This tutorial goes over how to set clip color in Avid Media Composer. I’ll go through two ways to set clip color, how to remove it and how to be able to set it to any color outside the default options.

Recapping the Tutorial

Clip Color in Avid Media Composer is the color you can give to a clip inside a bin. The clip then appears to be this color in the timeline. This is super useful when you are trying to tell the difference between things. I use this for VO revisions or different days of filming. You may also like to keep all of your graphics one color or all of your titles one color. It’s up to you!

To begin, make sure “Source” Clip Color is turned on. This is so the clip’s color you set in the bin appears in the timeline. Otherwise it won’t appear. Go to the Fast Menu in the timeline and select Clip Color… Inside the pop-up box check the Source option and click OK.

Setting Clip Color Method #1

Select a clip in a bin. Then go up to the Edit menu and choose Set Clip Color… Then select a color. Your clip will now appear that color in the timeline.

To remove the color, go back up to the Edit menu then choose Set Clip Color to Default.

Setting Clip Color Method #2

The other way to set a clip color in Avid Media Composer is in the bin. Right-click on a bin column heading and select Choose Columns… Make sure Color is selected.

Find the Color column in the bin. Select a clip(s). Then right-click inside the blank rectangle in the Color column. Choose a color.

To remove the color, select the clip then right-click inside the blank rectangle in the Color column and choose None.

Let’s say you want more than these 16 default color options. There’s a trick you can do to choose any color you want. To do this hold down the Opt key if you’re on a Mac or Alt key if you’re on a PC and right-click the rectangle in the Color column. A new box will appear. Choose your color and click OK.

Additional Recommended Viewing: Paint Effect Tutorial in Avid Media Composer

Get the clips used in the tutorial on VideoHive!

Subscribe to receive email updates to the website to make sure you’re the first to see them! Let me know if there is something you’d like me to go more in depth on from this tutorial and if there are any tutorials you’d like to see.