How to Speed Up or Slow Down Video in Filmora with Cinematic Look

how to speed up or slow down video in filmora with cinematic look - How to Speed Up or Slow Down Video in Filmora with Cinematic Look 3

Key takeaways:

  • Use Filmora speed controls to make any clip faster or slower
  • Speed ramping gives your video that cinematic vibe
  • You can tweak and customize the speed effect for more control

Ever watched a video and thought, “That slow-mo moment is fire”? Or maybe you want to speed things up for a quick montage? If you’re using Filmora, you’ve got all the tools to pull off both. I’ll break down how to speed up or slow down your footage and then show you how to make it look straight out of a movie.

Basic Speed Up and Slow Down in Filmora Is Super Simple

So, here’s the deal. You drop your video into the Filmora timeline, play it, and decide which part you want to mess with. Maybe there’s a jump or a cool action you want to slow down. Just split the clip at the start and end of that moment.

  • Select the section you want to change
  • Hit the Speed menu
  • Drag the slider or enter a value
  • Higher than 1 = speed up
  • Lower than 1 = slow motion (like 0.3 for super slow)

Play it back. If it’s choppy, that’s normal for heavy slow-mo unless you shot high frame rate. Want to speed it up? Same spot—just crank the number up (like 1.5 or 2).

If you’re new to editing, check out top free simple video editor software for beginner for more options.

How to Get That Cinematic Look with Speed Ramping

Alright, regular speed changes are cool, but if you want that cinematic feel, you need speed ramping. This is where the speed changes smoothly over time—like slow, then fast, then slow again. It’s what you see in action movies or fancy travel vlogs.

Here’s how I do it:

  • Import your video and select it in the timeline
  • Go to the Speed menu
  • Click Speed Ramping
  • Pick a preset (like Montage, Hero Moment, etc.) or make your own

You’ll see a curve with points you can move. Drag these points up or down to control the speed at different spots. Add more points with the plus button if you want extra control.

Play it back. Now your video starts slow, speeds up, and then chills out again. It’s way more interesting and gives that movie energy.

Want to go even further? Try adding some color grading for a pro finish. Here’s a guide on color grading in Filmora.

Customizing Speed Ramping for Full Control

Don’t just settle for the presets. You can totally customize the speed curve:

  • Move points to where the action happens
  • Make some parts super slow, others super fast
  • Add as many points as you want

It’s all about matching the speed changes to the beat of your music or the mood of your video. If you want to add text or effects, check how to add text in Filmora or how to make a zoom effect in Filmora.

Tips for Smoother Slow Motion

  • Shoot your footage at a higher frame rate (like 60fps or 120fps) if you plan to slow it down
  • If your slow-mo looks choppy, try adding motion blur or frame interpolation if your editor supports it
  • Keep your edits short and punchy—don’t overdo the slow motion or speed ramping

Want to improve your video quality overall? Read how to improve video quality in Filmora.

Table: Quick Reference for Speed Controls in Filmora

EffectHow To Do ItPro Tip
Speed UpSet speed > 1Use for timelapses or montages
Slow DownSet speed < 1Best with high fps footage
Speed RampingUse speed ramping toolCombine with music beats
Customize PointsAdd/move curve pointsMatch to action or emotion

More Filmora Tricks

If you’re into more advanced stuff, try these:

And if you ever want to record your screen for tutorials or gaming, here’s how to record desktop screen in Filmora.

FAQs

How do I split a video to only slow down one part in Filmora?

Just use the split tool before and after the section you want, then adjust the speed for that part only.

Can I make custom speed ramping profiles in Filmora?

Yep, you can add and move as many points as you want on the speed curve for full control.

Why does my slow motion look laggy?

If you didn’t shoot in high fps, slowing down too much can make things choppy. Try less extreme slow-mo or shoot at higher frame rates next time.

Does speed ramping work with audio?

Speed ramping changes video speed, but it can mess up audio. It’s usually best to detach or mute the audio and add music or effects.

What’s the best way to get a cinematic look in Filmora?

Combine speed ramping, color grading, and maybe some letterbox bars for that movie feel. Check out color grading in Filmora for more tips.

🎬 That’s how I do speed changes in Filmora. Play around, try different combos, and make your videos pop!