Video Editing Software for Beginners in 2024
By creating professional video editing software platforms for Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and anywhere else you publish brand videos, good video editing software can help you present your products from every viewpoint. There are a variety of simple, free video editing apps available that can help you stand out from the crowd.
Product videos are a more engaging kind of content marketing than images alone, and they can help customers make a buying decision. E-commerce product videos, according to the online newspaper Small Business Trends, can raise conversion rates by up to 144 percent.
We’ve assembled a list of the best free video editing tools from around the web, as well as a handful with reasonably priced paid versions, in the section below. Each entrepreneur has unique requirements.
13 Best Free Video Editing Software for Beginners Free Without Watermark
For organizations wishing to create promotional videos, there is a plethora of desktop-based editing tools available. The main benefit of free pc or desktop video editing software is that it usually has more functions than most mobile video editing apps.
Check out our list of free video editing software that you can use to edit long-form material for YouTube, your e-commerce site, or a variety of other platforms if you’re on a tight budget:
- Lightworks
- VideoPad
- HitFilm Express
- DaVinci Resolve
- VSDC Free Video Editor
- OpenShot
- Shotcut
- Blender
- Movie Maker 10
- iMovie
- Magisto
- WeVideo
- FlexClip
Top 13 Best Free Video Editing Software for Beginners Guide, Features & Price
Lightworks is a professional video editing software that provides powerful features and tools for creating high-quality video content. It has been widely used in the film and television industry and is known for its versatility and robust editing capabilities. Here’s an overview of Lightworks:
- Lightworks is a professional non-linear video editing software used in the film and broadcast industry.
- It offers a comprehensive set of editing tools and features for both beginner and advanced users.
- Lightworks supports a wide range of video formats and resolutions, including high-definition (HD).
- It provides a real-time, multi-track timeline for efficient editing and sequencing of video clips.
- The software offers advanced trimming and editing capabilities, including ripple editing and precision trimming.
- Lightworks supports various audio editing features, such as mixing, syncing, and effects.
- It provides a range of visual effects and transitions to enhance the visual appeal of videos.
- Lightworks has a powerful color grading system for adjusting the color and tone of video footage.
- The software supports multi-camera editing, allowing users to work with footage from multiple cameras simultaneously.
- It offers built-in titling and text effects for creating professional-looking titles and captions.
- Lightworks has a user-friendly interface that can be customized according to the user’s preferences.
- The software provides a wide range of export options, allowing users to save their projects in different formats and resolutions.
- Lightworks offers integration with other software and hardware, such as Blackmagic Fusion, Boris FX, and AJA Video Systems.
2. VideoPad
VideoPad is a video editing software developed by NCH Software. It is designed to provide users with a simple and intuitive platform for editing and creating professional-looking videos. VideoPad offers a wide range of features, including timeline-based editing, visual effects, transitions, audio editing, and export options. It is suitable for both beginners and more advanced users who want to edit videos for personal or professional purposes. VideoPad supports various video and audio formats, and it allows users to easily import and export their projects in different file formats.
- VideoPad is a versatile and user-friendly video editing software.
- Intuitive timeline-based editing for easy arrangement and trimming of video clips.
- Supports a wide range of video and audio formats.
- Offers a variety of video effects, transitions, and filters to enhance your footage.
- Includes basic color correction and adjustment tools.
- Allows for easy addition of text overlays and subtitles.
- Provides audio editing capabilities, including volume adjustment and audio mixing.
- Supports the use of green screen (chroma key) for creating special effects.
- Offers a library of pre-made video and audio clips for quick editing.
- Includes a range of export options, including popular video file formats and sharing directly to social media platforms.
- Provides options for burning edited videos to DVD or Blu-ray.
- Supports plugins and extensions for added functionality.
- Allows for easy capturing and importing of video footage from various sources.
- Provides a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
- Offers tutorials and guides to help users get started with video editing.
3. HitFilm Express
HitFilm Express is a free video editing and visual effects software developed by FXhome. It is a powerful and feature-rich application that offers professional-level tools for video editing, compositing, and visual effects creation. Here is an overview of HitFilm Express and its features:
- HitFilm Express provides a comprehensive timeline-based editing interface for arranging and trimming video clips.
- It offers a wide range of visual effects, including 2D and 3D effects, such as explosions, fire, lightsabers, and more.
- The software supports advanced compositing features, allowing users to combine multiple video and image layers with precision.
- HitFilm Express includes a robust set of color grading and correction tools for enhancing the visual quality of videos.
- It offers a variety of audio editing features, including mixing, syncing, and adding sound effects.
- The software provides a collection of built-in transitions, such as fades, wipes, and dissolves, to smoothly transition between clips.
- HitFilm Express supports keyframe animation, enabling users to create complex motion graphics and animations.
- It includes a wide range of built-in presets and templates to speed up the editing process.
- The software allows for easy import and export of video files in various formats, resolutions, and frame rates.
- HitFilm Express offers integration with popular social media platforms, making it easy to share edited videos directly.
- It provides access to a supportive online community and resources, including tutorials and forums, for learning and troubleshooting.
4. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing and color grading software developed by Blackmagic Design. It is widely used in the film and television industry for its advanced features and capabilities. Here is an overview of DaVinci Resolve and its key features:
- DaVinci Resolve offers a comprehensive editing interface with a powerful timeline for arranging and trimming video clips.
- It supports a wide range of video formats and resolutions, including high-definition (HD) and ultra-high-definition (UHD).
- The software provides advanced color grading tools, including primary and secondary color correction, curves, and professional-grade color wheels.
- DaVinci Resolve offers powerful visual effects and compositing capabilities, allowing users to create complex effects and seamless scene transitions.
- It includes a dedicated Fusion page for advanced motion graphics and visual effects creation.
- The software supports multi-camera editing, enabling users to sync and edit footage from multiple cameras simultaneously.
- DaVinci Resolve offers robust audio editing and mixing capabilities, including EQ, noise reduction, and audio effects.
- It provides collaboration tools, allowing multiple editors and colorists to work on the same project simultaneously.
- The software includes a Fairlight audio engine, which offers professional audio post-production features and tools.
- DaVinci Resolve supports high dynamic range (HDR) grading and delivery, enabling users to work with HDR content.
- It offers a wide range of export options, including various file formats and presets for different platforms and devices.
- The software provides integration with other post-production tools and hardware, such as Blackmagic Design’s editing consoles and control panels.
- DaVinci Resolve is available in both free and paid versions, with the free version offering a substantial set of features and capabilities.
5. VSDC Free Video Editor
VSDC Free Video Editor is a non-linear video editing software developed by Flash-Integro LLC. It is a feature-rich application that offers a wide range of tools for editing and creating videos. Here is an overview of VSDC Free Video Editor and its key features:
- VSDC Free Video Editor provides a user-friendly interface with a timeline-based editing system for organizing and manipulating video clips.
- It supports a variety of video and audio formats, allowing users to import and edit media files from different sources.
- The software offers a range of basic editing tools, including trimming, cutting, splitting, and merging video clips.
- VSDC Free Video Editor includes video and audio effects, filters, and transitions to enhance the visual appeal of videos.
- It provides options for adding text, titles, and subtitles to videos, along with customizable font styles and colors.
- The software offers chroma-key (green screen) functionality for creating special effects and composite videos.
- VSDC Free Video Editor supports motion tracking, enabling users to attach objects or effects to moving elements in their videos.
- It includes a variety of visual and audio enhancement tools, such as color correction, image stabilization, and noise reduction.
- The software allows for the easy creation of slideshows from photos and includes options for adding transitions and music.
- VSDC Free Video Editor provides a screen recording feature, allowing users to capture their computer screen and create tutorials or presentations.
- It offers a range of export options, including various video formats, resolutions, and quality settings.
- The software allows for direct sharing of videos on social media platforms, such as YouTube and Facebook.
6. OpenShot
OpenShot is a free and open-source video editing software. It is designed to be user-friendly while offering a range of features for creating and editing videos. Here is an overview of OpenShot and its key features:
- OpenShot provides a simple and intuitive interface with a drag-and-drop timeline for easy arrangement and trimming of video clips.
- It supports a wide range of video and audio formats, allowing users to import media files from different sources.
- The software offers essential editing tools such as cutting, slicing, and merging video clips.
- OpenShot provides a library of visual effects, transitions, and animated titles to enhance the visual appeal of videos.
- It includes a variety of audio editing features, including volume adjustment, audio mixing, and the ability to add background music or voiceovers.
- The software supports keyframe animation, allowing users to create smooth and customized motion effects.
- OpenShot offers video effects such as chroma key (green screen), color correction, and image overlays.
- It provides a collection of pre-built templates and themes to quickly create professional-looking videos.
- The software allows for easy creation of animated 3D titles and credits.
- OpenShot offers real-time previews and supports video rendering in multiple formats and resolutions.
- It provides options for adding subtitles and captions to videos.
- The software supports video transitions and offers control over their duration and customization.
- OpenShot offers a simple export process, allowing users to save their videos in various formats and share them on popular platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.
7. Shotcut
Shotcut is a free, open-source video editing software that provides a range of features for editing and enhancing videos. Here is an overview of Shotcut and its key features:
- Shotcut offers a straightforward and intuitive interface with a customizable layout for easy navigation and workflow.
- It supports a wide range of video and audio formats, allowing users to import and work with various media files.
- The software provides a timeline-based editing system for arranging and trimming video clips.
- Shotcut includes essential editing tools such as cutting, splitting, and merging video clips.
- It offers a collection of video and audio filters and effects, including color grading, chroma key (green screen), and audio normalization.
- The software supports keyframe animation, enabling users to create smooth motion effects and transitions.
- Shotcut provides a variety of video and audio editing options, including resizing, cropping, and rotation.
- It allows for the addition of titles, captions, and subtitles to videos, with customizable font styles and sizes.
- The software supports multiple audio and video tracks, enabling users to work with multiple layers of media.
- Shotcut offers real-time previews and allows users to monitor their edits as they make changes.
- It provides a range of export options, including various video formats, resolutions, and codecs.
- The software offers hardware encoding support for faster rendering and exporting.
- Shotcut includes features for audio mixing, including volume adjustment and audio filters.
- It provides a history panel that tracks changes and allows users to easily undo or redo edits.
8. Blender
Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite that encompasses various aspects of computer graphics. While primarily known as a powerful 3D modeling and animation software, Blender also offers robust capabilities for video editing and compositing. Here is an overview of Blender and its key features:
- 3D Modeling and Animation: Blender provides a comprehensive set of tools for creating 3D models, including sculpting, texturing, rigging, and animation. It supports various modeling techniques such as polygonal modeling, NURBS, and subdivision surfaces.
- Video Editing: Blender includes a fully-fledged video editing module that allows users to import video footage, trim and arrange clips on a timeline, apply transitions and effects, add titles and captions, and perform basic color grading.
- Visual Effects and Compositing: Blender features a powerful node-based compositor, enabling users to create complex visual effects by combining multiple image and video elements. It supports green screen (chroma key) removal, image tracking, and layering effects.
- Simulation and Dynamics: Blender offers a range of simulation capabilities, including fluid dynamics, cloth simulation, rigid body physics, and particle systems. These features allow users to create realistic simulations and effects for their animations.
- Game Development: Blender has a built-in game engine that enables users to create interactive 3D games directly within the software. It supports scripting with Python for game logic and offers features for real-time rendering and physics simulation.
- Rendering: Blender includes a powerful rendering engine called Cycles, which supports photorealistic rendering with features like global illumination, ray tracing, and realistic materials. It also has an internal renderer for faster rendering and a real-time viewport renderer called EEVEE.
- Scripting and Customization: Blender provides extensive scripting capabilities with Python, allowing users to automate tasks, create custom tools, and extend the software’s functionality. The user interface can also be customized and personalized to suit individual workflows.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Blender is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users on different operating systems.
9. Movie Maker 10
Movie Maker 10 is a video editing software designed for Windows 10 users. It offers a user-friendly interface and basic editing features for creating and editing videos. Here is an overview of Movie Maker 10 and its key features:
- Movie Maker 10 provides a simple and intuitive interface with a timeline-based editing system for arranging and trimming video clips.
- It supports a variety of video and audio formats, allowing users to import media files from different sources.
- The software offers basic editing tools such as cutting, splitting, and merging video clips.
- Movie Maker 10 includes a range of visual effects, transitions, and text overlays to enhance the visual appeal of videos.
- It allows for the easy addition of titles, captions, and credits to videos, with options for customizing text styles and animations.
- The software provides basic audio editing capabilities, including volume adjustment and the ability to add background music or voiceovers.
- Movie Maker 10 supports the import and use of photos, allowing users to create slideshows with transitions and music.
- It offers a variety of video themes and templates to quickly apply a cohesive visual style to videos.
- The software allows for the creation of video projects with multiple video and audio tracks.
- Movie Maker 10 includes options for exporting videos in various formats and resolutions, including options for sharing directly to social media platforms.
10. iMovie
iMovie is a video editing software developed by Apple Inc. It is specifically designed for Mac and iOS devices, providing users with an easy-to-use and intuitive platform for creating and editing videos. Here is an overview of iMovie and its key features:
- User-Friendly Interface: iMovie offers a clean and intuitive interface, making it accessible to beginners and casual video editors.
- Clip Organization: The software allows users to import video clips, audio files, and images into a project library for easy organization and access.
- Timeline-Based Editing: iMovie provides a timeline interface where users can arrange and trim video clips, add transitions, and apply visual effects.
- Video Enhancement: It offers a range of video enhancement tools, including color correction, brightness adjustments, and video stabilization.
- Titles and Credits: iMovie allows users to add text overlays, titles, and credits to their videos, with a variety of customizable styles and animations.
- Audio Editing: The software includes audio editing features such as volume adjustment, background music, voiceover recording, and sound effects.
- Themes and Templates: iMovie offers a collection of pre-designed themes and templates that provide a consistent look and feel to videos with matching titles, transitions, and music.
- Visual Effects and Transitions: It provides a library of visual effects, filters, and transitions to enhance the visual quality and smooth transitions between clips.
- Green Screen (Chroma Key): iMovie supports the use of green screen effects, enabling users to replace or overlay backgrounds in their videos.
- Mobile Integration: iMovie seamlessly integrates with iOS devices, allowing users to start editing on their iPhone or iPad and continue on their Mac.
- Sharing Options: iMovie provides various options for sharing edited videos, including direct export to social media platforms, email, or saving to a local file.
11. Magisto
Magisto is a video editing and storytelling platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automate the video editing process. It is designed to make video editing accessible and easy for users without any editing experience. Here is an overview of Magisto and its key features:
- Automated Editing: Magisto uses AI algorithms to analyze and understand the content of the uploaded videos and automatically edits them into polished and engaging videos.
- Smart Storytelling: The software focuses on creating compelling storytelling by identifying the most significant moments in the footage and arranging them in a cohesive narrative.
- Professional Templates: Magisto offers a wide range of professionally designed templates, themes, and styles to apply to videos, providing a consistent and visually appealing look.
- Music and Sound Effects: It provides a library of licensed music tracks and sound effects that users can add to their videos to enhance the mood and atmosphere.
- Customization Options: While Magisto automates most of the editing process, users can still customize certain aspects such as text overlays, font styles, and color schemes.
- Social Media Optimization: The software optimizes the final videos for various social media platforms, ensuring compatibility and ideal formatting for sharing on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
- Cloud-Based Editing: Magisto operates as a cloud-based platform, allowing users to access and edit their videos from anywhere using a web browser or dedicated mobile apps.
- Collaboration: It offers collaboration features, enabling multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously and share feedback and comments.
- Analytics and Insights: Magisto provides analytics and insights on video performance, including views, engagement, and audience demographics, to help users measure the impact of their videos.
- Stock Footage Integration: The software integrates with stock footage libraries, giving users access to a vast collection of high-quality video clips to supplement their own footage.
12. WeVideo
WeVideo is a cloud-based video editing platform that offers a range of powerful features for creating and editing videos. It provides users with a collaborative and accessible environment for both beginners and advanced video editors. Here is an overview of WeVideo and its key features:
- Cloud-Based Editing: WeVideo operates entirely in the cloud, allowing users to access and edit their videos from any device with an internet connection, without the need for software installation or high-end hardware.
- Collaborative Editing: The platform supports real-time collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. Users can share video projects, provide feedback, and collaborate on edits.
- User-Friendly Interface: WeVideo offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that caters to beginners, while still providing advanced features for experienced editors.
- Multi-Track Editing: It supports multi-track editing, allowing users to work with multiple video and audio tracks to create complex and layered videos.
- Extensive Media Library: WeVideo provides a vast media library with a wide selection of licensed audio tracks, video clips, and images that users can use to enhance their projects.
- Transition and Effects: The platform offers a variety of transitions, visual effects, filters, and color correction tools to enhance the visual appeal of videos.
- Text and Titles: Users can add text overlays, titles, and captions to their videos, with options for customization in terms of fonts, styles, animations, and positioning.
- Green Screen (Chroma Key): WeVideo supports green screen effects, allowing users to replace or overlay backgrounds in their videos.
- Advanced Editing Features: The platform includes advanced editing features such as speed control, keyframe animation, audio mixing, color grading, and video stabilization.
- Easy Sharing and Publishing: WeVideo provides options for sharing videos directly to social media platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook, or exporting videos in various formats and resolutions for offline viewing.
Here are some of its key features:
- Enjoy free membership for lots of key features and visual effects.
- 1,000+ pre-made templates save you lots of time and fit all occasions.
- Add animated texts, funky widgets, dynamic overlays, intros/outros, etc to make your video pop.
- Find royalty-free videos, music, photos from 1,000,000+ stock assets for your needs.
Choosing a professional Video Editing Software for you
While each option comes up with its own advantages and disadvantages, hopefully, you will have a better idea for a free video-editing software program which may help your business or any kind of work such as freelance or entrepreneur.