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Create Your First Project

Create a saved project, bring in some footage, and make a simple cut.

If the Welcome screen asks you to log in, click Log in with your browser first. The project buttons appear after you return to Solar Sailer. See Log in and manage your account if the browser doesn't reopen the app.

Create and save the project​

  1. Click New Project….
  2. Choose a name and folder.
  3. Click Save.

Solar Sailer creates the .sailer project file before opening the editor. The filename becomes the project name, so pick something you'll recognize later.

The save location matters. Solar Sailer keeps transcripts and other analysis results in a matching .sailer.data folder beside the project file. If you move or copy the project, take both with you. Imported footage stays in its original location, so moving a source file later means you'll need to relink it.

The default frame rate, resolution, and cache location are fine for a first edit. You can change them under Edit > Project Settings…. See The Cache Folder before putting the cache on another drive.

Import footage​

  1. In the Media panel, click Import Media.
  2. Choose one or more files.
  3. Drag an imported clip from the Media panel onto the timeline.

You can also import by dragging files from Windows Explorer onto the Media panel.

Importing adds files to the project but does not copy or move the originals. Solar Sailer prepares audio and other playback files in the background. You can start editing while that runs. A clip with a yellow Proxy required badge needs a proxy before it can play. List view cuts the badge short to Proxy r.

Auto-classify imported media is on by default under Edit > Preferences… > Import. Automatic classification requires a paid Solar Sailer plan and a supported API key. When it runs, it sends sample frames or short audio excerpts to your configured AI provider and can add usage charges to that account. Turn it off before importing if you don't want those samples sent. If the required plan or key is unavailable, the footage still imports and classification is skipped. Classify Your Footage explains the labels and provider choices.

Make your first cut​

Press Space to play or pause while you look for a cut.

  1. Move the playhead to the frame where you want the cut.
  2. Select the clip.
  3. Press Ctrl+B.
  4. Select the part you don't want.
  5. Press Delete.
  6. Press Ctrl+S to save.

That's your first rough cut. Deleting leaves a gap, which is useful when you're still deciding what belongs. Cut and Delete covers ripple deletion when you want the rest of the timeline to close up.

For a closer look around the editor, take the Interface Tour. The Import Media guide covers formats and import options, and Create, Open, and Save Projects explains reopening, switching, and Save As.