Downloading the best free video editing software will give your videos a professional look without splashing any cash.Insert If you are looking for a trustworthy video editing company, try Fixthephoto.
The best free video piece of writing software package permits you to provide slick, skilled wanting videos for social media, YouTube, and even film and TV, at zero cost. We’ve tested out the foremost widespread tools on the market, and below we reveal our high choices.
however what will we mean by ‘best’, exactly? Well, that for the most part depends what you wish to edit. For example, the primary entry on our list, DaVinci Resolve, is that the best free video editing software for professional work. That’ as a result of its filled with subtle options like color grading and good video stabilisation, that makes it appropriate for high-end content, as well as full-blown TV and movies.
That also, however, makes it pretty advanced to use. therefore it’ not the simplest alternative for amateurs, hobbyists or semi-pro video editors (such as graphic designers or selling people who do a small amount of video piece of writing as a part of their work). For those purposes, you’ll need tools with interfaces that are easier to use, so look at alternative entries on our list. and of course, you’ll want software package that works on your chosen device; for that reason, we’ve enclosed tools for Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS and automaton below.
Finally, bear in mind that free software package continuously comes with some limitations. For example, your video is also imprinted with watermarks and also the range of export formats may be limited. If you wish to avoid such restrictions, one different to require out a free trial for full, paid-for software. If so, look at the 3 fast links below, or our guide to the simplest paid-for video piece of writing software.
To compile this article, we’ve drawn on our personal expertise with a variety of video editing software, on Windows and mack computers, additionally as the best video piece of writing apps for Android, iOS and Chromebooks.
along side exploitation this software package in our regular jobs, and obtaining feedback from fellow creatives on however helpful they find them, we’ve conjointly formally reviewed the bulk of tools on this list. This has concerned many hours of editing our own projects, to visualize how the various software compares in terms of simple use, speed and reponsiveness, the facility of adjustment, mixing and transition features, and video editing and audio effects.
We’ve enclosed links to those full reviews below. And to search out out additional regarding our reviewing process, scan our article on however we have a tendency to check software package.
fast links: best video editing piece of writing software with free trials
need to find out the ropes and see if video editing is for you? Then the simplest method for you to urge free video editing software is thru a free trial. this may provide you with access to totally featured software at zero cost, albeit for a restricted time.
1. Premiere Pro: the best video editing software overall
Adobe’s video editing software works on both Windows and Mac and is the industry-standard, offering professional class features. This free trial offer allows you to try Premiere Pro for free for seven days.
2. Final Cut Pro: the best video editing software for Mac
Available for macOS only, Final Cut Pro X is industry-standard software that has a great reputation within the TV and movie professions. It’s made by Apple, who offer a generous 90-day free trial so you can test it out.
3. Premiere Elements: the best video editing software for beginners
If you’re new to video editing, Adobe Premiere Elements is the best video editing software to start with. A simplified version of Premiere Pro, it’s easy to learn. It’s also cheaper and currently has a 30-day free trial.
The best free video editing software for pros.
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform:Windows, Mac, LineBest for: Professionals and enthusiasts,Watermarks: No
REASONS TO BUY____________Colour correction+Audio post production+Collaborative working
REASONS TO AVOID-Learning curve
Downloading the best free video editing software will give your videos a professional look without splashing any cash.
The best free video editing piece of writing code for professionals without delay is DaVinci Resolve. Note that this is often to not be confused with DaVinci Resolve Studio, that could be a paid version of identical program.
DaVinci Resolve is formed by Blackmagic Design, which conjointly makes we have a tendency toll-liked|a preferred} family of video cameras, so you recognize it’s designed for filmmakers. Despite being free, this is a feature-packed powerhouse and very provides paid tools a run their cash in terms of skillfulness and usefulness.
In our review, we found its color grading choices to be second to none, giving us the flexibility to totally management the planning of our videos. we have a tendency to conjointly adored its sensible video editing stabilisation tool, for once you’ve got a shaky shot, and also the inbuilt audio mixing, VFX associate degreed title-card-building modes also functioned brilliantly. All that meant that we didn’t ought to ‘do an Adobe’ by jumping around countless programs to induce our good video; we might bed all inside the one interface.
That said, whereas that interface is kind of simple to use for anyone with piece of writing experience, it’d be quite an challenge for beginners to learn. If that’ you, we’d counsel instead gazing entries 3 to ten on our list. to find out more, see our full DaVinci Resolve review.
Standout options
color correction
Audio tools
sensible video stabilisation
twin timeline
Dedicated trim interface
Picture-in-picture effects
biometric authentication
2.OpenShot
the simplest free video editing software for beginners overall.
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform: Windows, macOS, LinuxBest for: ASCII text file loversWatermarks: No
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Visit web site
REASONS to shop for
+Simple, drag-and-drop interface
+Watermark-free
+Unlimited layers
REASONS TO AVOID
-Occasional lagging, slow response
-Bugs and glitches
Most free video editing piece of writing code is created, ultimately, to tempt you into shopping for a paid version. The exception is ASCII text file software. Here, you’re obtaining the total product for free, and there’ a volunteer army of developers perpetually operating to boost it, at no value to you.
one in all the simplest examples is OpenShot. after we reviewed it, we found its minimalist drag-and-drop layer-based interface terribly simple to use, creating it our prime selection for beginners overall. we have a tendency to particularly adored however you’ll be able to stack a limiteless range of layers in your video, be they soundtracks, overlapping videos, or custom images. we have a tendency to appreciated the handy vary of customisable title-card templates, too.
All the same old choices to regulate and enhance your video, together with crop, trim, rotate, and resize, worked well for us in practice. we have a tendency to conjointly had success in adjusting components like brightness, contrast, color grading, and gamma. And as OpenShot is open-source, there are none of the frustrating ads, watermarks, or promotions for paid upgrades that you just notice in most free video piece of writing code.
we have a tendency to did run into some problems throughout the course of our review, though. we have a tendency to tough some lag, and also the options didn’t continually work the manner they should. Or after they did, they took an extended time to apply, creating the editing method frustrating. these items are common with open software of all kinds, however they’re value noting.
Ultimately, though, at no cost video editing software, Openshot could be a nice selection for beginners would like to avoid watermarks and ads. See our full OpenShot review for more.
Standout options
Unlimited layers
Drag and drop UI
Customisable title-card templates
Keyframe animation tools
Effects and transitions
3.Hitfilm
the simplest video piece of writing code if you don’t mind watermarks
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform: Windows, MacBest for: Professionals and enthusiastsWatermarks: No
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Visit web site
REASONS to shop for
+Great community and coaching
+3D compositing
REASONS TO AVOID
-Tricky transfer process
-Powerful laptop needed
Another good selection for skilled video editors is Hitfilm (previously Hitfilm Express), which, before the recent update, we might have delineated because the Swiss Army knife of free video piece of writing code. however things have modified somewhat and this software has fallen down our list from range 2.
The rebrand to Hitfilm includes the introduction of two subscription tiers that, as you’d expect, mean the free version isn’t quite all-singing, all dancing, and no-longer a real various to different paid-for tools. an enormous quantity of the results are now watermarked if you’re on the free version, across transitions, animation, color grading and more. This isn’t unusual, of course, however it will mean execs won’t read this code because the viable possibility it once was, and carver Resolve is that the solely real free option for skilled videographers.
If you’re willing to pay, you’ll be able to get eliminate the watermarks. the professional version unlocks everything at $15.99/£15.99 a month, and also the Creator version unlocks fewer options at $9.99/£9.99 a month.
The interface has changed, and isn’t any longer love Adobe’ Premiere Pro, however is darker and a lot of imposing. it’s still simple to navigate but feels a small amount clunkier. However, there’s an excellent set of options in-built to assist you learn, together with around forty videos to show you the basics. See our previous Hitfilm specific review for a plan of however the code runs, but remember that the free version isn’t quite identical currently.
Standout features (note: several of those are now watermarked)
400+ visual effects & presets
2nd and 3D effects compositing
MP4 H.264 export
Motion tracking
color tools
Animate 2 shots along
adaptive trimmer
Auto-stabiliser
4.VSDC
the simplest video editing software for beginners on weak PCs.
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform: WindowsKey features: Supports big selection of file formats, inbuilt videodisc burner, chart tool, video stabiliserBest for: Enthusiasts and beginnersWatermarks: No
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Visit web site
REASONS to shop for
+Plenty of camera work
+Large range of output formats
+Works well with GoPro footage
REASONS TO AVOID
-More suited to displays
If you’re a beginner victimisation associate degree ageing, weak Windows PC, VSDC is that the good choice. That’ as a result of it’ specifically designed for folks whose computers don’t have all the most recent internals and specs, thus you won’t notice it bloody and state change all the time. Note, though, there’ no mackintosh version.
after we reviewed VSDC, we appreciated the versatile import and export choices and located it notably good for adding text, lines, charts and different camera work to a presentation. we have a tendency to were stunned to see that the free version has most the options of the professional version, and there aren’t any watermarks added.
VSDC is, in short, an excellent desktop tool for beginners. OpenShot (above) is another good selection during this respect, and has a lot of features, however we have a tendency to found VSDC to be less laggy, and it still covers the fundamentals well.
VSDC permits you, for instance, to use Instagram-style filters, camera work like color correction and blurring, and a mask tool for applying effects to a part of a video. There’s conjointly a video editing device that can facilitate take away camera shake from footage dotty GoPros or drones, you’ll be able to even tailor the output for specific devices, and there’s a inbuilt videodisc burner too. browse our VSDC review to find out more.
Standout options
color correction tools
Mask tools
inbuilt DVD burner
Chart tool
HEVC/H.265 support
5.Shotcut
Another good selection for beginners.
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform: Windows, Linux, MacBest for: EnthusiastsWatermarks: No
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Visit web site
REASONS to shop for
+Lots of filters and effects
+Customisable, intuitive interface
+Great file format support
REASONS TO AVOID
-No sensible for a lot of advanced comes
operating across Mac, Windows and Linux, the open programme Shotcut is another prime selection for beginners. It supports an enormous vary of formats, offers an excellent array of filters and camera work and may handle up to 4K. It conjointly has support for AV1 decryption and encoding.
after we reviewed Shotcut, we found the interface simple to use and that we adored however it are often custom-made if desired (it has dockable and undockable panels). we have a tendency to conjointly found the timeline amazingly refined for a free tool.
It wasn’t all plain sailing, though. we have a tendency to found the method of adding transitions could be a very little unusual, and it absolutely was frustrating that you just will solely add filters to at least one clip at a time. However, at no cost video editing piece of writing software, it’ impressive, and being open supply suggests that there aren’t any ads or watermarks. For more, see our Shotcut review.
Standout options
Uses FFmpeg
Export in big selection of formats
Timeline piece of writing
Audio filters
Support for AV1 committal to writing
6.Windows Video Editor
Free video editing software that laptop users already have.
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform: Windows ten/11Best for: Windows 10 usersWatermarks: No
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Visit web site
REASONS to shop for
+Simple and straightforward to use
+Pre-existing assortment of custom animations
REASONS TO AVOID
-Very basic, barebones video editor
If you’re employing a Windows PC, you’d be fruity to not strive Windows Video Editor, as it’ engineered into the system. It accustomed be referred to as Windows pic Maker, however was remodeled from the bottom up for Windows 10, and renamed. And if you’re trying to find a fast thanks to build straightforward edits, it’d be all you need.
We’ve used Windows Video Editor for the odd quick job within the past, but to be honest that’ all we’d ever use it for. It doesn’t have loads of features; it’ very more of a photograph editor with video piece of writing capabilities. That said, in our expertise it will an honest job of basic tasks like trimming, cropping, speed changes and adding text or audio. It conjointly includes a 3D Effects section, that you’ll be able to use to modify your video with pre-designed animations.
For novices wanting who fancy operating in Windows, it’ actually terribly simple to use. so we’d advocate it most to folks looking to place along slideshows of vacation photos, or fast displays victimisation assets already on the computer.
Standout options
Already put in on PCs
Custom animations
Simplified UI
Add music, titles & credits
3D effects
7.Apple iMovie
Free video editing software that Apple users already have.
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform: MacBest for: EnthusiastsWatermarks: No
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Visit web site
REASONS to shop for
+Easy to create one thing polished
+Great for audio
+Already on your laptop
REASONS TO AVOID
-Mac-only
If you’re a novice trying to find one thing simple to induce started with, you won’t find something abundant easier than iMovie. And if you have got a Mac, you have already got iMovie put in on it! you’ll be able to conjointly transfer it at no cost onto iPads and iPhones. (If you merely have Android, though, skip to range ten on our list).
iMovie is low on features, creating it unsuitable for virtually the foremost basic tasks. however that will build the interface clean, unlittered and easy to get started with, making it an excellent selection for newbies.
In our review, we have a tendency to found iMovie to be quick, easy and fun to use, creating it good for straightforward projects. we have a tendency to notably loved the shake and noise reduction tools, that do a decent job of helpful your footage and moistening background noise.
we have a tendency to conjointly found it to be a lot of versatile than we’d imagined. For example, you’ll be able to record footage on one device, edit it on another, and pull in assets from a unique one. That, and the actual fact that you just can export at 4K at up to 60fps, helps to makes it stand out from other basic video editors.
whereas this tool felt a touch abandoned for a time, Apple has been change iMovie of late, adding support for options found on newer i-devices. It’ conjointly value mentioning that if you have got a mackintoshBook professional with barely Bar, iMovie comes with absolutely functioning bit Bar support. For a lot of information, browse our full iMovie review.
Standout features
Already put in on Mac
Effects and filters
Cloud storage
inbuilt music tracks
Speed controls
8.Adobe inventive Cloud specific
Free tool for creating social media videos.
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform: Windows, macOSBest for: BeginnersWatermarks: No
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Adobe inventive Cloud specific – Free
Adobe inventive Cloud specific – Premium
$9.99/mth
VISIT web site
at Adobe
REASONS to shop for
+Easy to use
+Social media templates
+Does the fundamentals
REASONS TO AVOID
-Lacks sophistication
not be confused with the inventive Cloud suite (which includes Premiere Pro, when Effects and different professional video piece of writing tools), inventive Cloud specific could be a free app for those that lack code style skills. It’ offered as an internet app, an iOS app and an golem app. till recently it absolutely was referred to as Adobe Spark, and its main aim is to create it easy to form each static and video content for social media.
in this light, it provides you with a straightforward thanks to edit videos. yet as merely trimming your clips, you’ll be able to add music, text and images, and size everything for various social media destinations.
after we reviewed inventive Cloud Express, we found the interface terribly straightforward to use, and that we were affected by the standard of the templates. That said, its video piece of writing capabilities are actually the foremost restricted on this list; all told honesty, it’ a lot of sort of a canonized slideshow buildr than a ‘proper’ video editing app.
That said, if you would like to induce a social media video live as quickly as possible, and aren’t too involved regarding the general quality, it will make things nice and quick. For more, see our inventive Cloud Express review.
Standout options
simple to use
Video templates
Add text and pictures
9.VideoPad
robust on audio and 3D features.
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform: WindowsBest for: Audio professionals, 3D video editorsWatermarks: No
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
VideoPad Home Edition
$39.95
VideoPad Masters Edition
$69.95
VISIT web site
at NCH code
REASONS to shop for
+Sound commixture
+3D video editing
+Excellent shareability
REASONS TO AVOID
-Lacks advanced options
-Slideshow-making isn’t free
VideoPad could be a free video editor with a straightforward interface appropriate for novices, however it conjointly offers many features for advanced users. It’ basically a restricted version of the paid versions, which supply additional features, and unlimited exports. you’ll be able to solely use it for non-commercial work, and it limits the quantity of comes you can export.
Most notable of all is that the level of management VideoPad provides over audio, that makes it an excellent selection for pic sequences that admit audio effects. It supports a limiteless range of audio tracks and provides a whole library of sound effects to play with.
VideoPad conjointly permits 3D video piece of writing, a rare feature among free video editing tools. It also has nice choices for social sharing, with a library of social media-friendly effects and transitions and also the choice to post videos to platforms like Facebook or YouTube while not effort the software.
Standout options
simple to use
3D editing
Unlimited audio tracks
Split-screen editing
Social sharing tools
Effects and transitions library
Stablisation tool
10.KineMaster
the simplest free video editing software for Chromebook.
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform: Android, iOS, ChromebookBest for: Beginners and light-weight professional useWatermarks: affirmative
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Visit web site
REASONS to shop for
+Surprisingly wealthy options
+Good enough for professionals
+Widely used and common
REASONS TO AVOID
-Adds watermarks
-Slow on lower-end devices
We’ll be honest: there’ not loads of free video piece of writing code for Chromebooks. however Kinemaster, that is additionally offered on golem and iOS, could be a fairly tight exception. As long as you’re fine with watermarked videos, that is. (To take away these, you’ll ought to purchase the premium version.)
In our review we found its interface to be terribly intuitive, so it ought to be comparatively easy for beginners to use, particularly for straightforward tasks like applying Instagram filters and victimisation sliders to regulate brightness, distinction and saturation. and that we especially appreciate the recent addition of a background remover tool.
At identical time, this tool would even be helpful for skillful video editors want to create tweaks on the fly their phones, tablets or Chromebooks. It won’t replace full desktop code by any means, however it’ a handy complement to it. And it’ actually a lot of feature wealthy than most mobile-focused piece of writing app, with color grading, vividness key, audio commixture and beat set all on the menu. See our Kinemaster review for more information.
Standout options
Multiplatform
Instant preview
sensible effects
Cloud backup for comes
mixing choices
Reverse tool
11.Lightworks Free
nice professional tool, however the free version is limited.
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform: Windows, macOS, LinuxBest for: Advanced usersWatermarks: No
REASONS to shop for
+Real-time project sharing
+Multicam video writing
REASONS TO AVOID
-Complex programme
-720p export limit
Lightworks Free wont to be the simplest free video editing code out there, operative as a great, reasonable choice to the premium Lightworks produce and professional tiers. However, in 2022, it’ just about therefore competitive.
The free tier offers uncountable identical editing expertise as its paid-for siblings, however with a large catch: the export choices are unbelievably limited. you’ll solely export videos in 720p for example, and higher-res exports, still because the ability to use in style file formats like AVI, WAV and MOV, are all secured to higher tiers.
It’ still got an area on this list though. as a result of if you don’t want 1080p or higher exports, nevertheless still desire a professional-level writing experience, Lightworks can be smart for you. It also features a few options that aren’t offered all told free video editing software, like multi-track writing and straightforward project collaboration options.
after we reviewed Lightworks, we found it a touch of a mixed bag. a number of the features were terribly intuitive and time-saving. For example, once you preview a clip within the supply monitor, instead of having to manually set input and output points, the last watched section is mechanically selected.
however in alternative ways, we found it a bit clunky. For example, it doesn’t show waveforms for audio clips, that slows down finding the a part of a track you would like to use. Also, in our tests – on a Macbook professional running macOS 10.15 – Lightworks’ performance was poor compared to alternative code like statue maker Resolve and Hitfilm Express.
Another factor we tend to found quite annoying is that the free licence actually expires each seven days. Yes, it are often revived by merely language into the applying together with your username and password, however it’ an additional step, and reiterates that the corporate is absolutely keen on you upgrading to the paid option. browse our Lightworks review to be told more.
Standout options
Multicam writing
Customizable UI
Collaboration tools
Motion controls
Cross-platform
A way to select a video editor
There are variety of things to require under consideration once selecting free video writing code. the primary is what you would like to use it for.
If it’ for non-commercial comes – cherish editing your personal vacation footage, or functioning on a student project – then any of the software on our list are fine. If you would like it for industrial work, though, then some free tools such as VideoPad don’t permit this at all, whereas others such as Kinemaster can add watermarks, creating them unsuitable for such purposes.
Another issue is your level of experience. If you’re an warhorse at video editing, notably if you’re employed as a professional, you’ll desire a vary of refined options to draw on; during which case, DaVinci Resolve and Hitfilm specific are our high picks. If you’re a lot of of a beginner, amateur or hobbyist, though, these packages may perhaps be too confusing and tough to use. during which case, we’d advocate gazing numbers 3-10 on our list, which have a lot of simpler, more easy interfaces.
Be aware, too, that free code usually comes with restrictions. For example, there is also limits to the number, format or resolution of files you’ll export. client support might or might not be offered via phone or email. and also the software may solely support Windows, macintosh or UNIX system instead of all 3 platforms.
what’s the simplest free video writing software?
In our view, the best free video editing software for professionals is DaVinci Resolve from Blackmagic. while it began as a color correction tool, it’ mature over time to cover everything for basic trimming to visual effects, motion graphics, audio post-production and more. In short, DaVinci Resolve offers you a full video writing suite at your fingertips, for zero cost.
That said, it’s quite complex, and not appropriate for a beginner. therefore for one thing less complicated to urge started with, we tend to advocate Openshot. Its drag-and-drop, layer-based interface is super-easy to use, and since it’ open source, there are not any ads or watermarks, and you’ll use it even for industrial projects.
What video editing code do professionals use?
In 2022, the overwhelming majority of execs} operating in video writing use either Premiere professional or picture professional. the previous is made by Adobe and is accessible for each Windows and Mac; the latter comes from Apple, and is Mac-only. then again that, every has its pros and cons, and you’ll take a deep dive into the variations in our article Premiere Pro vs picture Pro.
What free video editing code do YouTubers use?
In 2022, there are over fifty one million YouTube channels on the platform, all covering a large vary of ages, nationalities and levels of skilledism. therefore it’ difficult to generalise concerning what code is generally utilized by YouTubers to edit their videos, as most of the people don’t publicly share this information.
In terms of overall popularity, iMovie is believed to the foremost widespread free writing software used by YouTubers, quite just because it comes pre-installed on Apple devices, and will most of the fundamental belongings you need.
That said, the simplest better-known YouTubers tend to take a position in paid-for software to allow their footage the most professional look. For example, PewDiePie, Zack from Hun Rig Everything, Theo Jo, Linus technical school Tips, Jake Paul and Devinsupertramp use Premiere Pro, and iJustine, Marques Brownlee, state capital Evans, dandy good and eating apple Morrison favour picture Pro.
If you’re new video writing, we’d in person advocate Openshot for editing your YouTube clips, as in our expertise its interface is sweet and straightforward to select up, and it works on Windows, macintosh and Linux. If you’re a video editing veteran, however, our high selection is DaVinci Resolve, that is full of refined professional features, despite being free.
