Tip:
Before viewing this guide, we recommend checking out the guide on text-based editing first.
Introduction
You might be asking yourself, “What is chat-based editing?” Cutback brings you a new way to use our Auto Rough Cut feature through prompt-based video editing using a chat interface.
Now in beta testing, our Auto Rough Cut reduces time spent on timeline editing and uses AI to analyze speech and generate subtitles. It then automatically creates a rough cut of your video based on the content you've provided.
With Cutback's AI co-editing tools and new chat interface, you can reduce your editing time from hours to just minutes, thanks to video editing automation features.
Creating a Draft with AI
The guide below explains what to do after the AI has processed your video using Transcribe. Please make sure to run Transcribe first.
Step 1. Review the Smart Summary to understand the video content.
This summary breaks the video into chapters and explains each one, saving time by removing the need to watch the full video.
Step 2. Click the Assistant button (top right).
Step 3. Click on the chat window, then either select a preset editing option or type your own custom editing request.
The AI will analyze and understand the video, and based on your selected editing direction, it will generate a rough cut draft.
After the draft is created, you can preview it and decide whether to apply the changes to your original video or submit a new editing request for further refinement.
Example Editing Directions You Can Request via Presets in Chat
Remove Retakes: This option deletes sections where the same phrase or sentence is repeated multiple times, typically from reshoots or verbal mistakes during filming.
Click the [Select Best Cut] button to preview the repeated segments.
From there, you can choose which versions to keep and which to remove, so you're not stuck with the wrong take, or worse, all of them.
Shorten the Video: This instruction uses intelligent video trimming to trim parts of the video that are less important. It keeps only the most meaningful or relevant sections to reduce the overall video length.
The system will highlight the segments it suggests deleting.
If you agree, simply press the [Confirm] button to remove them.
Remove Silence: The AI detects and removes portions of the video that contain no speech or sound, effectively cleaning up dead air or awkward silences. Silence removal in videos is essential for smooth narrative flow.
If you'd like to adjust the length of the silence threshold, click [Open Draft] to open the current version, then hit [Change Settings] to fine-tune silence detection.
Remove Filler Words: This cuts out interjections or filler sounds, such as “uh,” “um,” or “like”, that appear in between natural speech. These can be distracting in the final edit and are often removed for a more polished result.
Create Shortform Clips: The AI reviews the video and suggests segments that could be ideal for shortform content (e.g., YouTube Shorts, Reels, TikTok).
You’ll see the recommended shortform-worthy clips highlighted by the AI.
Click [Select Layout] to adjust the visual style and frame size.
Then hit [Create Shortform Sequence] to generate a new sequence based on those clips.
Add animated captions to finish it off and enhance viewer retention.
Edit to Match the Script: If you’ve provided a script, you can ask the AI to use it as the editing reference.
Strict Mode: The AI will cut and arrange the video to follow the script 100%. Any parts of the footage that don’t match the script may be removed entirely.
Flexible Mode: The AI will use the script as a loose guide. It may leave some off-script content that’s still relevant or valuable.
Enter Your Own Instructions: If you have a specific request, just type it into the chat window. For example:
Locate all the questions I ask in the video and cut everything else.
The more clearly you describe what you want—using exact phrases or timestamps—the more accurately the AI can execute your edit.
Tips for Effective Chat-Based Video Editing
Try to use clear and specific language. The AI responds best when it knows exactly what to look for.
Cutback’s Auto Rough Cut currently relies on speech recognition, not full visual content understanding. This means that instructions based on sound, dialogue, or speaker cues are more accurate than those based on visual changes.
The rough cut generated by the AI is not final. Always review the draft and fine-tune it before applying it to your final sequence.