FileLab Review - Free Video & Audio Editing

The FileLab Suite

 
The FileLab suite consists of three free web apps: A video editor, an audio editor, and a window's cleaner.  Since this review is for classroom purposes, it will only focus on the video and audio editor, although the window cleaner tool is great if you're looking for something to help you organize and backup your PC.

---

The FileLab Video Editor

I stumbled upon FileLab while looking for a online video editor I could use for a project with my middle school technology class.  I wanted a program that was free, had an easy-to-use interface, and that would allow students the use of some fun transitions and effects.  This app was one of the best I found and I thought it would do nicely for the Round Up's first review. 

When you launch the video editor, it will ask you to install the FileLab plugin.  Once it's installed you'll get this screen (click the image for a larger version):

If you've ever used any video editing software before, this should all look fairly familiar.  You insert your video, transitions, text, and effects in their respective rows at the bottom of the program.  To the top left, you've got your effects, transitions and titles tabs, all which have a surprisingly large collection.

Before going further, make sure you create an account so you can save your work, and then get started uploading files!  All major file types for video and audio are supported (I couldn't find a single type that wasn't supported, but if you have trouble try using freemake video converter to change your file to a more traditional type like .mp4, .avi, .mkv, or .mov)

After uploading my clips I came across the one downside of FileLab.  Most video editing programs have a section/tab where you can manage your imported clips, but that's not the case with FileLab.  

Instead, they're placed along the video row at the bottom, in the order you upload them.  You can cut them, reorder them, and apply all the effects you want, but to make things easier I would suggest uploading the clips in the order you want them and not uploading any extra clips you don't need.

When you've got all your clips up and in the right order, just drag the effects, transitions, and titles to wherever you want them and that's all there is to it! The only thing that's a little tricky is adding audio tracks.  

For that, you've got to click the "Add Overlay" button, which will actually allow to overlay audio or another video track (if you want to add an effect for instance).  

You can also control the transparency/volume level of overlay clip as well as the rotation.

---

When you've finished getting your movie the way you like it, click the "Make Movie" button at the top right. You'll see a huge variety of output formats to choose from:

Choose the format you like (web based, for gaming/mobile devices, or HD) and the file type you want, select the output path, and click "Make Video File."  Then you're done!  Check your computer when it's finished processing and you'll find the video!

The FileLab Audio Editor

Much like the video editor, FileLab's audio editor is incredibly easy to use, supports a huge variety of formats, and has a large selection of effects.  When you first log in, you'll see:

Open the file you want to edit (you can only have one open at a time, you can't combine audio files.  If you're interested in that, I'd recommend Audacity)  

Next, select the area of the file you want to edit, choose your effect and Voila!  That's it!  

You've also got a tab for generating silence, noise, signals, or chirps if that's what you're in the mood for.  When you're all finished, click the "Make Audio" button at the top right.

You'll see the final screen where you can pick your audio format, choose the output path, and choose "Make Audio File"

And there you have it!  All in all, FileLab is an excellent resource for teachers looking for an online video and audio editing suite.  The program is rich in features, simple to use, and completely free!