Editing a video in Google Drive is as simple as uploading the video, opening it with Google Photos, making the desired edits, and saving the changes. You don’t need fancy software or technical know-how. Just follow these straightforward steps to get your video looking exactly how you want it.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Edit a Video in Google Drive
Before diving into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re about to do. We’ll take a video that’s already in Google Drive or upload a new one, then use Google Photos to trim, adjust and enhance it to our liking, all within the Drive interface.
Step 1: Open Google Drive
Go to drive.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
Google Drive is a handy and secure place to store all your files, including videos. It’s easily accessible from any device with internet access.
Step 2: Find your video
Navigate through your folders to locate the video you want to edit. If it’s not uploaded yet, you’ll need to do that first.
Finding your video might take a minute if you have a lot of files. Using the search bar at the top can speed things up.
Step 3: Open with Google Photos
Right-click on the video file and select ‘Open with’ followed by ‘Google Photos.’
Google Photos’ editing tools are straightforward and user-friendly, perfect for quick fixes and edits.
Step 4: Edit your video
Use the editing tools provided by Google Photos to trim, adjust brightness, or enhance your video.
The editing interface is pretty intuitive. Just play around with the tools until you’re happy with how your video looks.
Step 5: Save your edited video
Once you’re finished editing, click ‘Save’ to apply the changes to the video in your Drive.
Don’t worry, Google Drive keeps the original video and creates a new file for the edited version. So you can always go back if you need to.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a freshly edited video ready to be shared with the world. Whether you’re trimming down a long clip, brightening up a dark shot, or just adding a little flair, your video is now prepped and polished.
Tips: Editing a Video in Google Drive
- Make sure your video file is in a format supported by Google Drive and Google Photos for smooth editing.
- Use the ‘Undo’ button liberally if you’re not happy with an edit you’ve just made.
- If you’re looking for more advanced editing features, consider using an external video editing app and then uploading the finished product to Google Drive.
- Remember to give your edited video a descriptive name so you can easily find it later.
- Explore the ‘Adjustments’ section in Google Photos editing tools for more detailed tweaks like color balance and filter effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What video formats can I edit in Google Drive?
Most common video formats like .mp4, .mov, and .avi can be edited in Google Drive using Google Photos.
Can I add music or text to my video in Google Drive?
Google Drive’s editing features are pretty basic. For adding music, text, or other advanced edits, you’ll need to use a separate video editing application.
Is video editing in Google Drive free?
Yes, editing videos in Google Drive using Google Photos is completely free.
Can I edit videos on Google Drive on my phone?
Absolutely, you can edit videos using the Google Drive app on your mobile device. The process is similar to the desktop version.
Does Google Drive save my original video after editing?
Yes, Drive saves your original video and creates a separate file for the edited version, ensuring you always have a backup.
Summary
- Open Google Drive and sign in.
- Locate and select your video.
- Open the video with Google Photos.
- Edit the video using the provided tools.
- Save the edited video, which will not overwrite the original.
Conclusion
Editing a video in Google Drive is a breeze with Google Photos. You don’t need to be a pro editor or have expensive software. All you need is a video, a Google account, and a little creativity. With the step-by-step tutorial we’ve outlined, you’ll be able to spruce up your videos in no time. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you edit, the better you’ll get at it. If you need more advanced features, there’s a plethora of video editing software out there to explore. But for quick and simple edits, Google Drive has got you covered. Happy editing!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.