'Nudge' - the ability to move objects on a track with small increments.

jcthewizard

• May 03, 2023 22:34

My problem shows up when I’m shooting video from two sources at the same time, then later in production I need to ‘nudge’ either the video track, or the audio track (in the case where I have separated the audio) in order to sync the audio back to a video track.

What I need available is the ability to select either of those tracks (audio or video) and use keys (such as SHIFT – ARROW RIGHT for a frame width, or CTRL Right for ½ frame width) to MOVE the TRACK Right or Left (NOT the Play Head)

Currently, selecting a track and holding down the left mouse button allows the tract to be moved right, left, up or down.  However, there is not enough accuracy to be able to line up a wave file with facial features (lips moving).

I really need to know a way to do this – Even a way to create a shortcut key to make the arrow key function ¼, ½, full frame – right or left

Thanks, you for your consideration!

0

• 

  Here's Johnny

  • May 04, 2023 13:12
  • Edited

  Auto sync would be a better audio solution, but nudging clips would be a handy feature. That being said.

  You could use timeline snapping. Get the audio very close to being synced. Position the Playhead at one end of the track that’s out of sync. Place it on the end of the video snapped into place, use the Period and Comma keys to move the playhead 1,2, 3 frames. Drag the track to the playhead and let snapping lock it in place.

  I can zoom into the timeline all the way and drag media 1 frame at a time. The size and resolution of your monitor can make dragging more difficult. A combination of the monitors pixels per inch and the mouse DPI settings can be key.

  Consider using a programmable mouse. The one I use is a gaming mouse, its bigger and more comfortable than most and has up to 5 DPI settings. You change the DPI on the fly from buttons on the mouse. It’s a quick process designed for gamers. So, it’s quick for all.

  My lowest setting is 400 DPI. On my large 2K monitor it takes a { Lot } of motion to move the cursor a short distance. I use it for my most precise work in applications, particularly when I’m zoomed deep into a canvas area and targeting individual pixels or making pixel precise selections, etc.   

  With the DPI setting at 400, I can drag media 1 frame at a time in Camtasia with ease. The mouse I use can be set as low as 100 DPI.  I’m pretty sure it would work well with 4K monitors and might require the 100 DPI setting since there are so many pixels packed into such a tight area.

   

  As far as ¼ , ½ , or incremental frame movements on the timeline go.

  Video editors edit by frame rate, they don’t do ¼, tenths, thousands , or any fractional division of media. So, they don’t move media/audio by less than full frames either. I use various video software and have tried most upper tier programs over many years. None of them do what you seek.

  I’m sure there’s a very good reason for it. I have my theories; I’ve never found an explanation for it that hits home.

  I’ve never had a problem syncing audio by frame rate.

   If the audio is off by 3 frames or more, I can usually see it. 1 or 2 frames and it’s much harder to detect. Once I've hit the correct frame, the audios synced with mouth movements.

  If you want microsecond precision alignment with multiple audio tracks. You need to that in an audio editor and import the trimmed / synced  audio into Camtasia.

  0

Please sign in to leave a comment.