Creating Your First Video Project in Descript: From Blank Canvas to Rough Cut

Turning raw footage into a structured rough cut is one of the most satisfying parts of working in Descript. This guide shows you exactly how to go from blank to polished first draft.

Step 1: Start Fresh

Create a new Video Project and add your main recording.

Step 2: Transcribe and Review

Read through the transcript and delete obvious mistakes and filler words.

Step 3: Create Logical Scenes

Break your project into introduction, main content, and conclusion scenes.

Step 4: Apply Layouts

Use ready-made layouts for quick visual structure.

Step 5: Build the Rough Cut

Remove filler words, rearrange sections, and ensure smooth flow.

Step 6: Add Simple AI Polish

Apply Studio Sound and captions.

Step 7: Preview the Full Project

Watch the entire video and make final adjustments.

FAQ

How long should a rough cut take?
Most beginners finish a 10-minute video rough cut in 30-90 minutes.

You now have a repeatable workflow for every video you create in Descript.