subclip

A subclip is a term used in video editing to describe a portion of a longer source clip defined by specific start and end points. A subclip represents a subset of the original media and typically references the same underlying file rather than duplicating data. Editors use subclips to organize footage, focus on usable takes, and streamline workflows by working with smaller, clearly labeled units instead of a single long clip.

Creation and usage: In most editing software, you scrub through a source clip, designate in and out points, and choose an option such as “Make Subclip” or “Create Subclip.” The editor then creates a new clip entry that points to the same media with metadata recording the start and end times. Subclips can be renamed and tagged with scene, take, or description. Some systems also allow subclips to be nested and later expanded back into a master clip or exported as independent media with handles for future edits.

Advantages and limitations: Subclips reduce clutter in project bins, improve searchability, and simplify reuse of material across sequences. Limitations include the dependency on the original media location and integrity; moving or offline media can break subclip references, requiring relinking or re-consolidation. In some pipelines, subclips are treated as references rather than independent assets, so changes to the source may affect all associated subclips through shared metadata.