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You are a Video editor and you know how to do some editing with a lot of ideas in your head. But you still lack that little spark to get your best video editing tool?
The top free video editing programs enable you to create polished, expert-looking videos for social media, YouTube, as well as for film and television, at no cost.
Have you a YouTube channel, or Instagram page, or any social media platform and you want to share some video content there but you don't know which platform is best to use? Well, below, we provide our top picks after testing the most popular tools available.
You have to know that video editing is based mostly on who is using it and why he or she is using it. You could be new in the editing domain and looking for an editing software for new comers; You could be a professional that is good at doing professional videos for big companies or you are looking forward to be in that domain; You could also be an expert that you have video editing to your finger tips and just want to see which video editing software you will just stick to.
We will browse you through some of the best (in different kinds) video editing softwares below no matter your level.
Table of Contents
Which Video Editing Software is Best for me?
What is a Video editing software?
A non-linear editing system is used to execute post-production video editing of digital video sequences using video editing software, also known as a video editor. Both analog video tape-to-tape online editing devices and conventional flatbed celluloid film editing tools have been superseded by it.
How to Choose a Free Video Editing Software
You don't want to squander time learning how to edit films on a piece of software that isn't appropriate for you or your tasks. Before deciding which free video editing program is best for you, take into account the following considerations.
Level of Experience: Everyone from amateur editors to seasoned pros can use the free video editing programs on our list. Make sure to use software that is user-friendly for beginners with lots of templates and guided edits while editing videos if you are a newbie. Choose software that provides more specialized tools and manual controls for more accurate editing if you are an advanced user.
System Requirements: It goes without saying that you need a video editor for PC that is compatible with your operating system, but you should also check the system requirements to ensure that your computer has enough RAM and CPU to download the software and edit videos without lag or freezing. There are several free video editing programs on our list with very low system requirements, so don't worry if your PC is outdated.
Format Support and Video Resolution: Does the format that your camera records support the free video editing software you use? Will your webcam, external microphone, or video capture card work with it? Check the highest resolution that your PC video editor will support as well. You won't want to submit a 780p movie if you invested a lot of money in a 4K camera.
Tools and Features: The feature sets of free video editing applications vary greatly. Perhaps you capture a lot of action scenes and require a video stabilizer. Perhaps you are a gamer in need of green screen effects, an animator in need of tools for visual effects, or an influencer who enjoys adding cute stickers and filters to movies you edit. Make sure the free edition of the PC video editor you select has the functionality you require.
The BEST Free Video Editing Softwares For PC 2024
1. Shotcut - Best For Intermediate Users
Open-source, cross-platform Shotcut video editor has an incredibly slick and simple user interface. You can dock and undock the many panels it offers you as you see appropriate. Information about media properties, an encoding panel, a filter panel, and a tasks queue are all viewable. Additionally, you may examine recent search history, playlists, and files in thumbnail format. The "drag and drop" feature from your file manager is available.
Thanks to FFmpeg, Shotcut is able to support a variety of audio and video formats and codecs. Shotcut is incredibly simple to use; it provides all the knowledge, resources, and tools required to produce high-quality items. It features multi-format timelines and native support for manipulating media files.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
TechRadar Rating: 4/5 stars
Price: Free
Pros
- The user interface is clear and simple.
- enables the export of videos in all formats at up to 60 frames per second in full HD quality
- compatible with the three main platforms
- There are numerous practical UI aspects that are appealing to both novice and experienced users.
Cons
- The requirements for a computer system are considerable.
- For beginners, it could seem overly technical. For instance, there are no ready-to-export profiles.
2. Adobe Premiere Pro - Best for Professional Users
Since Premiere Pro was developed by Adobe, the market leader in creative design software, it has become the de facto standard for professional video editing software. Any professional could use the effects, color tools, collaborative features, and output possibilities that Premiere offers. Unlike some other software, it runs on both macOS and Windows, so you are not limited to one desktop platform or the other. Since Premiere Pro is only available via subscription, the cost is initially cheap but increases over time.
Premiere Pro is a program for professional video editors, as its name would imply. Nevertheless, a lot of committed amateurs use and favor it. It's particularly effective for those who must collaborate with others and teams who make use of Adobe's Creative Cloud software.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
TechRadar Rating: 3.5/5
Price: 30-day free trial, then $99.99
Pros
- Good media organization tools
- A simplistic and intuitive interface
Cons
- Uses a lot of CPU
- Slow rendering times
3. Apple Final Cut Pro
A "trackless" timeline and a redesigned, contemporary interface are features of Final Cut Pro. After using this interface for a while, an editor will grow to appreciate its adaptability and understand that it offers the same comprehensive collection of tools and functionalities as any app with a more conventional interface. Final Cut Pro only runs on Apple machines, which are the preferred platform for many video editors, unlike Premiere Pro.
Final Cut Pro is a terrific fit for pros, as proven by the sheer volume of top Hollywood films and television shows that have been produced using it, but due to its usability, it is also a great option for amateur enthusiasts, especially those looking to upgrade from Apple iMovie.
Compatibility: MacOS
Rating: 4.1/5
Price: $299.99
Pros
- Magnetic timeline without tracks
- superior organizing tools, such as libraries, ratings, labeling, and automatic face and scene analysis
- support for broad color spaces and 360-degree video
- a multicamera system
- quick performance
Cons
- Longtime video producers may be turned off by unconventional timeline editing.
- Experiences with import and export fall short of those in Premiere Pro
4. DaVinci Resolve
One of the most sophisticated pieces of free video editing software on this list is DaVinci Resolve. Resolve is the best choice if you have a thorough understanding of video editing and require a sophisticated program, even if it can be scary and confusing for people without prior editing experience.
Overall, DaVinci Resolve is a well-designed, simple-to-use tool that makes you forget it's free. It includes a wide range of cutting-edge capabilities, including clever color-correction tools that enable you to instantly change lip, eye, and skin tones. And looking very clearly, we consider Resolve to be our first choice considering the number of great features it has and applies for both it's free version and for its pro version<
Try DaVinci Resolve over more expensive professional programs like Adobe Premiere Pro or Avid if you're making a feature documentary, narrative film, TV spot, or show.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
TechRadar Rating: 4.5/5
Price: $295 pro version
Pros
- Rich in features and free
- Integration with VFX tool Fusion
- Multi-platform availability
- Used in the making of professional films and TV
Cons
- Is difficult for newcomers
5. OpenShot
OpenShot is a fantastic video editing application for intermediate editors because of its simple user interface. While more complicated programs might provide more editing options, OpenShot's simple design and user-friendly interface make it ideal for straightforward editing.
Small businesses can effectively use OpenShot, which works well for clip resizing, scaling, cropping, snapping, and rotation. Additionally, it provides real-time preview, audio editing, frame stepping, time mapping, and credit scrolling.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux
Rating: 4.4/5 :24 reviews
Price: Free
Pros
- Open-source software that is entirely free
- The application is regularly updated.
- Export to many devices or immediately to DVD
- several sophisticated features, like chroma key, transitions, and others
Cons
- Certain users complain that the editor is flawed.
- The software isn't as quick as some of its rivals.
6. LightWorks
The greatest free video editing program for intermediate to advanced users, in our opinion, is Lightworks. Lightworks is more approachable for intermediate users than DaVinci Resolve, which they find too scary. So there is no need to look any farther if you want to start editing professionally.
The professional edition of the long-established PC video editor Lightworks was used to edit box office successes like Pulp Fiction, 28 Days Later, and Congo. It's a terrific option if you're prepared to put in the effort to learn how to use this free video editing program.
One thing to keep in mind is that while Lightworks' Pro edition can export films in a wider variety of formats and resolutions, the free version can only export videos in up to 720p. Pro also comes with a few extra tools and plug-ins.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
TechRadar Rating: 3.5/5
Price: Free
Pros
- Powerful attributes and outcomes
- Extremely flexible interface
- Edit multiple tracks
Cons
- Less forgiving learning curve than others
- Only exports in MPEG format
7. CyberLink PowerDirector
In terms of speed, support for new video formats, and effects, CyberLink has long been the industry leader. It is also a PCMag Editors' Choice winner for video editors. The program interface is simple and not as daunting as completely professional-level software, despite its extensive feature set.
Everything from the simplest clip combining and trimming to VR, multicam, and keyframed effects are possible with it. You have the option of buying it once or signing up for a subscription.
PowerDirector is ideal for YouTubers and serious video fans who want to get the most out of their videos without needing a degree in filmmaking. Even experts could discover that it contains all they require.
Best for Tons of Tools and Ease of Use
Pros
- rendering a project quickly
- Easily navigable interface
- several AI tools and effects
- motion tracking and many cameras
- Screen capture
Cons
- Numerous choices might occasionally be intimidating.
8. VideoPad - Best for Beginners
One excellent free video editing program that practically anyone can download, install, and use is VideoPad Video Editor. Since it has been designed from the ground up to be extremely accessible and beginner-friendly, using the best free video editing software doesn't require years of technical skill or a thorough understanding of video editing applications.
The VideoPad Video Editor is incredibly versatile and includes more than 50 various effects and transitions to improve your films. It supports more than 60 different video formats and also works with 3D and 360 media.
The program includes great audio editing options as well, ranking it among the finest free video editing programs in terms of overall usefulness. You may export your altered clips to your device or directly to disc.
Compatibility: Windows
TechRadar rating: 3.5/5 stars
Price: Free for non-commercial use
Pros
- Quick turnaround times
- pleasant user interface
- Many beneficial tools and impacts
- suitable for most video formats
Cons
- lacking in cutting-edge features
9. Apple iMovie
For those with little to no experience in video editing, Apple iMovie for Mac used to be a fantastic free video editor app. However, the feature set that made this possible has been essentially unchanged for years, and this has turned into its largest drawback: it has been much too long since iMovie had a significant update.
Of course, you can still use it to edit your videos using its slick, user-friendly interface. Additionally, because it works with Final Cut Pro and iMovie for iOS, you can start editing on your phone and move smoothly to your Mac. Although it's a strong selling point, is it sufficient?
If you're interested in the craft, you could do much worse than to use the free video editing software available to all Mac users. However, you can also improve.
Compatibility: MacOS, iOS
Rating: 3/5
Price: Free
Pros
- Sleek Interface
- User friendly
Cons
- Mac-only
- Not updated frequently
10. PowerDirector Essential
Because it is a great option for editors of all ability levels, PowerDirector is rated as our top free video editing program overall. While its simple design and user-friendly interface make it simple for beginners to edit videos, its powerful advanced capabilities and hardware acceleration will delight even the most seasoned editors.
With its simple-to-use tools, effects, transitions, and titles, you may edit films straight away without paying for complicated features or having any prior knowledge of video editing. You may complete all of your daily video editing tasks using the free edition of this PC video editor. It has tools that are powered by professionals and artificial intelligence (AI) to make your films look like works of art.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: Free
Pros
- User- Friendly for all experience levels, beginner to professional
- A variety of AI tools, including audio augmentation, chroma key, and sky replacement
- Screen recording and video collage design plug-ins
Cons
- Few free export formats available
- Free version is ineligible for use iStock and Shutterstock's built-in libraries
Final Thoughts on the best video editing softwares for PC
You can start experimenting with the finest free video editing programs now that you are aware of your alternatives. Although each choice has pros and drawbacks of its own, hopefully you now have a clearer understanding of which choice is appropriate for your degree of video creation.
On average, videos regularly outperform photographs and text postings in terms of engagement on all social media platforms. A polished, well-produced video can help you draw viewers in and establish the character of your company.
With so many alternatives available, your video content's creative potential is unrestricted.
Reference:
https://www.techradar.com/best/free-video-editing-software
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-video-editing-software
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