The basic process for merging videos

Merging videos means taking two or more separate video files and combining them into a single file that plays them one after another. The simplest way depends on what you already have on your computer — most people can do this with free software that works on Windows, Mac, or Linux without paying anything.

The general steps are always the same: open your video editor, import all the videos in the order you want them, arrange them on a timeline, then export the result as a new video file. The time this takes depends on how long your videos are and how powerful your computer is, but the actual work of combining them takes just a few minutes once you know where to click.

Before you start, gather all your video files in one folder on your computer. Write down the order you want them to play in. If your videos are in different formats (one is .mp4, another is .mov), that is fine — most editors handle mixed formats without trouble.

Key Takeaways

  • Free video editors like DaVinci Resolve, OpenShot, and Shotcut can merge videos on any computer without paying for software.
  • The process involves importing your videos, placing them on a timeline in the order you want, and exporting the combined result as a new file.
  • Your computer needs enough free disk space to hold the original videos plus the new merged file — roughly double the total size of all your source videos.
  • Exporting the final merged video can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on the length and resolution of your videos.

Using DaVinci Resolve on Windows or Mac

DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editor that offers a free version with all the features you need to merge videos. Download it from blackmagicdesign.com and install it like any other program. When you open it, you will see a blank project screen.

Click "File" at the top, then "New Project" and give your project a name. In the next screen, you can leave most settings as they are — just make sure the resolution matches your videos (1080p is standard for most phones and cameras). Click "Create" to start.

Now you need to import your videos. Click "File" again, then "Import Media" and select all your video files at once by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) while clicking each one. They will appear in a panel on the left side of the screen. Drag the first video onto the timeline at the bottom — you will see a horizontal bar appear. Drag the second video right next to it, then the third, and so on until all your videos are lined up in order on the timeline.

Once all videos are on the timeline in the right order, click "File," then "Export" and choose "Video" from the menu. Select a location to save your merged video, give it a name, and click "Export." DaVinci will process your videos — this can take 10 minutes to an hour depending on how long they are. When it finishes, you will have a single video file that plays all your clips one after another.

Using OpenShot on Windows, Mac, or Linux

OpenShot is simpler than DaVinci Resolve and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Download it from openshot.org and install it. When you open the program, you will see a blank workspace with panels on the left and right.

Go to "File" and click "Import Files." Select all your videos at once (hold Ctrl or Command and click each one). They will appear in the left panel. Drag each video onto the timeline at the bottom in the order you want them to play. You will see them line up as colored blocks on the timeline.

Once all your videos are arranged in order, go to "File" and click "Export Video." Choose a format (MP4 is the most common), pick where to save it, and click "Export." OpenShot will combine your videos and save the result. This usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on your video lengths.

Using Shotcut on Windows, Mac, or Linux

Shotcut is another free option that handles video merging well. Download it from shotcut.org and install it. Open the program and you will see a large preview window in the center with panels around it.

Click "File," then "Open" and select your first video. It will appear on the timeline at the bottom. Now click "File" again, then "Open as Layers" and select your second video — this adds it to the timeline right after the first one. Repeat this for each additional video, selecting "Open as Layers" each time.

Arrange the videos in the correct order by dragging them on the timeline if needed. When everything is in place, go to "File," then "Export" and choose your format. Select where to save the file and click "Export." Shotcut will process your videos and create the merged file.

What to do if your videos are different sizes or formats

If your videos have different resolutions (one is 1080p and another is 720p), most editors will automatically resize them to match the project settings. This means the smaller video might look slightly blurry, or the larger one might be cropped. To avoid this, set your project resolution to match your highest-quality video before you import anything.

If your videos are in different formats (.mp4, .mov, .avi), the editors listed above handle this without extra steps — just import them all and they will work together. However, if you run into problems, you can convert all your videos to the same format first using free tools like HandBrake (handbrake.fr) before merging them.

Some videos shot on phones might have different frame rates (30 fps versus 60 fps). Most editors smooth this out automatically, but if you notice stuttering in the final video, check your project settings and make sure they match your source videos.

How much disk space and time you will need

Before you start, check how much free space is on your hard drive. You need at least as much free space as the total size of all your original videos, plus extra for the new merged file. If you are merging three videos that are each 1 gigabyte, you need at least 6 gigabytes of free space.

The time it takes to export depends on three things: how long your videos are, what resolution they are (4K takes longer than 1080p), and how fast your computer is. A 10-minute video at 1080p might take 5 to 15 minutes to export. A 30-minute video at 4K could take an hour or more. Your computer will be busy during this time, so plan accordingly and do not shut it down until the export finishes.

If the export seems to be taking forever, check the progress bar in your editor — most show a percentage complete. If it is stuck at the same percentage for more than 10 minutes, close the editor and try again. Sometimes restarting the computer helps if it is running slowly.

Fixing common problems when merging videos

If your merged video has no sound, check that your source videos actually have audio. Open one of the original videos in a media player and turn up the volume to confirm. If the audio is there but disappeared during merging, reimport the videos and make sure the audio tracks are visible on the timeline — they usually appear as a separate colored bar below the video. If you still do not see audio, try exporting again and select an audio codec in the export settings (AAC or MP3 are standard).

If the videos play out of order or skip, check the timeline carefully. Make sure each video is placed directly next to the previous one with no gaps. Drag them closer together if there is space between them. If one video is much shorter than you expected, it might have been cut off during recording — check the original file to confirm.

If the export fails or the program crashes, try closing other programs on your computer to free up memory, then try exporting again. If it keeps failing, try exporting to a different format (MP4 instead of MOV, for example) or to a different location on your hard drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add transitions or effects between the videos?

Yes. In DaVinci Resolve, right-click the space between two videos on the timeline and select "Add Transition." In OpenShot and Shotcut, look for a "Transitions" panel and drag a transition onto the gap between videos. Fade, dissolve, and slide are common options. Adding transitions makes the export take longer but creates a smoother look between clips.

What if I want to trim or cut parts out of a video before merging?

Import the video onto the timeline, then right-click it and look for "Trim" or "Cut" options. You can also click and drag the edges of the video block on the timeline to shorten it. Make these edits before adding the next video, or after all videos are in place — either way works.

Can I merge videos that were recorded on different devices?

Yes. Videos from a phone, camera, and computer can all be merged together. The editors handle different formats and resolutions automatically. Just import them all and arrange them in order on the timeline.

What format should I export the merged video in?

MP4 is the most common and works on almost any device. If you are uploading to a specific platform like YouTube or TikTok, check their requirements — most accept MP4. If you need the file to be smaller, export as MP4 with lower resolution or bitrate, though this reduces quality.

Can I undo changes after I have exported the merged video?

The export creates a new file and does not change your original videos, so you can always start over. However, once you close your editor project without saving it, you lose the arrangement of videos on the timeline. Before you export, go to "File" and "Save Project" to keep a copy of your timeline setup in case you need to make changes later.