Video editing is a great way to create highly personalized and visually appealing stories that you can tell as easily as talking. Even more than that, video editing is a great way to capture those personal stories and those moments that you always wanted to share with the world. This is mainly because of all the awesome techniques and software out there which makes it possible for anyone to create beautiful videos with no worry and stress.
This article lists some awesome free video editing tools and programs together on this page for you to be able to find something right on your wish list.
Lightworks
The best free software you can download today
SPECIFICATIONS
Operating system: Windows, macOS, LinuxTODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+Powerful features and effects+Highly customizable interface +Multi-track editing
REASONS TO AVOID
-Steeper learning curve than some -Only exports in MPEG format
Lightworks is the best free option for anyone who wants to create professional-quality movies and videos without paying a penny. While it still can’t be considered a match for a program like Adobe Premiere Elements, it supports multitrack video and is a non-linear editor, so the quality of your footage won’t be reduced while being processed.
With Lightworks, you’ll find all sorts of high-end features that are normally only available with expensive packages such as Final Cut Pro. These include the ability to import and render footage in the background, and to preview video effects in real-time.
The one downside is that learning how to use Lightworks can take some time as the interface is fairly complex. You can drag various editing windows around to create an almost infinite number of layout variations and set custom keyboard shortcuts to speed up your editing jobs.
You can download and install Lightworks for free on Windows, Mac, and Linux devices. If at a later date, you decide you want to invest in an improved experience, you can upgrade to Lightworks Pro. With this upgraded version, you’ll be able to export your projects in different formats, create 3D masterpieces and upload straight to YouTube.
Read our full Lightworks review
Hitfilm Express
Free software for amateurs and experts alike
SPECIFICATIONS
Operating system: Windows, macOSTODAY’S BEST DEALS
REASONS TO BUY
+Professional-grade tools+Extendable (for a fee)+Excellent online tutorials
REASONS TO AVOID
-High system requirements
Like Lightworks, Hitfilm Express is free-to-use video editing sofware that aims to make a professional editing experience available to everyone. With this software package, it’s easy to adjust color balance, trim clips, and export your projects in different video formats.
But the Hitfilm Express feature set goes way beyond that. You can also use this free video editor to set green screen chroma keys, create custom video masks, and take your footage to the next level with a range of 3D compositional tools. Although first-time users may find it a little confusing, the HitFilm Express user-interface will be familiar to anyone who’s worked with an advanced video editor before.
There are only two small downsides to this video editor. The first is that it’s technically demanding, so you’ll need a PC or Mac with a powerful processor to run it. And, secondly, the installation process is unnecessarily complex. To get access to the Hitfilm Express software, you’ll need to share a link to its developer, FXhome, on social media.
Read our full Hitfilm Express review
Shotcut
Refreshingly clean looking free editing software
SPECIFICATIONS
Operating system: Windows, macOS, LinuxTODAY’S BEST DEALSVISIT SITE
REASONS TO BUY
+Great selection of filters and effects +Supports direct streaming+Makes it easy to import media
REASONS TO AVOID
-Can’t preview filters
Shotcut started life as a free video editor on Linux and was ported over to Windows and Mac machines after it had already been around for a few years. This development journey has resulted in a slightly odd-looking user interface, but Shotcut is still one of the best free video editors you can download now.
Some aspects of the Shotcut system are easy and intuitive, such as the process of dragging media files to import them into your project. However, there’s no doubt that there’s a steeper learning curve with this video editor than most. For example, you’ll have to configure your display by adding the modules you need.
But once you get the hang of Shotcut, you’ll discover why this free video editor has amassed such a large following. The best Shotcut feature is a large selection of filters that can be applied to audio and video content. Once added, you can layer and customize filters to achieve the precise effect you’re looking for.
DaVinci Resolve
Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
DaVinci Resolve is arguably the most advanced video editor on the list. While it has many professional video features, its interfaces remain intuitive. Alongside video slicing and trimming, you can master audio and correct color. The app also gives you the option 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.
DiVinci Resolve’s features include:
- 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.
DaVinci Resolve Reviews: Check out DaVinci Resolve user reviews
Openshot
Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Openshot is entirely open source, which makes it one of the best video editing software that is accessible.
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.
Openshot’s features include:
- 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.
Openshot Reviews: Check out Openshot user reviews
Avidemux
Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Avidemux’s simple interface makes it one of the best editing software for beginners looking to make enticing video content.. 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 for beginners.
Avidemux Reviews: Check out Avidemux user reviews
HitFilm Express
Available for both Mac and Windows.
HitFilm Express is one of the best free 360 video editing software for Mac and PC users . It contains all the features you would expect from a basic editor (splicing, trimming, and audio editing) plus much 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. Hitfilm’s features include:
- 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.
HitFilm Express Reviews: Check out HitFilm Express user reviews
InVideo
Available on Windows and Mac
This online video editing tool is great for marketers, publishers, individuals and agencies alike. With support for intelligent frames, automated voice overs, and much more, this desktop-compatible software is best in class for many different reasons. Users praise this video editing software for it’s amazing customer service, UX, value for money, and of course it’s features.
With new high-quality video templates added most months, this tool is good for beginner and seasoned video editors alike. It is deceptively simple to use, and has amazing flexibility.
Invideo’s features include:
- Audio Tools
- Brand/Text Overlay
- Collaboration
- Speed Adjustment
- Split / Merge
- Supports HD Resolution
- Video Stabilization
Pros: Awesome for creating quick presentation videos.
Cons: It is not an all-in-one, 360 video editor. You cannot add more than one audio file, etc.
Best for: Creating marketing videos or listicles for your blog.
InVideo Reviews: Check out InVideo user reviews
iMovie
Available on Mac
Good old iMovie comes baked into Mac OS. Like most native Mac apps, this video editor is very intuitive to use.
iMovie’s drag and drop interface makes it quick to move and edit video elements. Mac users can use this editing software as a playground for learning the basics of video editing. iMovie’s features include:
- 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.
iMovie Reviews: Check out iMovie user reviews
VSDC Free Video Editor
Available on Windows.
One of the best free 360 video editing software only available on Windows is VSDC. The free version has a powerful set of features including color correction and audio editing. Color blending lets you modify the look of the video to suit your brand image. Instagram-like filters are also available to help beginners save time editing. Additionally, VSDC allows you to create varying shaped masks for blurring, hiding, or featuring specific elements in your footage.
If you’re looking for paid video editor recommendations, VSDC has a pro version that costs $19.99. It comes with all of the features that are present in the free version plus 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
VSDC Reviews: Check out VSDC user reviews
Conclusion
Video editing software is becoming more and more commonplace. And, in truth, most editing software will handle basic video work without too many headaches. However, with most free alternatives, you need to be prepared to put in a significant amount of time and effort to get the features you need — and that’s great if you want to be a master at it (yeah right), but if you’re looking for something that provides what you want at a reasonable cost with good results, then don’t expect it to happen overnight.