How to Reverse a Video in Filmora

Key takeaways:

• Drag your clip to the timeline and open the speed settings
• Turn on Reverse Speed and keep the speed unchanged
• Your video will play backward, just like that

Ever wanted to make your video look like it’s moving backward? Maybe you want that cool rewind effect in your next project, or just want to have some fun with your edits. If you’re using Filmora, reversing a video is super simple and doesn’t need any fancy tricks. I’ll walk you through the steps, clear and quick, so you can get that backward magic in just a few clicks.

Getting Started with Filmora: Importing Your Video and Setting Up

Open up Filmora and start a new project. Drag your video file into the media library. Once it’s there, just pull it down to the timeline. That’s your editing workspace. If you’re new to Filmora and want to know more about the basics, check out how to record your desktop screen in Filmora.

Play your clip for a second to see how it looks in normal speed. This is your “before” shot, so you know what’s about to change.

Speed Menu: Where the Reverse Magic Happens

Click on the video clip in the timeline to select it. Now look for the Speed button above the timeline. It might say “Speed” or show a little speedometer icon, depending on your version.

Click it, and pick Uniform Speed. This opens up a new set of options. Here’s where you’ll find the Reverse Speed toggle. Flip that switch on. You’ll see a checkmark or the toggle will light up.

No need to mess with the speed slider unless you want things to go faster or slower. For a true reverse, just leave the speed at 1x.

Previewing Your Reversed Video

Hit play in the preview window. Now your video should run backward, frame by frame. If you started with someone riding a bike forward, now they’re pedaling in reverse. It’s that quick.

If you want to adjust the speed—maybe you want a slow-motion rewind or a super-fast reverse—move the speed slider, but for most effects, keeping it at normal speed looks best.

Exporting Your Reversed Video

Once you’re happy with how it looks, export your video. Click the Export button, choose your format, and save it to your computer. Filmora makes exporting pretty straightforward, but if you run into any trouble, check out how to improve video quality in Filmora for tips on getting the best results.

Why Reverse? Creative Uses for the Effect

Reversing a video isn’t just for laughs. Here’s where it really shines:

• Creating rewind moments in vlogs or tutorials
• Adding a unique twist to action shots or sports clips
• Making magic tricks look real (cards flying back into the deck, anyone?)
• Fixing mistakes by “undoing” them on screen

Pair it with other effects, like adding transitions in Filmora or color grading, and you’ve got endless creative options.

Quick Tips for a Smooth Reverse Edit

• Keep your clip trimmed—reverse only the part you want, not the whole video.
• Don’t stack too many effects at once; reverse first, then add extras.
• If you need to blur something out, do it after reversing for best results. Here’s how to blur faces in Filmora.

Troubleshooting: If Reverse Doesn’t Work

Sometimes, Filmora might lag or not apply the reverse. Try these:

• Make sure your clip is fully loaded in the timeline
• Restart Filmora if the option is greyed out
• Update Filmora to the latest version for best compatibility (how to update Filmora)

If you’re still stuck, try exporting the clip, then re-importing and applying the effect again.

Going Further: More Filmora Editing Tricks

Want to do more than just reverse? Here are some other Filmora tricks:

• How to rotate a video in Filmora
• How to add text in Filmora
• How to zoom in on Filmora
• How to use green screen in Filmora

These effects stack up, so you can create pretty much any vibe you want.

FAQs

How do I reverse just part of a video in Filmora?

Trim your clip first, then apply the Reverse Speed to just that section.

Will reversing a video affect the audio?

Yes, the audio will also play backward. If you want normal audio, mute the track or add new sound.

Can I reverse a video and then slow it down?

Yep, just adjust the speed slider after turning on Reverse Speed.

Does Filmora watermark reversed videos?

If you’re using the free version, yes. The paid version exports without watermarks.

Can I reverse multiple clips at once?

You need to apply Reverse Speed to each clip separately, but you can stack them in the timeline for a seamless reverse montage.

🎬 Try it out and make your edits pop!