Blind video editing: Using edit handles with voiceover?

By Sean, 21 January, 2018

Forum
macOS and Mac Apps

Hi all,
I have followed with interest the previous posts on blind video editing.

I have learnt to do a few snazzy things, first with iMovie and more recently with FCPX using just keyboard shortcut keys.

There are a few things I am struggling to work out however. Does anyone know how you use edit handles with voiceover to change, for example, fade points?

Also, do you know how to move leading and trailing handles on clips? There was an excellent youtube tutorial once upon a tie, posted here, but those videos have been moved. Any help would be deeply appreciated.

The second point I am having difficulty with is the ability to use all shortcut keys outside of the primary storyline in Final Cut Pro X. For instance, you can mark a range using the I and O clips for in and out on a selected clip - however, if you do that with connected clips, for example, overlay above, or audio files below the primary story line - it does not seem to work. Those effects tend to kick in on the clip in the primary storyline and not where I want them to work. This is the case even if you have the correct clip selected.

Happy to share thoughts with anyone keen to hear about blind video editing. I have actually provided training on blind video editing (I am not a commecial trainer) for a large organisation. It is possible for many video editing functions. The assistance is needed for identifying stable clips if someone has shot on a handheld camera for instance. I also find it essential for the shots to be described on the track - I can then mute the sound in edit by using control - or to up the level, control +.

Anyone who can help on the use of edit handles, or who has any tips for applying shortcut key actions to connected clip, I would be so grateful for any pointers.

Best wishes,
Sean

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Comments

By eyesfreesight on Thursday, September 24, 2026 - 06:44

Hey Shaun! I'm Dan and I'm a totally blind video creator who is really passionate about it! I've tried to use FinalCut but there were some things I was struggling with Voiceover-wise. Like some things work but then they don't at some point.... I'm using Zedit for IOS (the brand new video editer) and Reaper for Windows. I could possibly use Reaper for MacOS but I believe I have the best scripts for Reaper to use as a blind person and they are for Windows only. Even though there's practically nothing you can't do when editing videos in Reaper as a blind person (especially when it comes to navigation, basic editing and audio), but I've encountered some problems when it comes to video siquence: for example some pixelation from time to time in some random places of the video, or some clips are not in fullscreen no matter what the originals are....
Maybe we could teach each other on some editing one day?
If you want, we can contact each other outside of this website - it's probably more convenient.