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Updated Unlock Your Video Editing Potential With Wondershare Filmora
Unlock Your Video Editing Potential With Wondershare Filmora
Are you looking to make a cool, fun video for a special occasion? Look no further than Wondershare Filmora.
With a range of video editing tools and effects, you can easily create stunning visuals and captivating stories. Whether you are making a video for a special occasion or a social media post, Filmora has the features to help you create the perfect video.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using Filmora and look further into some of its main features such as split screens, LUTs, keyframes, and more. So, let your creative juices flow and start making awesome videos with Wondershare Filmora today!
Why Choose Wondershare Filmora?
Wondershare Filmora is one of the most affordable video editors available in the market, with features that are usually very expensive to use. This tool is not only available for desktops but also for mobiles. So, you can also create content on the go!
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Let’s dig a little deeper to see how Filmora can benefit you.
Benefits of Using Filmora
Filmora, as compared to its contestants, has much more to offer. From a range of tools and effects to an easy-to-use interface to affordability, Filmora has it all!
1.Variety of Video Editing Tools and Effects
Wondershare Filmora has a variety of video editing tools and effects. Some of the advanced editing features to spice up your videos are available such as cropping, trimming, and adjusting the audio, as well as adding motion graphics, motion tracking, and more.
Furthermore, users can also access a library of royalty-free video clips, overlays, and sound effects to add the perfect touch to their videos.
2.Easy-to-Use Interface
Whether you are a beginner or a pro, Filmora’s easy-to-use interface will be your favorite! It is simple, plain, and easy to understand.
With its intuitive interface, you can also quickly and easily customize your videos with an array of special effects, including transitions, text, and music.
3.Affordable
Last but not least, the greatest catch of Wondershare Filmora is its affordability. With the wide variety of features that it offers, it has reasonable prices to offer.
With packages starting at just $49.99 per year to $79.99 perpetual, you can avail a multitude of features that update regularly and with every new version of Filmora. With these packages, you can get around 1GB of Filmora cloud storage.
So, what are you waiting for? Download Filmora now. And don’t worry; we have got you covered with some great tips to begin your Filmora journey.
Some Stunning Features in Filmora
Although Filmora is easy to use, and you can explore it on your own, it never hurts to know a few features before you dive in.
1.Split Screen Presets
Starting with split screens that are a great way of enhancing your videos. You can show multiple videos side by side, which gives a very chic look to your overall video. Here’s how to do it in Filmora.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Step1Start a new project
Launch Filmora and click on “New Project.”
Step2Choose a split screen preset
On the top, go to “Templates” and then “Split Screen.”
Choose the preset that you need. You can also preview the layout.
Step3Add to timeline
Add the chosen preset to the timeline track.
Step4Add videos to the layout
Import media from your library or use stock media to add videos to your layout. Drag and drop your media on the layout.
Step5Edit the split screen
Once you have all the videos added to the layout, double-click on the split screen in the timeline panel. The edit options will appear on the left.
Choose how you want to edit your video and then save it.
2.Filters and LUTs
Another cool feature that Filmora offers is Filters and LUTs. In order to do so, follow these simple steps.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Step1Add media
Import all the video or audio files that you want to edit to the media section.
Step2Go to “Filter & LUT”
Under the “Effects” tab, go to “Filter & LUT.” Choose the LUT that you want to add to your video.
Step3Add the LUT to your video
Add the LUT to your timeline by drag-n-drop.
Drag it to adjust it according to your video. In order to adjust the strength of the LUT, double-click on it.
You can adjust the opacity of the LUT according to your preference. You can make it as soft or as strong as you want.
3.Animated Keyframes
Moving on, another one of the cool Filmora features is keyframing. Filmora allows you to add animated keyframes in your videos to add moving text or such effects. Follow the steps below to do so.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Step1Add videos to the timeline
Add a video to your timeline and double-click on it to open up the editing options. Go to the “Animation” tab.
Here, you have different preset animations that you can use for your video.
Step2Add a keyframe
Add your chosen preset and hit play. You will see how that keyframe works. You can also add multiple keyframes to your video to make it look cooler.
Once you play the video, it will look like this.
This is an easy way of making intros or outros of your videos.
4.Detach Audio
Suppose you have a video where you like the audio and want to use it for another video. How would you separate the audio? This is where the Detach Audio feature comes in.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Step1Add video to the timeline
Drag and drop the video on the timeline.
Step2Detach audio
To separate the audio, right-click on the video and choose “Detach Audio.” The audio track will appear separately in the timeline. You can then use it as you wish.
5.Blur Effects
Next up, we have the feature of blurring your video or the background in your video. To do so, follow these simple steps.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Step1Go to the effects tab
After adding the video to your timeline, go to the Effects tab on top.
Step2Search for blur effects
In the search bar, type “blur.” You will see several blur effects. Choose any effect and see a preview of it.
Step3Add effects to videos
Add the chosen effect to your video. Then adjust its position accordingly. Double-click on the blur effect in the timeline panel to change its size and opacity.
These are some of the most amazing features that we have listed here. FYI, this is just the brink of the iceberg. There is a whole lot more that Filmora has to offer.
Final Words
If you’re looking for a simple and intuitive video editing platform to help you create stunning videos, look no further than Filmora. It is packed with powerful features that let you turn your raw footage into captivating movies in no time.
With its user-friendly design, you can easily access all the tools you need to make amazing videos, no matter your skill level. Try Filmora today and create unforgettable videos that will leave viewers in awe.
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Let’s dig a little deeper to see how Filmora can benefit you.
Benefits of Using Filmora
Filmora, as compared to its contestants, has much more to offer. From a range of tools and effects to an easy-to-use interface to affordability, Filmora has it all!
1.Variety of Video Editing Tools and Effects
Wondershare Filmora has a variety of video editing tools and effects. Some of the advanced editing features to spice up your videos are available such as cropping, trimming, and adjusting the audio, as well as adding motion graphics, motion tracking, and more.
Furthermore, users can also access a library of royalty-free video clips, overlays, and sound effects to add the perfect touch to their videos.
2.Easy-to-Use Interface
Whether you are a beginner or a pro, Filmora’s easy-to-use interface will be your favorite! It is simple, plain, and easy to understand.
With its intuitive interface, you can also quickly and easily customize your videos with an array of special effects, including transitions, text, and music.
3.Affordable
Last but not least, the greatest catch of Wondershare Filmora is its affordability. With the wide variety of features that it offers, it has reasonable prices to offer.
With packages starting at just $49.99 per year to $79.99 perpetual, you can avail a multitude of features that update regularly and with every new version of Filmora. With these packages, you can get around 1GB of Filmora cloud storage.
So, what are you waiting for? Download Filmora now. And don’t worry; we have got you covered with some great tips to begin your Filmora journey.
Some Stunning Features in Filmora
Although Filmora is easy to use, and you can explore it on your own, it never hurts to know a few features before you dive in.
1.Split Screen Presets
Starting with split screens that are a great way of enhancing your videos. You can show multiple videos side by side, which gives a very chic look to your overall video. Here’s how to do it in Filmora.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Step1Start a new project
Launch Filmora and click on “New Project.”
Step2Choose a split screen preset
On the top, go to “Templates” and then “Split Screen.”
Choose the preset that you need. You can also preview the layout.
Step3Add to timeline
Add the chosen preset to the timeline track.
Step4Add videos to the layout
Import media from your library or use stock media to add videos to your layout. Drag and drop your media on the layout.
Step5Edit the split screen
Once you have all the videos added to the layout, double-click on the split screen in the timeline panel. The edit options will appear on the left.
Choose how you want to edit your video and then save it.
2.Filters and LUTs
Another cool feature that Filmora offers is Filters and LUTs. In order to do so, follow these simple steps.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Step1Add media
Import all the video or audio files that you want to edit to the media section.
Step2Go to “Filter & LUT”
Under the “Effects” tab, go to “Filter & LUT.” Choose the LUT that you want to add to your video.
Step3Add the LUT to your video
Add the LUT to your timeline by drag-n-drop.
Drag it to adjust it according to your video. In order to adjust the strength of the LUT, double-click on it.
You can adjust the opacity of the LUT according to your preference. You can make it as soft or as strong as you want.
3.Animated Keyframes
Moving on, another one of the cool Filmora features is keyframing. Filmora allows you to add animated keyframes in your videos to add moving text or such effects. Follow the steps below to do so.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Step1Add videos to the timeline
Add a video to your timeline and double-click on it to open up the editing options. Go to the “Animation” tab.
Here, you have different preset animations that you can use for your video.
Step2Add a keyframe
Add your chosen preset and hit play. You will see how that keyframe works. You can also add multiple keyframes to your video to make it look cooler.
Once you play the video, it will look like this.
This is an easy way of making intros or outros of your videos.
4.Detach Audio
Suppose you have a video where you like the audio and want to use it for another video. How would you separate the audio? This is where the Detach Audio feature comes in.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Step1Add video to the timeline
Drag and drop the video on the timeline.
Step2Detach audio
To separate the audio, right-click on the video and choose “Detach Audio.” The audio track will appear separately in the timeline. You can then use it as you wish.
5.Blur Effects
Next up, we have the feature of blurring your video or the background in your video. To do so, follow these simple steps.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Step1Go to the effects tab
After adding the video to your timeline, go to the Effects tab on top.
Step2Search for blur effects
In the search bar, type “blur.” You will see several blur effects. Choose any effect and see a preview of it.
Step3Add effects to videos
Add the chosen effect to your video. Then adjust its position accordingly. Double-click on the blur effect in the timeline panel to change its size and opacity.
These are some of the most amazing features that we have listed here. FYI, this is just the brink of the iceberg. There is a whole lot more that Filmora has to offer.
Final Words
If you’re looking for a simple and intuitive video editing platform to help you create stunning videos, look no further than Filmora. It is packed with powerful features that let you turn your raw footage into captivating movies in no time.
With its user-friendly design, you can easily access all the tools you need to make amazing videos, no matter your skill level. Try Filmora today and create unforgettable videos that will leave viewers in awe.
Steps To Fade Audio In Premier Pro
Audio is a very big part of any video project and it can make or break the video project. This is why it is very important to not just choose a video editor that also offers audio editing, but one that is easy to use and offers a lot of editing options. This way, you can edit the audio in your project to suit your video’s production and end up with a great professional final product.
One of the video editing tools that offer features that can accomplish all that is Adobe Premier Pro. In this article, we will look at how you can use Premier Pro to fade audio in or out.
Steps to Fade Audio in Premier Pro
Premier Pro gives you two different options to fade audio in or out. Let’s look at both options and then you can choose the one that suits you best;
Fade Audio using Crossfade Audio Transition
Step1To begin, open Premier Pro on your computer and then open the audio that you want to edit.
Step2Once it is open, select the audio clip in the timeline and then click on “Sequence” at the top menu and select “Apply Audio Transition.”
You can also use the keyboard shortcut Shift + Command + D (macOS) or Shift+ Ctrl + D (PC). This will add the “Constant Power Cross Fade” effect at the beginning and the end of the clip.
Step3You can then just change the duration of the effect by simply dragging the end of the transition.
Fade Audio using Clip Keyframes
Step1Adobe Premier Pro has two volume keyframes; Track and Clip. Make the audio larger so you can see the volume line and then under the audio name, click on the volume keyframes option to make sure “Clip Keyframes” is enabled.
Step2You can then press down on the Command Key (macOS) or the Control Key (PC) and drag the volume line down to add a fade-in or fade-out effect.
Adobe Premiere Alternative Way to Fade Audio
If you are like most people and you find Adobe Premier Pro to be very difficult you use, we have a tool that is just as effective but also simplifies the process. This is the very simple to use Wondershare Filmora .
Just like Premier Pro, Filmora gives you two options to fade audio in and out. Let’s look at both options;
Adding Fade in and Out in Audio Pane
Step1Download and install Wondershare Filmora onto your computer, open the program and then import the audio clip that you want to edit.
Step2Once the video has been added to the timeline, double-click on it to access the “Audio” editing panel.
Step3Here, you can very simply add the fade-in and fade-out effects by simply dragging the sliders to the desired duration or by manually entering the duration in seconds.
Using the Audio Waveform
You can also use the fade icons on the left and right edges of the audio waveform to quickly add a fade in and out.
To add a fade-in effect, drag the fade-in maker to the right. Then go to the end of the clip to drag the fade-out maker to the left to add a fade-out effect.
Related FAQs about Audio Fade
1. How Do I Fade to Black in Adobe Premiere Pro?
You can easily add the Fade to Black transition in Adobe Premiere Pro using the “Effects” tab. Just open the two clips in Premiere Pro and go to “Effects.” Type in “dip to black” in the search box and when you find the effect, drag it between the two clips in the timeline. The effect will appear on the right side of the project.
You also have several customization options that you can apply to the effect to get it just right. To see these options, go to Effect Controls and you should be able to change the alignment of the effect to “Center at Cut” so that the first video fades out to black before the second video appears.
2. Premiere Pro Audio Fade Not Working?
Sometimes you can complete all the editing steps we have described above but you are unable to tell if the fade-in and fade-out effects are working because you can’t play the audio in Premiere. This is a very common problem that can easily be fixed using the following troubleshooting steps;
Check the master volume on your computer to see if this is the problem
Then check the volume in Premiere to see if the audio meter is moving as you play the clip. It is the green bar usually in the lower right corner.
If your volume is fine but you still can’t hear the audio, you may need to adjust several settings. Go to Edit > Preferences (on PC) or Preferences menu under the main Premiere Pro CC menu (macOS) and select “Audio Hardware” in the options that appear. You can then change the “Default Output” device to something else.
3. How Do You do Audio Transitions in Premiere Pro
Adding audio transitions in Premiere Pro is very easy; just open the audio that you want to edit and then Right-click (PC) or Control- Click (macOS) on either the “Constant Gain” or “Constant Power” effect from the Effects panel. Then choose “Set Selected as Default Transition” from the options in the menu.
To add a duration for the audio transitions, go to Edit > Preferences > Timeline (PC) or Premiere Pro Menu > Preferences (macOS) and enter the duration value under “Audio Transition Default Duration.”
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Create Motion Effect with Path Blur In Photoshop
There are different kinds of blur effects that redefine the movement and intensity of an image. By applying a suitable blur effect, you can increase the visual appeal of your still photo by emphasizing a certain motion. Path blur is one of the trending motion blur effects that people use to enhance their photos instantly. Through this article, you can learn how to use path blur in Photoshop conveniently.
Part 1: What is Path Blur and How Does It Work?
Path blur is a kind of motion blur that highlights a motion and speed in a certain direction. It helps to create a sense of movement by adjusting the blur intensity and central point. If you want to display a stimulating motion in an image, path blur can assist you in this regard.
Path blur works by adjusting two variables: Speed and Taper. By adjusting the speed slider, you can specify the amount of path blur. In addition to speed, you can adjust the taper value accordingly to determine the blur trail.
This effect can instantly add new dimensions to your captured photo. For instance, if you have captured a photo of a racing car, you can add a path blur effect to give a sense of speed to it. You can easily find this special effect in Adobe Photoshop. By using the selection tools, you can effectively add a path blur effect to your image in the selected area. To know more about path blur in Photoshop, continue reading this article.
Part 2: How to Use Path Blur in Photoshop?
Photoshop is undoubtedly the most commonly used tool to edit pictures with great configuration options. After uploading the image, you can quickly transform it by adding new effects, filters, and layers. You can retouch your photography efficiently through this tool by increasing the quality of pictures. Moreover, the clean user interface of Photoshop allows you to utilize the advanced functions without any interruptions.
Are you ready to use Photoshop path blur? Read this part of the article to find out two interesting ways to create a path blur effect in the images.
Add Dynamic Effect to Your Static Images
Step1 Open Photoshop and import the desired picture. Once done, go to the “Layers” section and copy the background layer. For this, press “Ctrl + J” in Windows and “Command + J” for MacBook.
Step2 Now proceed to the “Filter” section and locate the option “Blur Gallery”. From there, choose the “Path Blur” option. Now you would be able to see an arrow on your screen. Using this arrow, you can specify the path blur motion. Drag and close the arrow where you want to show the speed. Also, set a higher value for the speed given on the right side. Once done, hit the “OK” button.
Create a Long Exposure Picture
Step1 Navigate to the Adobe Photoshop tool and begin by uploading a picture. Afterward, go to the “Filter” tab and select “Convert for Small Filters.”
Step2 Now go to the “Filter” tab again and choose the “Blur Gallery” option. From there, select the “Path Blur” option. Now adjust the displayed arrow in a particular direction to decide the starting and endpoint of the path blur. Moreover, modify the “Speed” slider according to your choice.
Step3 After dragging the arrow in a particular direction, a blue dot will appear at the center. Press the “Delete” button to eliminate that point. Now select the endpoint of the arrow and change its blur shape.
Step4 Utilize the noise section to add a grainy effect in the blurred area. Once done, click on the “OK” button. Now select the masking tool to select the area in your picture. Afterward, choose the “Smart Mask” filter and then navigate to the “Fill” option given in the “Edit” section.
Step5 In the fill menu, choose the color “Black.” Now go to the “Select” section and click “Deselect.” To soften the whole look, you can go to the “Properties” panel and adjust the “Feather” properties.
Step6 Now add the first layer and choose the option “Convert for Smart Filters.” Again, go to the “Filter” section, select “Blur Gallery,” and uncheck the option called “Edit Blur Screen.”
Step7 Now increase the length of the arrow and press “Ctrl + Click” for Windows or “Command + Click” for Mac to reposition the path. You can also add a curve to the arrow. Enhance the speed from the right panel and uncheck the option of “Center Blur.” You can increase the taper value to make the blur gradually trail off. Add a grainy filter for more enhancements.
Bonus Tips – The Alternative to Photoshop to Create Motion Blur Effect
Many users find the interface of Adobe Photoshop intimidating or challenging to operate. If you want an alternative to Photoshop, the best choice you can make is to use Wondershare Filmora . For beginners, this tool adds built-in presets that are professionally made.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
It offers more than 900 effects that you can use to add new dimensions to your photos and videos. Moreover, it provides fast processing speed for photo and video editing to help you achieve your goals conveniently.
Steps to Produce Motion Blur Effect in Filmora
If you are a beginner and want to create a motion blur effect, then use the steps mentioned below:
Step1 Add the Image to Timeline
After launching Filmora, select “Create New Project” and import the desired picture. After dragging it to the timeline, you have to split it to proceed.
Step2 Choose the Background Blur
To split, choose the starting and ending point in the clip where you want to add the motion blur effect. Once done, go to the “Effects” tab and search for the “Background Blur” effect section. Pick and apply the desired blur filter to the split section of the video.
Step3 Apply the Transition
Once you have added the motion blur effect, you can check the results from the preview window. You can also apply the “Dissolve” transition from the “Transitions” tab to generate a smooth result.
Conclusion
If you want to display a sense of speed and movement in the picture, you can add a path blur effect. It’s one of the types of motion blur effects that many people use in their pictures to add a dynamic element. By reading this article, you have learned how to add path blur in Photoshop through simple means. Moreover, you can also explore the tool Filmora to create a motion blur effect in the photos effortlessly.
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
It offers more than 900 effects that you can use to add new dimensions to your photos and videos. Moreover, it provides fast processing speed for photo and video editing to help you achieve your goals conveniently.
Steps to Produce Motion Blur Effect in Filmora
If you are a beginner and want to create a motion blur effect, then use the steps mentioned below:
Step1 Add the Image to Timeline
After launching Filmora, select “Create New Project” and import the desired picture. After dragging it to the timeline, you have to split it to proceed.
Step2 Choose the Background Blur
To split, choose the starting and ending point in the clip where you want to add the motion blur effect. Once done, go to the “Effects” tab and search for the “Background Blur” effect section. Pick and apply the desired blur filter to the split section of the video.
Step3 Apply the Transition
Once you have added the motion blur effect, you can check the results from the preview window. You can also apply the “Dissolve” transition from the “Transitions” tab to generate a smooth result.
Conclusion
If you want to display a sense of speed and movement in the picture, you can add a path blur effect. It’s one of the types of motion blur effects that many people use in their pictures to add a dynamic element. By reading this article, you have learned how to add path blur in Photoshop through simple means. Moreover, you can also explore the tool Filmora to create a motion blur effect in the photos effortlessly.
18 Video Editors We’ve Tested [Here’s What We Learned]
More and more people love to share their knowledge, experience and daily life via videos. Platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Vimeo are continuing to attract more and more people. But most people don’t know much about video editing. Which video editor they can use? How to apply the effects to improve the video visually? This post will give you all the tips and answers on editing a video.
Contents
01 [Video Editing Basics ](#Part 1)
02 [Editor’s Top 3 Picks ](#Part 2)
03 [Open-Source Video Editors](#Part 3)
04 [Freemium and Freeware Video Editors](#Part 4)
05 [Proprietary Video Editing Software](#Part 5)
06 [How to Choose the Suitable Video Editor](#Part 6)
07 [Video Editing Tips for Newbies](#Part 7)
08 [Frequently Asked Questions of Video Editor](#Part 8)
Part 1: Video Editing Basics
Before going to the best video editors, you should be aware of the basics of video editing. Here are the basic concepts of video editing that you must know as they are common across all video editors.
1. The Timeline: The timeline is an area of a video editor where you place your video clips sequentially. When you play the video after editing, the video will play from the start of the timeline and finish at the end of the timeline where your video content ends. The timeline is where you can place your audio clips, video effects, and graphical elements as per your requirements.
2. The Canvas: The canvas is an area of a video editor where you view your video clips frame by frame. The canvas allows you to edit the video starting from cropping to adding graphical elements. You can view all the changes you make to the video before applying them permanently.
3. Basic editing: The basic editing of a video includes splitting and trimming out important parts of a large video file and, thereafter, joining the different video clips to make an engaging video. The basic editing also includes adding audio clips, adjusting video parameters such as color, brightness, contrast as well as adding texts to the video.
4. Aspect Ratio: The aspect ratio of a video represents the ratio of width to height of the video in terms of pixels. For example, a video with aspect ratio of 16:9 means the video is 1920p x 1080p. You can edit the aspect ratio depending on where you want to publish the video. For example, social media videos use 1:1 and 9: 16 aspect ratio, tablets use 4:3 aspect ratio, and 16:9 is the standard aspect ratio.
5. B-roll: B-roll is a secondary video footage that you can add to your primary video(A-roll) to enhance the video creativity and aesthetic value. B-roll could be a cinematic shot, a slow-motion footage, a close-up shot from different angles, as well as a shot mixed with wide-angle, pans, and tilts.
6. Frame Rate: Frame rate refers to the number of images or frames displayed per second in a video. In short, frame rate refers to frames per second in a video. For example, a video of 30fps means the video is showing 30 different images per second. The 24fps is used for movies and the 30fps is used for online and TV videos. Even 60fps videos are becoming common as they produce a smoother video experience.
Part 2: Editor’s Top 3 Picks - Choose The Best Video Editor
Best Video Editor for All Creators - Filmora
Wondershare Filmora is the ideal video editor with an intuitive user interface. You get all the standard and advanced video editing features packed into its platform. You can record videos of external webcam and computer screen as well. There are unlimited video effects and graphical elements to turn your raw videos into eye-catching videos instantly.
Best for Professional Editing - Premiere Pro
Adobe Premium Pro is the best professional video editor where all the advanced features of video editing are available. The software supports editing multiple projects simultaneously. You can edit VR, Multicam, and 3D videos as well. It is a perfect platform for a professional video editing team to work in sync.
Best for Online Video Editing - WeVideo
WeVideo is by far the best online video editor with 30 million users. Starting from standard video editing options and uploading directly to social media platforms, WeVideo is a full-fledged video editor. You can also record videos and create your own video templates. Moreover, you can collaborate with other video creators and make the best use of the unlimited stock media library.
Part 3: Open-Source Video Editors
Open-source video editors have compatibility with all the desktop operating systems. Moreover, due to their codes readily available online, these video editing software applications are available completely free of cost. Here are the best open-source video editors for beginners and experienced users.
# For Beginner Users
1. Blender
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: best open-source video editor with balanced features
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5
Blender is an open-source video editing suite that is popular for its 3D models. Since it is a suite, you can use the platform not only for video editing but also for creating animated videos and games.
Starting from basic video editing such as trim and split to advance video editing such as masking and color adjustment, all options are readily available. Besides, there are options for audio mixing and live preview of editing works.
Reason to Choose:-
- Video cropping, trimming, splitting, joining, and adjusting speed.
- Different slots to add videos, images, scenes, audio clips, effects and masks.
- Different transitions, filters, effects, waveforms, and keyframes available.
- Create 3D models and animated videos with proper audio mixing.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Takes time to get used to the platform.
- Reports of bugs have become a regular occurrence.
2. Avidemux
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: best open-source video editor for basic editing
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
Avidemux from Soundforge is a lightweight and basic video editor. Starting from trimming and cutting videos to applying filters and encoding videos, all the options are readily available. The software supports a wide range of video file formats for editing.
The platform also supports scripting through which you can automate tasks to perform on videos. Besides, there are options for color adjustments, video conversion, and advanced interlacing. The simple user interface is perfect for beginners to edit videos intuitively.
Reason to Choose:-
- Quick video editing for trimming, cutting, rotating, and cropping.
- Change speed and use different filters for color adjustments and subtitles.
- Supports different video file formats in import and export.
- The user interface is simple and suitable for beginners.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Does not have a traditional timeline for video editing.
- Limited effects, filters, and advanced features.
3. Kdenlive
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: best open-source video editor for all
G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5
Kdenlive video editor is a versatile video editor with standard and advanced video editing features balanced properly. The open-source software allows multi-track timeline and supports dual monitor setup for video editing. The user interface is simple, and you can configure it as per your preference.
Kdenlive supports a wide range of video and audio files, and you can use configurable keyboard shortcuts for easy operation. The automatic backup feature is highly useful in the professional video editing world. Similarly, the presence of keyframe-based effects and advanced effects can make a video stand out.
Reason to Choose:-
- Multi-track timeline for working with multiple video and audio clips.
- Keyframeable effects, transitions, color correction and unlimited online resources.
- Vast set of options for creating stunning texts and titles.
- Smooth preview, configurable interface, and automatic backup.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Lacks GPU acceleration and hence, slow response at times.
- Speed adjustment effect is not efficient.
# For Advanced Users
4. OpenShot
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS
Best for: Best open source editor for all desktop users
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
OpenShot is a cross-platform, open-source video editor where you can work on one project on different operating systems. It works on keyframe animation framework, and you can choose from different interpolations. The platform offers you to work with unlimited video and audio clips as well as layers.
You can perform all the basic video editing operations as well as go for advanced editing. The features and tools are well-balanced for regular as well as professional video editing. Starting from video effects and audio mixing to chroma key and time-mapping, everything is available under one roof.
Reason to Choose:-
- Basic video editing with panning, zooming, and scrolling features.
- Wide range of transitions, effects, time and speed control.
- Time-mapping, audio mixing, overlays, and composting.
- Supports 3D animations and objects, templates for titles and sub-titles.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Hardware acceleration is not very powerful.
- Not suitable for 4K video editing as it gets extremely slow.
5. Shotcut
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: Best for video editors who love filters and effects
G2 rating: 4.2 out of 5
Shotcut is another open-source and cross-platform video editor with a professional user interface. The software supports importing different file formats of video and audio files. It is suitable for editing 4K videos, and it is a full-fledged audio editor as well.
Its vast video filters and effects are comparable to premium video editors. You can work with multi-track timeline and keyframes with markers and rangers. Besides, you can keep notes on your project easily. Overall, it is a balanced video editor in terms of features and functionalities.
Reason to Choose:-
- Wide categories of video effects, transitions, and filters.
- Multi-track and multi-format timeline and detailed audio editor.
- Standard and advanced editing options with hardware acceleration.
- Export video in high-resolution and in different formats.
Reason to Avoid:-
- The user interface can take some time to get used to.
- The stock media library is rather limited.
6. NATRON
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: Best open-source video editor with visual effects
G2 rating: 3.5 out of 5
NATRON is a robust video editor with powerful tracking tool for 2D and planar tracking. You can work with multiple layers and clips and avail various keying options on your video editing project. In fact, it is a full-fledged video compositing software for better video production with multi-layer structure.
The hardware acceleration of the software produces faster rendering. You get to work with presets, tracker nodes, rotoscoping, multi-plane and motion editing. The option of multi-view workflow along with real-time playback is extremely useful while editing multicam videos.
Reason to Choose:-
- Superior visual effects and motion editing.
- Multi-tasking with multi-view workflow.
- Option of rotoscoping and python scripting.
- Supports different open-source plugins.
Reason to Avoid:-
- The user interface is quite advanced and needs some learning time.
- It gets unstable and slow while previewing high-resolution videos.
Part 4: Freemium and Freeware Video Editors
Freeware video editors are available completely free of cost and they are mostly exclusive to a certain operating system. On the other hand, freemium video editors have certain features completely free while it charges users a small fee for certain advanced features. Here is the list of the best freemium and freeware video editors.
# For Beginner Users
7. ActivePresenter
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Best for: best video editing software for learning videos.
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5
ActivePresenter from AtomiSystems is a video editor with screen recording options. The software is particularly useful in making and editing learning videos. There are different templates available for editing videos quickly. Besides, you can use the platform for standard editing options for any video.
Starting from working with multiple timelines to making videos interactive and responsive, there are various out-of-box features. Moreover, you can edit your audio and export your edited video in different file formats.
Reason to Choose:-
- Multiple timelines for editing various video and audio clips.
- Basic video and audio editing options and greenscreen effects.
- Webcam and screen recording with audio from different sources.
- Export videos with different file formats, HTML, xAPI, SCORM and much more.
Reason to Avoid:-
- The learning curve is slightly steep.
- Not suitable for editing all types of videos.
8. Microsoft Photos
Compatibility: Windows
Best for: best built-in video editor for Windows users
G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5
Microsoft Photos is the inbuilt video editor for Windows users. The app comes pre-installed in Windows and it is mostly used for viewing photos. But there is an inbuilt video editor where you can do the basic video editing works.
You can trim a video, add texts, and apply 3D effects as well as different filters available. There are also options for rotating videos, applying background music and customizing audio. The user interface is very simple for all users.
Reason to Choose:-
- Instant basic video editing options available.
- Apply effects, filters, as well as music.
- Simple and intuitive user interface for everyone.
- Comes pre-installed and completely free of cost.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Very limited video editing options.
- Very limited video file formats supported.
9. iMovie
Compatibility: Mac
Best for: Best built-in video editor for Mac users
G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5
iMovie is the inbuilt video editor for Mac users as it comes pre-installed on macOS. The application is free to use and it is compatible with iPhone and iPad as well. You can perform all the basic video editing works starting from trimming to rotating videos.
Besides, there is a wide range of effects and filters available to apply on your videos. The best part is that it supports editing 4K videos. There are also various graphical elements available and you can share your video easily on different platforms.
Reason to Choose:-
- Trim, rotate, split and crop videos easily.
- Work across Mac, iPhone and iPad seamlessly.
- Wide range of effects, filters, and objects available.
- Supports editing 4K videos without any lag.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Lacks advanced editing options though it is a dedicated video editor.
- Supports very limited video file formats.
# For Advanced Users
10. Lightworks
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: best for social media video creators
G2 rating: 3.5 out of 5
Lightworks is a freemium video editor where most features are reserved for premium users. If you are a social media creator or learning video creator, Lightworks Create is best for you. If you are a professional video creator, you should opt for Lightworks Pro.
The software supports almost all file formats, and you can export videos on social media instantly. The timeline is advanced with proxy editing, autosave and background processing features. You can share projects with your teammates and work collaboratively.
Reason to Choose:-
- Powerful and advanced timeline for quick editing.
- Motion graphics and tilting along with advanced metadata.
- Flexible user interface with proxy workflow and storyboard bin.
- Suitable for collaborating works and cloud storage.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Can crash while working with 4K videos.
- Limited options for advanced video editing.
11. VideoPad
Compatibility: Windows
Best for: best video editor for short video creators.
G2 rating: 4.1 out of 5
VideoPad by NCH Software is an intuitive video editor that supports over 60 different video file formats. There are tools available for basic editing such as trimming and cropping. Besides, there are various effects and transitions available to apply on your video.
The video editor also lets you edit audio files and you can edit 360-degree videos as well. There are video stabilization and chroma key effect available. The video editor is available free for non-commercial use with certain limitations that you can overcome with its premium plan.
Reason to Choose:-
- Edit in Storybook or Timeline mode and perfect all basic editing works.
- Audio editing options with different audio effects.
- Add 3D video effects, special filters, and change video speed.
- Supports a wide range of video file formats.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Can crash while editing 4K videos.
- Lacks advanced editing options.
12. VSDC Free Video Editor
Compatibility: Windows only.
Best for: Free feature-rich video editing suite
G2 rating: 4.0 out of 5
VSDC Free Video Editor is a free suite that includes both video and audio editor. You can use the software for recording screen as well as voiceovers. The software is suitable for low-end computers as it is a lightweight application.
Apart from basic editing, you can edit 360 videos. Starting from color correction and zooming to split-screen effect and chroma key, it is full-fledged feature-rich software. For more advanced features, you can opt for VSDC Video Editor Pro version.
Reason to Choose:-
- Zooming, panning, and color correction options.
- Wide range of effects and filters present.
- Chrome key option as well as 360 degree video editing.
- Work with multiple layers and sync objects perfectly.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Lacks advanced video editing options.
- No masking or video stabilization option available.
Part 5: Proprietary Video Editing Software
If you are a regular video creator and you want to invest in video editing to improve the quality of your video content, you have to opt for a proprietary video editing software. All professional video creators prefer proprietary video editing software over freeware and freemium video editors. Here are the best premium video videos with the most advanced video editing options.
# For Beginner Users
13. Filmora
Compatibility: Windows and Mac.
Best for: Best video editors for YouTubers and vloggers
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
Wondershare Filmora is a feature-rich video editor but an intuitive user interface. Therefore, it is perfectly suitable for beginners who want all the features and tools for advanced video editing without a steep learning curve. Filmora is also useful if you want to record screen or webcam video.
Starting from tons of video effects and transitions to a large stock library and graphical elements, Filmora is tailor-made for editing all types of videos. It also supports a wide range of file formats and you can edit 4K videos as well as audio files comfortably.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Reason to Choose:-
- Trim, split, join, crop and work with multiple video and audio clips.
- Large collection of video and audio effects, transitions, and graphical elements.
- Large stock library of free media files and animations.
- Work with multiple layers and clips effortlessly on its smooth timeline.
Reason to Avoid:-
- The processing time for videos could be on the higher side.
14. Camtasia
Compatibility: Windows and Mac.
Best for: Teachers and students to edit tutorial videos
G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5
Camtasia by Techsmith is a premium video editor and it is equally popular as a video recorder. It is particularly useful for recording and editing tutorial videos as there are different templates available. Coming to video editing part, you can perform all the basic video editing works instantly.
There are various trendy effects, transitions, and presets available. You can remove green screen and apply different frames for video compatibility on different devices. Besides, you can upload the editing video different on different platforms instantly.
Reason to Choose:-
- Quick trimming, splitting, cropping options.
- Large collection of templates and presets.
- Wide range of effects, annotations, and transitions.
- Import, export, and share different file formats.
Reason to Avoid:-
- No motion tracking option.
- Reports of frequent crashes.
15. Final Cut Pro
Compatibility: Mac only.
Best for: best professional video editors for Mac users
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
Final Cut Pro from Apple is an extremely popular premium video editor among professional video creators who are Mac users. It is a powerful and advanced video editor that can handle high resolution videos smoothly. It is a perfect mix of standard and advanced video editing features.
Starting from editing multicam and VR videos to 3D and 360 degree videos, Final Cut Pro is suitable for all. There are unlimited presets and effects present and you can edit 4K videos as well as large video files smoothly.
Reason to Choose:-
- Basic and advanced video and audio editing features.
- Supports editing all the different video types such as 3D, 4K, VR videos.
- Supports plug-ins, external tools and cinematic effects.
- Renders high resolution, large video files in short time.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Learning curve is quite steep.
- Pricing is on the higher side.
# For Beginner Users
16. Adobe Premiere Pro
Compatibility: Windows only.
Best for: best professional video editing software for most people
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5
Adobe Premiere Pro is the ultimate video editor in the professional video editing world. You get all the different advanced features of video editing packed in the application. Even though the learning curve is steep, Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the most used video editors in professional video creation.
Adobe Premiere Pro supports all the different video file formats and you can edit various videos simultaneously. It is a perfect tool for editing a large video project collaboratively. It supports editing VR videos, 3D videos, as well as multicam videos.
Reason to Choose:-
- Standard and advanced editing options with quick rendering.
- Suitable for multi-tasking and collaborative work in video editing.
- Supports almost all types of videos and audio file formats.
- Flexible and configurable user interface and advanced timeline.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Learning curve is very steep.
- Not suitable for low-end computers.
17. Vegas Pro
Compatibility: Windows only.
Best for: Video & audio editing for professionals
G2 rating: 4.2 out of 5
Vegas Pro from Sony is a professional video and audio editor. You can work with multiple video and audio files and you can choose from timeline or storyboard layout. In fact, there are options for nested timeline and multicam editing. The customized workflow and layouts make the application suitable for everyone.
You can enhance your video with its large collection of filters, effects, and titles. There are options for keyframing, scene detection, color correction, and light adjustments. The artificial intelligence makes editing faster with automation control.
Reason to Choose:-
- Powerful timeline and storyboard mode with keyframing.
- Advanced HDR color correction and grading.
- Artificial intelligence for quick and repeated editing.
- Multicam editing, motion tracking, and support for 3D videos.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Stability of the application is questionable.
- Pricing is steep and lacks tutorial guide.
18. Hitfilm Express
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Best for: Best for video effects lovers
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
Hitfilm Express is particularly popular for its unlimited video effects that make the video stand out easily. The user interface is quite simple to use, and you can apply effects to turn your raw video into professional video instantly. In fact, it has the largest VFX toolkit with industry-grade effects.
You can edit 4K videos, and there are options for motion tracking and video animations. You can also opt for color correction and grading. You can also edit vertical videos and upload them on social media platforms. You can also edit audio clips and use composting and layering features to enhance your video.
Reason to Choose:-
- Advanced timeline for better workflow.
- Standard and advanced video editing options.
- Largest collection of video effects of different categories.
- Color grading, correction, and free training and support.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Lacks green screen editing option.
- Rendering is not always swift.
Part 6: How to Choose the Suitable Video Editor?
The most important part of video editing is to choose the most suitable video editor for your videos. Here are some important factors to consider while choosing a video editor.
1. Budget and Price: If you are getting started, you can opt for a free video editor. But eventually, you have to go for a premium video editor if you are serious about video editing. You should opt for that video editor that fits your budget and offers more features for the price charged in comparison to its competitors.
2. Learning Curve: You should always opt for a video editor that has a low learning curve. If the video editor is complicated to operate, you will get frustrated, and you won’t be able to unlock the full potential of the video editor. Besides, you will have to lose a lot of time in learning and perfecting the usage of the application.
3. Stock Library: The video editor you are choosing must have a sizeable stock media library. A stock library is where you can find video clips and audio clips that are free to use for everyone. You can incorporate them into your video to enhance the content quality and bring variety to your audiences.
4. Audio control: Video editing is incomplete without proper audio editing. Your video editor should have a separate timeline for audio clips so that you can place them perfect to go in sync with the video clips. Some video editors have dedicated options for audio mixing and editing as per requirements.
5. upport video formats: Your video editor must support a wide range of video file formats that you have to include from time to time. If it supports only the popular file formats, you will not be able to include the interesting videos you may get from different sources which the video editor does not support.
6. Software stability: If you need to edit high-resolution videos, you have to ensure that the video editor you are choosing can stay stable throughout. There are many popular video editors available that become unstable while editing and rendering high-resolution videos. You have to read reviews to come to a conclusion about software stability.
7. Customer Support: Last but most importantly, your video editor must have a good customer support team. In your video editing journey, you will need the help of technical customer support to clarify issues related to the software so that you can excel in your video editing sessions.
Part 7: Video Editing Tips for Beginners
Here are some basic video editing tips that you should keep in mind while editing any video.
1. Try Tight Cuts: Your video should not be too long so that it gets boring for the viewers. Therefore, you have to make tight cuts which means you have to cut out pauses, gaps between dialogs, and anything that is unnecessary for viewers. If you think that tight cuts will take more time than usual, you can consider reshooting the part to save time.
2. Put The Story Before The Footage: When you are shooting a planned video, you must be shooting the video with multiple cameras from different angles. While editing and choosing the perfect angle for a certain video segment, you have to select the one that enhances the story you are telling through your video. For example, in an interview video, you should know when to emphasize and show close angles to capture the emotion of the speaker.
3. Chop Out Mistakes: The most basic work in video editing is to cut out the mistakes. This is because you are sure to make mistakes while shooting, and you will reshoot a lot of mistakes to correct them. Therefore, take your time to chop out mistakes but make sure that the video feels continuous, and if required, you can reshoot. To avoid mistakes in action, you can use different camera angles, blur portions, and bleep out certain words.
4. Learn to use color: Color correction and adjustment is a majorly neglected part of video editing that can make your video different from others. When you are shooting in outdoor conditions, the color of the video could get disturbed depending on the color of your dress as well as your surrounding. While editing, you need to correct them so that the video looks visually pleasing to the eyes.
5. Cut to music: Audio plays a very important role in any video, and hence, you should not neglect it. Always opt for a video editor that has a good collection of stock music so that you can apply them to your video in appropriate places. Music helps to break the monotony and grab the attention of the audience instantly.
6. Back up your work: It takes hours to shoot a video but only a second to lose it. Instead of blindingly relying on your storage device, you should take back up of your work on multiple devices. Taking backup in the cloud storage area is the best option as you can access your work from anywhere.
Part 8: Frequently Asked Questions of Video Editor
What is the best video editor?
Wondershare Filmora is the best video editor as it has the perfect mix of standard and advanced video editing options. The user interface is intuitive and easy to operate for every video creator.
What editor do YouTubers use on PC?
The most commonly used video editors by YouTubers are Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro and Filmora. Unless you are a pro in video editing, we recommend Filmora and Shotcut for your YouTube videos.
How can I edit videos for free?
If you are a Windows user, you can use Microsoft Photos and Openshot for editing your videos for free. For Mac users, iMovie is the best free video editor with balanced features.
Does Windows 10 have a free video editor?
Yes, Windows 10 does come with a free video editor and it is called Microsoft Photos. You can edit your photos and videos with the application.
Is Filmora Free?
No, Filmora is a premium video editor. However, you can download its free trial version to understand its features and functionalities. Thereafter, you can purchase its premium plan as per your suitability.
02 [Editor’s Top 3 Picks ](#Part 2)
03 [Open-Source Video Editors](#Part 3)
04 [Freemium and Freeware Video Editors](#Part 4)
05 [Proprietary Video Editing Software](#Part 5)
06 [How to Choose the Suitable Video Editor](#Part 6)
07 [Video Editing Tips for Newbies](#Part 7)
08 [Frequently Asked Questions of Video Editor](#Part 8)
Part 1: Video Editing Basics
Before going to the best video editors, you should be aware of the basics of video editing. Here are the basic concepts of video editing that you must know as they are common across all video editors.
1. The Timeline: The timeline is an area of a video editor where you place your video clips sequentially. When you play the video after editing, the video will play from the start of the timeline and finish at the end of the timeline where your video content ends. The timeline is where you can place your audio clips, video effects, and graphical elements as per your requirements.
2. The Canvas: The canvas is an area of a video editor where you view your video clips frame by frame. The canvas allows you to edit the video starting from cropping to adding graphical elements. You can view all the changes you make to the video before applying them permanently.
3. Basic editing: The basic editing of a video includes splitting and trimming out important parts of a large video file and, thereafter, joining the different video clips to make an engaging video. The basic editing also includes adding audio clips, adjusting video parameters such as color, brightness, contrast as well as adding texts to the video.
4. Aspect Ratio: The aspect ratio of a video represents the ratio of width to height of the video in terms of pixels. For example, a video with aspect ratio of 16:9 means the video is 1920p x 1080p. You can edit the aspect ratio depending on where you want to publish the video. For example, social media videos use 1:1 and 9: 16 aspect ratio, tablets use 4:3 aspect ratio, and 16:9 is the standard aspect ratio.
5. B-roll: B-roll is a secondary video footage that you can add to your primary video(A-roll) to enhance the video creativity and aesthetic value. B-roll could be a cinematic shot, a slow-motion footage, a close-up shot from different angles, as well as a shot mixed with wide-angle, pans, and tilts.
6. Frame Rate: Frame rate refers to the number of images or frames displayed per second in a video. In short, frame rate refers to frames per second in a video. For example, a video of 30fps means the video is showing 30 different images per second. The 24fps is used for movies and the 30fps is used for online and TV videos. Even 60fps videos are becoming common as they produce a smoother video experience.
Part 2: Editor’s Top 3 Picks - Choose The Best Video Editor
Best Video Editor for All Creators - Filmora
Wondershare Filmora is the ideal video editor with an intuitive user interface. You get all the standard and advanced video editing features packed into its platform. You can record videos of external webcam and computer screen as well. There are unlimited video effects and graphical elements to turn your raw videos into eye-catching videos instantly.
Best for Professional Editing - Premiere Pro
Adobe Premium Pro is the best professional video editor where all the advanced features of video editing are available. The software supports editing multiple projects simultaneously. You can edit VR, Multicam, and 3D videos as well. It is a perfect platform for a professional video editing team to work in sync.
Best for Online Video Editing - WeVideo
WeVideo is by far the best online video editor with 30 million users. Starting from standard video editing options and uploading directly to social media platforms, WeVideo is a full-fledged video editor. You can also record videos and create your own video templates. Moreover, you can collaborate with other video creators and make the best use of the unlimited stock media library.
Part 3: Open-Source Video Editors
Open-source video editors have compatibility with all the desktop operating systems. Moreover, due to their codes readily available online, these video editing software applications are available completely free of cost. Here are the best open-source video editors for beginners and experienced users.
# For Beginner Users
1. Blender
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: best open-source video editor with balanced features
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5
Blender is an open-source video editing suite that is popular for its 3D models. Since it is a suite, you can use the platform not only for video editing but also for creating animated videos and games.
Starting from basic video editing such as trim and split to advance video editing such as masking and color adjustment, all options are readily available. Besides, there are options for audio mixing and live preview of editing works.
Reason to Choose:-
- Video cropping, trimming, splitting, joining, and adjusting speed.
- Different slots to add videos, images, scenes, audio clips, effects and masks.
- Different transitions, filters, effects, waveforms, and keyframes available.
- Create 3D models and animated videos with proper audio mixing.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Takes time to get used to the platform.
- Reports of bugs have become a regular occurrence.
2. Avidemux
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: best open-source video editor for basic editing
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
Avidemux from Soundforge is a lightweight and basic video editor. Starting from trimming and cutting videos to applying filters and encoding videos, all the options are readily available. The software supports a wide range of video file formats for editing.
The platform also supports scripting through which you can automate tasks to perform on videos. Besides, there are options for color adjustments, video conversion, and advanced interlacing. The simple user interface is perfect for beginners to edit videos intuitively.
Reason to Choose:-
- Quick video editing for trimming, cutting, rotating, and cropping.
- Change speed and use different filters for color adjustments and subtitles.
- Supports different video file formats in import and export.
- The user interface is simple and suitable for beginners.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Does not have a traditional timeline for video editing.
- Limited effects, filters, and advanced features.
3. Kdenlive
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: best open-source video editor for all
G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5
Kdenlive video editor is a versatile video editor with standard and advanced video editing features balanced properly. The open-source software allows multi-track timeline and supports dual monitor setup for video editing. The user interface is simple, and you can configure it as per your preference.
Kdenlive supports a wide range of video and audio files, and you can use configurable keyboard shortcuts for easy operation. The automatic backup feature is highly useful in the professional video editing world. Similarly, the presence of keyframe-based effects and advanced effects can make a video stand out.
Reason to Choose:-
- Multi-track timeline for working with multiple video and audio clips.
- Keyframeable effects, transitions, color correction and unlimited online resources.
- Vast set of options for creating stunning texts and titles.
- Smooth preview, configurable interface, and automatic backup.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Lacks GPU acceleration and hence, slow response at times.
- Speed adjustment effect is not efficient.
# For Advanced Users
4. OpenShot
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS
Best for: Best open source editor for all desktop users
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
OpenShot is a cross-platform, open-source video editor where you can work on one project on different operating systems. It works on keyframe animation framework, and you can choose from different interpolations. The platform offers you to work with unlimited video and audio clips as well as layers.
You can perform all the basic video editing operations as well as go for advanced editing. The features and tools are well-balanced for regular as well as professional video editing. Starting from video effects and audio mixing to chroma key and time-mapping, everything is available under one roof.
Reason to Choose:-
- Basic video editing with panning, zooming, and scrolling features.
- Wide range of transitions, effects, time and speed control.
- Time-mapping, audio mixing, overlays, and composting.
- Supports 3D animations and objects, templates for titles and sub-titles.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Hardware acceleration is not very powerful.
- Not suitable for 4K video editing as it gets extremely slow.
5. Shotcut
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: Best for video editors who love filters and effects
G2 rating: 4.2 out of 5
Shotcut is another open-source and cross-platform video editor with a professional user interface. The software supports importing different file formats of video and audio files. It is suitable for editing 4K videos, and it is a full-fledged audio editor as well.
Its vast video filters and effects are comparable to premium video editors. You can work with multi-track timeline and keyframes with markers and rangers. Besides, you can keep notes on your project easily. Overall, it is a balanced video editor in terms of features and functionalities.
Reason to Choose:-
- Wide categories of video effects, transitions, and filters.
- Multi-track and multi-format timeline and detailed audio editor.
- Standard and advanced editing options with hardware acceleration.
- Export video in high-resolution and in different formats.
Reason to Avoid:-
- The user interface can take some time to get used to.
- The stock media library is rather limited.
6. NATRON
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: Best open-source video editor with visual effects
G2 rating: 3.5 out of 5
NATRON is a robust video editor with powerful tracking tool for 2D and planar tracking. You can work with multiple layers and clips and avail various keying options on your video editing project. In fact, it is a full-fledged video compositing software for better video production with multi-layer structure.
The hardware acceleration of the software produces faster rendering. You get to work with presets, tracker nodes, rotoscoping, multi-plane and motion editing. The option of multi-view workflow along with real-time playback is extremely useful while editing multicam videos.
Reason to Choose:-
- Superior visual effects and motion editing.
- Multi-tasking with multi-view workflow.
- Option of rotoscoping and python scripting.
- Supports different open-source plugins.
Reason to Avoid:-
- The user interface is quite advanced and needs some learning time.
- It gets unstable and slow while previewing high-resolution videos.
Part 4: Freemium and Freeware Video Editors
Freeware video editors are available completely free of cost and they are mostly exclusive to a certain operating system. On the other hand, freemium video editors have certain features completely free while it charges users a small fee for certain advanced features. Here is the list of the best freemium and freeware video editors.
# For Beginner Users
7. ActivePresenter
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Best for: best video editing software for learning videos.
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5
ActivePresenter from AtomiSystems is a video editor with screen recording options. The software is particularly useful in making and editing learning videos. There are different templates available for editing videos quickly. Besides, you can use the platform for standard editing options for any video.
Starting from working with multiple timelines to making videos interactive and responsive, there are various out-of-box features. Moreover, you can edit your audio and export your edited video in different file formats.
Reason to Choose:-
- Multiple timelines for editing various video and audio clips.
- Basic video and audio editing options and greenscreen effects.
- Webcam and screen recording with audio from different sources.
- Export videos with different file formats, HTML, xAPI, SCORM and much more.
Reason to Avoid:-
- The learning curve is slightly steep.
- Not suitable for editing all types of videos.
8. Microsoft Photos
Compatibility: Windows
Best for: best built-in video editor for Windows users
G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5
Microsoft Photos is the inbuilt video editor for Windows users. The app comes pre-installed in Windows and it is mostly used for viewing photos. But there is an inbuilt video editor where you can do the basic video editing works.
You can trim a video, add texts, and apply 3D effects as well as different filters available. There are also options for rotating videos, applying background music and customizing audio. The user interface is very simple for all users.
Reason to Choose:-
- Instant basic video editing options available.
- Apply effects, filters, as well as music.
- Simple and intuitive user interface for everyone.
- Comes pre-installed and completely free of cost.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Very limited video editing options.
- Very limited video file formats supported.
9. iMovie
Compatibility: Mac
Best for: Best built-in video editor for Mac users
G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5
iMovie is the inbuilt video editor for Mac users as it comes pre-installed on macOS. The application is free to use and it is compatible with iPhone and iPad as well. You can perform all the basic video editing works starting from trimming to rotating videos.
Besides, there is a wide range of effects and filters available to apply on your videos. The best part is that it supports editing 4K videos. There are also various graphical elements available and you can share your video easily on different platforms.
Reason to Choose:-
- Trim, rotate, split and crop videos easily.
- Work across Mac, iPhone and iPad seamlessly.
- Wide range of effects, filters, and objects available.
- Supports editing 4K videos without any lag.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Lacks advanced editing options though it is a dedicated video editor.
- Supports very limited video file formats.
# For Advanced Users
10. Lightworks
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: best for social media video creators
G2 rating: 3.5 out of 5
Lightworks is a freemium video editor where most features are reserved for premium users. If you are a social media creator or learning video creator, Lightworks Create is best for you. If you are a professional video creator, you should opt for Lightworks Pro.
The software supports almost all file formats, and you can export videos on social media instantly. The timeline is advanced with proxy editing, autosave and background processing features. You can share projects with your teammates and work collaboratively.
Reason to Choose:-
- Powerful and advanced timeline for quick editing.
- Motion graphics and tilting along with advanced metadata.
- Flexible user interface with proxy workflow and storyboard bin.
- Suitable for collaborating works and cloud storage.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Can crash while working with 4K videos.
- Limited options for advanced video editing.
11. VideoPad
Compatibility: Windows
Best for: best video editor for short video creators.
G2 rating: 4.1 out of 5
VideoPad by NCH Software is an intuitive video editor that supports over 60 different video file formats. There are tools available for basic editing such as trimming and cropping. Besides, there are various effects and transitions available to apply on your video.
The video editor also lets you edit audio files and you can edit 360-degree videos as well. There are video stabilization and chroma key effect available. The video editor is available free for non-commercial use with certain limitations that you can overcome with its premium plan.
Reason to Choose:-
- Edit in Storybook or Timeline mode and perfect all basic editing works.
- Audio editing options with different audio effects.
- Add 3D video effects, special filters, and change video speed.
- Supports a wide range of video file formats.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Can crash while editing 4K videos.
- Lacks advanced editing options.
12. VSDC Free Video Editor
Compatibility: Windows only.
Best for: Free feature-rich video editing suite
G2 rating: 4.0 out of 5
VSDC Free Video Editor is a free suite that includes both video and audio editor. You can use the software for recording screen as well as voiceovers. The software is suitable for low-end computers as it is a lightweight application.
Apart from basic editing, you can edit 360 videos. Starting from color correction and zooming to split-screen effect and chroma key, it is full-fledged feature-rich software. For more advanced features, you can opt for VSDC Video Editor Pro version.
Reason to Choose:-
- Zooming, panning, and color correction options.
- Wide range of effects and filters present.
- Chrome key option as well as 360 degree video editing.
- Work with multiple layers and sync objects perfectly.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Lacks advanced video editing options.
- No masking or video stabilization option available.
Part 5: Proprietary Video Editing Software
If you are a regular video creator and you want to invest in video editing to improve the quality of your video content, you have to opt for a proprietary video editing software. All professional video creators prefer proprietary video editing software over freeware and freemium video editors. Here are the best premium video videos with the most advanced video editing options.
# For Beginner Users
13. Filmora
Compatibility: Windows and Mac.
Best for: Best video editors for YouTubers and vloggers
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
Wondershare Filmora is a feature-rich video editor but an intuitive user interface. Therefore, it is perfectly suitable for beginners who want all the features and tools for advanced video editing without a steep learning curve. Filmora is also useful if you want to record screen or webcam video.
Starting from tons of video effects and transitions to a large stock library and graphical elements, Filmora is tailor-made for editing all types of videos. It also supports a wide range of file formats and you can edit 4K videos as well as audio files comfortably.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Reason to Choose:-
- Trim, split, join, crop and work with multiple video and audio clips.
- Large collection of video and audio effects, transitions, and graphical elements.
- Large stock library of free media files and animations.
- Work with multiple layers and clips effortlessly on its smooth timeline.
Reason to Avoid:-
- The processing time for videos could be on the higher side.
14. Camtasia
Compatibility: Windows and Mac.
Best for: Teachers and students to edit tutorial videos
G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5
Camtasia by Techsmith is a premium video editor and it is equally popular as a video recorder. It is particularly useful for recording and editing tutorial videos as there are different templates available. Coming to video editing part, you can perform all the basic video editing works instantly.
There are various trendy effects, transitions, and presets available. You can remove green screen and apply different frames for video compatibility on different devices. Besides, you can upload the editing video different on different platforms instantly.
Reason to Choose:-
- Quick trimming, splitting, cropping options.
- Large collection of templates and presets.
- Wide range of effects, annotations, and transitions.
- Import, export, and share different file formats.
Reason to Avoid:-
- No motion tracking option.
- Reports of frequent crashes.
15. Final Cut Pro
Compatibility: Mac only.
Best for: best professional video editors for Mac users
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
Final Cut Pro from Apple is an extremely popular premium video editor among professional video creators who are Mac users. It is a powerful and advanced video editor that can handle high resolution videos smoothly. It is a perfect mix of standard and advanced video editing features.
Starting from editing multicam and VR videos to 3D and 360 degree videos, Final Cut Pro is suitable for all. There are unlimited presets and effects present and you can edit 4K videos as well as large video files smoothly.
Reason to Choose:-
- Basic and advanced video and audio editing features.
- Supports editing all the different video types such as 3D, 4K, VR videos.
- Supports plug-ins, external tools and cinematic effects.
- Renders high resolution, large video files in short time.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Learning curve is quite steep.
- Pricing is on the higher side.
# For Beginner Users
16. Adobe Premiere Pro
Compatibility: Windows only.
Best for: best professional video editing software for most people
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5
Adobe Premiere Pro is the ultimate video editor in the professional video editing world. You get all the different advanced features of video editing packed in the application. Even though the learning curve is steep, Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the most used video editors in professional video creation.
Adobe Premiere Pro supports all the different video file formats and you can edit various videos simultaneously. It is a perfect tool for editing a large video project collaboratively. It supports editing VR videos, 3D videos, as well as multicam videos.
Reason to Choose:-
- Standard and advanced editing options with quick rendering.
- Suitable for multi-tasking and collaborative work in video editing.
- Supports almost all types of videos and audio file formats.
- Flexible and configurable user interface and advanced timeline.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Learning curve is very steep.
- Not suitable for low-end computers.
17. Vegas Pro
Compatibility: Windows only.
Best for: Video & audio editing for professionals
G2 rating: 4.2 out of 5
Vegas Pro from Sony is a professional video and audio editor. You can work with multiple video and audio files and you can choose from timeline or storyboard layout. In fact, there are options for nested timeline and multicam editing. The customized workflow and layouts make the application suitable for everyone.
You can enhance your video with its large collection of filters, effects, and titles. There are options for keyframing, scene detection, color correction, and light adjustments. The artificial intelligence makes editing faster with automation control.
Reason to Choose:-
- Powerful timeline and storyboard mode with keyframing.
- Advanced HDR color correction and grading.
- Artificial intelligence for quick and repeated editing.
- Multicam editing, motion tracking, and support for 3D videos.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Stability of the application is questionable.
- Pricing is steep and lacks tutorial guide.
18. Hitfilm Express
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Best for: Best for video effects lovers
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
Hitfilm Express is particularly popular for its unlimited video effects that make the video stand out easily. The user interface is quite simple to use, and you can apply effects to turn your raw video into professional video instantly. In fact, it has the largest VFX toolkit with industry-grade effects.
You can edit 4K videos, and there are options for motion tracking and video animations. You can also opt for color correction and grading. You can also edit vertical videos and upload them on social media platforms. You can also edit audio clips and use composting and layering features to enhance your video.
Reason to Choose:-
- Advanced timeline for better workflow.
- Standard and advanced video editing options.
- Largest collection of video effects of different categories.
- Color grading, correction, and free training and support.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Lacks green screen editing option.
- Rendering is not always swift.
Part 6: How to Choose the Suitable Video Editor?
The most important part of video editing is to choose the most suitable video editor for your videos. Here are some important factors to consider while choosing a video editor.
1. Budget and Price: If you are getting started, you can opt for a free video editor. But eventually, you have to go for a premium video editor if you are serious about video editing. You should opt for that video editor that fits your budget and offers more features for the price charged in comparison to its competitors.
2. Learning Curve: You should always opt for a video editor that has a low learning curve. If the video editor is complicated to operate, you will get frustrated, and you won’t be able to unlock the full potential of the video editor. Besides, you will have to lose a lot of time in learning and perfecting the usage of the application.
3. Stock Library: The video editor you are choosing must have a sizeable stock media library. A stock library is where you can find video clips and audio clips that are free to use for everyone. You can incorporate them into your video to enhance the content quality and bring variety to your audiences.
4. Audio control: Video editing is incomplete without proper audio editing. Your video editor should have a separate timeline for audio clips so that you can place them perfect to go in sync with the video clips. Some video editors have dedicated options for audio mixing and editing as per requirements.
5. upport video formats: Your video editor must support a wide range of video file formats that you have to include from time to time. If it supports only the popular file formats, you will not be able to include the interesting videos you may get from different sources which the video editor does not support.
6. Software stability: If you need to edit high-resolution videos, you have to ensure that the video editor you are choosing can stay stable throughout. There are many popular video editors available that become unstable while editing and rendering high-resolution videos. You have to read reviews to come to a conclusion about software stability.
7. Customer Support: Last but most importantly, your video editor must have a good customer support team. In your video editing journey, you will need the help of technical customer support to clarify issues related to the software so that you can excel in your video editing sessions.
Part 7: Video Editing Tips for Beginners
Here are some basic video editing tips that you should keep in mind while editing any video.
1. Try Tight Cuts: Your video should not be too long so that it gets boring for the viewers. Therefore, you have to make tight cuts which means you have to cut out pauses, gaps between dialogs, and anything that is unnecessary for viewers. If you think that tight cuts will take more time than usual, you can consider reshooting the part to save time.
2. Put The Story Before The Footage: When you are shooting a planned video, you must be shooting the video with multiple cameras from different angles. While editing and choosing the perfect angle for a certain video segment, you have to select the one that enhances the story you are telling through your video. For example, in an interview video, you should know when to emphasize and show close angles to capture the emotion of the speaker.
3. Chop Out Mistakes: The most basic work in video editing is to cut out the mistakes. This is because you are sure to make mistakes while shooting, and you will reshoot a lot of mistakes to correct them. Therefore, take your time to chop out mistakes but make sure that the video feels continuous, and if required, you can reshoot. To avoid mistakes in action, you can use different camera angles, blur portions, and bleep out certain words.
4. Learn to use color: Color correction and adjustment is a majorly neglected part of video editing that can make your video different from others. When you are shooting in outdoor conditions, the color of the video could get disturbed depending on the color of your dress as well as your surrounding. While editing, you need to correct them so that the video looks visually pleasing to the eyes.
5. Cut to music: Audio plays a very important role in any video, and hence, you should not neglect it. Always opt for a video editor that has a good collection of stock music so that you can apply them to your video in appropriate places. Music helps to break the monotony and grab the attention of the audience instantly.
6. Back up your work: It takes hours to shoot a video but only a second to lose it. Instead of blindingly relying on your storage device, you should take back up of your work on multiple devices. Taking backup in the cloud storage area is the best option as you can access your work from anywhere.
Part 8: Frequently Asked Questions of Video Editor
What is the best video editor?
Wondershare Filmora is the best video editor as it has the perfect mix of standard and advanced video editing options. The user interface is intuitive and easy to operate for every video creator.
What editor do YouTubers use on PC?
The most commonly used video editors by YouTubers are Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro and Filmora. Unless you are a pro in video editing, we recommend Filmora and Shotcut for your YouTube videos.
How can I edit videos for free?
If you are a Windows user, you can use Microsoft Photos and Openshot for editing your videos for free. For Mac users, iMovie is the best free video editor with balanced features.
Does Windows 10 have a free video editor?
Yes, Windows 10 does come with a free video editor and it is called Microsoft Photos. You can edit your photos and videos with the application.
Is Filmora Free?
No, Filmora is a premium video editor. However, you can download its free trial version to understand its features and functionalities. Thereafter, you can purchase its premium plan as per your suitability.
02 [Editor’s Top 3 Picks ](#Part 2)
03 [Open-Source Video Editors](#Part 3)
04 [Freemium and Freeware Video Editors](#Part 4)
05 [Proprietary Video Editing Software](#Part 5)
06 [How to Choose the Suitable Video Editor](#Part 6)
07 [Video Editing Tips for Newbies](#Part 7)
08 [Frequently Asked Questions of Video Editor](#Part 8)
Part 1: Video Editing Basics
Before going to the best video editors, you should be aware of the basics of video editing. Here are the basic concepts of video editing that you must know as they are common across all video editors.
1. The Timeline: The timeline is an area of a video editor where you place your video clips sequentially. When you play the video after editing, the video will play from the start of the timeline and finish at the end of the timeline where your video content ends. The timeline is where you can place your audio clips, video effects, and graphical elements as per your requirements.
2. The Canvas: The canvas is an area of a video editor where you view your video clips frame by frame. The canvas allows you to edit the video starting from cropping to adding graphical elements. You can view all the changes you make to the video before applying them permanently.
3. Basic editing: The basic editing of a video includes splitting and trimming out important parts of a large video file and, thereafter, joining the different video clips to make an engaging video. The basic editing also includes adding audio clips, adjusting video parameters such as color, brightness, contrast as well as adding texts to the video.
4. Aspect Ratio: The aspect ratio of a video represents the ratio of width to height of the video in terms of pixels. For example, a video with aspect ratio of 16:9 means the video is 1920p x 1080p. You can edit the aspect ratio depending on where you want to publish the video. For example, social media videos use 1:1 and 9: 16 aspect ratio, tablets use 4:3 aspect ratio, and 16:9 is the standard aspect ratio.
5. B-roll: B-roll is a secondary video footage that you can add to your primary video(A-roll) to enhance the video creativity and aesthetic value. B-roll could be a cinematic shot, a slow-motion footage, a close-up shot from different angles, as well as a shot mixed with wide-angle, pans, and tilts.
6. Frame Rate: Frame rate refers to the number of images or frames displayed per second in a video. In short, frame rate refers to frames per second in a video. For example, a video of 30fps means the video is showing 30 different images per second. The 24fps is used for movies and the 30fps is used for online and TV videos. Even 60fps videos are becoming common as they produce a smoother video experience.
Part 2: Editor’s Top 3 Picks - Choose The Best Video Editor
Best Video Editor for All Creators - Filmora
Wondershare Filmora is the ideal video editor with an intuitive user interface. You get all the standard and advanced video editing features packed into its platform. You can record videos of external webcam and computer screen as well. There are unlimited video effects and graphical elements to turn your raw videos into eye-catching videos instantly.
Best for Professional Editing - Premiere Pro
Adobe Premium Pro is the best professional video editor where all the advanced features of video editing are available. The software supports editing multiple projects simultaneously. You can edit VR, Multicam, and 3D videos as well. It is a perfect platform for a professional video editing team to work in sync.
Best for Online Video Editing - WeVideo
WeVideo is by far the best online video editor with 30 million users. Starting from standard video editing options and uploading directly to social media platforms, WeVideo is a full-fledged video editor. You can also record videos and create your own video templates. Moreover, you can collaborate with other video creators and make the best use of the unlimited stock media library.
Part 3: Open-Source Video Editors
Open-source video editors have compatibility with all the desktop operating systems. Moreover, due to their codes readily available online, these video editing software applications are available completely free of cost. Here are the best open-source video editors for beginners and experienced users.
# For Beginner Users
1. Blender
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: best open-source video editor with balanced features
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5
Blender is an open-source video editing suite that is popular for its 3D models. Since it is a suite, you can use the platform not only for video editing but also for creating animated videos and games.
Starting from basic video editing such as trim and split to advance video editing such as masking and color adjustment, all options are readily available. Besides, there are options for audio mixing and live preview of editing works.
Reason to Choose:-
- Video cropping, trimming, splitting, joining, and adjusting speed.
- Different slots to add videos, images, scenes, audio clips, effects and masks.
- Different transitions, filters, effects, waveforms, and keyframes available.
- Create 3D models and animated videos with proper audio mixing.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Takes time to get used to the platform.
- Reports of bugs have become a regular occurrence.
2. Avidemux
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: best open-source video editor for basic editing
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
Avidemux from Soundforge is a lightweight and basic video editor. Starting from trimming and cutting videos to applying filters and encoding videos, all the options are readily available. The software supports a wide range of video file formats for editing.
The platform also supports scripting through which you can automate tasks to perform on videos. Besides, there are options for color adjustments, video conversion, and advanced interlacing. The simple user interface is perfect for beginners to edit videos intuitively.
Reason to Choose:-
- Quick video editing for trimming, cutting, rotating, and cropping.
- Change speed and use different filters for color adjustments and subtitles.
- Supports different video file formats in import and export.
- The user interface is simple and suitable for beginners.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Does not have a traditional timeline for video editing.
- Limited effects, filters, and advanced features.
3. Kdenlive
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: best open-source video editor for all
G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5
Kdenlive video editor is a versatile video editor with standard and advanced video editing features balanced properly. The open-source software allows multi-track timeline and supports dual monitor setup for video editing. The user interface is simple, and you can configure it as per your preference.
Kdenlive supports a wide range of video and audio files, and you can use configurable keyboard shortcuts for easy operation. The automatic backup feature is highly useful in the professional video editing world. Similarly, the presence of keyframe-based effects and advanced effects can make a video stand out.
Reason to Choose:-
- Multi-track timeline for working with multiple video and audio clips.
- Keyframeable effects, transitions, color correction and unlimited online resources.
- Vast set of options for creating stunning texts and titles.
- Smooth preview, configurable interface, and automatic backup.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Lacks GPU acceleration and hence, slow response at times.
- Speed adjustment effect is not efficient.
# For Advanced Users
4. OpenShot
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS
Best for: Best open source editor for all desktop users
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
OpenShot is a cross-platform, open-source video editor where you can work on one project on different operating systems. It works on keyframe animation framework, and you can choose from different interpolations. The platform offers you to work with unlimited video and audio clips as well as layers.
You can perform all the basic video editing operations as well as go for advanced editing. The features and tools are well-balanced for regular as well as professional video editing. Starting from video effects and audio mixing to chroma key and time-mapping, everything is available under one roof.
Reason to Choose:-
- Basic video editing with panning, zooming, and scrolling features.
- Wide range of transitions, effects, time and speed control.
- Time-mapping, audio mixing, overlays, and composting.
- Supports 3D animations and objects, templates for titles and sub-titles.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Hardware acceleration is not very powerful.
- Not suitable for 4K video editing as it gets extremely slow.
5. Shotcut
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: Best for video editors who love filters and effects
G2 rating: 4.2 out of 5
Shotcut is another open-source and cross-platform video editor with a professional user interface. The software supports importing different file formats of video and audio files. It is suitable for editing 4K videos, and it is a full-fledged audio editor as well.
Its vast video filters and effects are comparable to premium video editors. You can work with multi-track timeline and keyframes with markers and rangers. Besides, you can keep notes on your project easily. Overall, it is a balanced video editor in terms of features and functionalities.
Reason to Choose:-
- Wide categories of video effects, transitions, and filters.
- Multi-track and multi-format timeline and detailed audio editor.
- Standard and advanced editing options with hardware acceleration.
- Export video in high-resolution and in different formats.
Reason to Avoid:-
- The user interface can take some time to get used to.
- The stock media library is rather limited.
6. NATRON
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: Best open-source video editor with visual effects
G2 rating: 3.5 out of 5
NATRON is a robust video editor with powerful tracking tool for 2D and planar tracking. You can work with multiple layers and clips and avail various keying options on your video editing project. In fact, it is a full-fledged video compositing software for better video production with multi-layer structure.
The hardware acceleration of the software produces faster rendering. You get to work with presets, tracker nodes, rotoscoping, multi-plane and motion editing. The option of multi-view workflow along with real-time playback is extremely useful while editing multicam videos.
Reason to Choose:-
- Superior visual effects and motion editing.
- Multi-tasking with multi-view workflow.
- Option of rotoscoping and python scripting.
- Supports different open-source plugins.
Reason to Avoid:-
- The user interface is quite advanced and needs some learning time.
- It gets unstable and slow while previewing high-resolution videos.
Part 4: Freemium and Freeware Video Editors
Freeware video editors are available completely free of cost and they are mostly exclusive to a certain operating system. On the other hand, freemium video editors have certain features completely free while it charges users a small fee for certain advanced features. Here is the list of the best freemium and freeware video editors.
# For Beginner Users
7. ActivePresenter
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Best for: best video editing software for learning videos.
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5
ActivePresenter from AtomiSystems is a video editor with screen recording options. The software is particularly useful in making and editing learning videos. There are different templates available for editing videos quickly. Besides, you can use the platform for standard editing options for any video.
Starting from working with multiple timelines to making videos interactive and responsive, there are various out-of-box features. Moreover, you can edit your audio and export your edited video in different file formats.
Reason to Choose:-
- Multiple timelines for editing various video and audio clips.
- Basic video and audio editing options and greenscreen effects.
- Webcam and screen recording with audio from different sources.
- Export videos with different file formats, HTML, xAPI, SCORM and much more.
Reason to Avoid:-
- The learning curve is slightly steep.
- Not suitable for editing all types of videos.
8. Microsoft Photos
Compatibility: Windows
Best for: best built-in video editor for Windows users
G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5
Microsoft Photos is the inbuilt video editor for Windows users. The app comes pre-installed in Windows and it is mostly used for viewing photos. But there is an inbuilt video editor where you can do the basic video editing works.
You can trim a video, add texts, and apply 3D effects as well as different filters available. There are also options for rotating videos, applying background music and customizing audio. The user interface is very simple for all users.
Reason to Choose:-
- Instant basic video editing options available.
- Apply effects, filters, as well as music.
- Simple and intuitive user interface for everyone.
- Comes pre-installed and completely free of cost.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Very limited video editing options.
- Very limited video file formats supported.
9. iMovie
Compatibility: Mac
Best for: Best built-in video editor for Mac users
G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5
iMovie is the inbuilt video editor for Mac users as it comes pre-installed on macOS. The application is free to use and it is compatible with iPhone and iPad as well. You can perform all the basic video editing works starting from trimming to rotating videos.
Besides, there is a wide range of effects and filters available to apply on your videos. The best part is that it supports editing 4K videos. There are also various graphical elements available and you can share your video easily on different platforms.
Reason to Choose:-
- Trim, rotate, split and crop videos easily.
- Work across Mac, iPhone and iPad seamlessly.
- Wide range of effects, filters, and objects available.
- Supports editing 4K videos without any lag.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Lacks advanced editing options though it is a dedicated video editor.
- Supports very limited video file formats.
# For Advanced Users
10. Lightworks
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: best for social media video creators
G2 rating: 3.5 out of 5
Lightworks is a freemium video editor where most features are reserved for premium users. If you are a social media creator or learning video creator, Lightworks Create is best for you. If you are a professional video creator, you should opt for Lightworks Pro.
The software supports almost all file formats, and you can export videos on social media instantly. The timeline is advanced with proxy editing, autosave and background processing features. You can share projects with your teammates and work collaboratively.
Reason to Choose:-
- Powerful and advanced timeline for quick editing.
- Motion graphics and tilting along with advanced metadata.
- Flexible user interface with proxy workflow and storyboard bin.
- Suitable for collaborating works and cloud storage.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Can crash while working with 4K videos.
- Limited options for advanced video editing.
11. VideoPad
Compatibility: Windows
Best for: best video editor for short video creators.
G2 rating: 4.1 out of 5
VideoPad by NCH Software is an intuitive video editor that supports over 60 different video file formats. There are tools available for basic editing such as trimming and cropping. Besides, there are various effects and transitions available to apply on your video.
The video editor also lets you edit audio files and you can edit 360-degree videos as well. There are video stabilization and chroma key effect available. The video editor is available free for non-commercial use with certain limitations that you can overcome with its premium plan.
Reason to Choose:-
- Edit in Storybook or Timeline mode and perfect all basic editing works.
- Audio editing options with different audio effects.
- Add 3D video effects, special filters, and change video speed.
- Supports a wide range of video file formats.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Can crash while editing 4K videos.
- Lacks advanced editing options.
12. VSDC Free Video Editor
Compatibility: Windows only.
Best for: Free feature-rich video editing suite
G2 rating: 4.0 out of 5
VSDC Free Video Editor is a free suite that includes both video and audio editor. You can use the software for recording screen as well as voiceovers. The software is suitable for low-end computers as it is a lightweight application.
Apart from basic editing, you can edit 360 videos. Starting from color correction and zooming to split-screen effect and chroma key, it is full-fledged feature-rich software. For more advanced features, you can opt for VSDC Video Editor Pro version.
Reason to Choose:-
- Zooming, panning, and color correction options.
- Wide range of effects and filters present.
- Chrome key option as well as 360 degree video editing.
- Work with multiple layers and sync objects perfectly.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Lacks advanced video editing options.
- No masking or video stabilization option available.
Part 5: Proprietary Video Editing Software
If you are a regular video creator and you want to invest in video editing to improve the quality of your video content, you have to opt for a proprietary video editing software. All professional video creators prefer proprietary video editing software over freeware and freemium video editors. Here are the best premium video videos with the most advanced video editing options.
# For Beginner Users
13. Filmora
Compatibility: Windows and Mac.
Best for: Best video editors for YouTubers and vloggers
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
Wondershare Filmora is a feature-rich video editor but an intuitive user interface. Therefore, it is perfectly suitable for beginners who want all the features and tools for advanced video editing without a steep learning curve. Filmora is also useful if you want to record screen or webcam video.
Starting from tons of video effects and transitions to a large stock library and graphical elements, Filmora is tailor-made for editing all types of videos. It also supports a wide range of file formats and you can edit 4K videos as well as audio files comfortably.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Reason to Choose:-
- Trim, split, join, crop and work with multiple video and audio clips.
- Large collection of video and audio effects, transitions, and graphical elements.
- Large stock library of free media files and animations.
- Work with multiple layers and clips effortlessly on its smooth timeline.
Reason to Avoid:-
- The processing time for videos could be on the higher side.
14. Camtasia
Compatibility: Windows and Mac.
Best for: Teachers and students to edit tutorial videos
G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5
Camtasia by Techsmith is a premium video editor and it is equally popular as a video recorder. It is particularly useful for recording and editing tutorial videos as there are different templates available. Coming to video editing part, you can perform all the basic video editing works instantly.
There are various trendy effects, transitions, and presets available. You can remove green screen and apply different frames for video compatibility on different devices. Besides, you can upload the editing video different on different platforms instantly.
Reason to Choose:-
- Quick trimming, splitting, cropping options.
- Large collection of templates and presets.
- Wide range of effects, annotations, and transitions.
- Import, export, and share different file formats.
Reason to Avoid:-
- No motion tracking option.
- Reports of frequent crashes.
15. Final Cut Pro
Compatibility: Mac only.
Best for: best professional video editors for Mac users
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
Final Cut Pro from Apple is an extremely popular premium video editor among professional video creators who are Mac users. It is a powerful and advanced video editor that can handle high resolution videos smoothly. It is a perfect mix of standard and advanced video editing features.
Starting from editing multicam and VR videos to 3D and 360 degree videos, Final Cut Pro is suitable for all. There are unlimited presets and effects present and you can edit 4K videos as well as large video files smoothly.
Reason to Choose:-
- Basic and advanced video and audio editing features.
- Supports editing all the different video types such as 3D, 4K, VR videos.
- Supports plug-ins, external tools and cinematic effects.
- Renders high resolution, large video files in short time.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Learning curve is quite steep.
- Pricing is on the higher side.
# For Beginner Users
16. Adobe Premiere Pro
Compatibility: Windows only.
Best for: best professional video editing software for most people
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5
Adobe Premiere Pro is the ultimate video editor in the professional video editing world. You get all the different advanced features of video editing packed in the application. Even though the learning curve is steep, Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the most used video editors in professional video creation.
Adobe Premiere Pro supports all the different video file formats and you can edit various videos simultaneously. It is a perfect tool for editing a large video project collaboratively. It supports editing VR videos, 3D videos, as well as multicam videos.
Reason to Choose:-
- Standard and advanced editing options with quick rendering.
- Suitable for multi-tasking and collaborative work in video editing.
- Supports almost all types of videos and audio file formats.
- Flexible and configurable user interface and advanced timeline.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Learning curve is very steep.
- Not suitable for low-end computers.
17. Vegas Pro
Compatibility: Windows only.
Best for: Video & audio editing for professionals
G2 rating: 4.2 out of 5
Vegas Pro from Sony is a professional video and audio editor. You can work with multiple video and audio files and you can choose from timeline or storyboard layout. In fact, there are options for nested timeline and multicam editing. The customized workflow and layouts make the application suitable for everyone.
You can enhance your video with its large collection of filters, effects, and titles. There are options for keyframing, scene detection, color correction, and light adjustments. The artificial intelligence makes editing faster with automation control.
Reason to Choose:-
- Powerful timeline and storyboard mode with keyframing.
- Advanced HDR color correction and grading.
- Artificial intelligence for quick and repeated editing.
- Multicam editing, motion tracking, and support for 3D videos.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Stability of the application is questionable.
- Pricing is steep and lacks tutorial guide.
18. Hitfilm Express
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Best for: Best for video effects lovers
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
Hitfilm Express is particularly popular for its unlimited video effects that make the video stand out easily. The user interface is quite simple to use, and you can apply effects to turn your raw video into professional video instantly. In fact, it has the largest VFX toolkit with industry-grade effects.
You can edit 4K videos, and there are options for motion tracking and video animations. You can also opt for color correction and grading. You can also edit vertical videos and upload them on social media platforms. You can also edit audio clips and use composting and layering features to enhance your video.
Reason to Choose:-
- Advanced timeline for better workflow.
- Standard and advanced video editing options.
- Largest collection of video effects of different categories.
- Color grading, correction, and free training and support.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Lacks green screen editing option.
- Rendering is not always swift.
Part 6: How to Choose the Suitable Video Editor?
The most important part of video editing is to choose the most suitable video editor for your videos. Here are some important factors to consider while choosing a video editor.
1. Budget and Price: If you are getting started, you can opt for a free video editor. But eventually, you have to go for a premium video editor if you are serious about video editing. You should opt for that video editor that fits your budget and offers more features for the price charged in comparison to its competitors.
2. Learning Curve: You should always opt for a video editor that has a low learning curve. If the video editor is complicated to operate, you will get frustrated, and you won’t be able to unlock the full potential of the video editor. Besides, you will have to lose a lot of time in learning and perfecting the usage of the application.
3. Stock Library: The video editor you are choosing must have a sizeable stock media library. A stock library is where you can find video clips and audio clips that are free to use for everyone. You can incorporate them into your video to enhance the content quality and bring variety to your audiences.
4. Audio control: Video editing is incomplete without proper audio editing. Your video editor should have a separate timeline for audio clips so that you can place them perfect to go in sync with the video clips. Some video editors have dedicated options for audio mixing and editing as per requirements.
5. upport video formats: Your video editor must support a wide range of video file formats that you have to include from time to time. If it supports only the popular file formats, you will not be able to include the interesting videos you may get from different sources which the video editor does not support.
6. Software stability: If you need to edit high-resolution videos, you have to ensure that the video editor you are choosing can stay stable throughout. There are many popular video editors available that become unstable while editing and rendering high-resolution videos. You have to read reviews to come to a conclusion about software stability.
7. Customer Support: Last but most importantly, your video editor must have a good customer support team. In your video editing journey, you will need the help of technical customer support to clarify issues related to the software so that you can excel in your video editing sessions.
Part 7: Video Editing Tips for Beginners
Here are some basic video editing tips that you should keep in mind while editing any video.
1. Try Tight Cuts: Your video should not be too long so that it gets boring for the viewers. Therefore, you have to make tight cuts which means you have to cut out pauses, gaps between dialogs, and anything that is unnecessary for viewers. If you think that tight cuts will take more time than usual, you can consider reshooting the part to save time.
2. Put The Story Before The Footage: When you are shooting a planned video, you must be shooting the video with multiple cameras from different angles. While editing and choosing the perfect angle for a certain video segment, you have to select the one that enhances the story you are telling through your video. For example, in an interview video, you should know when to emphasize and show close angles to capture the emotion of the speaker.
3. Chop Out Mistakes: The most basic work in video editing is to cut out the mistakes. This is because you are sure to make mistakes while shooting, and you will reshoot a lot of mistakes to correct them. Therefore, take your time to chop out mistakes but make sure that the video feels continuous, and if required, you can reshoot. To avoid mistakes in action, you can use different camera angles, blur portions, and bleep out certain words.
4. Learn to use color: Color correction and adjustment is a majorly neglected part of video editing that can make your video different from others. When you are shooting in outdoor conditions, the color of the video could get disturbed depending on the color of your dress as well as your surrounding. While editing, you need to correct them so that the video looks visually pleasing to the eyes.
5. Cut to music: Audio plays a very important role in any video, and hence, you should not neglect it. Always opt for a video editor that has a good collection of stock music so that you can apply them to your video in appropriate places. Music helps to break the monotony and grab the attention of the audience instantly.
6. Back up your work: It takes hours to shoot a video but only a second to lose it. Instead of blindingly relying on your storage device, you should take back up of your work on multiple devices. Taking backup in the cloud storage area is the best option as you can access your work from anywhere.
Part 8: Frequently Asked Questions of Video Editor
What is the best video editor?
Wondershare Filmora is the best video editor as it has the perfect mix of standard and advanced video editing options. The user interface is intuitive and easy to operate for every video creator.
What editor do YouTubers use on PC?
The most commonly used video editors by YouTubers are Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro and Filmora. Unless you are a pro in video editing, we recommend Filmora and Shotcut for your YouTube videos.
How can I edit videos for free?
If you are a Windows user, you can use Microsoft Photos and Openshot for editing your videos for free. For Mac users, iMovie is the best free video editor with balanced features.
Does Windows 10 have a free video editor?
Yes, Windows 10 does come with a free video editor and it is called Microsoft Photos. You can edit your photos and videos with the application.
Is Filmora Free?
No, Filmora is a premium video editor. However, you can download its free trial version to understand its features and functionalities. Thereafter, you can purchase its premium plan as per your suitability.
02 [Editor’s Top 3 Picks ](#Part 2)
03 [Open-Source Video Editors](#Part 3)
04 [Freemium and Freeware Video Editors](#Part 4)
05 [Proprietary Video Editing Software](#Part 5)
06 [How to Choose the Suitable Video Editor](#Part 6)
07 [Video Editing Tips for Newbies](#Part 7)
08 [Frequently Asked Questions of Video Editor](#Part 8)
Part 1: Video Editing Basics
Before going to the best video editors, you should be aware of the basics of video editing. Here are the basic concepts of video editing that you must know as they are common across all video editors.
1. The Timeline: The timeline is an area of a video editor where you place your video clips sequentially. When you play the video after editing, the video will play from the start of the timeline and finish at the end of the timeline where your video content ends. The timeline is where you can place your audio clips, video effects, and graphical elements as per your requirements.
2. The Canvas: The canvas is an area of a video editor where you view your video clips frame by frame. The canvas allows you to edit the video starting from cropping to adding graphical elements. You can view all the changes you make to the video before applying them permanently.
3. Basic editing: The basic editing of a video includes splitting and trimming out important parts of a large video file and, thereafter, joining the different video clips to make an engaging video. The basic editing also includes adding audio clips, adjusting video parameters such as color, brightness, contrast as well as adding texts to the video.
4. Aspect Ratio: The aspect ratio of a video represents the ratio of width to height of the video in terms of pixels. For example, a video with aspect ratio of 16:9 means the video is 1920p x 1080p. You can edit the aspect ratio depending on where you want to publish the video. For example, social media videos use 1:1 and 9: 16 aspect ratio, tablets use 4:3 aspect ratio, and 16:9 is the standard aspect ratio.
5. B-roll: B-roll is a secondary video footage that you can add to your primary video(A-roll) to enhance the video creativity and aesthetic value. B-roll could be a cinematic shot, a slow-motion footage, a close-up shot from different angles, as well as a shot mixed with wide-angle, pans, and tilts.
6. Frame Rate: Frame rate refers to the number of images or frames displayed per second in a video. In short, frame rate refers to frames per second in a video. For example, a video of 30fps means the video is showing 30 different images per second. The 24fps is used for movies and the 30fps is used for online and TV videos. Even 60fps videos are becoming common as they produce a smoother video experience.
Part 2: Editor’s Top 3 Picks - Choose The Best Video Editor
Best Video Editor for All Creators - Filmora
Wondershare Filmora is the ideal video editor with an intuitive user interface. You get all the standard and advanced video editing features packed into its platform. You can record videos of external webcam and computer screen as well. There are unlimited video effects and graphical elements to turn your raw videos into eye-catching videos instantly.
Best for Professional Editing - Premiere Pro
Adobe Premium Pro is the best professional video editor where all the advanced features of video editing are available. The software supports editing multiple projects simultaneously. You can edit VR, Multicam, and 3D videos as well. It is a perfect platform for a professional video editing team to work in sync.
Best for Online Video Editing - WeVideo
WeVideo is by far the best online video editor with 30 million users. Starting from standard video editing options and uploading directly to social media platforms, WeVideo is a full-fledged video editor. You can also record videos and create your own video templates. Moreover, you can collaborate with other video creators and make the best use of the unlimited stock media library.
Part 3: Open-Source Video Editors
Open-source video editors have compatibility with all the desktop operating systems. Moreover, due to their codes readily available online, these video editing software applications are available completely free of cost. Here are the best open-source video editors for beginners and experienced users.
# For Beginner Users
1. Blender
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: best open-source video editor with balanced features
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5
Blender is an open-source video editing suite that is popular for its 3D models. Since it is a suite, you can use the platform not only for video editing but also for creating animated videos and games.
Starting from basic video editing such as trim and split to advance video editing such as masking and color adjustment, all options are readily available. Besides, there are options for audio mixing and live preview of editing works.
Reason to Choose:-
- Video cropping, trimming, splitting, joining, and adjusting speed.
- Different slots to add videos, images, scenes, audio clips, effects and masks.
- Different transitions, filters, effects, waveforms, and keyframes available.
- Create 3D models and animated videos with proper audio mixing.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Takes time to get used to the platform.
- Reports of bugs have become a regular occurrence.
2. Avidemux
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: best open-source video editor for basic editing
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
Avidemux from Soundforge is a lightweight and basic video editor. Starting from trimming and cutting videos to applying filters and encoding videos, all the options are readily available. The software supports a wide range of video file formats for editing.
The platform also supports scripting through which you can automate tasks to perform on videos. Besides, there are options for color adjustments, video conversion, and advanced interlacing. The simple user interface is perfect for beginners to edit videos intuitively.
Reason to Choose:-
- Quick video editing for trimming, cutting, rotating, and cropping.
- Change speed and use different filters for color adjustments and subtitles.
- Supports different video file formats in import and export.
- The user interface is simple and suitable for beginners.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Does not have a traditional timeline for video editing.
- Limited effects, filters, and advanced features.
3. Kdenlive
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: best open-source video editor for all
G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5
Kdenlive video editor is a versatile video editor with standard and advanced video editing features balanced properly. The open-source software allows multi-track timeline and supports dual monitor setup for video editing. The user interface is simple, and you can configure it as per your preference.
Kdenlive supports a wide range of video and audio files, and you can use configurable keyboard shortcuts for easy operation. The automatic backup feature is highly useful in the professional video editing world. Similarly, the presence of keyframe-based effects and advanced effects can make a video stand out.
Reason to Choose:-
- Multi-track timeline for working with multiple video and audio clips.
- Keyframeable effects, transitions, color correction and unlimited online resources.
- Vast set of options for creating stunning texts and titles.
- Smooth preview, configurable interface, and automatic backup.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Lacks GPU acceleration and hence, slow response at times.
- Speed adjustment effect is not efficient.
# For Advanced Users
4. OpenShot
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS
Best for: Best open source editor for all desktop users
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
OpenShot is a cross-platform, open-source video editor where you can work on one project on different operating systems. It works on keyframe animation framework, and you can choose from different interpolations. The platform offers you to work with unlimited video and audio clips as well as layers.
You can perform all the basic video editing operations as well as go for advanced editing. The features and tools are well-balanced for regular as well as professional video editing. Starting from video effects and audio mixing to chroma key and time-mapping, everything is available under one roof.
Reason to Choose:-
- Basic video editing with panning, zooming, and scrolling features.
- Wide range of transitions, effects, time and speed control.
- Time-mapping, audio mixing, overlays, and composting.
- Supports 3D animations and objects, templates for titles and sub-titles.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Hardware acceleration is not very powerful.
- Not suitable for 4K video editing as it gets extremely slow.
5. Shotcut
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: Best for video editors who love filters and effects
G2 rating: 4.2 out of 5
Shotcut is another open-source and cross-platform video editor with a professional user interface. The software supports importing different file formats of video and audio files. It is suitable for editing 4K videos, and it is a full-fledged audio editor as well.
Its vast video filters and effects are comparable to premium video editors. You can work with multi-track timeline and keyframes with markers and rangers. Besides, you can keep notes on your project easily. Overall, it is a balanced video editor in terms of features and functionalities.
Reason to Choose:-
- Wide categories of video effects, transitions, and filters.
- Multi-track and multi-format timeline and detailed audio editor.
- Standard and advanced editing options with hardware acceleration.
- Export video in high-resolution and in different formats.
Reason to Avoid:-
- The user interface can take some time to get used to.
- The stock media library is rather limited.
6. NATRON
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: Best open-source video editor with visual effects
G2 rating: 3.5 out of 5
NATRON is a robust video editor with powerful tracking tool for 2D and planar tracking. You can work with multiple layers and clips and avail various keying options on your video editing project. In fact, it is a full-fledged video compositing software for better video production with multi-layer structure.
The hardware acceleration of the software produces faster rendering. You get to work with presets, tracker nodes, rotoscoping, multi-plane and motion editing. The option of multi-view workflow along with real-time playback is extremely useful while editing multicam videos.
Reason to Choose:-
- Superior visual effects and motion editing.
- Multi-tasking with multi-view workflow.
- Option of rotoscoping and python scripting.
- Supports different open-source plugins.
Reason to Avoid:-
- The user interface is quite advanced and needs some learning time.
- It gets unstable and slow while previewing high-resolution videos.
Part 4: Freemium and Freeware Video Editors
Freeware video editors are available completely free of cost and they are mostly exclusive to a certain operating system. On the other hand, freemium video editors have certain features completely free while it charges users a small fee for certain advanced features. Here is the list of the best freemium and freeware video editors.
# For Beginner Users
7. ActivePresenter
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Best for: best video editing software for learning videos.
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5
ActivePresenter from AtomiSystems is a video editor with screen recording options. The software is particularly useful in making and editing learning videos. There are different templates available for editing videos quickly. Besides, you can use the platform for standard editing options for any video.
Starting from working with multiple timelines to making videos interactive and responsive, there are various out-of-box features. Moreover, you can edit your audio and export your edited video in different file formats.
Reason to Choose:-
- Multiple timelines for editing various video and audio clips.
- Basic video and audio editing options and greenscreen effects.
- Webcam and screen recording with audio from different sources.
- Export videos with different file formats, HTML, xAPI, SCORM and much more.
Reason to Avoid:-
- The learning curve is slightly steep.
- Not suitable for editing all types of videos.
8. Microsoft Photos
Compatibility: Windows
Best for: best built-in video editor for Windows users
G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5
Microsoft Photos is the inbuilt video editor for Windows users. The app comes pre-installed in Windows and it is mostly used for viewing photos. But there is an inbuilt video editor where you can do the basic video editing works.
You can trim a video, add texts, and apply 3D effects as well as different filters available. There are also options for rotating videos, applying background music and customizing audio. The user interface is very simple for all users.
Reason to Choose:-
- Instant basic video editing options available.
- Apply effects, filters, as well as music.
- Simple and intuitive user interface for everyone.
- Comes pre-installed and completely free of cost.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Very limited video editing options.
- Very limited video file formats supported.
9. iMovie
Compatibility: Mac
Best for: Best built-in video editor for Mac users
G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5
iMovie is the inbuilt video editor for Mac users as it comes pre-installed on macOS. The application is free to use and it is compatible with iPhone and iPad as well. You can perform all the basic video editing works starting from trimming to rotating videos.
Besides, there is a wide range of effects and filters available to apply on your videos. The best part is that it supports editing 4K videos. There are also various graphical elements available and you can share your video easily on different platforms.
Reason to Choose:-
- Trim, rotate, split and crop videos easily.
- Work across Mac, iPhone and iPad seamlessly.
- Wide range of effects, filters, and objects available.
- Supports editing 4K videos without any lag.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Lacks advanced editing options though it is a dedicated video editor.
- Supports very limited video file formats.
# For Advanced Users
10. Lightworks
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Best for: best for social media video creators
G2 rating: 3.5 out of 5
Lightworks is a freemium video editor where most features are reserved for premium users. If you are a social media creator or learning video creator, Lightworks Create is best for you. If you are a professional video creator, you should opt for Lightworks Pro.
The software supports almost all file formats, and you can export videos on social media instantly. The timeline is advanced with proxy editing, autosave and background processing features. You can share projects with your teammates and work collaboratively.
Reason to Choose:-
- Powerful and advanced timeline for quick editing.
- Motion graphics and tilting along with advanced metadata.
- Flexible user interface with proxy workflow and storyboard bin.
- Suitable for collaborating works and cloud storage.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Can crash while working with 4K videos.
- Limited options for advanced video editing.
11. VideoPad
Compatibility: Windows
Best for: best video editor for short video creators.
G2 rating: 4.1 out of 5
VideoPad by NCH Software is an intuitive video editor that supports over 60 different video file formats. There are tools available for basic editing such as trimming and cropping. Besides, there are various effects and transitions available to apply on your video.
The video editor also lets you edit audio files and you can edit 360-degree videos as well. There are video stabilization and chroma key effect available. The video editor is available free for non-commercial use with certain limitations that you can overcome with its premium plan.
Reason to Choose:-
- Edit in Storybook or Timeline mode and perfect all basic editing works.
- Audio editing options with different audio effects.
- Add 3D video effects, special filters, and change video speed.
- Supports a wide range of video file formats.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Can crash while editing 4K videos.
- Lacks advanced editing options.
12. VSDC Free Video Editor
Compatibility: Windows only.
Best for: Free feature-rich video editing suite
G2 rating: 4.0 out of 5
VSDC Free Video Editor is a free suite that includes both video and audio editor. You can use the software for recording screen as well as voiceovers. The software is suitable for low-end computers as it is a lightweight application.
Apart from basic editing, you can edit 360 videos. Starting from color correction and zooming to split-screen effect and chroma key, it is full-fledged feature-rich software. For more advanced features, you can opt for VSDC Video Editor Pro version.
Reason to Choose:-
- Zooming, panning, and color correction options.
- Wide range of effects and filters present.
- Chrome key option as well as 360 degree video editing.
- Work with multiple layers and sync objects perfectly.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Lacks advanced video editing options.
- No masking or video stabilization option available.
Part 5: Proprietary Video Editing Software
If you are a regular video creator and you want to invest in video editing to improve the quality of your video content, you have to opt for a proprietary video editing software. All professional video creators prefer proprietary video editing software over freeware and freemium video editors. Here are the best premium video videos with the most advanced video editing options.
# For Beginner Users
13. Filmora
Compatibility: Windows and Mac.
Best for: Best video editors for YouTubers and vloggers
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
Wondershare Filmora is a feature-rich video editor but an intuitive user interface. Therefore, it is perfectly suitable for beginners who want all the features and tools for advanced video editing without a steep learning curve. Filmora is also useful if you want to record screen or webcam video.
Starting from tons of video effects and transitions to a large stock library and graphical elements, Filmora is tailor-made for editing all types of videos. It also supports a wide range of file formats and you can edit 4K videos as well as audio files comfortably.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Reason to Choose:-
- Trim, split, join, crop and work with multiple video and audio clips.
- Large collection of video and audio effects, transitions, and graphical elements.
- Large stock library of free media files and animations.
- Work with multiple layers and clips effortlessly on its smooth timeline.
Reason to Avoid:-
- The processing time for videos could be on the higher side.
14. Camtasia
Compatibility: Windows and Mac.
Best for: Teachers and students to edit tutorial videos
G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5
Camtasia by Techsmith is a premium video editor and it is equally popular as a video recorder. It is particularly useful for recording and editing tutorial videos as there are different templates available. Coming to video editing part, you can perform all the basic video editing works instantly.
There are various trendy effects, transitions, and presets available. You can remove green screen and apply different frames for video compatibility on different devices. Besides, you can upload the editing video different on different platforms instantly.
Reason to Choose:-
- Quick trimming, splitting, cropping options.
- Large collection of templates and presets.
- Wide range of effects, annotations, and transitions.
- Import, export, and share different file formats.
Reason to Avoid:-
- No motion tracking option.
- Reports of frequent crashes.
15. Final Cut Pro
Compatibility: Mac only.
Best for: best professional video editors for Mac users
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
Final Cut Pro from Apple is an extremely popular premium video editor among professional video creators who are Mac users. It is a powerful and advanced video editor that can handle high resolution videos smoothly. It is a perfect mix of standard and advanced video editing features.
Starting from editing multicam and VR videos to 3D and 360 degree videos, Final Cut Pro is suitable for all. There are unlimited presets and effects present and you can edit 4K videos as well as large video files smoothly.
Reason to Choose:-
- Basic and advanced video and audio editing features.
- Supports editing all the different video types such as 3D, 4K, VR videos.
- Supports plug-ins, external tools and cinematic effects.
- Renders high resolution, large video files in short time.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Learning curve is quite steep.
- Pricing is on the higher side.
# For Beginner Users
16. Adobe Premiere Pro
Compatibility: Windows only.
Best for: best professional video editing software for most people
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5
Adobe Premiere Pro is the ultimate video editor in the professional video editing world. You get all the different advanced features of video editing packed in the application. Even though the learning curve is steep, Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the most used video editors in professional video creation.
Adobe Premiere Pro supports all the different video file formats and you can edit various videos simultaneously. It is a perfect tool for editing a large video project collaboratively. It supports editing VR videos, 3D videos, as well as multicam videos.
Reason to Choose:-
- Standard and advanced editing options with quick rendering.
- Suitable for multi-tasking and collaborative work in video editing.
- Supports almost all types of videos and audio file formats.
- Flexible and configurable user interface and advanced timeline.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Learning curve is very steep.
- Not suitable for low-end computers.
17. Vegas Pro
Compatibility: Windows only.
Best for: Video & audio editing for professionals
G2 rating: 4.2 out of 5
Vegas Pro from Sony is a professional video and audio editor. You can work with multiple video and audio files and you can choose from timeline or storyboard layout. In fact, there are options for nested timeline and multicam editing. The customized workflow and layouts make the application suitable for everyone.
You can enhance your video with its large collection of filters, effects, and titles. There are options for keyframing, scene detection, color correction, and light adjustments. The artificial intelligence makes editing faster with automation control.
Reason to Choose:-
- Powerful timeline and storyboard mode with keyframing.
- Advanced HDR color correction and grading.
- Artificial intelligence for quick and repeated editing.
- Multicam editing, motion tracking, and support for 3D videos.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Stability of the application is questionable.
- Pricing is steep and lacks tutorial guide.
18. Hitfilm Express
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Best for: Best for video effects lovers
G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5
Hitfilm Express is particularly popular for its unlimited video effects that make the video stand out easily. The user interface is quite simple to use, and you can apply effects to turn your raw video into professional video instantly. In fact, it has the largest VFX toolkit with industry-grade effects.
You can edit 4K videos, and there are options for motion tracking and video animations. You can also opt for color correction and grading. You can also edit vertical videos and upload them on social media platforms. You can also edit audio clips and use composting and layering features to enhance your video.
Reason to Choose:-
- Advanced timeline for better workflow.
- Standard and advanced video editing options.
- Largest collection of video effects of different categories.
- Color grading, correction, and free training and support.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Lacks green screen editing option.
- Rendering is not always swift.
Part 6: How to Choose the Suitable Video Editor?
The most important part of video editing is to choose the most suitable video editor for your videos. Here are some important factors to consider while choosing a video editor.
1. Budget and Price: If you are getting started, you can opt for a free video editor. But eventually, you have to go for a premium video editor if you are serious about video editing. You should opt for that video editor that fits your budget and offers more features for the price charged in comparison to its competitors.
2. Learning Curve: You should always opt for a video editor that has a low learning curve. If the video editor is complicated to operate, you will get frustrated, and you won’t be able to unlock the full potential of the video editor. Besides, you will have to lose a lot of time in learning and perfecting the usage of the application.
3. Stock Library: The video editor you are choosing must have a sizeable stock media library. A stock library is where you can find video clips and audio clips that are free to use for everyone. You can incorporate them into your video to enhance the content quality and bring variety to your audiences.
4. Audio control: Video editing is incomplete without proper audio editing. Your video editor should have a separate timeline for audio clips so that you can place them perfect to go in sync with the video clips. Some video editors have dedicated options for audio mixing and editing as per requirements.
5. upport video formats: Your video editor must support a wide range of video file formats that you have to include from time to time. If it supports only the popular file formats, you will not be able to include the interesting videos you may get from different sources which the video editor does not support.
6. Software stability: If you need to edit high-resolution videos, you have to ensure that the video editor you are choosing can stay stable throughout. There are many popular video editors available that become unstable while editing and rendering high-resolution videos. You have to read reviews to come to a conclusion about software stability.
7. Customer Support: Last but most importantly, your video editor must have a good customer support team. In your video editing journey, you will need the help of technical customer support to clarify issues related to the software so that you can excel in your video editing sessions.
Part 7: Video Editing Tips for Beginners
Here are some basic video editing tips that you should keep in mind while editing any video.
1. Try Tight Cuts: Your video should not be too long so that it gets boring for the viewers. Therefore, you have to make tight cuts which means you have to cut out pauses, gaps between dialogs, and anything that is unnecessary for viewers. If you think that tight cuts will take more time than usual, you can consider reshooting the part to save time.
2. Put The Story Before The Footage: When you are shooting a planned video, you must be shooting the video with multiple cameras from different angles. While editing and choosing the perfect angle for a certain video segment, you have to select the one that enhances the story you are telling through your video. For example, in an interview video, you should know when to emphasize and show close angles to capture the emotion of the speaker.
3. Chop Out Mistakes: The most basic work in video editing is to cut out the mistakes. This is because you are sure to make mistakes while shooting, and you will reshoot a lot of mistakes to correct them. Therefore, take your time to chop out mistakes but make sure that the video feels continuous, and if required, you can reshoot. To avoid mistakes in action, you can use different camera angles, blur portions, and bleep out certain words.
4. Learn to use color: Color correction and adjustment is a majorly neglected part of video editing that can make your video different from others. When you are shooting in outdoor conditions, the color of the video could get disturbed depending on the color of your dress as well as your surrounding. While editing, you need to correct them so that the video looks visually pleasing to the eyes.
5. Cut to music: Audio plays a very important role in any video, and hence, you should not neglect it. Always opt for a video editor that has a good collection of stock music so that you can apply them to your video in appropriate places. Music helps to break the monotony and grab the attention of the audience instantly.
6. Back up your work: It takes hours to shoot a video but only a second to lose it. Instead of blindingly relying on your storage device, you should take back up of your work on multiple devices. Taking backup in the cloud storage area is the best option as you can access your work from anywhere.
Part 8: Frequently Asked Questions of Video Editor
What is the best video editor?
Wondershare Filmora is the best video editor as it has the perfect mix of standard and advanced video editing options. The user interface is intuitive and easy to operate for every video creator.
What editor do YouTubers use on PC?
The most commonly used video editors by YouTubers are Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro and Filmora. Unless you are a pro in video editing, we recommend Filmora and Shotcut for your YouTube videos.
How can I edit videos for free?
If you are a Windows user, you can use Microsoft Photos and Openshot for editing your videos for free. For Mac users, iMovie is the best free video editor with balanced features.
Does Windows 10 have a free video editor?
Yes, Windows 10 does come with a free video editor and it is called Microsoft Photos. You can edit your photos and videos with the application.
Is Filmora Free?
No, Filmora is a premium video editor. However, you can download its free trial version to understand its features and functionalities. Thereafter, you can purchase its premium plan as per your suitability.
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- Title: Updated Unlock Your Video Editing Potential With Wondershare Filmora
- Author: Chloe
- Created at : 2024-05-20 03:38:21
- Updated at : 2024-05-21 03:38:21
- Link: https://ai-editing-video.techidaily.com/updated-unlock-your-video-editing-potential-with-wondershare-filmora/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
