Are you a beginner looking to edit videos but don’t know where to start? Are you a business owner in need of reliable video editing software to create engaging content for your brand? Look no further! We have curated a list of the six best video editing software designed with beginners and business owners in mind. Whether you want to enhance your YouTube channel, create promotional videos for your website, or produce high-quality content for social media, this article is here to guide you.
What is video editing?
Video editing is defined as the process of manipulating and rearranging video shots to create a cohesive and engaging narrative or visual content. It involves combining raw footage, audio, music, special effects, and graphics to produce a final polished video.
What are the key aspects of video editing?
Key aspects of video editing include:
- Cutting and Trimming: It can remove unnecessary footage by selecting the best takes, and arranging shots to create a seamless flow.
- Transitions: You can be able to add any type of transition between shots to create smooth visual connections and enhance the overall viewing experience.
- Audio Editing: Adjusting and synchronizing audio elements that include dialogue, music, and sound effects to complement the visual content.
- Color Correction: Enhancing or correcting the color and tone of the video to achieve a consistent and visually appealing look.
- Effects and Graphics: Incorporating special effects, animations, titles, and graphics to add visual interest and send your message out to anyone who wants to watch your video.
- Montage: Video editing can create sequences of rapidly edited shots to convey information, evoke emotions, and build tension.
- Rendering and Exporting: Once you are done editing the footage into one piece, you can process the edited video by creating a final file in a specific format suitable for distribution or sharing.
What Is video editing software ?
Video editing software refers to applications designed for manipulating and enhancing video footage. These tools provide a range of features that enable users to edit, arrange, and modify video content. Common functionalities include cutting and trimming clips, adding transitions, incorporating special effects, adjusting colors, and integrating audio.
Always have this at the back of your mind that video editing software plays a crucial role in transforming raw footage into polished, engaging videos. This system makes it a fundamental tool for content creators, filmmakers, or anyone who is involved in video production entirely.
Also Read: Top 5 Best Green Screen Software for Film & Video Makers In 2024
Factors to consider when choosing the best video editing software
When selecting the best video editing software for your needs, consider the following factors:
1. Skill Level: Choose software that aligns with your expertise. Some are more user-friendly for beginners, while others offer advanced features for professionals.
2. Platform Compatibility: You need to make sure that the software is compatible with your operating system (which could be Windows, Mac, and Linux), and that your computer meets its system requirements.
3. Editing Features: You have to assess the range of editing tools offered. Check out all the features like multi-track editing, special effects, transitions, color correction, and audio editing.
4. Workflow and Interface: Evaluate the software’s workflow and interface. A user-friendly design can enhance efficiency, especially if you’re new to video editing.
5. Performance and Speed: You should be able to consider the software’s performance, especially when you are working on more comprehensive and larger projects or high-resolution videos. Look for optimization features and real-time preview capabilities.
6. Export Options: Checking the supported export formats and options is very important. You have to ensure that it aligns with your intended distribution platform and project requirements.
7. Cost and Licensing: When it comes to the money aspect, you need to check the pricing model, whether it’s a one-time purchase, subscription, or free. Consider your budget – whether you are on a tight budget or not, and be able to evaluate the offers given by the software.
8. Support and Updates: You have to look for that particular software that receives regular updates and has a reliable support system. This ensures that there is more compatibility with new technologies and assistance when needed.
9. Integration with Other Software: If you use other tools or plan to collaborate, consider software that integrates well with your existing workflow or other applications in your toolkit.
10. Trial Versions: There is no better option for all users when they take advantage of trial versions or free versions when available. This allows users to test the software’s features and compatibility with their needs before making any future or serious commitment.
best beginner video editing software
Now that we have gotten an indept understanding of what video editing and video editing sofware is, Now let discuss the best video editing software for both beginners and experts;
1. Adobe Premiere Pro (our top pick)
Adobe Premiere Pro is regarded as the best video editing software for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, the software’s professional-grade features are a preferred choice for filmmakers, video editors, and content creators who are working on high-quality productions. Its provision comes with a comprehensive suite of tools for video editing, color correction, audio editing, and visual effects.
One of Premiere Pro’s standout features is its seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, such as After Effects and Photoshop. This integration allows for a smooth workflow, enabling users to easily move between different Adobe software and leverage a wide range of creative tools.
Premiere Pro has a good experience when it comes to flexibility, supporting various video formats, resolutions, and frame rates. Once you commence the usage of this software, there will be advanced audio editing capabilities that make it a one-stop solution for both video and audio post-production.
The real-time preview functionality of Adobe Premiere Pro allows users to see immediate results while editing, contributing to a more efficient and interactive editing process. Regular updates are also a guaranteed factor that ensures that it stays current with industry standards and emerging technologies.
While this prestigious video editing software comes with a subscription cost, its robust feature set, reliability, and widespread industry contribute to its high standard reputation as a top-tier video editing solution in the world.
Overall features:
- Easy for beginners and experts
- Consistency in updating it’s software
- Smooth integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- It’s quite expensive
Get Started Here: Adobe Premiere Pro
2. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve stands out as one of the best video editing software for several reasons. Firstly, its standout feature is its powerful color correction and grading capabilities, which are industry-leading. It’s the same tool used in Hollywood productions, emphasizing its professional-grade color correction features.
Secondly, there is no doubt that this software comes with a comprehensive and integrated approach to video editing. In addition to advanced editing tools, it has built-in audio post-production and visual effects capabilities – all available in a single platform. This can streamline the workflows, and reduce the need for switching between different software during your editing process.
If you are looking for ways to save costs, you can use the free version that comes with an extensive set of features. This makes it accessible to a broad user base. The free version comes with features that are been paid for like professional-grade color correction, audio post-production, and visual effects tools. All these features offer an impressive package without a significant financial investment.
The software’s constant updates and improvements show users that they are committed to staying at the forefront of industry standards and addressing user needs. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional editor or a beginner, DaVinci Resolve’s versatility, advanced features, and affordability contribute to its reputation as one of the best video editing solutions available for use today.
Overall features:
- It comes with the free version
- Easy to use for experts
- Free advanced creative tools
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners
Get Started Here: DaVinci Resolve
3. Final Cut Pro X
Final Cut Pro X is often considered one of the best video editing software due to its combination of advanced features, intuitive interface, and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. It stands out for several reasons:
This video editing software was specially designed for only macOS. They can leverage the hardware and software synergy for optimal performance. This is to ensure the utilization of Mac’s processing power and the provision of a smooth and responsive editing experience.
The user-friendly interface of Final Cut Pro X is an excellent feature because of its simplicity without compromising on functionality. It appeals to beginners and experienced editors and offers a streamlined workflow and smooth access to a different range of tools.
The utilization of background rendering and proxy workflows is to provide enhanced performance that allows users to work with high-resolution footage smoothly. Its rendering engine is optimized for quick exports which makes it a time-efficient choice for any video editor that is using this software.
The Magnetic Timeline feature simplifies that the editing process can be timely adjusted with any collisions of different clips. This helps to reduce the need for manual adjustments and enhances overall efficiency.
The software has installed powerful color grading tools that include support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) content. You should be aware that Final Cut Pro X supports different video formats and resolutions that makes it more versatile for various projects from web content to feature films.
Overall features
- Broad format
- Easy to use (for novices)
- Offer a good magnetic timeline
Cons
- Not many advanced features for top-notch video production
- Only used with Mac
Get Started Here: Final Cut Pro X
4. iMovie
iMovie boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to beginners. The drag-and-drop functionality simplifies editing, allowing users to create professional-looking videos without a steep learning curve.
iMovie can integrate into the Apple ecosystem in exchange for offering a consistent experience across Mac, iPhone, and iPad devices. Any ongoing project can easily be transferred between devices, enhancing flexibility and convenience for users who frequently switch between platforms.
Because of its simplicity, iMovie doesn’t compromise on any output quality. It supports all types of resolution videos and also offers various export options. This is to ensure all users can produce videos suitable for different platforms, including social media and streaming services.
While using this video editing software, there are available varieties of built-in templates and themes that make use of to leverage to enhance the visual appeal of their videos. This in particular is extremely useful for those who want to create polished videos without delving into advanced editing techniques.
iMovie is also able to offer some basic editing tools like cutting, trimming, and splitting clips. It also included some features that are still highly needed for beginners like green screen effects and picture-in-picture, catering to a range of creative needs.
Overall features
- Good editing tools
- Quality output
- Best used for beginners
- Built-in templates and themes
Cons
- Not much-advanced tools
- Only optimized for iOS and Mac users
- Not suitable for professional who makes movie production
Get Started Here: iMovie
5. Filmora
Filmora is considered one of the best video editing software for several reasons. Its user-friendly interface makes it particularly appealing to beginners and those without extensive editing experience. The drag-and-drop functionality, combined with a wide range of pre-built templates and effects, allows users to create polished videos without a steep learning curve.
Filmora has made provision for a comprehensive suite of editing tools, including basic cutting, trimming, and audio editing features. It has made offerings in terms of advanced options like color grading, motion tracking, and keyframing for any user who is looking to enhance their creative projects. The software can support a variety of video formats and resolutions that ensure compatibility with diverse sources and export requirements.
One notable strength of Filmora is its extensive library of royalty-free music, sound effects, and transitions. These are free and most video editing software are not able to hand it over to users for free. And because of this free stuff, it enables users to enhance their videos with professional audio elements easily. Additionally, regular updates on the software can introduce new features and improvements at any given time. This keeps the software current with evolving industry standards.
Filmora may not have the advanced capabilities of some professional-grade editing software, but its affordability, ease of use, and robust features make it a popular choice for hobbyists, vloggers, and content creators looking to produce high-quality videos without a steep learning curve.
Overall features
- Mostly used by creators and vloggers
- Offers free sound transition, video, and library of music
- Affordable to use
Cons
- Not many advanced capabilities and tools
- Not suitable for advanced video editors
Get Started Here: Filmora
6. Shotcut
One key advantage of Shotcut is its robust set of editing tools, allowing users to perform a wide range of tasks, from basic video cutting to more advanced editing techniques. It supports a variety of video formats and resolutions, providing versatility for different projects.
Let me keep it simple and short for you, Shotcut is free to use. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious users, and also for those who prioritize access to powerful editing tools without a financial barrier.
Furthermore, this video editing software has a user-friendly interface that makes it accessible for both beginners and more experienced editors (if they wish to use this software). Regular updates and a supportive community contribute to its continuous improvement so that users won’t run away from it – but there is still room for improvement in terms of their updating system.
Overall features
- Free to use
- Offers the basic setting for beginners
Cons
- No advanced options for video editing
- Not compatible with small computers and laptops
- Sometimes slows down the system
Get Started Here: ShotCut
FAQ
A: For beginners, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, iMovie, and Filmora are great options. These software programs offer user-friendly interfaces and extensive documentation to help beginners navigate the editing process smoothly.
Both iMovie and Filmora offer an intuitive and user-friendly experience, making them ideal for beginners. These options provide a simplified interface without compromising essential editing features. They also offer various tutorials and resources to assist beginners in mastering the software quickly.
Yes, DaVinci Resolve, HitFilm Express, and Filmora are all free video editing software options that provide a range of features suitable for beginners and professionals alike.
A: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, and DaVinci Resolve are all excellent choices for online business owners. These programs offer advanced editing capabilities and seamless integration with other software commonly used by online businesses.
Yes, the recommended software options are well-equipped to handle large files and high-resolution footage. Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, and Davinci Resolve are particularly suited to handle such demands. However, it is important to ensure that your computer meets the system requirements for each software to ensure optimal performance.
Conclusion
Actually, in terms of video editing software, it offers a diverse range of options catering to various needs and skill levels. For any professional who is seeking an industry-standard solution, Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro X is the best choice because of their advanced features and widespread usage. Let’s not forget that DaVinci Resolve also excels in combining professional color correction with robust editing capabilities. Whatever best suits your budget and skills is truly up to you.
Also Read: The 8 Best Closed Captioning Software In 2024 (Free & Paid)
Have you used any of the mention softwares? If yes, Share your experience with us in the comment section below. We’d love to hear from you! 💙 💙 💙
