The best free video recording editing software doesn ’ t break the depository financial institution and lets you create pro-level videos .
Searching for unblock video editing software ?
possibly this is your first clock time editing television, and you ’ re not cook to invest in expensive software. Or possibly you want to create master look videos or add cool effects without paying for costly programs like Premiere Pro .
Video edit can be a casual avocation or a full-time career. With so many different needs and reasons to edit, there are many release programs to choose from.
But beware, with indeed many options out there, many free choices can be haphazard ; some merely offer the most basic of features, while others provide the same or better tools than expansive programs .
With that in mind, we have crafted a list of the best video editing software available for free on Mac. Learn the pros and cons of each to help you determine which option is best for your video recording editing needs .
Top 3 Free Video Editing Software for Mac Snapshot
1. PowerDirector Essential – Best Choice Overall
PowerDirector offers the functionality and features of an promote, paid program without the goodly monetary value tag. You can get most of its features for release and subscribe if you would like to take wide advantage of all its creative design packs and a broad range of export formats. Its intuitive interface and design will make you feel like a pro. Detailed Review >
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2. iMovie – Best for the Absolute Basics
If you ’ re a Mac drug user looking for free video editing software, you can ’ t go improper using iMovie, which comes pre-installed on most Mac desktops. The program is childlike, easy to use, and includes a wide range of basic features, making it one of the best bare-bones video recording editing software programs for Mac. Detailed Review >
3. DaVinci Resolve – Best for Industry Professionals
There is no denying DaVinci Resolve is an incredibly mighty video recording editor. Designed best for working with Blackmagic camera footage and particularly designed DaVinci hardware this is a capital choice if you are willing to put in the time and have the commitment to learn it. Detailed Review >
What Should I Look for When Searching for Video Editing Software?
here are a few essential things to look for :
first, does it support your function system ?
Does it read and write in the video recording, image, and audio formats you need to use ? It should support the most common formats like MP4, MP3, and WAV .
Is it a broadcast allow for your skill level ? Getting a professional-level video editor program when you have never used video editing software can cause you a lot of worry. alternatively, front for software that caters to your level so you don ’ t consume time trying to use software you aren ’ thyroxine ready for .
Does it include the effects you want to use in your videos ? For example, you will need a saturation key tool to create videos using a green screen .
last, does it include templates and AI tools to make editing easier ? You want software that will make creating as easy and fast as possible while outputting high-quality results. The best way to do that is via templates and tools that do most of the exploit for you .
7 Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac
1. PowerDirector Essential – Best Overall Choice
Compatibility : Mac, Windows
Overall Rating: 10/10
Beginner-Friendly: 10/10
Key Features:
- Simple, easy-to-navigate audio and video editing
- Wide selection of essential editing features, including AI tools
- Several choices of editing style
- Designed for all experience levels, beginner to professional
You will appreciate PowerDirector Essential ‘s comprehensive release features if you ‘re new to the video recording editing earth. It introduces you to the plan ‘s mechanics and lets you dive into fundamental video editing tools before investing in the agio option .
If you want to add basic effects or transitions to videos without paying for hundreds of promote features, you will find that PowerDirector suits all your video recording editing needs. Its wide range of editing tools includes a video collage designer, speed controls, saturation key, and a claim graphic designer .
No matter your have horizontal surface, you wo n’t have any issues using PowerDirector. It ‘s designed to be simple enough for beginners yet powerful enough for professionals .
Download PC Mag Editor ‘s Choice PowerDirector for free .
2. iMovie – Best for the Absolute Basics
Compatibility : macintosh
Overall Rating: 7/10
Beginner-Friendly: 10/10
Key Features:
- Simple design
- High-quality audio editing tools
- Already installed on most Macs
- Automated video editing
iMovie comes pre-installed on your Mac which makes it a convenient choice if you need to make basic edits. It includes a set of audio and edit tools that can produce milled videos for free. It is a estimable editor program for absolute beginners .
iMovie includes effects, transitions, and titles options. It besides has a laid of movie trailer templates and a background music/soundtrack library .
If you have never edited before, you wo n’t have any issue using it. however, the one big downside to iMovie is the miss of advance features and tools you find in other editors. Apple has reserved all of these for its paid software Final Cut Pro .
3. DaVinci Resolve – Best for Industry Professionals
Compatibility : Mac, Windows
Overall Rating: 10/10
Beginner-Friendly: 1/10
Key Features:
- Intelligent color correction
- Multi-user collaboration
- Quality post-production audio tools
- Motion graphics and visual effects
DaVinci Resolve is a clean, intuitive broadcast that you would never guess is spare. It offers a wide range of promote features, including intelligent color-correction tools that let you edit skin tones, eye tinge, and lip color at the touch of a button, along with quality audio-editing software .
The software is not for beginners as it is designed for diligence professionals. It is best used for feature films, television receiver shows, and commercial knead .
If you are thinking of buying Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for professional jobs, you should give DaVinci Resolve a sample first. It could save you hundreds of dollars and potentially better fit your editing style .
4. Lightworks – Best for Experienced Editors
Compatibility : Mac, Windows
Overall Rating: 8/10
Beginner-Friendly: 4/10
Key Features:
- Professional-level editing
- Access to tutorials
- Multicam support
If you ’ re looking for a detached program that professionals use, Lightworks is one. It has been around for years, and the professional version was used to edit box function hits like Pulp Fiction, 28 Days Later, and Congo. then if you ’ re will to put in the work to learn this software, it ’ s a great choice .
With Lightworks, you can import equitable about any common type of media file. It has Increased performance with optimize proxy files from HD, 4K, and 8K media. Plus, you can edit directly from your cloud storage .
Lightworks is easier to use than DaVinci but is still undesirable for first-time editors .
5. Shotcut – Best for Intermediate Editors
Compatibility : Mac, Windows
Overall Rating: 7/10
Beginner-Friendly: 7/10
Key Features:
- Open-source program
- 4K HD resolution
- Timeline editing
For editors who have moved on from base-level editing software like iMovie, ShotCut is an excellent following step .
The program is open beginning, then once you download it, you will have access to all its features and customize your interface to your like. In addition, Shotcut offers progress effects and filters that will help you produce a high-quality video recording for free .
One of the most utilitarian features of ShotCut is the outright unmake and remake for edits, including a history opinion. This makes it easy to step second to any contribution of your editing march, even if it has been hours since you started making changes .
6. Openshot – Best for Beginners
Compatibility : Mac, Windows
Overall Rating: 6/10
Beginner-Friendly: 9/10
Key Features:
- Similar interface to iMovie
- Unlimited layers
- Open-source
Openshot is release video recording editing software that simplifies advanced features you would see in more expensive programs. The program is open-source, so anyone can use and adapt the program to meet their needs .
promptly trim down your videos, lend animations, and create video recording effects. You can even make 3D animated titles and effects, such as snow, lens flares, or flying text
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 layer options .
7. Hitfilm Express – Best for 3D Effects
Compatibility : Mac, Windows
Overall Rating: 6/10
Beginner-Friendly: 5/10
Key Features:
- Customizable user interface
- Professional tools
- Advanced visual effects
Hitfilm Express offers all of the advance, professional features that editing enthusiasts need for spare. The option to add on features starting at $ 9 each lets you up to your game without breaking the bank .
Hitfilm Express includes 180+ edit effects, a across-the-board range of meaning formats, plus 2D and 3D video recording accompaniment .
If you are matter to in learning ocular effects as a profession, this makes a great starting software. however, if your main goal is to cut together video, there will be a lot of bells and whistles that get in your way .
How to Use Video Editing Software
here are the most basic steps to video editing. If you need more aid, check out our article on how to edit YouTube videos .
- Create a project
- Import your footage
- Cut, trim, splice, and arrange your clips
- Add text
- Add transitions and effects
- Add audio like voice over and music
- Save your project and export your video
Best Mac Video Editing Software [Free Download]
Dozens of free video recording editing software options exist on the market nowadays, but not all of them offer the lapp features and high-quality results. thankfully, because these programs are detached, you can try them all out to find the one that suits your needs and expertness .
Check out PowerDirector or our other free editing programs today to begin editing incredible videos .
Free Video Editing Software FAQ
1. What is video editing software?
Video editing software is a program that allows you to cut and trim videos to combine them into a longer video recording. It can be used to modify and manipulate footage in a wide variety of ways .
You can use it to add textbook, images, special effects, phone blueprint, and color grade your videos .
2. What is the best video editing software for beginners?
The best video recording editing software options for beginners are built on easy-to-use platforms that users can learn promptly. PowerDirector has the most intuitive platform and offers dozens of tutorials to help beginners learn the ropes.
3. Does Mac have a free video editor?
Yes, Macs come with iMovie, a basic video editor that allows you to trim television clips, add text, music, and simple effects. Look in your Applications folder to find it .
4. When is the best time to buy video editing software?
typically, during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the best meter to buy software is around the end of the year. however, you can find great deals year-round. For example, CyberLink, the creators of PowerDirector, have sales on their web site throughout the year. It is always dependable to check a product ’ south web site before purchasing to see if you are getting the best price .
If you ’ re interested in PowerDirector 365, decidedly check out CyberLink.com ’ s family page before purchasing to make sure you are getting the best deal .
