How to Quickly Split Video Clips in Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a versatile editor for video projects. It packs in an array of features that help you edit smarter. One great tip is to split one long video clip into two or more shorter clips. And when you learn how to split clips in Premiere Pro, you can do exactly that.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to split a clip in Premiere Pro. When you know how to split clip in Premiere Pro tracks, you’ll be a faster, more efficient editor. You can slice and dice clips together to tell your story.
Let’s learn how to split clips in Premiere Pro.
How to Split Video in Premiere Pro (Step by Step)
Knowing how to split a video in Premiere Pro is a key skill. Fortunately, it’s very simple. We’ll learn how to do it, step by step.
To demonstrate, we’ll work with stock footage from Envato Elements. This clip is called Skyscrapers in Atlanta, and you can download it here to follow along. It's the perfect sample to learn how to split a clip in Premiere Pro.
Let’s get started!
1. Add a Clip to Premiere Pro
The first step to learning how to split a clip in Premiere Pro is to add a clip to your project Timeline. The Timeline is the panel in Premiere that controls how multimedia interacts. On it, you’ll specify order, layering, timing, and more.


You’ll find the Timeline in the bottom center of your Premiere Pro screen. It’s directly below the Program Monitor - the video preview in the upper center. The Program Monitor will let you preview any edits that you make in real time! This applies to the split clips that we are about to create.
To add a clip to your Premiere Pro Timeline, begin by browsing to a stored video file on your computer. Find it, then click and drag to move it over your Timeline. Generally, it’s a good idea to place it on the V1 track, which is the main video layer in Premiere. Once you have it positioned, release your cursor.


Watch what happens. Premiere Pro will drop your clip into place. You’ll see it appear in the Program Monitor preview, too. Now, you’re ready to learn how to split clips in Premiere Pro!
2. Choose Where to Split the Clip
With your clip in place, return to the Timeline panel. See the blue vertical bar? This is called the Playhead. What it does is control the frame that you have in view up in the Program Monitor. That frame is also the one you’ll be editing.


This is a great way to choose where to split your clip. To move the Playhead, click and drag it to the left or right. By doing this, you can choose right where you’d like to split your clip. Again, the frame will be visible in the Program Monitor.
You can look at the Playhead’s position on the Timeline clip to see exactly where you are in the clip as well.
3. Split the Clip with the Razor Tool
Now, let’s look at how to split in Premiere Pro. Look just to the left of your Timeline. On the toolbar, you’ll see a stacked list of icons.
You’ll see the Selection Tool arrow, and several additional options right below it. The fourth option down is the one you’ll want. It looks like a blade, and it’s called the Razor Tool.


To split a clip in Premiere Pro, click on the Razor Tool. Watch as your cursor transforms into a razor icon when you hover over the Timeline. To split, move the razor directly above where the Playhead is placed on your clip. Then, click once. Just like that, your clip will split in two!


With a split clip in Premiere Pro, you can move either clip around the Timeline. And any edits you make to one half won’t apply to the other half. Also, keep in mind that you can split clips that you’ve already split.
By breaking long clips into short ones, you really unlock a new world of creative editing flexibility. It only takes a few seconds.
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Imagine How to Split Video in Premiere Pro Today
Today, you learned how to split in Premiere Pro. It’s a quick, almost effortless process. But it remarkably enhances your ability to edit and streamlines your workflow. By splitting long clips into smaller pieces, you’re able to edit with more precision. And you’re able to use long takes in footage throughout your project, but not in sequence.
Imagine how to split a video in Premiere Pro in your next project. Then, put your skills to work! You’ll save time and create videos that fit your creative vision.



