Prototype Windows 3D Video Editor

Project Proposal: Lightweight 3D Video Editor (Proof-of-Concept)
Project Overview

The goal is to create a minimal, yet functional, 3D video editor that demonstrates three core capabilities:

Video trimming and cutting

Importing and positioning a single 3D model (OBJ or FBX)

Applying a small set of visual effects (color correction, blur, glow)

Exporting to MP4

This editor will have a single-panel interface, allowing quick demonstration of the workflow while maintaining lightweight performance.

Target Platform

OS: Windows 10 / Windows 11

Architecture: x64

Installation: Standalone executable or simple installer; no heavy dependencies beyond runtime libraries

Tools and Technology Stack
Feature Suggested Tool/Library Rationale
Video decoding/encoding FFmpeg Industry standard, supports MP4 export, lightweight
Video processing OpenCV Easy video frame manipulation for trimming/cuts
3D rendering Unity (HDRP/LWRP) or OpenGL with C++/Python Unity simplifies importing OBJ/FBX and real-time rendering
GUI Unity UI or PyQt / ImGui Single-panel interface, easy controls for demo
Effects Unity Post-Processing Stack / OpenGL shaders Real-time effects like blur, glow, color correction
Build system Unity Build Pipeline / CMake (if using OpenGL) Simple Windows installer/output
Minimum Viable Feature List

Video Trimming & Timeline

Load a video (MP4)

Select start/end frames

Preview trimmed video

Export trimmed segment

3D Model Import & Placement

Load OBJ/FBX

Move, rotate, scale in a simple 3D scene

Align with video background for overlay effect

Visual Effects

Apply color correction, blur, or glow

Effects update in real-time preview

Exported video reflects applied effects

Export

Combine video + 3D object + effects

Export final video as MP4 using FFmpeg

User Interface (Single-Panel Layout)

Top Bar: Load video / Load 3D model / Export

Timeline Bar: Trimming handles, play/pause

3D Scene Panel: Drag & drop 3D object, rotate, scale, position

Effects Panel: Toggle blur, glow, color correction sliders

Preview Window: Real-time playback of video + 3D overlay + effects

Optional: Show frame number and FPS for demo clarity.

Development Plan

Phase 1 – Setup & Core Video Handling

Integrate FFmpeg/OpenCV to load video

Implement trimming and simple timeline controls

Phase 2 – 3D Model Handling

Integrate Unity/OpenGL to import OBJ/FBX

Implement basic positioning, rotation, scaling

Sync 3D model overlay with video frames

Phase 3 – Effects

Implement color correction, blur, glow

Ensure effects preview in real-time

Phase 4 – Export

Combine video frames + 3D render + effects

Export to MP4 using FFmpeg pipeline

Phase 5 – UI & Demo

Single-panel layout

Add interactive controls

Prepare demo video/screenshots

Deliverables

Windows Build: Standalone .exe or simple installer

Full Source Code: Well-commented and structured

Build Instructions: Step-by-step README for Windows

Demo Media: Video/screenshots showing:

Video trimming

3D model placement

Visual effects applied

Optional Enhancements (Future)

Multiple 3D models

Timeline keyframes for animations

Additional effects (shadows, reflections)

Layered video editing