu (⋮) on any Effect Group to add elements:
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Add Input Segment | Adds a new segment referencing the imported file |
| Add Static Segment | Adds a segment referencing a video file on your machine |
| Add Sub-Group | Adds a nested Effect Group inside the current group |
Managing Elements
For each element in the list:
| Action | How |
|---|---|
| View/Edit options | Click to expand the element |
| Delete | Click the trash icon |
| Reorder | Drag and drop to change position |
Viewing Options Summary
Each segment displays a summary of its configured options without needing to expand it, so you can quickly see:
- IN/OUT points if set
- Speed if modified
- Whether audio is kept or muted
Nesting Effect Groups
You can add an Effect Group as a segment inside another Effect Group. This creates nested structures for advanced editing scenarios.
Why Use Nested Groups?
Nested groups allow you to apply different effects to different parts of your sequence:
Example: Soundtrack on intro only
Root Effect Group
├── Sub-Group (with Soundtrack: intro_music.mp3)
│ └── Static Segment: intro.mp4
├── Input File Segment (main content)
└── Static Segment: outro.mp4
In this example, the background music only plays during the intro, not the main content or outro.
Example: Different overlays for different sections
Root Effect Group
├── Static Segment: intro.mp4
├── Sub-Group (with Overlay: watermark.png)
│ └── Input File Segment
└── Sub-Group (with Overlay: end_logo.png)
└── Static Segment: outro.mp4
Common Patterns
Simple Intro + Content + Outro
Root Effect Group
├── Static Segment: intro.mp4
├── Input File Segment
└── Static Segment: outro.mp4
Branded Content with Watermark
Root Effect Group (Overlay: logo.png)
├── Static Segment: intro.mp4
├── Input File Segment
└── Static Segment: outro.mp4
Background Music Throughout
Root Effect Group (Soundtrack: background.mp3)
├── Static Segment: intro.mp4
├── Input File Segment (Keep Audio: unchecked)
└── Static Segment: outro.mp4
Partial Soundtrack
Root Effect Group
├── Sub-Group (Soundtrack: intro_music.mp3)
│ └── Static Segment: intro.mp4
├── Input File Segment (Keep Audio: checked)
└── Static Segment: outro.mp4
Workflow Integration
Processing Pipeline
When automatic editing is enabled, the processing pipeline becomes:
- Import: Video file is imported
- Sequence Assembly: Segments are assembled according to your structure
- Effects Applied: Each group's effects are applied to its contents
- Transcoding: Final sequence is encoded with configured settings
- Output: Edited video is saved
- Upload: Video is uploaded to Cloud (if enabled)
With Other Features
Automatic editing works together with:
- Color Correction: Enable in Effect Group to apply color grading
- Video Processing: Enable transformations in Effect Group
- Import Services: Automatically process incoming files
Best Practices
Keep It Simple
- Start with a basic structure and add complexity only when needed
- Too many nested groups can be hard to manage
Test Your Structure
- Import a test video to verify the output matches expectations
- Check that IN/OUT points are set correctly on segments
Organize Resource Files
- Keep intro, outro, and overlay files in a dedicated folder
- Use clear naming conventions (e.g.,
intro_v2.mp4,logo_white.png)
Audio Considerations
- Uncheck Keep Audio on segments when using a soundtrack to avoid audio conflicts
- Test audio levels between segments and background music
Troubleshooting
Segments Play in Wrong Order
- Solution: Drag and drop segments to reorder them in the list
Effects Not Applied
- Cause: Effect is enabled on wrong group level
- Solution: Check that the effect is enabled on the group containing the target segments
Audio Conflicts
- Cause: Multiple audio sources playing simultaneously
- Solution: Uncheck Keep Audio on segments where background soundtrack should be heard alone
Static File Not Found
- Cause: Referenced file was moved or deleted
- Solution: Re-select the file in the segment options
Next Steps
Now that automatic editing is configured:
- Configure color correction - Enhance visual quality
- Set up import services - Automate video ingestion
- Start processing videos - Apply your automated workflow
Need help? Check the Troubleshooting section.