Create time-lapse video - how it works

In this practical tip, we will show you how and with which program you can create time-lapse videos.

Create professional timelapse with Adobe Premiere Pro

You can create your time-lapse video with the professional video editing program Adobe Premiere Pro. To do this, download and install the free trial version of Premiere Pro:

Open Premiere and create a new project. In the next window you can choose a default for your output clip. We recommend taking an HDV setting from the list.
Under the "File" tab you will find the "Import" button and can add your videos to the program.
Now drag the desired file into the desired track of the timeline at the bottom right.
Now you have to change the speed of the clip and create the actual time-lapse. To do this, right-click on the clip and select "Speed / Duration ...". Now you can either set a desired value for the speed or specify the exact length of the clip.
Then you have to export your finished clip. Choose "File"> "Export" and then "Media". Alternatively, you can also press "CTRL" and "M". On the Mac, press the "cmd" and "M". In the following window, select "Export". Premiere will take care of the settings there for you. You should only remember the location or change it if necessary.

Create time-lapse video with the VLC media player

You can also create a time-lapse with the VLC media player. You can find illustrated instructions in our gallery.

To do this, open your video file from which you want to create a time-lapse.
Under the "Playback" tab, you can set the playback speed according to your requirements.
Now return to the beginning of the clip and select the "Record" field under "Playback". Now let the video run through completely. You can immediately check whether the set speed fits.
The VLC media player now films your clip without loss of quality. The time-lapse clip is created in the "My Videos" folder.

You can also create a slow motion in the same way. All you have to do is adjust the speed settings accordingly. Read more in the practical tip "Adobe Premiere: Insert Slow Motion".