Video editors
What software do freelance video editors use to manage revisions and billing?
Short answer
Look for one that counts revision rounds against the scope the client approved, prices an extra round before you cut it, and delivers large files on a link that opens when the invoice is paid. PaloWorks does that: the scope carries the included rounds, an extra round becomes a change order, and deliveries take MP4 and MOV files up to 2 GB each.
Free for 1 client, 3 active projects. No card to start. Updated by PaloWorks.
What to look for
Rounds counted where the client can see them
"Just one more tweak" is how a two-round edit becomes six.
In PaloWorks
The scope states the included rounds. The client asks for changes from the scope link, notes sent while a round is open join that round, and a meter shows rounds used.
Extra rounds priced before you cut them
Billing for a round after the fact starts an argument; pricing it first starts a decision.
In PaloWorks
A round past the allowance becomes a change order. The client approves it with their typed name from the one-time link emailed to them, or declines and the original scope stands.
Delivery that handles video files
Sending a master through a chat app or a free transfer link loses track of who has what.
In PaloWorks
Deliveries take MP4 and MOV files up to 2 GB each, uploaded in parts, with a download-all zip that splits a large delivery into parts. Files stay available for 90 days.
The final cut after the final payment
Once the client has the master, the last invoice is the easiest one to ignore.
In PaloWorks
Tie the delivery to its invoice when you publish it, and the downloads open once that invoice is paid.
Hours, for jobs billed by the hour
Edit time drifts; a timer is the only honest record.
In PaloWorks
On Pro and Studio, time tracking per project, turned into invoice lines.
How it works in PaloWorks
Step 1
Take the brief
The video intake asks what the video should say, how long it runs and where, existing footage, voiceover, music and captions, and the deadline.
Step 2
Agree the scope
Deliverables, included rounds, timeline and price; the client approves from the one-time link emailed to them.
Step 3
Run the rounds
Each request for changes is counted. The round after the allowance is a change order the client approves first.
Step 4
Deliver and get paid
Publish the delivery against its invoice; the client pays from the invoice link and the files open.
When PaloWorks is the wrong pick
- PaloWorks has no video player and no timecode comments. Keep frame-accurate review in your review tool and use PaloWorks for the rounds, approvals and billing around it.
- Files over 2 GB, or video in formats other than MP4 and MOV, need another way to deliver.
Comparing tools? Read PaloWorks compared, including what the others are better at.
Questions people ask
- Can clients leave notes at a timecode?
- No. Clients send their notes for a round from the scope link, and can comment per file on a delivery, but there is no video player or timecode markup. Many editors keep a review tool for that and track the round in PaloWorks.
- How big can a delivered file be?
- Up to 2 GB per file, as MP4 or MOV for video. The download-all zip splits a large delivery into parts, and files stay available for 90 days.
- How do I charge for an extra round of edits?
- Send a change order with the price before you start the round. The client approves it with a typed name; then you invoice it.
- Can I keep the final files until the client pays?
- Yes. Tie the delivery to its invoice when you publish it; the downloads open once the invoice is paid.