Given bellow, All of these video editors are either entirely free to use or have an excellent free version. This video software ranges from basic to advanced.
The following list of the best free video editing software is desktop based.
Desktop applications typically have more editing power than mobile apps.
Use these video editors when you need to produce longer-form content for YouTube or your website.
1. Openshot : Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux
Openshot Video Editor Software Software is entirely open source.
It may remind some Mac users a little of iMovie with its easy to use drag and drop interface. However, Openshot Video Editor Software packs more features than iMovie, including unlimited layers and audio mixing.
This free editor software strikes a nice balance between advanced features and a simple interface.
It also allows real-time previews when you create transitions between clips.
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The Openshot Video Editor includes the following features:
- Unlimited Tracks/Layers
- Clip resizing, scaling, trimming, snapping, rotation, and cutting Video transitions with real-time previews
- Compositing, image overlays, watermarks
- Title templates, title creation, subtitles 3D animated titles (and effects)
- Advanced Timeline (including drag & drop, scrolling, panning, zooming, and snapping)
Best for : Great for users just starting out with video editing.
Pros : Open source, unlimited layers.
Cons : Not that many video tutorials.
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2. Blender : Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux
Blender Video Editing Software is one of the best free video editing software, available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Blender video editor software is also an open source program that is entirely free to use.
Blender’s video editor should be enough for most of your video needs.
Blender was actually designed as a 3D animation suite, but it does come with a very useful video editor.
The editor allows you to perform basic actions like video cuts and splicing. It also allows you to carry out more complex tasks like video masking. This makes it a very flexible video editor and caters to both beginner and advanced users.
The Blender Video Editor includes the following features:
- Up to 32 slots for adding video, images, audio, and effects.
- Live preview, luma waveform, chroma vectorscope, and histogram displays. Audio mixing, syncing, scrubbing, and waveform visualization.
- Speed control, adjustment layers, transitions, keyframes, filters, and more.
Best for : More advanced projects that may involve 3D animation.
Pros : Perfect for advanced users who are not put off by all the features.
Cons : The sheer array of features make the learning curve a little steeper. Most of the tutorials are focussed on the 3D animation/modeling side. The resources to help you with the video editor are very limited.
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3. Lightworks : Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux
Lightworks Video Editing Software is another one of the best free video editing software.
It’s available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Lightworks is also one of the more powerful video editors on the list. The free version should be more than enough for most users. It’s absolutely packed with useful features. The pro version costs only $25 a month.
Lightworks video editor includes the following in the free version:
- Multicam support.
- Export to 720p for YouTube.
- High precision video trimming.
- A wide range of video formats supported.
While most features are included, 4K video support for YouTube and Vimeo is only included in the paid version of the software. Compared to Blender, for example, Lightworks has many great video tutorials which can make it quicker to get up and running. Check out this feature comparison to make sure the free version has what you need.
Best for: All round desktop video editing.
Pros: Very powerful video editor with many advanced features.
Cons: 4K video support only in paid version. Some users may find Lightworks too advanced.
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4. Shotcut : Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux
Shotcut Video Editing Software the best free video editing software is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Shortcut video editor supports a wide range of video formats and boasts a great collection of tutorial videos. While this video editing software has great features, some users may find the interface a little quirky. This software was originally designed for Linux and it definitely shows. But, under the hood, it’s still a quality video editor.
Shotcut, like Blender, is a fully open source program. This means after downloading it, you get access to all the features without the need for a paid upgrade.
Two of the most striking features are 4K HD resolution support and its timeline editing.
Not many free versions of the software include 4K resolution support.
Shotcut also doesn’t require you to import your video into the editor, this can be a time saver if you are dealing with large video files.
Best for: 4K, HD video projects.
Pros: Native timeline editing and 4K resolution support.
Cons: Quirky interface may be off-putting for some users.
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5. VSDC : Free Video Editor Available on Windows
VSDC is video editing software only available to Windows users.
The free version has a powerful set of features including color correction and audio editing.
The pro version costs $19.99 ony, and includes image stabilization, voice over support, and visual waveform. If you choose not to update to the pro version, then technical support costs $9.99 for one month, or $14.99 for a year.
Best for: Windows-based editing projects
Pros: Relatively straightforward to learn with many powerful features.
Cons: Technical support is not free; Windows only.
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