Linear and non-linear are different types of video editing. You could call them analogue and digital. Linear editing is how things were done pre-digital using reels of film and VCRs. The edits had to be made in the order they came on the reels of film. Non-linear is the modern standard. Itâ€s done using computer software like Adobe Premiere Pro. It gives you a digital timeline, and you can edit at any point.