Best Video Editing Software for Beginners Professionals Alike
If you're looking for a video editing software that can provide both ease of use and advanced capabilities, you'll be in for a treat. This article explores a variety of free and paid options that can serve as suitable alternatives to Windows Movie Maker and beyond. Whether you're a beginner starting out or a professional seeking more advanced tools, we'll guide you through the best options available.
Windows 10/11 Photos App for Basic Needs
The video editor that comes included in the Windows 10/11 Photos app is a good starting point for those who need basic editing functions. However, this software is quite limited compared to more advanced options. For those looking for more than just basic tools, I recommend exploring other options that offer more features.
PowerDirector and Its Limitations
For a while, I used PowerDirector by Cyberlink, which is a paid software. However, the company does not offer free upgrades, and there is no discount for users who have owned the software for more than 1 or 2 years. This practice can be frustrating, especially when the software has clear limitations. I needed to look for alternatives to fulfill my editing needs without incurring additional costs.
DaVinci Resolve - A Freemium Solution
DaVinci Resolve is a highly recommended alternative. It's free, yet still has a freemium model with some premium features available for a one-time fee. DaVinci Resolve offers more functionalities than PowerDirector and is highly flexible. I've been using it for 6 months, and I have no complaints, only wishes. The software is quite powerful, and learning all of its features to perfection takes time, but it's a comprehensive tool for both beginners and professionals.
HitFilm Express - A No-Hassle Option
HitFilm Express is another exceptional free option that supports a wide range of functionalities for social media. Unlike some free alternatives that offer watermarked exports until you pay, HitFilm Express is genuinely free. It can handle most tasks you might need for social media content, and even includes features for vertical video (e.g., for Instagram). While it might not be as advanced as DaVinci Resolve, it's a great choice for those who want a simple, no-frills editing solution.
Open-Source and Free Software for Absolute Beginners
For those who prefer software that is both free and open-source, there are several good options available:
Avidemux - Minimalist and Basic
Avidemux is the closest in simplicity to Windows Movie Maker. It is super basic, which means it might not be suitable if you want to perform actions such as adding b-roll, overlays, or mixing multiple audio tracks. Avidemux is excellent for beginners who need a very simple and intuitive interface. However, it may be too basic for more complex editing needs.
Shotcut - A Beginner-Friendly Timeline Editor
Shotcut is another great option for beginners. It supports a timeline-based editing workflow, making it easy to start with a single track and then add more as you become more comfortable. Shotcut has a comprehensive set of tutorials available, including a detailed series by Justin Brown from Primal Video. This free software is not only beginner-friendly but also supports advanced features such as proxy clips, which can help optimize the editing process for large video files.
Openshot - User-Friendly with Advanced Features
Openshot is an excellent choice for those who want a beginner-friendly workflow with advanced features. It supports unlimited tracks, making it suitable for projects with multiple audio and video layers. Openshot also has presets to help with effects and animations, which can be a huge time-saver for those new to video editing. This software strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality, making it a great choice for those who want to learn more as they progress.
Affordable Paid Alternatives
If you're willing to invest in a paid option, there are several affordable alternatives that are also user-friendly:
Movavi Video Editor
Movavi Video Editor is a multimedia software that offers a full suite of editing tools. It is suitable for both beginners and professionals, and it comes with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate. Whether you're editing family videos or creating professional content, Movavi Video Editor is a reliable choice.
VideoPad
VideoPad is another great option for those looking for an affordable video editing software. It offers a wide range of tools and effects, making it suitable for both simple and complex projects. VideoPad is user-friendly and includes features such as multi-track editing, color correction, and special effects, which can enhance your video content significantly.
AVS Video Editor
AVS Video Editor is a user-friendly video editing software that supports a wide range of features. It is suitable for both beginners and professionals and offers benefits such as easy-to-use interfaces and a robust set of tools. Whether you're editing family videos or professional content, AVS Video Editor can handle your needs.
Moving Forward - Intermediate to Advanced Options
If you're looking to upgrade your skills and invest in more advanced features, there are several intermediates and advanced options available:
Kdenlive and Olive
Kdenlive and Olive are both free options that are suitable for intermediate users. Both software offer a wide range of features and are open-source, meaning you can access the source code and continue to develop the software. If you're looking for a robust set of features and a strong community of users, Kdenlive and Olive are excellent choices.
VSDC and HitFilm Express
VSDC and HitFilm Express are both freemium software options that can cater to intermediate and advanced users. VSDC is known for its user-friendly interface and robust set of features, while HitFilm Express offers professional-grade effects and tools. These software options are great for those who want to push their skills to the next level and produce high-quality video content.
DaVinci Resolve - The Full Feature Set
DaVinci Resolve is technically a freemium software, but its free version is so full-featured that it's effectively free. It offers a comprehensive set of tools, making it a top choice for advanced users. DaVinci Resolve is used by professionals in the film and TV industry, and its capabilities extend far beyond simple editing to include color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production. Learning DaVinci Resolve can be a significant investment of time, but the long-term benefits can be substantial.
Lightworks
Lightworks is another freemium software that is suitable for advanced users. It offers a wide range of features and is used by professionals in the industry. While the free version of Lightworks has some limitations, the paid version offers a robust set of features that can help you produce high-quality video content.
Conclusion
When choosing a video editing software, it's important to consider your goals and experience level. Whether you're a beginner looking for a simple and user-friendly tool or a professional seeking advanced features, there is a software option that can meet your needs. By exploring the options outlined in this article, you can find the right tool to help you create the videos you want to produce.