How to Use the Rule of Thirds in Video Editing

Simply put, the rule of thirds is a composition technique in photography and videography that makes visuals pleasing to the eye. This technique is useful for people creating visual art and balances visual appeal between the elements in the image or video.

In this post, we’ll show you how to use the rule of thirds in video, provide examples, and tell you when to break the rules!

What is the rule of thirds grid?

When looking at your video screen, imagine it’s overlayed with a grid with nine squares, complete with horizontal and vertical lines. That’s the rule of thirds grid. 

When applying the rule, place the most important visual elements of the image along the lines or at the points where the lines intersect. The goal is to draw the viewer’s eye to a focal point that is more interesting than dead center in the frame.

How to use the rule of thirds in film creation

First, decide what important elements you are trying to emphasize with your video clip.

Dividing an image or video in this grid format sets the framework for successful video editing. The element that’s the most interesting should get more space and intentional framing. Consider these tips:

• Picture the grid: Most cameras and video editing software offer this option.
• Place key elements: Position the most important subject on the lines and intersections of the grid.
• Balance and use leading lines: Draw the eyes of the audience to different parts of the screen in an aesthetically pleasing way using subjects and negative space to balance.
• Maintain proportions: Position the horizon line of your shots either in the top third or the bottom third of the frame. When filming people, keep their eyeline in the top third of the frame, leaving open space in the direction they’re looking.
• Experiment: Edit in multiple ways to see how to make your film the most interesting. 

Choose a video editing software that has grid lines in the editor. This will make it easy to determine where important elements should be placed in your video. Camtasia is a great option for this since it has grid lines and is beginner-friendly.

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How to set up the grid lines in Camtasia

With Camtasia, you don’t even have to imagine the grid lines. They’re ready and visible.

While editing, choose View > Show Canvas Ruler. 

Now you’ll see rulers above and to the left of the canvas. To create guides for the rule of thirds, you’ll want to divide the width and height of your video by three to determine where to place your rulers. 

Let’s say your video is 1920px by 1080px. In Camtasia, you’ll see a 0 on each ruler in the middle of the Canvas. So, to figure out where to place your canvas rulers, take the width and height of your video and divide it by two, then divide that amount by three. 

For the horizontal lines: 1080 ÷ 2 = 540, then 540 ÷ 3 = 180

For the vertical lines: 1920 ÷ 2 = 960, then 960 ÷ 3 = 320 

Then do the following:

• Click on the top ruler, and you can drag the line onto the screen. 
• Drag the first horizontal line to 180. Repeat the action and drag the second line to -180.
• Click on the ruler and drag one line to -320 and one to 320.

There – you’ve made it! Your video editor should have a perfect grid for you to reference while you edit.

This is particularly helpful as you can also line up text boxes, such as lower thirds or subtitles and captions, on the canvas to rulers. The grid lines are perfect for interviewing subject matter experts and creating training videos.

More resources about video composition

This type of composition has been used successfully in visual art mediums from motion picture films to instructional videos. No matter the video you create, this rule will come in handy and help your videos shine. 

For more information, check out The Visual Lounge Podcast episode on Video Editing Basics – Composition. Matt, Andy, and Justin cover how to get better video composition, from the rule of thirds to headroom. The rule of thirds discussion starts at 14:11!

When to break the rule of thirds

Just like all rules, they can be broken. Sometimes, video editors may want to direct the audience’s attention in a different way, increase the dramatic effect, or change up the imagery with a different shot.

For instance, director Wes Anderson breaks the rule of thirds so much, it’s considered his trademark. He uses symmetry in his landscape shot composition technique. 

Of course, it’s fine to place your subject in the center when needed YouTube videos are often center-framing keeping the subject dead center of the frame.

Impact of the rule of thirds

By placing elements – the subject, horizon line, or leading lines – at the grid lines or intersection points, you elevate their importance. A character gazing from an intersection point draws the viewer into their emotional state, while a landscape shot with the horizon on the lower third emphasizes feelings of serenity.

Psychological studies support the idea that off-center placements can invoke stronger emotional responses. In the study Peripheral vision and preferential emotion processing, researchers explore how our peripheral vision plays a role in detecting emotionally charged stimuli. This is a potential reason off-center placements – which might first enter our peripheral vision – can create more intensity when our focus shifts.

Applying the rule of thirds to screen recordings

The rule of thirds doesn’t just apply to feature films and psychological studies. When people use Camtasia to create screen-recorded content, it is an effective way to engage viewers and show them where to focus. 

You can strategically place the focus on the specific tool or menu you’re demonstrating. For example, during recording, you can place a menu along vertical grid lines, keeping it visually distinct from the other images, so viewers can follow instructions without visual clutter. 

When adjusting sliders or using selective tools, position the cursor or adjustment bar along the horizontal grid lines to emphasize the specific changes you’re making.

The rule of thirds is just a guideline for a proven way to help engage people in your videos. With Camtasia’s built-in composition guides and resources, you can easily learn and master this technique – and then start bending the rules for yourself.

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