Best Free Video Editing Software

Video modifying is turning into a way more widespread ability amongst content material creators, entrepreneurs, social media influencers and simply common of us. Even in the event you’re simply making a brief video to publish on-line, a couple of easy edits may assist make it extra attention-grabbing. 

In this text, I’ll take an in depth take a look at 12 of one of the best free video modifying software program websites that you should use to make your video stand out. I’ve checked out the sources listed beneath to confirm that they’re utterly free and to see what options can be found with every. 

12 Places To Find Free Video Editing Software

Professional video modifying software program isn’t low cost. Fortunately, there are a number of completely different sources that present entry to free video modifying software program which may be all you want. 

A variety of free video modifying software program consists of the power to import, edit and export clips in not less than a few completely different codecs. If that you must add textual content, transitions, edit audio, discover and use inventory media or make easy edits like trimming and stabilizing clips, you shouldn’t need to pay for a full editor. 

Here’s an inventory of free video modifying software program you could obtain or use on-line:

Software	Best for	Platforms	Price for Full Version
DaVinci Resolve	Experts and professionals	Windows, Linux and macOS	$295
HitFilm Express	Visual results	Windows and macOS	$349
Lightworks	Professional high quality modifying	Windows, Linux and macOS	$29.99/month $209.99/12 months $525.59/full license
VSDC Free Video Editor	Windows customers	Windows	$19.99
Shotcut	Wide format assist	Windows, Linux and macOS	N/A
VideoPad	Beginners	Windows and macOS	$11.64/quarter $60/Home Edition $99/Master’s Edition
iMovie	Apple customers	macOS and iOS	N/A
Blender	Open supply 3D creation	Windows, Linux and macOS	N/A
OpenShot	Simple edits	Windows, Linux and macOS	N/A
Movie Maker Online	Making fast edits in your browser	Windows, Linux and macOS (in browser)	N/A
Promo	Starting from a template	Windows, Linux and macOS (in browser)	$49/month for Basic $99/month for Standard $359/month for Pro
WeVideo	Creating brief movies on-line	Windows, Linux and macOS (in browser)	$59.88/12 months for Power $95.88/12 months for Unlimited $215.88/12 months for Professional $359.88/12 months for Business

Below, you’ll discover detailed data on every free video modifying software program together with the best way to obtain it, the best way to get began and what options you’ll discover with every program.

DaVinci Resolve

Best for consultants and professionals

DaVinci Resolve is a good free video modifying software program price trying out. This professional-grade software program consists of quite a lot of superior options which makes it nice for consultants and professionals searching for a free obtain. 

DaVinci Resolve permits you to shortly import movies in all kinds of codecs starting from iPhone clips to high-end digital movie digital camera footage. Once you’ve uploaded video information, you possibly can mark and edit clips, robotically trim and tighten segments and make the most of the transitions and results library included with the obtain. 

In addition to modifying movies, you can even add 2D and 3D titles, animate clips, create soundtracks and shortly export your completed video on to YouTube and different platforms. You can take a look at a full list of features available with DaVinci Resolve on-line. 

Pros:	Cons:
DaVinci Resolve was created for professionals, which makes it nice for superior editors.	Beginners could also be overwhelmed with the interface and superior options.
The free video modifying software program consists of all kinds of modifying instruments.	Aimed extra towards skilled tasks, this software program isn’t ultimate in the event you’re simply trying to make easy edits.

HitFilm Express

Best for visible results

HitFilm Express is one other nice free video modifying software program that features professional-grade visible results instruments. According to the corporate’s web site, the software program is ideal for rookies, movie college students, players and YouTubers.

While the Pro model of the software program at present prices $349, you’ll possible discover all of the instruments you’ll want with the free model. The free video modifying software program permits you to edit with mixed timelines in a customizable workstation for one of the best total consumer expertise.

HitFilm Express additionally consists of a lot of superior animation instruments. Additionally, you possibly can import movies with a number of streams of audio, which is a big plus for players. You can take a look at a full list of specs and features on-line, and be aware which options require add-ons. 

Pros:	Cons:
Free professional-grade software program	Not obtainable for Linux customers
A wide range of superior modifying options	Specific system necessities for obtain
Tutorials included within the obtain	May be a bit superior for starting editors

Lightworks

Best for professional-quality modifying

Lightworks is ideal for creating professional-quality tasks with out having to pay for the total model. You can download the free version of Lightworks for Windows, Linux or Mac. The free model consists of all of the options you’ll have to edit video together with precision trimming, multicam modifying and a customizable interface.

Lightworks describes the interface as easy and intuitive, however in the event you’re new to video modifying it may be a little bit intimidating. Still, the obtain comes with an enormous set of tutorial videos that can assist you get began. Lightworks additionally consists of its personal library of results and royalty-free media to make use of in your tasks.

The solely main restriction with the free model of Lightworks is the video output format choices. Still, the free license does permit customers to export YouTube/Vimeo movies as much as 720p. You can take a look at the full license comparison on Lightworks’ web site.

Pros:	Cons:
The free model consists of all kinds of video modifying instruments.	The editor could be intimidating to new customers.
You can import movies of any format and export to YouTube or Vimeo as much as 720p free of charge.	Export codecs are restricted with the free model.
Tutorial movies will help you get began.

VSDC Free Video Editor

Best for Windows customers

If you’re searching for one thing rather less advanced, VSDC Free Video Editor will be the software program for you. To discover out, you possibly can take a look at a full listing of useful walkthroughs on how to use VSDC Free Video Editor on-line.

VSDC’s free video modifying software program helps all kinds of standard video formats and consists of entry to the total video modifying suite. With it, you possibly can apply visible and audio results, mix colour and apply filters, masks or blur elements of a video and simply export finalized tasks on to social networks in 4K and HD. 

You can take a look at a full list of features obtainable with the VSDC Free Video Editor on-line. Additionally, you possibly can see the additional features available with the Pro model on-line. While the Pro model is extra inexpensive than most at $20, you must nonetheless attempt the free model first to see if it meets your wants. 

Pros:	Cons:
The free model supplies entry to the total video modifying suite.	VSDC Free Video Editor is offered just for Windows.
The interface is straightforward to be taught and use making it nice for rookies utilizing Windows.	Not all options can be found with the free model (resembling video stabilization and superior modifying settings).
If you do wish to pay for a full model, VSDC Video Editor Pro is barely $20.

Shotcut

Best for broad format assist

Shotcut is a totally free open-source video modifying software program. Anyone utilizing Windows, Linux or macOS is ready to obtain it to edit video and/or audio information. Shotcut helps tons of of audio and video codecs together with FFmpeg and 4K. 

In addition to supporting a number of file codecs, Shotcut additionally affords all kinds of audio options together with quantity management, filters, audio mixing, fading, pitch compensation for video velocity modifications and extra. When it involves video results, Shotcut permits customers to right shadows, midtones and highlights, choose a impartial colour for white balancing, insert video transitions, filters and extra. 

For a full listing of options obtainable free of charge with Shotcut, go to the company’s website. If you determine to provide Shotcut an opportunity, visit this website to obtain the free video modifying software program. Finally, when you’ve got any bother getting began, make sure you check out the tutorials on-line. 

Pros:	Cons:
Available for Windows, Linux and macOS	Originally designed for Linux, the interface is probably not as intuitive as others on this listing
Supports all kinds of audio and video information together with 4K	Relatively small alternative of superior modifying instruments

VideoPad

Best for rookies

VideoPad is a good free video editor that’s obtainable free of charge for non-commercial use. You can even pay $11.64 each three months for entry to the Master’s Edition options or buy a full license starting at $60. 

Still, in the event you’re simply modifying a easy undertaking or solely starting as an editor, VideoPad is a good free video modifying software program to obtain. You can download the free version online for Windows or Mac OS after which add video to get began. 

The free video modifying software program consists of over 50 visible results, a variety of transitions, primary audio modifying instruments, video optimization and extra. You can take a look at a full list of VideoPad’s top features on NCH Software’s web site.

Pros:	Cons:
The free model consists of quite a lot of instruments that mean you can crop, rotate, zoom and add particular results and transitions.	It doesn’t have many superior modifying options.
You can simply add and edit audio together with music and voice-overs.	It’s not obtainable for Linux.
You can export video on to YouTube and different social media.

iMovie

Best for Apple customers

iMovie is a good choice for macOS and iOS customers. The app is totally free to obtain and has a 3.4 score within the app retailer. iMovie comes with quite a lot of templates preloaded you could select from. At the time of writing, there are 29 trailer templates you could customise with logos, names and extra media. 

In addition to trailers, you possibly can edit films from scratch at as much as 4K decision utilizing video out of your iPhone, GoPro or different Ultra HD digital camera. In the app, you possibly can add titles, transitions and 3D visible results. You an additionally create a soundtrack from the built-in library of music and sound results or import songs from iTunes or GarageBand. You can even report voiceovers instantly in iMovie. 

Once your video is finished, you possibly can export it optimized for YouTube, Facebook and different social media platforms. You can even share any video body as a picture instantly out of your Mac or iPhone. If you do take pleasure in modifying in your iPhone, Apple Clips is one other nice free video modifying app price trying out. 

Pros:	Cons:
Can edit from iPhone or iPad	Available just for Apple units
All options are free together with primary modifying instruments	Limited superior modifying options
Templates included for professional-grade trailers

Blender

Best for open supply 3D creation

Blender is in contrast to most of the free video modifying software program listed right here as a result of it’s centered on open supply 3D creation. It can be utilized for rendering, modeling, sculpting, animation, 2D idea design, visible results, simulation and extra. 

In addition to all of those options, the built-in video sequence editor permits you to make primary edits together with chopping, splicing, masking and colour grading. To take a look at a full listing of options obtainable free of charge with Blender, go to the company’s website.

Blender is totally open supply, which implies it’s free to make use of for any goal. You can learn more about the software’s license on-line. If you’re able to obtain Blender and check out it out for your self, visit the download page here.

Pros:	Cons:
The software program is open supply, which implies it’s utterly free to make use of for any goal.	The interface isn’t as simple to make use of as some rivals’.
In addition to video modifying instruments, Blender permits you to create and edit 3D parts.	If you’re simply trying to make primary video edits, the options on this software program could also be greater than you want.
The online manual makes it simple to get began and be taught the software program.

OpenShot

Best for easy edits

Similar to VSDC and VideoPad, OpenShot supplies entry to a free video modifying software program that’s easy to know and straightforward to make use of. According to the web site, it’s fast to be taught and surprisingly highly effective. 

Just a few highlighted options of the free video modifying software program embody the truth that it’s obtainable on a number of platforms (Windows, Linux and Mac OS) in 70 completely different languages. The consumer interface is straightforward, which permits newbie and intermediate content material creators to simply edit video. 

There is not any professional model of the OpenShot software program, which implies each characteristic is offered free of charge. You can use the software program to trim and slice footage, add animation and keyframes, layer as many parts as you want, add video results, textual content, animations and extra. For a full list of features, go to OpenShot’s web site.

Pros:	Cons:
All options can be found free of charge.	There isn’t an enormous collection of superior modifying instruments.
The interface is user-friendly and straightforward to learn to use.	The software program might lag sometimes.
The software program consists of all the fundamental options that you simply’d have to make easy edits.

Movie Maker Online

Best for making fast edits in your browser

If you don’t wish to obtain video modifying software program, you should use a useful resource like Movie Maker Online. This free video modifying web site permits you to add movies on-line, edit them after which save and export the completed undertaking.

If you simply have easy and fast edits to make, Movie Maker Online could also be one of the best free video editor for you. You can add a clip to the web site or select from royalty-free inventory media to get began. Then, you possibly can trim, merge, rotate, blur and add further results. You can even add music, create a slideshow, modify the velocity and embody transitions.

To get began, go to Movie Maker Online. You can select what that you must do and add a video to start modifying immediately. You can even scroll down for useful tutorials and directions together with a step-by-step information on the best way to add information from varied units, the best way to edit clips and the best way to publish your undertaking.

Pros:	Cons:
You don’t need to obtain any software program to edit your movies.	The ads on the web site could be annoying.
There is not any paid professional model, which implies you’ll get entry to the entire options free of charge.	The timeline is vertical as a substitute of horizontal and the entire interface appears completely different than most editors.
The editor consists of all the fundamental instruments you’ll have to make easy edits.	There aren’t many superior modifying options obtainable.

Best for ranging from a template

Promo is one other free video modifying software program that’s price attempting in the event you’re making promotional clips. The editor focuses on making promotional movies, Facebook adverts, YouTube adverts, Instagram adverts and LinkedIn adverts.

Promo is totally on-line, which implies you received’t need to obtain any software program to your laptop to get began, and you’ll entry it from wherever. When you first join the free plan, you’ll see quite a lot of templates to select from in addition to the choice to begin from scratch.

Promo has an enormous assortment of inventory images and movies that you should use in you undertaking. You’ll get customized suggestions for what to make use of based mostly on a brief questionnaire you are taking when signing up. Unfortunately, the free model is proscribed to share hyperlinks solely, which implies you possibly can’t obtain and distribute your movies however you possibly can share them on social. 

Pros:	Cons:
You can begin from a template or begin from scratch.	The free model is proscribed to share hyperlinks solely.
You don’t need to obtain any software program to edit movies.	A variety of premium options are reserved for paying subscribers.
It’s simple so as to add textual content, royalty-free media and music.

WeVideo

Best for creating brief movies on-line

If you’re trying to make a brief video and also you don’t thoughts a watermark, WeVideo is a good free video editor to take a look at. While the paid variations of WeVideo begin at $60 yearly, the free model might have all of the options you want.

The free plan permits you to publish as much as 5 minutes month-to-month. You can create tasks with drag and drop templates, report your display, use your webcam and create a voiceover. The free model additionally permits you to create GIFs, movies and podcasts. Unfortunately, they may embody a watermark. 

The editor itself features a actually easy-to-use interface and entry to easy video modifying options. BUt in the event you’re trying to make extra advanced edits, this free video editor could also be too primary. Many of the extra superior options are solely obtainable with a paid subscription.

Pros:	Cons:
You can entry WeVideo from any laptop by visiting the web site.	A watermark seems on revealed work.
You don’t need to obtain any software program and creating an account is quick and free.	You can publish solely 5 minutes month-to-month with the free plan.
There’s a free library of templates, transitions and backgrounds.	The free model consists of solely very primary modifying options.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, I like to recommend attempting out certainly one of these free video editors earlier than paying for skilled software program. If you’re simply trying to make easy edits, you’ll possible discover all you want with free video modifying software program.

If you’re searching for professional-grade modifying instruments, take a look at the free model of Lightworks, DaVinci Resolve or HitFilm Express. Alternatively, rookies might have higher luck with an editor like VideoPad. 

Windows customers can obtain VSDC Free Video Editor for easy tasks whereas Apple customers ought to take a look at iMovie earlier than the rest. OpenShot is a good useful resource for easy edits on any platform whereas sources like Movie Maker Online, WeVideo and Promo utterly function in your browser. 

If you’re utilizing all kinds of codecs, Shotcut will possible assist all of them. And lastly, in the event you’re engaged on a 3D undertaking, Blender is certainly price downloading. 

Have you used a free video modifying software program that isn’t on our listing? Let us know within the feedback beneath!

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