How to Fix Overexposed Video

Overexposed video is disappointing for any videographer to see when reviewing footage. Content can be ruined by oversaturated highlights and washed-out shadows. It was not long ago that overexposed video constituted a failed shoot, but with video editing programs it is often salvageable. Several programs can aid in fixing overexposed video in a few short steps.

Open Windows Movie Maker to quickly fix overexposed video. Drag the overexposed segment to the storyboard and select it. Click on the drop-down menu labeled "Collections" and select "Video Effects." Select the "Brightness Decrease" option and drag it on top of the overexposed clip. Repeat this step until the clip is at an appropriate exposure.

Repair an overexposed clip in Final Cut X with the color correcting module. Import the clip and drag it into the timeline. Select the clip and click "Window" and then "Show Color Board." Select the "Exposure" option in the dialog box. Adjust the presented "Global Control" slider to adjust the video until it is not overexposed.

Lower the exposure of video in iMovie by importing the overexposed clip into the timeline and selecting it. Select the video adjustments button, symbolized by a circle enclosing a grayscale gradient. Click "Auto" in the presented dialog box for iMovie to fix the exposure or move the "Exposure" slider to the left to darken the video clip. Click "Done" when finished.