What to Look for in a Free Video Editor. The Definition of Free: There's free and then there's freemium. Some software, like iMovie, is genuinely free.
Downloading the best video editing software for your needs is essential whether you're a professional preparing for broadcast or just a keen amateur messing around for a hobby. And thankfully, there are tonnes of paid-for and free video editors out there that will help you produce the best possible work.
But with so many options, how do you choose the right video editing software? It isn't easy to avoid fiddly, difficult-to-use programs and ensure that your chosen video editor will get you the results you need - at least it wouldn't be, if it wasn't for this best video editing software guide. The most impressive programs make your everyday tasks like cutting, trimming, combining and applying filters to clips as simple as possible - that's true regardless of whether you demand the absolute best video editor out there, or if you were hoping for free video editing software instead. Downloading an inferior video editor will lead only to frustration and a less polished finished product. The tools we've picked out for you in this guide are the very best editors in their class. Below you'll see lists of both premium and free video editing software. So if you're ready for something advanced, opting for a paid product will get you high-end extras like 360-degree video support, motion tracking and multi-cam editing, but that's just the start.
Keep reading to get the best of both worlds, with leading the way as our #1 favourite Jump straight to: The overall best video editing software These premium video editors can't be matched - not even by the very greatest free options. The extra resources available to commercial projects help to refine the entire package, often bringing more accurate and configurable effects, an enhanced interface and a faster rendering engine. Subscription model won't be for everybody is an industry-standard video editor and getting the most from it will require an investment of time as well as cash, but if you’re serious about video then it’s well worth the effort. There's a vast assortment of stackable audio and video filters, support for 360-degree and VR video, native support for a huge number of raw file formats, and the ability to work collaboratively with others. You can even start editing your videos before they've finished importing. This kind of power doesn't come cheap and the monthly or annual subscription fee adds up, but the lack of a large initial outlay makes Premiere Pro surprisingly accessible. It's worth downloading a trial of the other video editors here before making a decision, but Premiere Pro is extremely versatile and the cloud-based model means you won't have to pay for upgrades as they're released.
Read our full review. High initial cost This is a video editor aimed squarely at the professional end of the market, but it's not needlessly complicated. Its interface is a little different to most, and is built around a 'trackless' timeline that encourages you to organize elements into specific 'roles', such as voiceover, music and titles. If you're looking for a video editor to pair with your drone, Final Cut Pro is an excellent choice.
It supports raw video from all the major makes and models, and is regularly updated with additional profiles. It also supports 360-degree video editing (fast becoming mandatory for premium video editing software) and HDR, with advanced color grading. Rather than adopt a subscription model like Adobe, Apple has chosen to make Final Cut Pro available for a one-off flat fee. It's relatively expensive, but includes all major updates and will work out cheaper than Premiere Pro if you keep using it over a couple of years.
If you own a Mac and are torn between Apple and Adobe, we recommend taking the free trials of both for a spin before making up your mind. Read our full review. Fewer fine controls than some If Adobe Premiere Elements and Apple Final Cut Pro X are overkill for your video editing projects, take a look at CyberLink PowerDirector.
Although PowerDirector is a premium, feature-packed video editor, it's also very forgiving, and offers a gentle introduction to post production that won't faze complete beginners. The Magic Movie Wizard is the ultimate example, paring the task of combining and optimizing videos down to a few clicks. You'll achieve better results by spending a while in the timeline editor, but for anyone who just wants to quickly piece something together to publish on Facebook, it's ideal. That's not to say that CyberLink PowerDirector is dumbed down, though; far from it. The software also offers a standard post production interface based around control panels and a timeline.
It sometimes takes a little while to drill down to the finer controls, but every filter and option is extremely flexible once you start exploring. Perhaps most impressive of all, CyberLink PowerDirector makes video editing fun. Read our full review. Overkill for beginners HitFilm Pro is a premium video editor that's a firm favourite with fanfilm makers - and with good reason. It's packed with tools for creating stunning special effects, but is accessible enough for home users. One of HitFilm Pro's biggest selling points is the ability to tackle pretty much every aspect of video post-production within the editor. Animations, titles, audio editing and color grading are all accessible with a couple of clicks, but the interface is intuitively designed and never feels cluttered.
Unlike the other video editors in this roundup, HitFilm Pro supports importing and animating of custom 3D models, complete with simulated 3D cameras, custom shadows and dynamic lighting. There are also impressive particle effects, and superb chroma-keying to minimize annoying spill. Read our full review. You may soon outgrow it Of all the premium video editors in this roundup, Adobe Premiere Elements is the most beginner-oriented. It's designed to make video editing as easy as possible, and even its Expert interface is extremely straightforward.
Unlike Adobe's premium software (like Premiere Pro), Premiere Elements is only available as a one-off purchase, so you aren't committed to paying a monthly fee to keep using it. It's also one of the most affordable video editors around, which is impressive for a huge name like Adobe. Some video editors assume a certain degree of familiarity before you begin, but Premiere Elements is ideal even for total beginners. Its interface features large buttons, clearly labelled. There are also some excellent tutorials included to help bridge the gap between creating a video using wizards and using the more traditional multi-track timeline. Read our full review: The best free video editors If you're a beginner, there are free video editors that will make the whole process as easy as can be and don't cost a penny.
These user-friendly editors offer a gentle introduction to video editing, so you'll learn the basics and be able to make the step up to a more advanced premium program when you're ready. Well designed interface is an incredible tool that's published free with the noble aim of making professional quality video editing software available to everyone. As you would expect for such a powerful video editor, you won't be able to master it overnight, but that's certainly not something you could hold against it. If you've tried other free video editors you'll probably find that the interface is a little different to anything you're used to, but you can arrange the various controls and windows to create something that suits your way of working. There's a paid version, Lightworks Pro, which adds the ability to export in formats other than MPEG, publish 4K video directly to YouTube, and export 3D videos, but the free video editing software includes everything else you need to make impressive videos. Read our full review. High system requirements is another video editor that promises pro-level features for free – and it delivers.
The basic editor is very impressive, with advanced cutting tools, a great set of audio and video filters, layers and masking, compositing options, and chroma keying for creating green screen effects. Additional tools are available for a fee, starting at £8.85 (about US$10, AU$15) for a pack featuring color-correction, exposure adjustment, split screen masking, and various creative filters. But the free video editor is well worth a look, too. The downside of all this power is that Hitfilm Express is much more demanding than either Lightworks or Shotcut, which is the main reason it's dropped to third place. Make sure you before downloading it to avoid disappointment. Read our full review: 3.
DaVinci Resolve. Free version lacks a few features is a free version of a premium video editing suite, but as with Lightworks, it's so feature-packed you probably won't miss the few tools it lacks. DaVinci Resolve is a professional-grade free video editor, with intuitive interfaces for editing, color correction, audio mastering and exporting. Color correction is one of DaVinci Resolve's standout features, whether you want to adjust a whole video or just a selected part. There's HDR support, and you can work on raw files directly from your camera.
A few of the filters are exclusive to the premium DaVinci Resolve Studio, and there's a maximum export resolution of 3,840 x 2,160, but those are the only limitations. It's overkill if you just want to trim a video and upload it to YouTube, but for bigger projects DaVinci Resolve is hard to beat. Full review coming soon. Steep learning curve is another professional-feeling free video editor that requires a little patience if you are achieve the results it is so capable of delivering. The slightly unusual interface can be put down to the fact that this started life as a Linux application, and little has changed in its conversion to Windows. To start with, the interface may seem a little stark. You will need to not only load a video, but also choose which editing mode you would like to work in and which tools you'd like to use.
There's no getting away from the fact that Shotcut has a steep learning curve. It's possible to achieve some impressive results by simply applying one of its many filters to your video, but the real rewards will only be reaped by those willing to invest the time and energy in fully getting to grips with what's on offer. Read our full review: 5. VSDC Free Video Editor. No hardware acceleration is highly capable, and can yield superb results.
As a non-linear editor, it works in rather a different way to many other similar tools, letting you position clips and other elements on the timeline wherever you like and edit them there. With the ability to not only work with multiple scenes and transitions, but also to add sprites and text to videos, you can create a professional-quality movie if you're willing to stick with VSDC's slightly unusual workflow – though its interface has recently had a total overhaul, making it look much more slick and modern. You can now detach the timeline too, which gives you lots of extra flexibility – particularly when working on multiple monitors. VSDC's free video editing software lets you add extra artistic effects, including smoke.
There's also a dedicated Instagram export profile and automatic image stabilization. You also get look-up tables (LUTs) for professional color grading, the ability to export footage at 120fps, and automatic alignment when dragging objects. An excellent choice for creative video projects. Read our full review:.
Finding the best free video editing software should be a core part of any ecommerce entrepreneur’s video success. Stunning video content can really help boost conversions and ROI for your online store.
Whether its, Facebook ads, or Youtube product testimonials, the best free video editing software will make your brand look slick and professional. With the amount and quality of video editing software available, you don’t have to be Spielberg – or have his budget – to get epic results. In this article we compile the best free video editing software from around the web. Our top 20 list focuses on the most versatile free video editing software we could find. While each user has different needs, this guide will provide you with a good overview of what you can expect from each video editor and how to to get the best out of it. Our selection is divided into the best free video editing software for desktop, mobile video editing apps, and video editors for Instagram.
Ready to get started? Lights, camera, action! Post Contents. Best Free Video Editing Software for Desktop The following list of the best free video editing software is desktop based. Desktop applications typically have more editing power than mobile apps. Use these video editors when you need to produce longer-form content for Youtube or your website.
All of these video editors are either entirely free to use or have an excellent free version. This video software ranges from basic to advanced. Blender Blender, one of the best free video editing software, is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Is an open source program that is entirely free to use.
Blender was actually designed as a 3D animation suite, but it does come with a very useful video editor. Blender’s video editor should be enough for most of your video needs.
The editor allows you to perform basic actions like video cuts and splicing. It also allows you to carry out more complex tasks like video masking. This makes it a very flexible video editor and caters to both beginner and advanced users. The Blender Video Editor includes the following features:.
Live preview, luma waveform, chroma vectorscope and histogram displays. Audio mixing, syncing, scrubbing, and waveform visualization. Up to 32 slots for adding video, images, audio, and effects. Speed control, adjustment layers, transitions, keyframes, filters, and more. Pros: Perfect for advanced users who are not put off by all the features.
Cons: The sheer array of features make the learning curve a little steeper. Most of the tutorials are focussed on the 3D animation/modeling side.
The resources to help you with the video editor are very limited. Best for: More advanced projects that may involve 3D animation.
Lightworks Lightworks is another one of the best free video editing software. It’s available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Is one of the more powerful video editors on the list. It’s absolutely packed with useful features. The free version should be more than enough for most users. The pro version costs $25 a month. This video editor includes the following in the free version:.
High precision video trimming. Multicam support.
Export to 720p for Youtube. Wide range of video formats supported. While most features are included, 4K video support for Youtube and Vimeo is only included in the paid version of the software.
Compared to Blender, for example, Lightworks has many great video tutorials which can make it quicker to get up and running. Check out to make sure the free version has what you need. Pros: Very powerful video editor with many advanced features. Cons: 4K video support only in paid version. Some users may find Lightworks too advanced. Best for: All round desktop video editing.
Shotcut Shotcut the best free video editing software is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux., like Blender, is a fully open source program. This means after downloading it, you get access to all the features without the need for a paid upgrade.
This video editor supports a wide range of video formats and boasts a great collection of tutorial videos. While this video editing software has great features, some users may find the interface a little quirky.
This software was originally designed for Linux and it definitely shows. But, under the hood it’s still a quality video editor. Two of the most striking features are 4K HD resolution support and its timeline editing.
Not many free versions of software include 4K resolution support. Shotcut also doesn’t require you to import your video into the editor: this can be a time saver if you are dealing with large video files. Pros: Native timeline editing and 4K resolution support. Cons: Quirky interface may be off putting for some users.
Best for: 4K, HD video projects. VSDC Free Video Editor The best free video editing software only available on Windows is VSDC.
Is video editing software only available to Windows users. The free version has a powerful set of features including color correction and audio editing. The pro version costs $19.99 and includes image stabilization, voice over support, and visual waveform. If you choose not to update to the pro version, then technical support costs $9.99 for one month, or $14.99 for a year. Pros: Relatively straightforward to learn with many powerful features. Cons: Technical support is not free; Windows only.
Best for: Windows based editing projects 5. Machete Video Editor Lite Available on Windows only. Is one of the most simple editors in the list and is great for quick and simple editing tasks. In the free version you cannot edit audio, you can only entirely remove audio tracks. Also, the free version only supports AVI and WMV files.
The full version costs $19.95, and it allows you to edit audio and supports more file types. Pros: Super simple to learn and use.
Cons: Windows only; does not support as many file types as other programs; no audio editing. Best for: Simple video splicing. Avidemux Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Is great video editing software for beginners as the interface is very simple to use. This program can help you to perform basic tasks including:.
Simple cutting. Encoding.
Filtering If you are completely new to video editing, this might be a good place to start. Pros: Very simple software; no need to read technical docs. Cons: Not as many features as other video editors. Best for: Basic editing tasks.
HitFilm Express Available for both Mac and Windows. Is one of the more professional video editors to make the list. It contains all the features you would expect from a basic editor (splicing, trimming, and audio editing) plus many more. While some users may find HitFilm a little advanced, it’s certainly one of the best all round free video editors out there. The free package includes over 180 special effects.
The tutorials are mainly based on well known Hollywood movies like Star Wars, but these are very interactive and engaging. Before you can download this software, Hitfilm asks you to share a status update on social media. However, this is a very small price to pay for such advanced software. Finally, Hitfilm includes a store where you can purchase add-ons, but this is beyond the scope of most users, as the free feature set should be more than enough. Features included:.
Advanced cutting tools. Keying for green screen effects. Audio and video filters. Compositing tools. Layers and masking.
3D video support Pros: Truly professional video editor without the price tag. Cons: May take some time to learn the interface. Best for: Youtuber Vlogs – Youtube uploading is built in. DaVinci Resolve Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Is arguably the most advanced video editor on the list. While it has many professional features, its interfaces remain intuitive.
Alongside video slicing and trimming you can master audio and correct color. You can also use it to add 2D and 3D titles to your video. If you just want to trim and upload your videos, the rich feature set of DaVinci Resolve may be too extensive.
However, if your video project is a little more advanced, the free version of this software is hard to beat. Features included:. Advanced trimming. Multicam editing. Color correction. Audio mastering Pros: Intuitive interfaces and incredible color correction. Cons: Its wide array of features make it a little overwhelming, and not all tutorials are free.
Best for: More advanced projects where you need to correct colors. Openshot Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Is entirely open source. It may remind some Mac users a little of iMovie with its easy to use drag and drop interface.
However, Openshot packs more features than iMovie, including unlimited layers and audio mixing. This free editor strikes a nice balance between advanced features and a simple interface. It also allows real time previews when you create transitions between clips.
Features included:. Unlimited tracks / layers.
Clip resizing, scaling, trimming, snapping, rotation, and cutting Video transitions with real-time previews. Compositing, image overlays, watermarks. Title templates, title creation, subtitles 3D animated titles (and effects). Advanced Timeline (including Drag & drop, scrolling, panning, zooming, and snapping) Pros: Open source, unlimited layers. Cons: Not that many video tutorials. Best for: Great for users just starting out with video editing. IMovie Available on Mac Good old comes baked into Mac OS.
Like most native Mac apps, this video editor is very intuitive to use. It features a drag and drop interface. Mac users can use iMovie as a playground for learning the basics of video editing. Once you are up to speed, you may find that alternative video editing software in this list may better suit your needs. Features included:. Library of pre-made transitions. Video trimming.
Audio editing. Split screen. 4K resolution support Pros: Easy to learn.
Cons: Advanced users may find features a little limited; import and render times can be a little slow. Best for: Mac users getting started with video editing. Best Free Video Editing Software for Mobile These apps are for people who like to capture and share videos from their smartphones and edit videos on the go.
While there are many great video editing apps out there, this list covers some of the best, most intuitive, and free to use video software for mobile devices. Splice Splice, one of the best free video editing software for mobile, is only available on iOS. Is one of the most popular free video editing apps available for iPhone and iPad users. From the makers of GoPro, this app is simple to learn due to its simple interface. You can edit and cut videos in just a few taps. Add some transitions and sounds from the large built-in library and your video is ready to share.
Pros: Simple and very easy to use. Cons: Only available for iOS. Best for: When time is of the essence and you need to edit a video quickly. Quik Available on iOS and Android is another free video editing app from the makers of GoPro. This app is similar to Splice but takes a little editing power away from the user. It has auto trim and edit features that do speed up the editing process, however, you can still manually edit your clips if you want more control. It’s impressive what Quik can do automatically: it searches your video to find great moments and can even add transitions.
If you really need a fast edit, this is the app for you. Also, unlike Splice, it’s available to Android users, too! Pros: Auto editing features. Cons: Some users may want more editing control. Best for: Quick, individual video edits.
Adobe Premiere Clip Available on iOS and Android is a very popular video editing app. This app links into Adobe’s well known Premiere Pro product, but works equally well as a standalone app. Add music (your own or from the library included), transitions, auto correct the color, and you’re ready to share your video. With its two modes, Freeform and Automatic, you can choose whether you retain editing control, or you let Adobe pick transitions and trim your clip automatically. Adobe users will be happy to know that this app syncs beautifully with other Adobe staples such as Lightroom. Pros: Simple to use; Adobe Creative Cloud support.
Cons: Lacks a few basic functions like the ability to rotate clips. Best for: Basic mobile video editing. Horizon Available on iOS and Android. Is a simple app that enables users to capture videos horizontally no matter the position of their phone.
When we rush to capture a moment we may forget to tilt the phone and capture the action horizontally. This app can help you solve that problem: all footage shot in the app is captured horizontally no matter how you tilt your phone. Check out to see how it works.
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Avoid vertically captured videos and shoot quick videos in the Horizon app. Pros: Very simple to use; never waste vertical content. Cons: Android version is not as advanced as iOS version; some in-app purchases may be necessary depending on your needs. Best for: Always capturing film horizontally. Best Free Video Editing Apps for Instagram We all love Instagram. But, as an ecommerce store owner you know the importance of making your brand look professional.
Take your Instagram stories to the next level with these video editing apps. By the way, all the mobile video editing apps listed above also work great for Instagram, too. These video editing apps, however, have been designed specifically with the Instagram platform in mind. Magisto Available on iOS and Android. Is an award winning AI video editor. Add your photos, video, music and whatever else you want to include and it will automatically edit and create your video.
And the results are pretty impressive. By choosing the type of story you want to tell, Magisto can save you lots of time by using its smart video editor to deliver your professional looking video. Great for quick Instagram posts.
It makes it look like you spent at least a couple of hours editing your story. Pros: The AI results are truly impressive. Cons: You sacrifice some editing control for speed. Best for: Quick, professional looking video edits. Boomerang Available on iOS and Android. Boomerang, available on and, is an app created by Instagram. This app helps you use your photos to create more engaging content.
Shoot a burst of upto 10 photos and Boomerang will turn them into a mini video. Thanks to native support, you can post to Instagram straight from the app. Pros: Very easy to use and share content. Cons: This is pretty much a one feature app. Best for: Turning photos into engaging video content. Anchor Video Maker Available on iOS and Android.
Anchor Video Maker is great for making audio content much more engaging. Don’t let those audio files go to waste: awesome videos can also start life as soundbites. This app automatically transcribes your audio files or podcasts into Instagram friendly videos. Check out, for a demo, tutorial, and download links. Pros: Make audio files shareable.
Cons: Automatic transcription still needs proofreading. Best for: Turning audio files into social shares. Hyperlapse Available on iOS only.
Is great for timelapse videos. This app was actually also created by Instagram, so it really does have that platform in mind. By condensing a lot of time into a short video, Hyperlapse can create interesting videos for your followers. This app also does away with the need for tripods due to its impressive stabilization technology. This type of timelapse video could work great to show how a product is made.
When you’re done with your timelapse video you can share it straight to Instagram. You can also speed up your timelapse by up to 12x. Pros: Stabilization technology means you don’t need a tripod. Cons: iOS only; may take a couple of attempts till you get great results. Best for: Shooting stunning timelapses.
Apple Clips Available on iOS only. While some native Apple apps fall short, is one of the good guys. This app covers most of your video editing needs for Instagram. You can stitch clips together, and edit your timeline. Two of the coolest features are the ability to edit your background and give your content a comic book feel. The next awesome feature is Live Titles: Just record a video and Apple Clips adds captions automatically while you speak that are in sync with your voice.
After you’re done just go back and edit the titles to make sure they are correct. Pros: Quick and easy to use; Live Titles feature. Cons: iOS only.
Best for: iOS users looking for quick, interactive, Instagram friendly editing software. FilmoraGo Available on iOS and Android. Last but not least we come to. FilmoraGo is a solid video editing app without any watermarks or paid subscriptions. Add music, transitions, and trim video clips all from within the app.
You can easily add themes, text, and titles to your videos. There is a desktop version starting at $44.99 a year, but you can still get a lot of editing joy from the free mobile app. Pros: Great for basic mobile video editing. Cons: Not quite as good as the desktop app.
Best for: Adding text, themes, and overlays to customize your videos. Summary Use the free video editing software in this list to start creating stunning videos today. Boost your ROI and maximize your ad spend by creating product videos and ads that present your brand in a visually appealing way. Take your Instagram stories and Youtube videos to the next level by using these video editors to quickly achieve professional results. Happy editing! Want to Learn More?.
Do you have your own recommendations for the best video editing software? We would love to hear from you in the comments below.