Your first week with Filmora: setup, first project and first export

Before day one: what the free version gives you

Wondershare says Filmora's free version has no trial expiration date, includes basic editing tools, and adds a Filmora watermark to exported videos; removing the watermark requires a paid plan. [7] Its install guide adds that exports are watermarked unless you are signed in with a Wondershare ID that holds a paid license. [11]

That makes the first week a low-risk way to learn the editor: do everything below on the free version, and only decide about paying once you know you will keep using it. Your projects carry over when you upgrade. [7]

Separately, many AI features use credits. Wondershare's credit rules list, for example, Speech-to-Text at 4 credits per minute, Smart Short Clips at 6 credits per minute, AI Video Enhancer at 20 credits per use and AI Object Remover at 100 credits per use. [8] The plan page we read listed the Advanced annual plan at US$59.99 a year, shown with a discount label, with 1,000 Filmora AI credits a month; confirm the final price at checkout. [10]

Day 1: check your computer and set up a project

Filmora's Windows spec page lists a minimum of 8 GB RAM and an Intel 6th Gen or AMD Ryzen 3 1300X or higher processor, recommends Intel 9th Gen or newer, 16 GB RAM and 4 GB VRAM for HD and 4K, and asks for at least 10 GB free space for installation. [9] If you are below the minimum, edit short 1080p clips at first and accept proxy files when Filmora offers them. [2]

Set the aspect ratio before you import. Filmora's startup window has aspect ratio choices at the top, and File, Project Settings lets you set resolution, aspect ratio and frame rate later. The default is 16:9, with 1:1 and 9:16 presets for social media and a Custom option. [1] Choose 9:16 now if the video is for Reels, TikTok or Shorts; changing ratio late usually means reframing every clip.

Practice project for the week: a 60 to 90 second video about something you know well, with two or three clips, one title, background music and a voice or talking-head track.

Days 2 and 3: import, organise and cut

Import through File, Import Media (files, a whole folder, or from a camera or phone), the Import button beside Project Media, or by dragging files into the Media Library. [2] There is also Scan to Import, which uses a QR code to pull clips from your phone. [2] Multi-select with Ctrl for scattered files or Shift for a range. [2]

Cutting has three entry points: the split button on the playhead (enable it in File, Preferences, Editing if it is hidden), the scissors icon above the timeline, or right-click and Split. [3] If no track is selected, every clip under the playhead splits, so select the track first when you want to cut only one. [3]

For rough cuts, Quick Split Mode turns the pointer into a razor: press C, click to cut, then press V to return to Select. [3] For cleaner selects, double-click a clip in the Media Library, set Mark In and Mark Out in the preview, then drag the trimmed clip to the timeline. [3]

• Day 2 goal: all practice media imported, rough order on the timeline.
• Day 3 goal: every clip trimmed with Mark In/Mark Out or edge trims, no dead air at clip starts.
• Habit to build: select the track before splitting.

Day 4: titles and text

Open Titles from the menu bar, pick a category and preset, and click + to add it. Then select the title, open Titles in the Properties panel and type your text. [4] Font, colour, alignment and case controls sit below the text box, with shadow, shape and glow options and a Save icon to keep a style as a preset. [4]

Save one title style as a preset on day four and reuse it. Consistent text is the cheapest way to make a beginner edit look deliberate. If the video is vertical, keep titles away from the bottom third of the frame where app interfaces sit.

Day 5: clean up the audio

Click the clip on the timeline, scroll to the bottom of the audio panel on the right and switch on Denoise. [5] The panel lists AI Speech Enhancement, Wind Removal, Normal Denoise (Low, Mid or Strong, where lower settings keep more of the original sound), DeReverb, Hum Removal (adjustable from -60 to 0) and Hiss Removal. [5]

Start with Normal Denoise on Low and step up only if the noise is still distracting; strong noise reduction can make voices sound processed. The denoise guide we read does not say whether these tools use AI credits, so check your credit balance before and after if you are on a plan with a monthly allowance. [5][8]

Day 6: export

For a local file, choose a format, name the video, pick a save location, and check the output resolution, frame rate, size and duration before pressing Export. [6] Filmora can also export to a device preset, directly to YouTube, TikTok or Vimeo after logging in, and in batches using several presets at once. [6]

Filmora's spec page lists common export formats including MP4, MOV, MKV, WebM, AVI and GIF plus several audio formats, with 4K export in MP4, MOV and MKV. [9] For a first upload, an MP4 that matches your project resolution and frame rate is the safe default.

On the free version, check the exported file for the watermark before you post it anywhere you care about. [7]

Day 7: review and decide

Watch the export on the device your audience uses, then list what slowed you down. If the answer is mostly the watermark, the decision is about a plan. If it is mostly the computer, Filmora's spec page is the place to compare your hardware before spending anything. [9]

Credit planning: if you expect to use Speech-to-Text on a weekly 20-minute video, that is 80 credits a week at 4 credits per minute, around 320 to 400 a month, before any other AI feature. [8] Subscription credits are valid for 30 days from issuance, so they do not build up. [8]

• Exported one complete practice video.
• Saved one title preset.
• Tried denoise on your own audio.
• Checked the export for the watermark.
• Estimated monthly AI credit use from the features you actually used.

Sources & verification

Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.

1. Filmora User Guide: Create a project Accessed 30 Oct 2026
2. Filmora User Guide: Importing media Accessed 30 Oct 2026
3. Filmora User Guide: Trim, split and cut Accessed 30 Oct 2026
4. Filmora User Guide: Edit and customize texts Accessed 30 Oct 2026
5. Filmora User Guide: AI audio denoise for Windows Accessed 30 Oct 2026
6. Filmora User Guide: Export to local and other destinations Accessed 30 Oct 2026
7. Wondershare Support: How long is the Filmora free trial with watermark Accessed 30 Oct 2026
8. Wondershare Filmora: AI credits rules Accessed 30 Oct 2026
9. Wondershare Filmora: Tech specs (Windows) Accessed 30 Oct 2026
10. Wondershare Filmora: Plans and pricing Accessed 30 Oct 2026
11. Filmora User Guide: Download, install and uninstall Accessed 30 Oct 2026