It’s Actually Not That Bad!

The iPad is a great device to take with you when you’re out and about, but have you ever tried editing videos on it? 

I definitely have, and that’s why I decided to share some of the things I learned from video editing on my iPad Pro. Now, I’m not using the latest iPad, it doesn’t even have the M1 chip inside. I am using the 11-inch iPad Pro from 2020, which actually isn’t even that old. 

For those of you who are new here, I also run a growing YouTube channel where I aim to upload at least one video on a weekly basis. On top of that, I also have a full-time job, that’s why, whenever I find a little bit of spare time, I tend to use it for content creation. 

I find that the 1-hour train journey to and from work is the perfect excuse to do just that.

The one thing I don’t like doing is carrying a bulky laptop with me, I much prefer to use my iPad which not only is portable but also functional. That’s why many of the videos you see on my YouTube channel now, are actually edited on my iPad Pro.

So Without any further ado, here are 5 things I learned from Editing on my iPad Pro…

1. The App You Use Matters!

I’ve used a wide range of video editing software over the years, and believe me when I tell you that sometimes, just using the one you’re most comfortable with matters. Over the past year or so, I’ve been using Filmora on my Mac and Windows PC. I find it to be comfortable and easy to use, which for novices like me can sometimes be a godsend. 

When it comes to my iPad, I’m ashamed to admit that that isn’t actually an app I tried, which is strange as there is an iPad version available. There are actually two apps that I used depending on the size of the project. The first app was the legendary iMovie, which was surprisingly good, it performed well, even with the heavier footage, but I never felt comfortable using it.

I was using iMovie for most of my projects until a friend recommended I check out a free app called VN Video Editor. The app is well built and I actually still use it for editing TikToks and shorts on my phone and iPad Pro. VN reminded me of a desktop experience and I guess that that’s important. It also has a lot more features, which iMovie simply does not have.

As of recently, I decided that I will splash out and buy Luma Fusion, which is actually a really good app, highly worth my recommendation! It does not have that scary professional-looking interface so many apps have and it’s actually really easy to use.

2. Use a Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard

I think that using an external mouse and keyboard is an absolute must if you plan to edit videos on your iPad, in fact, I would recommend using one for any kind of content creation. It honestly makes your life so much easier and the best part is that it doesn’t have to be bulky!

Whenever I’m out and about I use a case that has the keyboard and touchpad integrated, this case by HOU to be exact. I find that this case was a great buy and so much cheaper than the Logitech and Apple versions. The keyboard feels great and the touchpad supports gestures.

Whilst this type of solution is great for use on public transport and cafes where you may not have much room, I still recommend getting a physical mouse. If I’m at home, I use the legendary Logitech MX Master 3 which has a side scroll wheel making it the perfect companion for video editing. But that’s a rather large mouse to be carrying around with you. That’s why I always tend to bring the Logitech MX Anywhere 2, which is slightly older than the MX Master 3, but at the same time, it’s more portable and has a side scroll integrated into the main scroll wheel. 

As a whole, editing videos using an actual mouse feels so much better, particularly for editing long videos.

3. It Actually Performs Really Well!

One of the first things that came as a shock to me was how well the iPad actually performed, even with 4K footage! I never experienced any slowness or stuttering whilst editing and rendering videos. I guess the real shock was when I compared it to my gaming PC, which this sort of behaviour can sometimes be a common occurrence no matter what software I use for editing. But I guess it’s all based on how well the system is optimised.

I remember the first time I rendered a 4K video I was so shocked at how smoothly the entire process went, I actually rewatched the video several times to ensure that the quality was good enough to upload, and that tells you something!

4. Get One With A Bigger Screen

11-inch is actually a very sensible size for an iPad Pro, it allows it to be portable and big enough to use for work. However, from time to time I do wish the screen was slightly bigger, especially when I’m editing videos. To put it in context, I have tried editing videos on a larger iPad and that slightly larger size made so much difference!

Therefore, if you primarily plan to use your iPad for video editing, I highly recommend getting one with a bigger screen, but at the same time, the 11-inch isn’t a deal killer in any way.

5. The Touch Screen Is A Welcome Bonus!

That’s right! You’ve read that correctly! I find that the touch screen is a welcome bonus to editing videos on your iPad. Being able to drag footage with your finger from one place to another not only makes video editing seem easier, but it also just makes sense.

That is not to say that I entirely rely on the touch screen, because that can become quite annoying at times. I find it great to use as an extra to an external mouse and keyboard.

The Verdict

Editing videos can at times be a big task, that’s why many tend to choose proper computers or laptops to do the job, no matter what operating system they use and I can’t blame them! I mean being able to use a bigger screen or two of them as it is in my case, can make the overall experience so much better.

But sometimes, as it is in my case, you just have no other option and have to take your work with you, whether it’s to a cafe or on the train and devices like the iPad are perfect for the job.

Some may argue to just get a MacBook, which is a good idea, I’m actually thinking about getting one myself, but if a device I already have can do the job, why would I get a MacBook? Besides, I kinda like the fact I can use the touch screen for some of the video editing tasks!