Recording and Editing Videos with Third-Party Tools (Clipchamp Example)
Objective
This KB outlines the steps to record, edit, and upload video content using 3rd party tools like ClipChamp and Empath, ensuring a smooth process for team members.
Key Steps
1. Introduction to Video Recording 0:01
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Understand the need for advanced video recording and editing beyond built-in tools.
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Familiarize yourself with ClipChamp as a recommended third-party tool.
2. Accessing ClipChamp 2:37
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Go to ClipChamp or search for 'Microsoft ClipChamp'.
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Log in using a Microsoft account (personal or work).
3. Starting a New Video Project 3:19
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Click on 'Create New Video'.
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Select 'Record and Create' and choose 'Screen and Camera'.
4. Recording Your Video 4:12
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Ensure the correct camera and microphone are selected.
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Click 'Record' to start capturing your screen and camera.
5. Editing Your Video 5:05
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After recording, click 'Save and Edit'.
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Use the editing tools to adjust video tracks, audio levels, and apply effects.
6. Exporting Your Video 10:19
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Title your video (e.g., 'Canva Demo Video').
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Choose export settings (e.g., 720p, MP4 format) and click 'Export'.
7. Uploading to Empath 11:09
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In Empath, click 'Create' and select 'Lesson'.
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Switch to advanced mode and choose 'Add from File'.
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Upload the video file you exported from ClipChamp.
8. Finalizing Your Lesson 12:03
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Add a description and tagline for your lesson.
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Ensure all fields are filled out and click 'Save Lesson'.
9. Additional Tools for Video Editing 14:12
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Consider other tools like iMovie (Mac), Windows Movie Maker, CapCut, or Canva for more advanced editing.
Cautionary Notes
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Ensure your recordings are clear and concise to maintain viewer engagement.
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Check audio levels before finalizing your video to avoid poor sound quality.
Tips for Efficiency
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Familiarize yourself with ClipChamp's interface before starting your project.
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Plan your video content and script to minimize editing time later.
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Use keyboard shortcuts in ClipChamp for faster editing.
Other Tools You Can Use (And Who They’re Best For)
While Clipchamp is a great starting point for basic recording and light editing, you may find that different tools are a better fit depending on your workflow, device, or editing needs. Here’s a quick guide to the other tools mentioned in this article and when you might reach for them.
iMovie (Mac Only)
Best for: Mac users who want simple drag-and-drop editing
Why use it:
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Comes free on all Macs
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Very beginner-friendly
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Great for trimming, rearranging clips, adding titles, and basic transitions
If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, iMovie can feel more natural and smoother than Clipchamp.
Windows Movie Maker (Windows 7/8 Legacy Tool)
Best for: Users who want the simplest possible “old school” editing workflow
Why use it:
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Extremely straightforward, minimal feature set
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Still available in the Windows Store
If Clipchamp feels too modern or feature-heavy, Movie Maker gives you a classic, no-frills timeline that’s hard to mess up.
Canva Video Editor
Best for: Users who already rely on Canva for graphics or social content
Why use it:
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Surprisingly capable video editor
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Great for branded content, overlays, and templates
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Easy to add graphics, animations, or text callouts
If you’re making something aesthetically polished — especially for marketing or onboarding — Canva may be the fastest way to get there.
CapCut
Best for: People who want more editing power but don’t want a full professional suite
Why use it:
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Works across Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile
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Great intermediate-level tool
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Free with optional paid features
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Tons of built-in automation and templates
CapCut is extremely popular with content creators because it hits the sweet spot between power and simplicity. It’s ideal if you want more control than Clipchamp but fewer complications than Adobe Premiere.
OBS + Virtual Camera (Advanced Users)
Best for: Users creating higher-end or highly produced video content
Why use it:
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Lets you build a “virtual camera” with overlays, scenes, and layouts
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Extremely powerful and completely free
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Commonly used by YouTubers, Twitch streamers, and advanced presenters
OBS is not recommended for beginners — it has a learning curve. But if you want to stage your webcam feed with transitions, graphics, or multi-source layouts before recording into Empath or Clipchamp, OBS becomes a game-changer.
Professional Tools (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, DaVinci Resolve)
Best for: Full-time content creators or anyone producing polished video at scale
Why use them:
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Industry-standard editing features
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Color grading, audio mastering, multi-cam editing, effects
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Very high ceilings, but significant learning curve
These tools are powerful — but they’re overkill unless you’re planning a serious content production workflow.
Which One Should You Choose?
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Just getting started? → Clipchamp
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Want simple drag-and-drop editing? → iMovie (Mac) or Windows Movie Maker
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Want polished branding or social-friendly content? → Canva
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Want more capability but not full pro editing? → CapCut
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Planning to create content regularly with advanced layouts? → OBS
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Going fully professional? → Premiere / Final Cut / Resolve
Clipchamp remains the best middle-ground option for most Empath creators — free, cross-platform, simple, and good enough for 90% of training videos.