# What is non-linear editing (NLE)?

> Non-linear editing lets you cut, move and delete clips on a timeline in any order without touching the original files. See a worked example and common NLEs.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-09
- **Category**: Video editing
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-glossary/non-linear-editing

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Non-linear editing (NLE) is editing on a timeline where you can add, move or delete any clip at any time. Your original files stay untouched.

## Linear or non-linear

| | Linear editing | Non-linear editing |
|---|---|---|
| How | Copy clips in order onto a master | Arrange clips on a timeline |
| Change the order | Re-copy from that point | Drag a clip |
| Original files | Copied | Untouched |

## A worked example

Say your ad has 6 clips of 5 seconds each, so it runs 30 seconds. You decide clip 5 is the better opening.

In an NLE you drag clip 5 to the front. The ad is still 30 seconds, and nothing is re-recorded. The editor only changes its list of where each clip plays.

In linear editing you would re-copy the whole 30 seconds in the new order.

## Common NLEs

Premiere Pro (now called Adobe Premiere), DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro are all timeline-based non-linear editors. Browser tools such as Canva also use a timeline.

Marxx's [AI video editor](/features/ai-video-editor) is a multi-track editor that runs in the browser with no install. You edit by hand on the timeline, or describe the edit and the assistant does it. We make Marxx.

## Why it matters for ads

- You can test a new hook by moving one clip.
- You can make several versions of one ad from the same files.
- You can undo and try again, since the originals are safe.

Start with a [rough cut](/glossary/rough-cut). For heavy footage, see [proxy files](/glossary/proxy-files). When you are done, you [render](/glossary/rendering) the file.

## FAQ

### Does non-linear mean the original video is not changed?

Yes. The editor stores your cuts as instructions. Only the final export makes a new file.

### Is non-linear editing the same as timeline editing?

For most ad work, yes. The timeline is where you do it.

### Is text-based editing non-linear?

Yes. It is another way to make the same kind of edit. See [text-based video editing](/glossary/text-based-video-editing).

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- [More Video editing articles](https://marxx.ai/library-glossary/category/video-editing)
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