The Best Video Editing Software for Beginners
If you want to build epic movies out of all the footage on your hard drive or phone, you’ll need the best video editing software.
Today’s digital world is dominated by videos. From short films for YouTube or Vimeo to brief videos for TikTok or Instagram Reels, it appears that everyone has become a filmmaker these days.
Maybe you’re ready to start generating videos but aren’t sure which video editing software to use. You don’t want to waste money on the wrong software, especially if you’re unsure what to look for.
Best Video Editing Software in 2022
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- CyberLink PowerDirector 365
- Final Cut Pro X
- Lightworks
- iMovie
- HitFilm Express
- DaVinci Resolve
- VideoPad
Adobe Premiere Pro
We liked how the software increased our efficiency by splitting everything into various workspaces, including as editing, effects, and audio, when we reviewed it. Each workplace aids in the management of a certain activity while minimizing distraction. This was confirmed when we tested it on both Mac and PC.
Premiere Pro, like other Creative Cloud software, is regularly updated, and subscribers receive all updates for free.
The Lumetri Color tool, which allows color correction and manipulation on par with Photoshop, is one of Premiere Pro’s more eye-catching capabilities. The multi-cam feature is also a standout—whereas most systems limit you to a set number of camera angles, Premiere Pro’s latest version allows for an infinite number.
However, it still lacks features such as 360-degree video editing and multicam editing support. However, Adobe’s program is the most comprehensive of all the video editing software we’ve tested.
CyberLink PowerDirector 365
One reason Mac users may prefer another product is that the Windows version of PowerDirector 365 contains more features and tools than the Mac version. Importing 360 photographs and movies, for example, is not supported. But there’s still plenty here to keep many people interested.
PowerDirector is widely considered as one of the fastest video editing systems available. It also regularly operates in the inventive and cutting-edge realms. PowerDirector pioneered the 4k transition, and it is now one of the first systems to enable 360-degree virtual reality filming.
We discovered many intuitive controls that help speed up the process, such as automatic gap filling and an overlay channel that sits beneath the primary video on the timeline.
CyberLink PowerDirector 365, which is available for both Windows and Mac, includes a 100-track timeline, powerful stabilization and video correction tools, professional effects, multicam editing, motion tracking, and surprisingly simple trimming. There’s also 360-degree video editing, as well as support for every file standard and format imaginable.
Final Cut Pro X
Apple has made the leap from iMovie to Final Cut Pro easier than ever, so if you’re the type of guy or gal who appreciates an Apple product and has mastered iMovie, it might be time to splurge on Final Cut Pro. The power is still intimidating, but the interface is far less so.
Most importantly, the Magnetic Timeline function seamlessly fuses distinct video and audio clips together, requiring just that you zoom in and accurately add the clip. As a result, it is a feasible tool for YouTube creators who work with a large number of short audio and video clips.
The Magnetic Timeline, range-of-effect options, and sophisticated Smart Conform cropping, which follows prevailing motion on screen to guarantee nothing vital is cut, are among the advanced capabilities. It’s clever, fast, and designed just for Mac. Unless you’re firmly entrenched in Creative Cloud, Final Cut Pro has a lot to offer.
Lightworks
Lightworks is one of the best professional video editing systems available on the internet. This software is jam-packed with valuable utilities and features that will better satisfy the demands of any user. The Pro Version costs $25 per month, however the free version is more than suitable for most people’s editing needs.
Lightworks is one of our list’s more powerful video editors. It’s jam-packed with essential features that will help you generate high-quality footage. These include high-precision video trimming, YouTube export to 720p, 4K support for a variety of video formats, and multicam support.
However, once you pay, which reviews argue is pricey, you can get pro features like extensive project sharing options, the Boris Graffiti plug-in for adding fascinating titles, and timeline rendering, among other things.
One thing to keep in mind is that the free edition of Lightworks can only export videos in 720p resolution, but the Pro version can export in a wider choice of formats and resolutions. Pro also comes with some extra features and plug-ins.
iMovie
If you own a Mac, you should give iMovie a shot. It provides many advanced video editing tools that most online video editors do not, all for free! You may also edit videos on your Mac, iPhone, and iPad using the mobile app.
They’re relatively simple to use, as are most iProducts, and have just enough utilities and capabilities. It’s a fantastic software that teaches the fundamentals of video editing to anyone with a Mac. iMovie includes simple drag-and-drop functionality and is incredibly user-friendly, but there is only so much you can do with it.
This is a powerful video editing program that is only available for Mac and iOS users. It is also available as an app and may be used on mobile devices. It also supports 4K resolution, which is beneficial for professionals.
iMovie includes a simple drag-and-drop interface that allows you to add titles, music, and effects to your video recordings. To make the movies more fascinating, you can slow them down or speed them up and add filters.
HitFilm Express
One of the greatest free 360 video editing applications for Mac and PC users is HitFilm Express. It has all of the tools you’d expect from a basic editor, like splicing, cutting, audio editing, and many more.
It also supports 360-degree video and keying for green screen effects. You may also play around with the Quick 3D effects library to add realistic simulations to your YouTube videos.
However, this does not diminish the existing excellent features, which you can use to create simple or amazing videos for free. That is an unbeatable price. The only thing to remember is that HitFilm requires a computer with some muscle and one of the more modern operating systems, whether Windows or Mac.
They collaborate with Hollywood studios, software firms, and even YouTubers. In terms of features, you’re getting a tool meant to aid in the production of blockbuster films. It includes comprehensive 2D and 3D compositing, 410+ effects and presets, free video tutorials and projects, and unlimited tracks and transitions for Windows and Mac.
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a tough video editor to surpass as the finest free video editing software overall. Not only does it have a large variety of features, like as high-end video editing capabilities, a strong node-based special effects engine, and professional-level audio tools, but it is also completely free.
Individual Person Cache is a feature that allows each user working on a project to produce and maintain their own cache files, allowing them to maximize the speed of their system. You can also protect projects through the usage of user privileges. DaVinci Resolve also includes a selection of 500 royalty-free foley sounds as an added benefit. DaVinci Resolve is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
You may master audio and adjust color in addition to video slicing and editing. You may also add 2D and 3D titles to your movie using the program.
Overall, DaVinci Resolve is a simple, user-friendly tool that you’d never believe is free. It has a plethora of complex capabilities, such as clever color-correction tools that allow you to adjust skin tones, eye color, and lip color with the click of a button.
VideoPad
VideoPad is an excellent choice for anyone looking to make high-quality videos without spending a thing. With VideoPad, you may experiment with various video compositions and styles using simple and easy-to-use tools such as 3D video editing and a sound effects library.
While VideoPad doesn’t have the showy, whiz-bang allure of other commercial tools, it’s still a great option for basic video editing. The app includes YouTube video options ranging from 480p to 4K, as well as Facebook, Flickr, Dropbox, and Google Drive.
This is a wonderful beginner tool for learning the fundamentals of video editing without too much difficulty. It has a large library of pre-made transitions and sound effects that you may experiment with.
It also enables 3D video editing, something not all video editors provide for free. You may also export your altered films directly to YouTube and other social media networks.
Conclusion
A engaging video can assist fuel your brand’s success in a world driven by visual material. However, making visually stunning video content is only achievable with the assistance of editing software.
The majority of well-known video editing software are expensive, however there are several equally good free solutions. That’s fantastic news for the entrepreneur with big dreams!
Using the best free video editing tools for Instagram Stories, Facebook advertisements, or YouTube product testimonials will make your brand look smooth and professional.