--- title: "Google Drive's Hidden Video Editing Tool: Google Vids" url: https://newscentral.site/google-drive-s-hidden-video-editing-tool-google-vids/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Technology" published: 2026-11-01T12:00:00.000Z updated: 2026-11-01T13:53:31.577Z id: f6b2a7f8-13e1-448f-a270-54aa6ba8f940 source: "Wired https://www.wired.com/story/google-vids-free-video-editor-inside-google-drive/" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/google-drive-s-hidden-video-editing-tool-google-vids/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Google Drive's Hidden Video Editing Tool: Google Vids A free online video editing package available to individuals since 2026 offers a range of features for everyday use. Google Drive has a hidden gem that's been available to users for several years, but it's not well-known outside of business and enterprise circles. The tool is called Google Vids, an online video editing package designed for personal and hobbyist use. Since its launch in 2024 for business users and expanded availability in 2026 for individuals, Google Vids has been getting regular updates from the tech giant. While it's not a professional-grade editor capable of handling high-resolution, multitrack video editing, it still offers a range of features that make it suitable for everyday use. Users can access Google Vids by clicking on the "New button in their Google Drive account and selecting the app from the list of options. Alternatively, they can head straight to the Google Vids page and click the +" button to start creating a new video project. The interface offers several pre-made templates and models to help users get started quickly, including the option to turn a slideshow into a video or work from an existing template. Users also have the ability to upload their own videos as a starting point or create an AI music track to add some background sound. Using Google Vids, a free video editor within Google Drive, is a great way to create professional-looking videos without extensive prior experience. To get started, users can pick from various templates that match their desired project type. When selecting a template, it's essential to focus on the layout rather than the specific topic. This ensures that the structure of the video aligns with the user's goals. By hovering over the thumbnail, users can preview the animated template and choose one that closely matches their vision. Once a template is chosen, users are presented with options for using the entire template or selecting specific scenes to incorporate into their project. From there, they enter the main video editing interface. The editing interface itself is relatively intuitive, especially for those familiar with timeline-based video editors. The bottom of the window displays the video and audio tracks, while the main window showcases the currently selected segment. The interface of Google Vids is designed to make it easy for users to create professional-looking videos without requiring extensive editing experience. One way this is achieved is through the use of templates, which can be used as a starting point for creating a video project. When working with templates, some elements such as text and images are automatically styled to match the template's design. This helps to streamline the editing process by providing a cohesive visual aesthetic from the outset. Users can then customize their projects further using the various editing tools available in Google Vids. The top menu bar of Google Vids offers additional features for fine-tuning video projects. These include options for adjusting transitions between scenes, managing element layout within individual scenes, and adding new scenes to a project. This level of control allows users to create complex videos with multiple components. To begin building a project, users can click the buttons on the right-hand side of the interface to import audio, video, and images into their timeline. From there, they can use the plus button to create new scenes and drag in media to fill them. This intuitive workflow enables even novice editors to bring their creative vision to life within Google Vids. The video editor within Google Drive has a range of features that make editing scenes easier. Users can split scenes into two or more parts if needed, which is useful for creating shorter versions of footage. Alternatively, duplicating entire scenes allows editors to quickly add time to their project without having to re-record or re-edit. As users work on their projects, the panel on the right-hand side changes contextually. This intuitive design makes it easy to navigate and access different features. For instance, when working with audio tracks, editors can apply fades to smooth out transitions between clips. When editing video scenes that include multiple elements, such as animated shapes or text overlays, users can adjust their appearance and behavior. This level of control is particularly useful for creating complex visual effects without needing extensive expertise. Editors can also manipulate individual elements within a scene, such as adjusting the position, size, and rotation of text boxes. The process of adding text to a video scene is straightforward: select the relevant scene in the timeline, click on the Text button, and then choose Add a title from the options that appear. From there, editors can modify the text's styling, change its position using handles around the text box, or use the floating toolbar to animate, resize, or format the text further. To further customize their project, users can reposition elements within a scene by clicking and dragging them. This level of control also extends to additional options available through right-clicking, which include cutting, copying, pasting, and deleting individual components. For those seeking more creative resources, the Stock option on the right provides access to a library of materials that can be integrated into their project. These assets complement user-generated content and AI-created elements, offering a wealth of possibilities for experimentation and innovation. With all edits saved instantly, users can easily review their progress by clicking the Play button in the top right corner or share their work with others when it's ready using the Share button. --- Source: [Wired](https://www.wired.com/story/google-vids-free-video-editor-inside-google-drive/) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/google-drive-s-hidden-video-editing-tool-google-vids/