10 Best Free Video Editing Software Programs

Lights, camera, action! With the rise of online platforms and the explosion of content creation, video editing has become an art form accessible to all. But what if you’re just starting out or have a limited budget? Fear not, because the realm of free video editing software is here to ignite your creative spark!

Step onto the virtual stage armed with a powerful toolset that won’t break the bank. Free video editing software offers a treasure trove of features, enabling you to weave together your visual story with finesse and flair. From simple cuts and trims to advanced effects and transitions, these tools put the director’s chair in your hands.

Unleash your imagination as you navigate the intuitive interfaces, effortlessly gliding through timelines like a maestro orchestrating a symphony. Trim, crop, and rearrange your clips with surgical precision, ensuring each scene fits seamlessly into the grand tapestry of your vision.

With free video editing software as your trusty companion, there are no limits to the stories you can tell and the impact you can make. Lights, camera, edit—let the magic unfold!

Top Free Video Editing Software

Find best 10 among Video Editing software programs are pointed out and briefed below.

#1. InVideo

InVideo is a dynamic cloud-based video editing platform that empowers users to unleash their creativity and craft captivating videos with ease. With its vast array of features and resources, InVideo opens up a world of possibilities for both beginners and experienced video editors.

At the heart of InVideo’s appeal lies its intuitive interface, which effortlessly guides users through the editing process. The platform offers a plethora of pre-designed templates that serve as a springboard for video creation, saving valuable time and effort. From there, users can personalize their videos by incorporating their own media or by accessing InVideo’s extensive library of high-quality stock footage, images, and music tracks.

To bring videos to life, InVideo equips users with a powerful set of editing tools. Trimming and cropping options enable precise control over video duration, while text overlays and captivating transitions add flair and professionalism. Users can also experiment with a variety of effects, ensuring their videos are visually engaging and impactful.

InVideo Features :

Pre-designed templates for various video types
Extensive library of stock footage, images, and music tracks
Text overlays, titles, and captions with customizable options
Video editing tools including trimming, cropping, filters, and transitions
Support for voiceovers and customizable captions
Collaboration and teamwork capabilities for multiple users
Social media integration with optimized export settings
User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality

#2. Movie Maker

Movie Maker, also known as Windows Movie Maker, is a video editing software developed by Microsoft. It is designed to provide users with basic video editing capabilities and is typically included with Windows operating systems, although it has been discontinued since Windows Essentials 2012.

Besides, studio owners and video editors widely used this software to have deeper knowledge in video editing technique in general. But now, this software is not added as a pre-installed one, still it can be easily downloaded and installed in PCs and Laptops. The basic utility of this software is to edit the recorded video clips and transform the same into high quality short videos.

Movie Maker features a user-friendly timeline-based editing interface, allowing users to arrange video clips, audio files, and images in a sequential order. This enables precise control over the timing and arrangement of media elements in the video project.

The software supports the import of various video file formats, such as AVI, WMV, MPEG, and more. Users can also import photos and audio files to incorporate them into their video projects.

Movie Maker provides a collection of transitions and visual effects that can be applied between clips to enhance the visual appeal and smoothness of the video. These transitions help create seamless transitions between different scenes or segments.

Additionally, Movie Maker allows users to add text overlays, titles, and captions to their videos. Users can customize the font styles, colors, and positioning of the text elements to suit their preferences and enhance the storytelling aspect of the video.

Once the editing process is complete, users can save their videos in various formats suitable for playback on different devices or platforms. Movie Maker also offers direct sharing options to popular platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, making it easy to publish and share videos online.

Movie Maker Features:

Tight integration with Windows operating systems
User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality
Automatic transitions and effects for quick and easy editing
Movie themes and storyboard templates for a polished look
Direct sharing options to popular social media platforms
Customizable text overlays, titles, and captions
Basic audio editing and mixing capabilities

#3. VSDC Free Video Editor

VSDC Free Video Editor is a versatile and feature-rich video editing software that provides a wide range of tools and functionalities for creating and editing videos. Here’s a review of VSDC Free Video Editor:

One of the standout features of VSDC Free Video Editor is its comprehensive set of editing tools. Users have access to a variety of editing options, including cutting, trimming, merging, and splitting video clips. The software also supports various video and audio formats, giving users flexibility in working with different media files.

The software’s user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy for both beginners and more experienced users to navigate and understand. The timeline-based editing feature allows for precise control over the placement and duration of video and audio elements. Additionally, the drag-and-drop functionality simplifies the editing process and speeds up workflow.

Overall, VSDC Free Video Editor is a powerful and feature-packed software that provides a range of editing tools and effects for creating professional-quality videos.

VSDC Free Video Editor’s Features:

Non-linear video editing
360-degree video editing
Advanced video effects and filters
Comprehensive audio editing capabilities
Masking and blending modes for intricate visual effects
Wide range of export options and customization settings
Built-in DVD burning tool

#4. Windows Movie Maker

If one is familiar with Windows 7 OS, this video editing tool/software will be familiar. To be specific, this software was pre-installed in Windows as a free software to edit videos according to one’s taste and aptitude.

Those who are in search of the advanced levels of video editing might not consider this software as interesting. Still, the software is a full package to edit videos by adding title, parallel sound track/music, etc. Within this scenario, less or no compatibility with other advanced versions of Windows OS is a problem to make use of the full potential of this video editing tool/software. If interested to learn the basics of editing with less effort and external support, this software is utmost useful.

So, the best way to have this software is to find out a laptop or desktop with Windows 7 as OS and start learning the basics of editing in it because the aforementioned software will be there in pre-installed mode.

#5. Kdenlive

Kdenlive is generally considered a good video editing software. It is an open-source, non-linear video editing tool that offers a range of features and capabilities for creating and editing videos.

Besides, some other software is compatible with Linux, and acts as an open-source software. User-friendliness is another peculiarity of this software which is helpful newbies who are in search of an entry level software. At the same time, expert video editors consider this software as one among the best of video editing software.

This software supports almost all the available input formats ranging from AVI. Besides, the output formats in different forms including MPEG is useful for those are deeply interested in the different levels of advanced video editing.

Add-ons, which are free with this software increases its usability within video editing. But lack of technical support is a serious problem faced by those who use is software.

Kdenlive has its own strengths and limitations. Some users may find that it lacks certain advanced features found in more professional-grade editing software. Additionally, the stability and performance of the software may vary depending on the system configuration.

Kdenlive Features:

Multi-track editing
Customizable interface
Keyframe animation
Proxy editing
Audio waveform visualization
Effects and transitions library
Automatic project backup
Collaboration features
Timeline markers
Customizable keyboard shortcuts

Kdenlive cons:

Steeper learning curve
Stability and performance issues
Limited advanced features compared to professional-grade software
Audio editing capabilities may be basic
Limited third-party plugin support
Availability may be limited on certain platforms
Development may be slower compared to other software options

#6. Hitfilm Express 9

Some people consider recording videos and editing the same as a hobby or passion. Some others consider video editing as a profession. An apt software related to video editing must be able to satisfy both the casual user and the person who considers it as a profession.

Within this scenario, Hitfilm Express 9 is one among the best because its updated versions are filled with so many innovative user-friendly functions. For instance, this software is most helpful to transform videos into the next level of editing, including motion blur technique, a number of review options so as to help the editor to foresee the quality of the end product. Besides, this software supports and is compatible with 4K video.

One can see that 3D effect the latest addition within the scenario of video editing, and this software is equipped to provide edited videos with 3D effects.

HitFilm also offers advanced compositing capabilities, allowing users to seamlessly blend multiple video layers and create complex visual compositions. It provides tools for keying, masking, and tracking, enabling users to integrate visual effects into their footage with precision and realism.

In addition to visual effects, HitFilm provides a comprehensive set of video editing tools. Users can perform tasks such as trimming, cutting, and merging video clips, as well as adjusting colors, applying filters, and adding audio effects. The software supports a wide range of video formats and resolutions, ensuring compatibility with various media sources.

Hitfilm Express Features:

Video editing tools for trimming, cutting, merging, and arranging video clips
Vast library of visual effects, transitions, and presets
Advanced compositing and layering capabilities
Comprehensive color grading and correction tools
Audio editing capabilities with adjustable levels and effects
Basic 3D modeling and animation features
Export options in various formats, resolutions, and frame rates
Direct sharing to popular online platforms

#7. iMovie

Those who usemacOS can avail this software with no cost. There are several editing options within this software, added with some advanced features like adding photos to the video. Besides, the user can add narration to the recorded item.

This software is most helpful within higher levels of editing because it supports movies with 4K resolution. A person who is interested in recording videos and transforming the same into short films can make use of this software for editing purposes. To be specific, videos recorded with the help of any iPhone gadget can be connected to Mac laptop or PC, and the edition work can be completed in it. The user interface of this software is so user-friendly so that even newbies can handle the same with ease.

Some of the drawbacks include limited features and less user-friendly output.

#8. Blender

Most video editors like open source software so that make changes within the process of editing. If they are with enough technical knowhow is software development and programming, they can add more features on their own.

Within this scenario, the above mentioned software with open source code, so that video editors can make relevant changes. Besides, the 3D amination capability of this software is an added advantage to the users who are interested in the same. When it comes to basic actions within video editing like cut and splicing, this software is manageable. Besides, one can perform more technical tasks like masking and other similar tasks with the help of this software.

So, advanced users can rely upon this software to perform comparatively hard tasks with ease. Some important features of this software include: Chroma Vector scope and Waveform Visualization.

#9. Shotcut

This video editing software is marketed as a software with open source code. To be specific, this openness is most helpful for video editors so that they can have instant access into the mains features. On the other side, software with no open source provide paid service to the users by making them pay for upgraded versions and additional features. Still, paid service is not bad because business cannot survive without revenue from a product.

Tutorial videos to help less experienced editors and compatibility with a number of video formats are added advantages of this software. In real sense, this software is totally compatible with Linux, and its quality in helping editors to complete their task is unique.

One can see that it is unimaginable to think that free software can provide 4K resolution, but this software is far ahead of other similar software because HD resolution is embedded in it and it is for free to use.

#10. Openshot

User friendliness, unique features and multi-tasking are generally considered as the benchmark features of a software within the context of video editing. For instance, usual tasks like dragging and dropping different elements within editing must be that much easier for an editor.

Besides, audio mixing is utmost important while producing video albums and short films. As one among the simplest interfaces, this software is packed with innovative and advanced feature.

For instance, you can make use of simple and advanced editing features and techniques like trimming and clip resizing and advanced features like instant previews while dealing with editing work.

#11. Media 100 Suite

This video editing tool/software is an excellent tool for advanced level editors who are in search of unique features related to their tasks. Besides, this software can be downloaded freely from the web. Apart from other free software, instant response within the interface makes the same one among the most user-friendly video editing tools.

The basic features included in this tool includes all standards of resolution ranging from 4K to SD. Another feature is that this tool can be used for primary editing works and the rest of the advanced level editing works can be completed with the help of Adobe.

Recommended Reading:

How to choose professional video editing software for you

Choosing professional video editing software that suits your needs requires careful consideration of various factors. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision:

Assess Your Requirements:

Start by understanding your specific needs and goals. Consider the type of videos you’ll be creating, the level of complexity required, and any specific features or capabilities you need, such as advanced effects, multi-camera editing, or 3D modeling.

Determine Your Budget:

Professional video editing software comes with a range of price points. Set a budget that aligns with your financial resources and prioritize features based on their importance to your workflow.

Research Available Options:

Conduct thorough research on different video editing software options. Consider both industry-leading software and lesser-known alternatives. Look for reviews, user feedback, and online comparisons to gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each option.

Evaluate Feature Sets:

Compare the features and capabilities of different software options against your requirements. Look for features such as timeline editing, advanced effects, audio editing, color grading, collaboration tools, and compatibility with your preferred video formats.

Consider Ease of Use:

Evaluate the user interface and workflow of the software. Ensure it is intuitive and fits your editing style. Some software may have steeper learning curves, so factor in your familiarity with video editing tools and your willingness to invest time in learning new software.

Technical Requirements:

Check the system requirements of the software to ensure it is compatible with your computer’s specifications. Consider factors like processing power, RAM, and graphics capabilities, as high-performance software may require more robust hardware.

Trial Versions and Demos:

Whenever possible, take advantage of trial versions or demos offered by software providers. This allows you to test the software firsthand and assess how well it meets your needs before making a purchase.

Community and Support:

Consider the availability of resources, tutorials, and user communities for the software you are considering. Robust support and a vibrant user community can greatly enhance your learning experience and troubleshooting process.

Scalability and Future Needs:

Think about your future needs and the potential growth of your projects. Choose software that allows for scalability, with the ability to handle more complex projects and integrate with other tools or plugins.

Conclusion:

Video editing software has revolutionized the way we create and edit videos, empowering individuals and professionals to unleash their creativity and bring their visions to life. Whether you’re a beginner looking for user-friendly tools or an experienced editor seeking advanced features, there is a wide range of video editing software available to suit your needs.

From basic trimming and merging to complex effects and transitions, they offers a plethora of tools and functionalities to craft visually stunning and engaging videos. These software options come with various features like multi-track editing, audio manipulation, color grading, and more, allowing you to customize and enhance your videos with precision and creativity.

Faqs on Video editing software:

What are the system requirements for video editing software?

The system requirements can vary depending on the specific software and its features. Generally, video editing software may require a reasonably powerful computer with a multi-core processor, sufficient RAM (8GB or more), a dedicated graphics card, and ample storage space. It’s recommended to check the software’s official website or documentation for specific system requirements.

What are the different types of video editing software?

There are various types of video editing software available, ranging from basic, beginner-friendly software to professional-grade, feature-rich applications. Some popular types include consumer-level software (e.g., iMovie, Windows Movie Maker), professional software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro), and open-source software (e.g., DaVinci Resolve, Shotcut).

Can I edit videos on my smartphone or tablet?

Yes, many editing software options are available for smartphones and tablets. These mobile video editing apps offer a range of features and functionalities, allowing users to edit videos directly on their mobile devices. Popular mobile editing apps include iMovie, Adobe Premiere Rush, and Kinemaster.

Can I use video editing software for free?

Yes, there are several free video editing software options available that offer basic editing features and functionalities. Examples include Shotcut, DaVinci Resolve (free version), OpenShot, and HitFilm Express. However, it’s important to note that free versions may have limitations in terms of advanced features, watermarked exports, or reduced support compared to paid versions.

Can I import and edit footage from different cameras and file formats?

Most supports a wide range of video file formats and can handle footage captured by various cameras and devices. However, it’s always recommended to check the software’s compatibility list or documentation to ensure that the specific file formats or cameras you are using are supported.

Can I undo or revert changes in video editing software?

Yes, It usually provides the option to undo or revert changes made during the editing process. This allows users to revert to a previous state if they are not satisfied with the edits or want to make further adjustments.

Can I export my edited videos to different formats?

Yes, video editing software typically allows users to export their edited videos in various formats, including popular video file formats such as MP4, AVI, MOV, and more. Users can often choose different settings, resolutions, and codecs based on their intended use or platform of sharing.