Descript’s New Editor Layout (what is Underlord??)

Meredith Marsh
30 May 202407:48

TLDRMeredith introduces the new layout of Descript's video editor, highlighting the 'Underlord' sidebar, which, despite its name, contains powerful AI features. She guides viewers through the updated interface, including the 'Learn Descript' section, and explains the benefits of the reorganized sidebar with its various elements like files, properties, comments, and record. Meredith also mentions her free video editing cheat sheet, updated for the new Descript version, and teases upcoming improvements.

Takeaways

  • 🌟 Descript has introduced a new editor layout with a significant update.
  • 📚 A new sidebar feature called 'Underlord' has been added, which contains various AI functions and features.
  • 🔍 The 'Underlord' name is considered by the speaker to be odd, but the functionality within is praised.
  • 🎥 The new layout includes a 'Learn Descript' section to help users understand changes and new features.
  • 🔄 The top menu buttons have been replaced with a sidebar for a more comprehensive view of the editor's capabilities.
  • 📁 The sidebar organizes files, compositions, and different project files in an accessible manner.
  • 🎛️ The property sidebar allows for adjustments to volume, effects, animations, and layout properties of the video.
  • 🗣️ Comments have been given a dedicated section in the new layout, making them more visible and accessible.
  • 🎼 The 'Layouts' section, previously known as 'Templates', allows for the customization and saving of video elements.
  • 🎞️ 'Media' and 'Music' sections provide access to royalty-free stock media and background music.
  • 📝 The 'Elements' section is for adding text, shapes, and other visual components to the video.
  • 🖌️ Customization options for captions and text overlays are available through the 'Captions' section.
  • 🤖 AI features like 'Remove Retakes' and 'Find Highlights' are now more prominently displayed under the 'Underlord' section.
  • 📚 A 'Descript Video Editing Cheat Sheet' has been created by the speaker and is available for download.

Q & A

  • What is the new layout feature in Descript called?

    -The new layout feature in Descript is referred to as the 'Underlord', which the speaker humorously notes is a poor name choice, but the content within it is considered cool.

  • What is the purpose of the 'Underlord' section in Descript's new layout?

    -The 'Underlord' section is where all of Descript's AI functions and features are located, providing users with various AI options for editing and enhancing their videos.

  • How can users access the new layout in Descript if they haven't seen it yet?

    -Users who haven't seen the new layout can access it by going to their settings and scrolling down under the 'Labs' section.

  • What is the 'Learn Descript' section and why is it useful?

    -The 'Learn Descript' section is a new addition that provides video tutorials to guide users through the changes and features of the new editor, making it easier to understand and use the updated interface.

  • What changes were made to the top menu in the new Descript editor layout?

    -In the new Descript editor layout, the top buttons for adding files, recording, and adding text or captions have been removed and replaced with a sidebar area that provides a more detailed view of the options.

  • What is the 'Property Sidebar' and how does it relate to the previous version of Descript?

    -The 'Property Sidebar' is where users can change the properties of the elements they have selected in their project, such as volume or animations. It is similar to the properties section in the previous version but is now more accessible in the sidebar.

  • What are 'Layouts' in the context of Descript's new layout features?

    -In Descript's new layout, 'Layouts' refer to what were previously called 'templates'. They allow users to create and save arrangements of text, images, and other elements for reuse in their projects.

  • How does the 'Media' section in the new layout differ from the previous version?

    -The 'Media' section in the new layout is a dedicated area for finding and using stock media, including royalty-free videos, images, stickers, and backgrounds, which were previously less prominently featured.

  • What is the 'Elements' section and what can users do there?

    -The 'Elements' section is where users can add text, shapes, and other visual elements to their video projects, providing a centralized place for these functionalities.

  • What is the 'Captions' section used for in the new Descript layout?

    -The 'Captions' section is used for adding live captions to the video as it follows along with the script, allowing users to customize the appearance and timing of the captions.

  • What additional resource is mentioned by the speaker to help with video editing in Descript?

    -The speaker mentions a 'Descript Video Editing Cheat Sheet', a one-page guide that covers the basic steps for editing in Descript and is updated for the new version.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Descript's New Layout Overview

Meredith introduces a major update to Descript's interface, highlighting the new layout features and menu options on the right-hand sidebar, including the 'Underlord' section. She explains the benefits of the new layout, such as the expanded view of features and the ease of access to different elements like files, properties, comments, and the record section. Meredith also mentions the 'Learn, Descript' section for new users and the availability of her video editing cheat sheet for Descript.

05:01

📚 Exploring Descript's AI Features and Media Options

The second paragraph delves into the specifics of Descript's new 'Underlord' section, which houses various AI functions and features, some of which are newly introduced. Meredith discusses the AI's capabilities, such as 'remove retakes' and 'find highlights,' and emphasizes the improved visibility and accessibility of these features. She also covers the media options available in Descript, including stock media, music, and the ability to upload custom files, and invites viewers to subscribe for updates on future improvements.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Descript

Descript is a video and audio editing software that uses AI to simplify the editing process. In the video, it is mentioned that Descript has undergone a 'makeover,' referring to the introduction of a new editor layout. The script discusses various features of the updated Descript, indicating its role as the central theme of the video.

💡Underlord

Underlord is the name given to a feature within Descript's new layout that houses AI functions and features. Although the name is humorously criticized in the script, the content it contains is highlighted as 'really cool,' showcasing its importance in the new layout's functionality.

💡Editor Layout

The term 'editor layout' refers to the arrangement and design of the user interface for Descript's editing tools. The script describes a new layout that includes a sidebar with various features, indicating a significant change in how users interact with the software.

💡AI Features

AI Features in the context of the script refer to the artificial intelligence capabilities of Descript, such as 'remove retakes' and 'find highlights.' These features are part of the Underlord section and are presented as enhancements to the editing experience.

💡Sidebar

The sidebar is a vertical panel on the right-hand side of the Descript editor layout that contains various sections like files, properties, comments, record, layouts, media, music, and elements. It is a new organizational feature that streamlines access to different aspects of the editing process.

💡Templates

In Descript, templates, now referred to as 'layouts,' are pre-designed arrangements of video elements such as text, images, and other media that users can apply to their projects. The script mentions that these have been moved to a sidebar for easier access.

💡Stock Media

Stock media refers to pre-existing content like videos, images, stickers, and backgrounds that are available for use within Descript, presumed to be royalty-free. The script mentions a section in the new layout dedicated to finding and using such media.

💡Music

The music section in Descript's new layout provides access to royalty-free music tracks that users can add to their videos. The script notes that users can also upload their own music and sound effects, indicating flexibility in audio selection.

💡Elements

Elements in the context of the script are the basic components that users can add to their videos, such as text or shapes. The new layout has a dedicated section for adding these elements, making the creative process more organized.

💡Captions

Captions are the text overlays that appear on a video, often to provide a transcription of the spoken words. In Descript, there is a section for managing live captions, which the script describes as following along with the script and displaying words on the screen.

💡Cheat Sheet

A cheat sheet, as mentioned in the script, is a one-page guide created by the speaker that outlines the basic steps for video editing in Descript. It is offered as a free download and is updated for the new version of the software, serving as a quick reference for users.

Highlights

Descript has introduced a new editor layout with a makeover.

A new feature called Underlord has been added to the editor.

Underlord contains AI functions and features.

New layout includes a sidebar with various sections for improved organization.

Learn Descript section added for new users to understand changes and features.

Old top buttons have been replaced with a sidebar for better visibility.

Files, compositions, and project files are now accessible through the sidebar.

Property sidebar allows for easy adjustments to video elements.

Comments section has been revamped and given more prominence.

Record section remains functional but has been moved to the sidebar.

Layouts, formerly known as templates, have been rebranded and organized in the sidebar.

Media section provides access to royalty-free stock media.

Music section offers royalty-free music for video projects.

Files section allows for uploading of personal stock, b-roll, images, and sound effects.

Elements section for adding text, titles, and shapes to the video.

Captions section for live captions and customizing their appearance.

AI features under Underlord include shortening word gaps and removing filler words.

New AI feature 'Remove Retakes' helps in editing out unnecessary parts of a video.

Descript offers a video editing cheat sheet for users to follow.

The creator encourages subscribing for updates on new features.