Nero Video is an all-in-one video editing and disc authoring software that combines ease of use with advanced editing capabilities. It’s part of the Nero multimedia suite, trusted by millions for burning, editing, and organizing digital content.
Unlike many editors that require a steep learning curve, Nero Video strikes a balance between user-friendliness and power. You can start with drag-and-drop simplicity and grow into advanced features—all without needing third-party plugins.
💡Key Features of Nero Video:
Multi-track timeline editing
Express and Advanced editing modes
Rich vault of effects and templates
Audio mixing and editing
DVD and Blu-ray authoring with animated menus
Smart tools like RhythmSnap and picture-in-picture
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of how to use Nero Video, from launching your first project to exporting your final masterpiece.
Getting Started with Nero Video
Installing the Software
To begin, download the latest version of Nero Video from the official website. After downloading:
Double-click the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Once installed, launch Nero Start, log in or create a Nero account
Activate Nero Video using your license key or trial version.
Launching the Software
After installation, open Nero Start and click "Open" Nero Video.
You can start a project by clicking "Import File" or "Make Express/Advance Movie".
Navigating the Interface
Let's take the express movie mode as an example, the main components of Nero Video’s workspace include:
Media & Effect Library: Store and manage your imported files and the installed effects.
Timeline: Where your video is constructed layer by layer.
Preview Window: View your edits in real-time.
Express vs. Advanced Editing
There are two editing modes in Nero Video to meet the needs of both mature editors and beginners.
Express Editing: Perfect for quick edits and slideshow.
Advanced Editing: Offers a full multi-track timeline, effects control, and keyframes for complex projects.
Editing Your First Video
Once your workspace is set up, it’s time to create.
Setting up your movie
Go to Options - Movie Options to set the aspect ratio and resolution of your project. You can choose from SD, HD, Full HD, or 4K, depending on your desired output quality.
Adding Media
Right-click on the Media library and select “Import - Import File...” to add videos, images, and music files. Simply drag items onto the timeline to begin editing.
Trimming and Splitting
Select a clip on the timeline. Use the cut tools (Cutter) to split one clip into parts, and selettion tool (Standard tool) to select, delete or apply effects on the clips.
Transitions & Effects
Go to the Effects Palette and drag transitions—such as fades or wipes—between clips to ensure smooth scene changes.
You can also enhance your video with filters, slow motion, or creative overlays by dragging effects directly onto the target clips or placing them on the Master Effects track.
Text & Titles
The Text tool is located in the Effect Palette. Select "Text", then choose either Static Text or an animated style you like. Drag it onto the timeline and customize the content, font, style, and position to match your project.
Adjusting Audio
Add background music or narration to enhance the professional quality of your video. Simply drag a music file from the media library onto an empty audio track. For more precise control, use the Audio Effects section in the Effect Palette to adjust volume, apply fades, or enhance sound quality.
Advanced Features
If you’re ready to elevate your projects, Nero Video has more to offer:
Picture-in-Picture (PIP): Layer videos within the same frame for reaction videos or tutorials.
Keyframe Animation: Customize how effects change over time for advanced transitions.
RhythmSnap: Automatically sync cuts to the beat of your music for dynamic edits.
Themes: Apply consistent styling to your project with professionally designed intros and outros.
Motion Tracker: Linked with Nero Motion Tracker, this feature allows you to track moving objects and apply mosaic or blur effects—ideal for protecting privacy or censoring sensitive content in your footage. (👉Learn more about Motion Tracker)
Exporting and Saving Projects
Save Your Work
Always save your project file (.nvc) first, so you can return and make edits later.
Export Settings
Click Export and choose your desired output:
Supported formats: MP4, MKV, MPG, FLV, etc.
Burning DVDs
Besides comprehensive video editing, Nero Video is famous in disc authoring—perfect for home videos or physical media projects. You can check out this video for a thorough tutorial.
Find “Create disc” from the Start screen, choose your desire format and import your final video.
Choose from animated or static menu templates.
Customize backgrounds, buttons, and chapter structure.
You can burn directly to a disc or create an ISO file for later use or distribution.
Conclusion
Whether you're creating simple edits or crafting professional-quality DVDs, Nero Video is a capable companion. It combines the reliability of Nero's burning engine with a full-featured video editor—ideal for content creators, families, and hobbyists alike.
📚 Ready to learn more? Explore Nero’s official tutorials here:
👉 Nero Video Free Tutorials for Beginners