> Start with a small set of source clips that can tell the whole story. Remove irrelevant takes before you ask for an edit. Source: https://shortyedit.com/guides/prepare-footage-for-ai-editing --- # How to prepare footage for an AI video edit Start with a small set of source clips that can tell the whole story. Remove irrelevant takes before you ask for an edit. [The Shorty team](https://shortyedit.com/about#editorial-team) · Updated 15 September 2026 ## Key takeaways - Group an establishing view, the main action, two useful details and an ending. - Upload your clips to Shorty and describe the result you want. - If the final action appears only in a rejected take, restore that take or change the story before rendering. - Name the moment, say what should change and describe what you want to keep. ## Start with a clear direction Group an establishing view, the main action, two useful details and an ending. Keep alternate takes clearly named so the brief can identify the preferred performance. ## Put it into your edit Upload your clips to Shorty and describe the result you want. Add a reference if it helps show the pace or visual treatment. Play the first cut, then use chat to shape the next version. ## An instruction to make your own Use this direction for my video: Group an establishing view, the main action, two useful details and an ending. Keep alternate takes clearly named so the brief can identify the preferred performance. If the final action appears only in a rejected take, restore that take or change the story before rendering. ## Check the detail that matters If the final action appears only in a rejected take, restore that take or change the story before rendering. ## Keep the next change focused Name the moment, say what should change and describe what you want to keep. For a title, supply the replacement words. For pacing, identify the shot that needs more or less time. Play the surrounding sequence after the revision to hear and see how the change fits. ## Keep the ideas coming ### Write a clear editing prompt Describe the source footage, audience, format, story order and constraints. Tell Shorty what must remain accurate, which shot should lead and what the viewer should understand at the end. A reference video is optional; a clear written brief can supply the direction. ### Refine your edit Shorty is an AI video editor you can revise by chat. Open an existing edit and describe the change in plain language, such as a new opening, different shot timing or corrected title text, or select an editable title or graphic in the preview and say what should change. Shorty renders a new version to compare with the previous cut. ### Find an example brief Explore this editing workflow in Shorty. ## Questions, answered. ### How do I apply this in Shorty? Upload your clips to Shorty and describe the result you want. Add a reference if it helps show the pace or visual treatment. Play the first cut, then use chat to shape the next version. ### What should I look for in the result? If the final action appears only in a rejected take, restore that take or change the story before rendering. ## Your next video starts here. Bring the footage. Tell us the idea. Shape the edit. --- Published by Tools Products FZ-LLC. Canonical HTML: https://shortyedit.com/guides/prepare-footage-for-ai-editing