Adobe Premiere Elements is an easy-to-use, free video editing software. It comes with Organizer, a separate app that uses facial recognition to automatically tag your files. This video editor for PC also helps you select and organize the clips you want to edit. It is a beginner-friendly yet scaled-down version of Premiere Pro, the popular professional video editor for PC. Premiere Elements is great for home movies but lacks the advanced tools needed for any serious projects.

Image from wikigain. MiniTool Movie Maker is a video editor for PC with tons of one-click options for beginners to use to create instant movies. It also comes with a large library of templates you can quickly customize by slotting in your videos and photos. This free video editing software goes beyond the basics and offers motion effects, speed adjustments, color correction, and an audio extractor.

MiniTool Movie Maker is quick and very easy to use. However, it lacks customization options. If you are a beginner who likes to flex a little more creativity, try PowerDirector, which allows you to edit videos with both manual and automatic options. OpenShot is a free video editing software that gives beginners access to more advanced video editing tools and a little more room to grow. Beginners will find the built-in templates, real-time previews, and advanced timeline features helpful to learn the ropes of video editing, while intermediate users will appreciate the unlimited layering options on this video editor for PC.

This free video editing software is open source, so anyone can use and adapt the program to meet their needs. A recent update has added some much-needed tools, such as video stabilization and motion tracking. Both OpenShot and VideoPad received a 3 out of 5 rating and both are beginner-friendly. OpenShot edges out VideoPad by providing more advanced features. If you are just starting your video editing journey and want a very basic free video editing software, VideoPad is a good option.

Where PowerDirector is loaded with features, this video editor for PC is comparatively scaled back.

It is a great place to start but eventually, you may outgrow it and want to upgrade. Beginner video editors will be able to familiarize themselves with its editing tools without spending anything.

It features a variety of pre-made transitions and sound effects, along with a few advanced features such as camera shake reduction tools, within a familiar and easy-to-learn platform.

This video editor for PC offers everything you need to edit videos without much expertise. Please note that VideoPad as a free video editing software is available for non-commercial use only. You can apply color effects using LUTs, and adjust dark areas, mid-tones, and brightness with color wheels.

We also like this video editor for PC for its Notes feature, where teammates can leave virtual color-coded notes on specific areas of an edit and link them with timecode. It also has speed adjustment tools, although they can be challenging to use.

It is a relatively easy-to-use software with all the basic tools you will need to create engaging video content. Plus it makes it easy to work with charts and create videos for specific multimedia devices. This video editor for PC offers advanced editing features, such as color blending and masked effects, that you wouldn’t expect from a free video editing software of its kind. It also offers precise edits with subpixel accuracy. Though VSDC Free Video Editor is more suitable for creating presentations, the casual video editor will find its features sufficient to make fun videos.

However, the unpolished interface is confusing to navigate, and many tools are hidden behind submenus. TechRadar Rating: 2. Movavi Video Editor is a free video editing software and a great way to edit videos for social media.

With this easy-to-use editor, you can have a finished product in 20 minutes. Easily make YouTube videos with ready-made intros, animated titles, transitions, sound effects, thematic stickers, and social-media-friendly aspect ratios. There are also some advanced video editing tools like chroma key, motion tracking, and time effects. Even though there is no learning curve, this video editor for PC still offers a built-in training module for added support.

Because Movavi Video Editor is so quick and easy to use, it sacrifices a lot of features found in other editing software, and there is a lack of control over effects. Also, it only offers a 7-day free trial, making it the least accessible free version on our list. Download it for free by clicking the button below and follow along. For more information on adding transitions, click here. To add title text to your video, click on the Title Room , then click and drag a template to the title track on the video timeline.

Click the Designer button then enter the text you want to use. Click here for a more in-depth look at adding text and titles to your video. Check out a tutorial on adding and editing music here. Dozens of free video editing software options exist on the market today, but not all of them offer the same features and high-quality results.

And since these programs are free, you can try all the ones that suit your needs and level of expertise. If you are still unsure which software to try, download our top pick for the best overall editor, PowerDirector. It is the only free video editing software on this list that works well for novice, intermediate, and advanced editors.

The best free video editing software options for beginners are built on easy-to-use platforms that allow users to learn quickly. PowerDirector has the most intuitive platform and offers dozens of tutorials to help beginners learn the ropes. Check out our list of best video editing software for beginners here. Yes, Windows Video Editor, which is on our list. Yes, Macs come with iMovie, a basic video editor. However, many of the video editors on this list have more features and tools. Free editing software has cut home movies to independent films for years.

However, if you are going to be editing YouTube videos on the regular it is advisable to invest in a premium video editor for PC. This will help you get the most out of your hardware, speed up the editing process, and create higher-quality cuts and video effects. Basic video editing refers to the tools an editor has to have to cut together any type of film. Basic editing includes:. Most YouTubers use PowerDirector to edit videos.

It is an affordable and beginner-friendly video editor for PC, but also comes with tons of tools and pro-level features.

PowerDirector offers step-by-step guides for every aspect of video editing, from basic to advanced. Visit the Learning Center tutorials for a free way to learn video editing for YouTube.

We recommend PowerDirector as the best free video editor for PC with professional tools and features. All you need to edit videos is a computer or laptop with plenty of available RAM, video editing software, and some video clips to edit!

Your video editing software will determine how hard or easy it is to edit videos. If you have a video editor for PC such as PowerDirector, with a clean, intuitive interface and easy-to-use tools, then video editing can be easy. Other video editing software have a steep learning curve and are hard to use without lots of editing knowledge and practice. Using free video editing software is a great way to learn video editing without any monetary commitment.

Explore and practice using different features, and read the accompanying blogs and tutorials that are typically provided by most brands. If you are making super quick videos such as Instagram Reels, you can use your smartphone to edit. However, for longer videos and editing in 4K and above, you need a powerful computer. We recommend also having an external hard drive to store your video projects and free up room on your computer. If you are a professional editor or gamer, we also recommend getting a second screen for a dual-screen setup.

A laptop will suffice for a few short videos, but if you edit long videos, or edit many short videos every month, you will need more room on your hard drive and more power than a laptop can provide.

Screen size is another thing to consider. Desktops typically come with much larger screens, which is important for making precise edits and color corrections.

The smallest amount acceptable for downloading video editing software and basic editing is 8GB. However, we recommend 32GB to cover everything from 8K editing and 3D, long videos, and working with multiple programs open.

By using the website, you agree to our use of cookies. No video experience needed. All you have to do is answer a few questions about your product, add your footage and logo, and choose style customizations. Vimeo Create then automatically edits your video in minutes though you can also choose your own styles or start from scratch.

The AI software even suggests colors, themes, music, and fonts. Vimeo is a popular video software solution with over million users. Because Vimeo is an all-in-one solution, you can also manage, host, and distribute all your videos from one place, streamlining your workflow. This free subscription model optional yet powerful video editing app is perfect for mobile devices.

With KineMaster, you can easily shoot footage, edit it, and upload it all from your phone or tablet. Mobile editors usually sacrifice advanced tools to simplify video creation, but KineMaster does the opposite.

With KineMaster, you can cut, splice, crop, and combine videos easily, with more than 2, downloadable transitions and effects. Use color filters and adjustments to correct and enhance videos so they stand out.

Movie Maker Online is the best browser-based video editor to date. It also has a minute maximum duration, which should be sufficient for the standard free user. The interface also has some quirks. The video and audio timelines are positioned vertically, instead of horizontally like traditional video editors. Movie Maker Online gives you all the basics you need to make a video for free. You also get access to free music, videos, and photos, which is a nice bonus.

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Get started. The biggest advantage of free video editing software for desktops is that they tend to have more features than most mobile video editing apps. Now that you know your options in finding the best free video editing software, you can start testing them out. While each option comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, hopefully, you now have a better idea of which option is best for your level of video production.

Videos consistently are proven to receive more engagement on average across all social media platforms than pictures or text posts. Due to these reasons it ranks bottom 6 on our list. Adobe Premiere Elements is an easy-to-use, free video editing software. It comes with Organizer, a separate app that automatically uses facial recognition to tag your files.

This software also helps you select and organize the clips you want to edit. It is a beginner-friendly yet scaled-down version of Premiere Pro, which is used to edit Hollywood films. Premiere Elements is great for home movies but lacks the advanced tools needed for any serious projects. If you are looking for a good solution to create business presentations VSDC is a great option. It is a relatively easy-to-use software with all the basic tools you will need to create engaging video content.

Plus it makes it easy to work with charts and create videos for specific multimedia devices. This program offers advanced editing features, such as color blending and masked effects, that you wouldn’t expect from a free video editing software of its kind.

Though VSDC is more suitable for creating presentations, the casual video-editor will find its features sufficient to make fun videos. This includes fun projects like family video greeting cards.

If you are just starting your video editing journey and want a very basic free video editing software, VideoPad is a good option. Where PowerDirector is loaded with features, VideoPad is comparatively scaled back. It is a great place to start but eventually, you may outgrow it and want to upgrade. Beginner video editors will be able to familiarize themselves with its editing tools without spending anything. It features a variety of pre-made transitions and sound effects, along with a few advanced features such as camera shake reduction tools, within a familiar and easy-to-learn platform.

The program offers everything you need to create a clean, simple video without much expertise. Please note that VideoPad as a free video editing software is available for non-commercial use only. TechRadar Rating: 2. Movavi Video Editor is a free video editing software and a great way to edit videos for social media. With this easy-to-use editor, you can have a finished product in 20 minutes. Easily make YouTube videos with ready-made intros, animated titles, transitions, sound effects, thematic stickers, and social-media-friendly aspect ratios.

There are also some advanced tools to edit videos like chroma key, motion tracking, and time effects. Even though there is no learning curve, Movavi still offers a built-in training module for added support. Because Movavi Video Editor is so quick and easy to use, it sacrifices a lot of features found in other editing software, and there is a lack of control over effects which is why it comes in at 14 on this list.

Openshot is a bit more complicated than VideoPad but still easy for beginners. With this free video editing software, you will have access to more advanced video editing tools and a little more room to grow. Beginners will find the built-in templates, real-time previews, and advanced timeline features helpful to learn the ropes of editing, while intermediate users will appreciate the unlimited layering options.

Download it for free below and follow along. For more information on adding transitions, click here. To add title text to your video, click on the Title Room , then click and drag a template to the title track on the video timeline. Click the Designer button then enter the text you want to use.

Click here for a more in-depth look at adding text and titles to your video. Choose the appropriate music track and drag it to the audio track section on the editing timeline. Check out a tutorial on adding and editing music here. Click Produce to export your video. Select the format you want and an output folder where the video file will be saved. Then hit Start. Download the Best Free Video Editing Software Dozens of free video editing software options exist on the market today, but not all of them offer the same features and high-quality results.

And since these programs are free, you can try all the ones that suit your needs and level of expertise. If you are still unsure which software to try, you should download our top pick for best overall editor, PowerDirector. It is the only free video editing software on this list that works well for novice, intermediate, and advanced editors.

The best free video editing software options for beginners are built on easy-to-use platforms that allow users to learn quickly. PowerDirector has the most intuitive platform and offers dozens of tutorials to help beginners learn the ropes. Check out our list of best video editing software for beginners here. Yes, Windows Video Editor, which is 6 on our list. Though Windows once came with a built-in movie maker, this program is no longer available for download.

Instead, you can edit movies through the Windows Photos app, Movie Maker Online, or any of the Windows-compatible programs above.

Yes, Macs come with iMovie, a basic video editor. However, most of the video editors on this list have more features and tools. Free editing software has cut home movies to feature films for years. That said, sometimes spending a little money can give you a more complete and easier experience. For example, upgrading PowerDirector to a subscription, which is still one of the cheapest options, will give you access to lots of creative design packs and templates to make video creation easier.

This depends on what you are trying to achieve. If you are going to be editing YouTube videos on the regular it is advisable to invest in a premium video editor. This will help you get the most out of your hardware, speed up the editing process, and create higher-quality cuts and video effects.

Avoid professional industry video editors like Final Cut and Adobe Premiere Pro who are charging high prices for their name recognition. This is dependent on what kind of projects you intend on editing.

Meanwhile, if you want to create short films or YouTube videos you might want an editor that has stylized transitions and special effects. Here are our favorite tips for editing videos faster, no matter your skill or editing experience. By using the website, you agree to our use of cookies.

 
 

 

12 Best Free Video Editing Software in (Pros/Cons)

 

You can use free video editing software to add subtitles, build a DVD menu, merge video files, extract or add different audio, put in special effects, and cut out parts of the video.

Most vloggers need a video editor of some kind. Because most free video editors limit their features to advertise their professional versions, you may find roadblocks that stop you from making advanced edits.

For editors with more advanced features that aren’t free, check out mid-level digital video software or top professional video editing programs. Editing videos with OpenShot is extraordinary when you see everything you can do with it. You can download it free for Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Features include desktop integration for drag-and-drop, image and audio support, curve-based keyframe animations, unlimited tracks and layers, and 3D animated titles and effects.

OpenShot is also good for clip resizing, scaling, trimming, snapping, and rotation, plus motion picture credit scrolling, frame-stepping, time-mapping, audio mixing, and real-time previews. The fact that you get all of this for free is reason enough to download it yourself and try it out before you purchase a video editor. Free for non-commercial use, VideoPad supports drag-and-drop, effects, transitions, 3D video editing, text and caption overlay, video stabilization, easy narration, free built-in sound effects, and color control.

VideoPad can also change the video speed, reverse the video, burn DVDs, import music, and export movies to YouTube and other similar sites and a variety of resolutions including 2K and 4K. Freemake Video Converter is a free video converter with simple and easy-to-use editing features that set it apart from some of the more complex and confusing editors. Being able to do light editing to your videos with the same tool you use to convert the file to a variety of other formats, or even burn the files directly to a disc, is extremely convenient.

Some of the video editing features of this program include adding subtitles, clipping out sections you don’t want in the video, removing or adding audio, and merging or joining videos. VSDC is a full-featured free video editing tool that you can install on Windows. A fair warning though: This program might be a little hard to use for beginners because of the sheer number of features and menus. However, if you poke around for a while and play with your videos within the editor, you’ll find that it’s not quite as daunting as it seemed when you first opened it.

There’s even a wizard you can run to make things easier. Use it to add lines, text, and shapes, as well as charts, animations, images, audio, and subtitles. Plus, as any good video editor should, VSDC can export videos to a variety of file formats. These are optional, but they may come in handy in certain projects. It offers many options for editing video and audio plus adding photos, music, and narration to your videos. It’s easy for beginners to start using. One of the best features of iMovie is its ability to make 4K-resolution movies.

You can even start editing on your iPhone or iPad and then finish on your Mac. Movie Maker was Windows’ pre-installed free video editing software. While it is no longer pre-installed as of Windows 8 , you can still download this application from Microsoft and use it to create and share high-quality movies. It’s included in this list because it’s already on lots of Windows computers, which means you might not even need to download anything in order to start using it.

If you’ve tried out these video editing programs but prefer some other options, or you’re more interested in editing videos online for free than downloading software, there are several online video editors that function in the same way as these downloadable tools. These services are great for re-editing and remixing web videos, and some even let you produce DVDs of your videos. Gretchen Siegchrist. Gretchen Siegchrist is a professional videographer who enjoys helping amateurs master the basics of desktop video.

Updated on May 07, Kayla Dube. Lifewire Tech Review Board Member. She frequently works in production with indie film companies. Article reviewed on May 18, Tweet Share Email. Apps Best Apps Payment Services. The 6 Best Laptops for Video Editing in What We Like. What We Don’t Like. Download OpenShot.

Download VideoPad. Download Freemake Video Converter. Download iMovie. Download Windows Movie Maker. Online-Only Options If you’ve tried out these video editing programs but prefer some other options, or you’re more interested in editing videos online for free than downloading software, there are several online video editors that function in the same way as these downloadable tools.

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