What is the Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac?

Choosing the right free video editing software for your Mac can be overwhelming, especially with the plethora of options available. This article will guide you through the decision-making process and help you find the best suited free software for your needs.

Understanding the Options

When it comes to free video editing software for Mac, there are several options to choose from. Let's explore the top contenders and their features in detail:

iMovie: Bundled with Your Mac

The default video editing software for Mac is iMovie. It comes pre-installed on your MacBook and is free to use. iMovie is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward, making it a great choice for beginners. However, it might not be sufficient for more advanced editing tasks. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

No more than one layer of b-roll or overlay images Primarily for titles and simple text additions Basic color correction features like brightness, contrast, saturation, and color temperature Widescreen format only for export; limited support for 1:1 or 9:16 aspect ratios

DaVinci Resolve: A Comprehensive Choice

For users seeking a more robust and powerful editing solution, DaVinci Resolve offers a free edition that is significantly more capable than other editors available. It has two versions: the commercial and free editions. The free version is highly recommended for those who need advanced features such as:

Advanced color grading and color correction tools Support for multiple social media aspect ratios via smart reframing Built-in dynamic link for real-time color grading in post

However, DaVinci Resolve is resource-intensive, so ensure your Mac has sufficient RAM and a powerful graphics card to handle its requirements.

Hitfilm Express: Special Effects and Artistry

If you are looking for a tool that offers plenty of special effects and artistic options, Hitfilm Express is a good choice. It excels in visual creativity but might have limitations in text and picture-in-picture features. These features are available through paid add-ons, which are relatively inexpensive at $20 per one-off package. Here are some key points:

Wide range of special effects Complex text and picture-in-picture options available through paid add-ons Use case primarily for social media videos (720p resolution)

You can supplement your free use with paid upgrades to enhance your video, exporting in higher resolutions as needed.

Lightworks Free and Avid Media Composer First: Alternatives with Limits

Lightworks Free and Avid Media Composer First are other options, but both come with limitations as free tools. Lightworks Free allows you to export up to 720p resolution, whereas DaVinci Resolve supports 4K, making it more versatile for high-quality video production. Here’s what you need to know:

Lightworks Free can only export up to 720p resolution Avid Media Composer First has some track limitations and is less popular among content creators due to its complexity While Avid Media Composer First is available for free, it may not be suitable for all users due to its complexity and track limitations

Open Source Options: Kdenlive, Shotcut, Openshot, and Olive

For those who prefer open-source software, there are several options, though they may not be as polished or optimized as commercial versions. These include:

Kdenlive Shotcut Openshot Olive

These tools are less polished and under-documented, but they can be a great choice for those looking for free alternatives with more advanced features.

VSDC (Windows Only)

VSDC is a powerful video editing tool that offers a free version, but it is only available for Windows. If you are using a Windows machine and require a tool that can handle a lot of text and overlay shapes, VSDC is an excellent choice. It functions similarly to PowerPoint on steroids.

Conclusion

The choice of the best free video editing software for Mac depends on your specific needs and the complexity of your projects. iMovie is great for beginners and basic editing, while DaVinci Resolve offers more advanced features and flexibility, though it requires more resources. Hitfilm Express and Lightworks Free are also excellent options for those who want more special effects and creative tools, albeit with some limitations. Open-source options like Kdenlive and Shotcut provide more advanced features, but they may require more familiarity and patience to use effectively. Finally, VSDC offers a powerful tool for Windows users who need a robust video editor.