How to Copy and Paste Clips in Kdenlive

This guide explains how to copy and paste video and audio clips to different areas of the Kdenlive timeline. You will learn the exact keyboard shortcuts, track targeting rules, and mouse techniques needed to duplicate or move your media efficiently without disrupting your editing workflow.

Step 1: Select the Clip

First, click on the clip you want to copy in your timeline. To select multiple clips at once, hold down the Ctrl key while clicking on each clip, or click and drag a selection box around them.

Step 2: Copy or Cut the Clip

Once selected, choose one of the following methods to copy the media: * To duplicate (Copy): Press Ctrl + C on your keyboard, or right-click the selected clip and select Copy. * To move (Cut): Press Ctrl + X on your keyboard, or right-click and select Cut.

Step 3: Position the Playhead

Move the timeline playhead (the vertical line indicating the current playback position) to the exact frame where you want the pasted clip to begin.

Step 4: Select the Target Track

Kdenlive pastes clips onto the active “target track.” Before pasting, make sure the correct track is selected: 1. Look at the track headers on the left side of the timeline (e.g., V1, V2, A1, A2). 2. Click on the header of the track where you want the clip to land. The selected track header will be highlighted in a lighter color.

Step 5: Paste the Clip

Press Ctrl + V on your keyboard, or right-click in an empty space on the timeline and select Paste. The clip will appear at the playhead position on your selected target track.

Alternative: Quick Drag-and-Drop Duplication

If you want to quickly copy a clip to a nearby area without using shortcuts: 1. Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard. 2. Click and drag the clip you want to copy to the new location. 3. Release the mouse button first, then release the Ctrl key. This creates an instant duplicate of the clip.