When you search for the best video editing software for Mac, one too many results may show up. It might be overwhelming. Not to worry, we list down the 14 best video editing software.
What Makes A Good Video Editing Software For You?
A good video needs to be a flawless story experience. One that ropes the viewer in and keeps them watching till the very end. You need to know what you want to convey to your audience. You must select the best video editing software that you are comfortable with. You need to keep the editing style, audio, and export features in mind. Also, the important point is to decide how much you want to invest in your video editing course. These all points will help you decide what software you should install to edit and make impressive videos.
What Is iMovie And Is It Good?
iMovie is a Mac video editing software that comes pre-downloaded in Mac. It is pre-installed on all iOS and macOS devices. With iMovie, users can compile photos and videos into cinematic storytelling videos. Users get to be creative with various themes and templates. One of the most sort after features of iMovie is its green-screen feature or chroma key tool. You get to overlay scenes and place any character anywhere you want.
iMovie is a part of the Apple family and ties with iTunes and Garage band for seamless transfer of soundtracks. Once you are done editing your movie and are ready to transfer it, you can utilize one of the many ways available. You can release it on youtube, iMessage, and so on. Another reason why iMovie is so useful is that you can transfer your project between all apple devices seamlessly using AirDrop.
Why Use Alternative Video Editing Apps?
Even though Apple devices have pre-installed video editing software, iMovie might not have all the features you are looking to use. There are third-party apps available that have various elements that you may love. You can have download paid or free video editing software.
Is Downloading Free Video Editing Software Worth It?
If it fits the work you want to do, then yes, it can be worth it. Users have created exciting movies that impressed large crowds, using iMovie offered by Apple and an iPhone to create videos. There are many free video editing tools out there. You need to take into consideration the features they provide and if they match your workflow. Some free video editing software might ask you to make in-app purchases. Some put a watermark on the output file, and some tools don’t. You will have to search and research properly to find the best video editing tool for you.
Seven Free Best Video Editing Software For Mac
If you are starting your journey as a video editor and not looking to invest in a paid video editor app, you might want to try out these free video editing software. Free video editing apps are no less than paid editing apps. They have amazing features that will give you a flawless editing experience.
1. DaVinci Resolve
There are two versions of DaVinci Resolve, paid studio version and a free basic version. We will be discussing, of course, the free video editor version.
The basic version involves the same high-quality image-processing capabilities as the paid studio version. You also get a great video editor and color correction features.
Don’t we all want to get our work done faster? The software provides support for external hardware panels. These exterior hardware panels help to enable faster editing.
There are also cons to this video editing software. The first one is that the software can output in only UltraHD, HD, or SD. It might not be a problem for a lot of users. The second con is that it places restrictions on a few features. This is mainly so that the professional video editors update to the paid version.
If you are a beginner, then the DaVinci Resolve software will be a good start for you.
2. Shotcut
Shotcut is a free, open-source video editor. It has an impressive interface. The app allows you to edit in a wide range of video files and video formats. These formats include DNxHD, 4K, ProRes, and so on. Shotcut also makes for a seamless working experience with audio. It has an exciting list of video effects you can work with including, transitions and compositing. It also supports a flexible UI. Additional advanced features are three-way color correction, 5.1 surround sound system.
Our most favorite thing is filters. Shotcut has a wide range of video and audio filters. On the Shotcut site, you will find various video tutorials to help you get on track with the app. It allows beginners to get started on their video editing journey.
3. OpenShot
Openshot is also a free, open-source video editor app. However, compared to Shotcut, OpenShot’s interface is pretty outdated. OpenShot has been around since 2008. OpenShot’s feature list has since then grown significantly.
OpenShot now has features such as a wide range of formats and animation keyframes. They have an exciting and unlimited range of video and audio tracks. OpenShot also gives you features like transitions, and composting, and 3D titles. OpenShot is beginner-friendly. A con OpenShot possesses, it might freeze and crash. It is also buggy at times.
4. Avidemux
Avidemux is another free, open-source video editor software. Its features include simple tasks like cutting down the size of a video, transcoding, color correction, and using video or audio filers. Avidemux’s main features include that it supports AVI, ASF, MP4 formats. The second main feature is that it is based on H.264 encoder. It also supports various input and output formats such as DVD-compatible MFEG files, MOV, JPG, and so on.
The best feature of Avidemux is that it has no in-built purchases. Avidemux is also very beginner-friendly. It has video tutorials on its site for you to learn from, has a forum site where you can get your problems sorted.
5. Blender
Blender is a free video editing app used in high-profile productions. Although it is not a purpose-built editor, it is a capable non-linear video editor. It is an impressive tool if you take the time to learn it. Blenders’ features include cutting and splicing a video, mixing and syncing audio. You can also use adjustment layers, transitions, and audio or video filters.
Another con of Blender is that animation management is not flawless. It might not be best for long-form video editing. However, you can do basic editing. Blender is not beginner-friendly and will take you some time to learn.
6. Lightworks
Lightworks has both a free version and a premium version. The free version has a lot of restrictions. Although, it is a very powerful tool for video editing. Lightworks has features such as titles, multi-camera editing, various video effects, and a multi-layered timeline editing you would expect to see in an advanced premium editor tool.
Lightworks limitations include poor output options. For instance, you can export your project at 720p output to YouTube and 1080p output on Vimeo. The effect library is limited. Lightwork is a video editing software that you might want to use as a trial version completely. And then later upgrade to the premium version for a better experience use. Lightworks is more suitable for someone with video editing experience because it has a steep learning curve. It is good for the pros.
7. Kdenlive
Kdenlive is a free, open-source video editing software. Kdenlive has features like animations, keyframes, and video effects. It also has 2D titles you can incorporate into your videos. Favorable features include various video effects, time effects, slow motion, and unlimited audio files. Kdenlive supports dual video monitors, simple transitions, simple transactions, and many layouts that you can customize.
Kdenlive is a good video editing tool for anyone transferring from using basic editing tools to a little more advanced video editing tools. A con is that it updates very slowly. Overall, Kdenlive is a good editing software for the semi-pros.
Seven Paid Best Video Editing Software For Mac
If you spend hours editing a video, you might want video editing software that gives you a seamless experience. You don’t want to spend hours on video editing software that will make your process more complex. We list down some of the best video editing tools that will make editing a video fun. And be worthy of your money.
1. Final Cut Pro X
If you don’t want to stray away from apps provided by Apple and don’t want to use iMovie, you can use Final Cut Pro X. Final Cut Pro X’s features are multi-cam support, trackless timeline, and fast performance. The app also has libraries, tagging, ratings, and auto analysis for faces. One more awesome feature is it supports 360-degree video editing and HDR.
Of course, Final Cut Pro X comes with its own set of limitations. One main limitation is its pricing. It is definitely on the pricier side. The second limitation is that there is no video stabilization or motion tracking for 360-degree video footage. Also, one thing that may annoy the long-time editor is the non-traditional timeline editing. Final cut Pro X is not cut out for beginners. It may take a long time to learn and get a grip on editing in this software.
2. Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is another paid video editing software. It is one of the most used video editing tools by professionals. Features included are advanced editing and trimming tools, a straightforward interface, and automatic functionality. It is compatible with Creative Cloud. Adobe Premiere Pro supports 8K video editing and Virtual Reality editing. It also makes it easier for a team of editors to work on the same project simultaneously.
Adobe Premiere Pro also supports multi-cam editing, and its most amazing feature might be the Lumetri Color tool. It allows you to make color adjustments and changes that are on a similar level to Photoshop. It is a popular video editing tool with pro editors. Beginners, however, will require to learn it through videos or taking a course.
3. Power Director 365
Power Director 365 is a paid video editing tool. Power Director 365, compared to iMovie, has a lot of flexibility and control. On the other hand, it is not as advanced as Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere Pro.
Power Director 365 features include graphic titles, royalty-free music, intuitive interface, and multi-cam video editing. It also has features like 3D and 4K video editing, motion tracking, and screen recording. If you love shooting and editing videos in 360, this is one of the best tools in the market.
An additional feature is its fast exporting power. Nobody likes to wait once their work is done for a slow export process. Power Director 365’s con is that it has weak color matching. Since there are a variety of options, it can be quite overwhelming. It is relatively easy to learn and is beginner-friendly.
4. Corel Video Studio Ultimate
Corel Video Studio Ultimate is a video editing software that you have to pay for. Its feature includes 3D, 4K, or 360-degree virtual reality video editing. It also lets you do time remapping, video masking, motion tracking, multi-cam video editing.
Motion tracking is one of its most sort after features. They have added more features such as a highlight reel, upgraded color grading, and insert hand-drawn text or drawing with a paint creator. You get instant project templated with text overlays that you can use for social media posts also.
You can buy the pro version or the ultimate version. I would recommend waiting and buying when it’s at a discount. It is a one-time purchase, and no subscription is required. One small problem might be its speed. It is a bit laggy compared to other systems. It is user-friendly and beginner-friendly.
5. Filmora From Wondershare
Filmora is an amazing video editing tool. It has 4K editing, support for GIF, noise reduction, and color tuning. It lets you edit in a 1:1 square or 9:16 portrait without any black frame. The app enables you to import photos and videos directly from social media platforms like Facebook and so on. While Filmora does not have the amazing 3D title embossing feature as Apple Final Pro X, it has some cool title features.
One more wonderful feature that a beginner in video editing will love is the Easy Mode. It helps them create fun, elegant videos in a few steps. You can buy a lifetime subscription to Filmora or a yearly subscription.
6. InVideo
InVideo is a paid, cloud-based video editing tool. InVideo tool’s features include animation, closed captions, media library, over 4000 templates, and social media sharing. InVideo comes loaded with more than 9 million premium photos which also includes iStock images. The Best part is no watermark on the end video so, no hassle.
InVideo is beginner-friendly. They can choose from over 4000 templates to get them started and make editing easier for them. InVideo is not just for beginners and can be used for advanced editing as well. Users with experience in editing can start from scratch and edit their videos as they like. Surprisingly, even if you use the free version of InVideo, there are no watermarks on its videos. You can buy the business-monthly plan or the monthly unlimited plan. The business plan is cheaper than the monthly unlimited plan.
7. Adobe Premiere Elements
Adobe Premiere Elements is a paid video editing software. Its main features include video stabilization, Smart functions, and a load of effects you can select from. Adobe Premiere also has support for 4K video editing. It also has a simple interface that is helpful for people editing for fun or first-time video editors. Limitations of this video editing software are the availability of limited functions, and it gets laggy or slow when editing large files or many files at once.
Premiere Elements is a basic version. Meaning users who are editing videos for the first time will find this software easier to navigate. The artificial intelligence tool of the software will help you learn more about the editing process.
Why Choose Mac For Video Editing?
Macs since, the start of their time, have been associated with creative work. They are a graphic designer’s favorite device to work on. Although, Mac users had been a little disappointed a few years back because they felt Apple was only focusing on iOS devices. However, Mac remains to be the first choice of instrument for creative people. Here are your reasons to choose Mac for video editing:
1. Macs are the first choice for many video editors because of their great functionality and, they make the video editing process very easy. Graphic designers prefer Mac. Video editors also tend to choose Mac as their selected device to work on.
2. Macs are better for transferring larger files. Since the start of the video editing journey, we have come a long way and now editing HD and 4K videos. Editing such high-quality videos means dealing with bigger files. Transferring such large files can be difficult. Ports by Apple are a live saver. The Thunderbolt cable works wonderfully to share large files. The modern Thunderbolt is combined with USB-C ports and makes working even easier. It can transmit data at a rate of 40 Gbps.
3. Now, if you are an active Apple product user, you know that compatibility-wise, Apple products work well with each other the most. Meaning using a Mac will make it easier to connect to printers, mobiles, or other gadgets. Although, Apple has made some progress in terms of compatibility with PC. It is still not up to par.
4. Mac has always been focused on bringing forward the best color and font elements to attract creative users. It has excellent color standards for both video and print design. Mac also offers font standardizations and, users can benefit a lot from it.
5. Macs are user-friendly. They have always had the best interest of their users. Macs make workflow easy with smooth functions and features. If you purchase a Mac, you already get iMovie pre-installed. It is one of the most basic and easiest video editing tools to use. Apple is always bringing out new updates to make the work of users much easier.
How To Decide What Video Editing Apps To Download?
We all know to some extent, the basics of editing, which include trimming, joining, and exporting the final piece. These features you will find in all types of simple video editing software.
Now, if you are starting your video editing journey, the best video editing software for you might be the ones with templates. It will help you learn as well as make it easier for you to navigate your way through.
For the pros, it might be a little bit difficult to make a decision. However, the simplest thing you can do is choose your editing software based on the types of videos you want to edit. Make a pros and cons list to help you decide.
Another important thing while deciding on your video editing software is the audio. Most Mac editing software allows you to incorporate background music, sound effects, voice-overs, and so much more. You can help yourself decide based on the types of audio and the results of audio you want.
Last but not least is the output step of video editing. It is necessary to look thoroughly if the software supports the type of output you intend for your video. Some users may want to export the end product directly on social media like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and so on. Others may want to share 4K and HD videos privately or share through USB or DVD. Keeping all these criteria in mind, one should decide what video editing software fits them the best.
We have listed the top video editing software that you can download. You can either purchase them or download the free video editing software based on your preference. We hope this helped you in your video editing journey.
Last Updated on September 22, 2021 by Icy Tech Team
