Video editing is now a key part of how we communicate today. It’s used for social media, ads, or personal stuff, and videos are a great way to connect with people. But to make good videos, you need the right tools—that’s where video editing software helps. With so many choices out there, picking one can feel tough. In this article, we’ll check out the best video editing software, what they offer, their good and bad points, and how to pick the one that fits you.
Table of Contents
What is an Online Video Editing Software?
Online video editing software is a tool you use in your web browser to edit videos without downloading anything. These tools let you do basic stuff like trimming, cutting, cropping, adding text, and putting on simple effects. They’re often free or cheap, so they’re good for newbies, casual users, or anyone who wants to edit a video fast without needing fancy options. But compared to desktop software, online tools might not have as many features, work as well, or give you the same quality in the final video.
Types of video editing software
Non-Linear Video Editing Software (NLE)
NLE software lets you edit videos in a flexible way—you can jump to any part of the footage and change it without messing up the rest. It’s the most popular type of software for pro video editors. NLE tools come with advanced options like editing from multiple cameras, fixing colors, adjusting sound, and adding visual effects. Some examples are Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, Avid Media Composer, and DaVinci Resolve.
Linear Video Editing Software
Linear video editing software is an old-school tool that lets you edit videos in a straight line, from beginning to end. It works with tapes, where you physically cut and join the footage. It’s not used much today and is mostly seen in TV broadcasting. Compared to NLE software, it has fewer features and isn’t great for tricky editing jobs.
Features to Look for in Video Editing Software
When looking for video editing software, there are several key features to consider:
Editing Tools and Capabilities
The editing tools in the software should fit what you need. Most software has basic tools like trimming, cutting, and splitting. But if you want advanced stuff like editing from multiple cameras, fixing colors, or adding special effects, you’ll need more powerful software.
Compatibility and File Format Support
The software should be compatible with your operating system and support the video file formats you use. Make sure the software supports the video resolution and frame rates you work with.
Audio and Visual Effects
Pick software with lots of audio and visual effects. It should let you add text, transitions, music, and sound effects. More advanced software might include things like color grading, motion graphics, and 3D effects.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The software’s layout should be simple and easy to understand. A messy or confusing design can annoy you and make editing take longer. Choose software with a smooth workflow and a layout you can adjust.
Performance and Speed
The software needs to manage your video files without slowing down or crashing. Find software that uses hardware acceleration and runs well on your computer.
Exporting Options
Check that the software has export options that work for you. Pick software that lets you save in various file types and sizes, and can upload straight to social media or video sites.
Customer Support
Think about the customer support the software company provides. Choose software with tutorials, online help, and quick tech support.
1. Adobe Premiere Pro CC:
Adobe Premiere Pro CC is a pro-level video editing tool made by Adobe Inc. It’s part of the Adobe Creative Cloud package and is popular in film, TV, and video making. It has advanced tools like multi-camera editing, color grading, audio mixing, and visual effects. It works with many video formats and lets you export in different sizes and file types.
Premiere Pro CC has an easy-to-use layout and lets you adjust the workspace to fit how you edit. It offers keyboard shortcuts and drag-and-drop options to make editing faster. A key feature is how it works with other Adobe tools like Photoshop, After Effects, and Audition. This lets you move files between programs easily and work on projects with others more smoothly.
You can get the software by paying a monthly or yearly fee. Adobe also has a trial version of Premiere Pro CC so you can try it out before signing up.
2. Apple Final Cut Pro X
Apple Final Cut Pro X is a pro video editing tool made by Apple Inc. It’s built for Mac computers and is popular in film, TV, and video making. It includes advanced tools like multi-camera editing, color grading, audio mixing, and visual effects. It handles many video formats and lets you export in different sizes and file types.
The software has an easy-to-use layout and lets you adjust the workspace to fit how you edit. It comes with keyboard shortcuts and ready-made templates to make editing quicker. A big plus is how well it works with Apple devices like the MacBook Pro and iMac Pro. This makes it run smoothly by using the hardware’s power effectively.
Final Cut Pro X has features like 360-degree VR editing, strong color grading tools, and support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) video. It works well with other Apple programs like Motion, Compressor, and Logic Pro X. You buy it once without needing a subscription. Apple also gives you a trial version to try before you buy.
3. CyberLink PowerDirector
CyberLink PowerDirector is a video editing tool made by CyberLink Corporation. It works on Windows computers and is liked by beginners and mid-level editors. It has basic and advanced tools like trimming, cutting, splitting, color correction, and special effects. It handles many video formats and lets you export in different sizes and file types.
The software has an easy-to-use layout with templates and themes you can adjust. It comes with keyboard shortcuts and built-in tools to make editing faster. PowerDirector includes features like 360-degree VR editing, strong color grading tools, and support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) video. It also connects with other CyberLink programs like AudioDirector and PhotoDirector.
A key feature of PowerDirector is its focus on making videos for social media. It has templates and settings ready for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, so you can easily create videos that fit those sites. You get PowerDirector by paying a monthly or yearly fee. CyberLink also provides a trial version to try it out before you sign up.
CyberLink PowerDirector has a basic editing layout with control panels and a timeline. The software gives you detailed controls and flexible filters. Editing videos with CyberLink PowerDirector is enjoyable.
4. HitFilm Pro
HitFilm Pro is a video editing and effects tool made by FXhome. It works on Windows and Mac computers and is used by pro editors and filmmakers. It has advanced tools like color correction, audio mixing, visual effects, and compositing. It handles many video formats and lets you export in different sizes and file types.
The software has an easy-to-use layout with adjustable workspaces and panels so you can set up your editing space to fit how you work. It comes with keyboard shortcuts, templates, and presets to make editing faster. HitFilm Pro includes features like 3D compositing, advanced tracking tools, and support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) video. It also connects with other programs like Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D.
A key feature of HitFilm Pro is its focus on visual effects and compositing. It has advanced tools for making detailed effects like particle effects, 3D models, and green screen work. You buy HitFilm Pro once without needing a subscription. FXhome also provides a trial version so you can try it before buying.
5. Adobe Premiere Elements 2018
Adobe Premiere Elements 2018 is a video editing tool made for beginners and mid-level users. It’s created by Adobe Systems and works on Windows and Mac computers. It has basic tools like trimming, cutting, splitting, color correction, and audio mixing. It also comes with templates and themes you can adjust for your project.
The software has an easy-to-use layout, like a simpler version of Adobe’s pro tool, Premiere Pro. It offers step-by-step guided editing to help you through the process. Premiere Elements 2018 supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) video and 4K editing. It also has tools for making and sharing videos on social media.
A key feature of Premiere Elements 2018 is its integration with other Adobe tools like Photoshop Elements and Elements Organizer. This lets you move media files between programs easily and work on bigger projects. You buy Premiere Elements 2018 once without needing a subscription. Adobe also gives you a trial version to try it before you buy.
6. Lightworks
Lightworks is a video editing tool that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It’s liked by both pros and newbies because of its features and easy-to-use design. It has basic and advanced tools like trimming, cutting, splitting, color correction, and audio mixing. It handles many video formats and lets you export in different sizes and file types.
The software has an easy-to-use layout with a workspace you can adjust and keyboard shortcuts to make editing faster. It comes with built-in templates and effects to improve how your project looks. A big feature of Lightworks is its support for team editing. It has tools that let several people work on the same project at once, which is great for bigger video teams.
Lightworks comes in two versions: a free one and a paid one with extra features. The free version works well and has all the basic editing tools a beginner or mid-level editor needs. The paid version adds things like advanced color grading, support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) video, and connections to other tools like Boris FX and Blackmagic Fusion.
7. Hitfilm Express
HitFilm Express is a free video editing and effects tool for Windows and Mac. It has strong features for making and editing videos, like compositing, motion graphics, color correction, and audio mixing. It’s popular with beginners and mid-level editors and filmmakers because it’s easy to use and has solid tools.
It comes with built-in effects like explosions, fire, lightning, and particle effects that you can add to your videos. It supports many video and audio formats, so you can import and export projects in different file types. Plus, it has a big online community that shares tutorials, templates, and plugins to help you get better at editing.
8. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing and color correction software designed for filmmakers, video editors, and post-production professionals. It is available as both a free and paid version for Windows, Mac, and Linux. One of the key features of DaVinci Resolve is its advanced color correction tools, which allow users to manipulate and enhance the colors and contrast of their video footage. It also provides a range of editing tools, including timeline editing, trimming, and audio mixing.
In addition, DaVinci Resolve offers a wide range of special effects and compositing tools, which allow users to add visual effects, titles, and graphics to their videos. It also supports a variety of video and audio formats, including 4K and HDR, and provides advanced audio editing tools. DaVinci Resolve is often used in professional film and television production, but it is also popular among independent filmmakers, YouTubers, and video editors. Its powerful tools, flexibility, and relatively low cost make it an attractive option for a range of video editing projects.
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