How I Used Claude to Edit My Videos

It was not a magic editing button, but it was a good prompt!

Claude coordinated the process. The creative decisions, approvals, and publication remained with me.

What I needed

The availability of features for working with local files and running tools may vary depending on the plan, application version, operating system, and configuration used.

How to prepare the folder

1. Create a dedicated folder for the project.
2. Place only the necessary videos, photos, audio, and documents in it.
3. Keep a backup copy of the original files.
4. Remove personal files that are not part of the project.
5. Use clear names to make the materials easier to identify.
6. Check that there is enough space available on the computer.
7. Open Claude Desktop and authorize only the project folder.
8. Review the permissions granted before starting.

How the edit was assembled

The process combined editorial organization and technical assembly in clear stages:

• select narration excerpts;
• organize photos and videos;
• propose cuts;
• define the sequence;
• build the timeline;
• synchronize the narration;
• apply subtle movement to still images;
• use restrained transitions;
• create Portuguese and English captions;
• run the technical assembly with FFmpeg;
• generate a first version for review.

When the image showed Marcela speaking, the audio needed to match that moment. In the other sections, narration was paired with photos, complementary scenes, or other supplied videos.

Files created

inventario.md

An organized list of the available materials.

transcricao.md

Narration reviewed and structured for the edit.

.srt files

Portuguese and English captions for review.

mapa-privacidade.md

Items that needed review before publication.

timeline.md

The planned sequence of audio, images, videos, and transitions.

build.py

Reproducible instructions that preserve the assembly logic and allow new versions to be generated.

video-v1.mp4

The first version exported for review.

The first version is a draft. Earlier versions are preserved, the video is not published automatically, and final approval remains with the person who created the content.

What worked well

• Organizing scattered materials.
• Identifying repetition in the narration.
• Proposing cuts during pauses.
• Structuring the timeline.
• Creating a first version.
• Making the edit reproducible.
• Locating personal information.
• Creating captions for review.
• Making adjustments easier without restarting the project.
• Reducing part of the operational work involved in editing.

What remained in my hands

• Defining the story.
• Selecting the files.
• Approving the transcript.
• Reviewing personal information.
• Approving the timeline.
• Evaluating pace, emotion, and clarity.
• Requesting adjustments.
• Approving the final version.
• Deciding when and where to publish.

Artificial intelligence helped with execution. The intention, creative judgment, and decisions remained mine.

How to use this guide

1. 1Update or install Claude Desktop.
2. 2Check that FFmpeg is installed.
3. 3Create a dedicated project folder.
4. 4Back up the original files.
5. 5Put only the necessary materials in the folder.
6. 6Personalize the video information in the prompt.
7. 7Send the prompt and approve the three checkpoints.
8. 8Review the transcript, privacy map, and timeline.
9. 9Watch the complete first version.
10. 10Request adjustments and approve the final version.