13 Best Video Editing Software (Ultimate Guide)

It is a known fact that videos make story-telling more imparting and interesting.

This is why video editing is a very interesting and crucial process that almost everyone goes through in order to make a perfect or almost-perfect video.

When making a video, everyone wants to make theirs very presentable and captivating. One thing is sure; most of the best and most creative content comes from the post-production stage.

A lot of people want to successfully edit their videos in the best way they can, but are unable to because there are a myriad of video editing software out there.

While having good content is nice, how well you edit this content, determines how hooked your audience would be. This is because video editing provides special effects for your videos.

So I am going to try to help navigate you towards the best video editing software that is suitable for your needs, workflow, and your budget.

Best Video Editing Software

1. Adobe Premiere Elements

It is a very popular video editing software, and arguably one of the best. As the name suggests, it was published by Adobe Systems.

It was created for beginners in editing. So, it is very user-friendly. It is one of the best video editing software for Mac and for Windows. It allows amateurs to create amazing videos, and share them with whomever they please.

It is basically a watered-down version of the Adobe Premiere Pro. It was initially released in September 2004, and quickly gained relevance for its easy-to-use features.

We would get down to these features soon. This version of Adobe System provides step-by-step guides on how to successfully edit videos without much stress.

It just goes to show that you don’t need to be a pro to make your videos inviting. Users spend less time looking for certain clips because the software organizes and sorts videos according to date.

This version has so many amazing and eye-catching features. Let’s get into them:

Key Features of Adobe Premiere Elements Video Editing Software:

• Intelligent Editing Feature: This feature combines two videos together to capture related events. Basically, the user gets the opportunity of putting together, videos that are similar. It, therefore, helps users keep their best scenes in a particular video. It provides for automation in video editing. It helps to analyze footage for action.
• Candid Moment Feature: This feature allows users to grab a still from a video. That scene or moment is turned into a photo and kept. It is basically “immortalized.” One gets the chance to create a picture out of any video scene of their choice. When the photo is made, it is then kept.
• Effects Tools: This is another really cool feature. It helps to separate videos from audio, edit them individually before rejoining them. They also help to saturate gradient and color, which can be used to add watermarks to your videos.
• Transitions and Present Trim: Have small thumbnails that explain how each works. You don’t need to drag them on your timeline. The Present Trim consists of three preset: People, action, and a combination of both. This feature searches the scene for people, as well as activities being performed by these people.
• Insertion Features: These are options in the Edit part, which insert images, texts, or effects. This is where we create the sequence of the video clips, and also where we distribute them.

Pros:

• Very beginner-friendly: Specifically created for amateurs, it provides for an easy editing environment for people who are just looking for standard video editing software, and not something too over-board, with complicated features.
• Easy to use: The menus are set up in a way that is very easy to make changes. It is very easy to implement. The transitions work very well, and the Help Section has pictures and step-by-step directions that help to clear any doubt or confusion in the user’s mind.
• Easily accessible: With its amazing and simple features, anyone can easily access it, ranging from freelancers to big organizations. This creates a wide range of audience that would be easily attracted to using it.

Cons:

• It lacks many features needed for advanced editing, which are available in the Adobe Premiere Pro. This is one of the reasons why it is seen as the watered-down version. You cannot use it for advanced effects and animations. They have very few control and tools, and so, the availability of shortcuts is terribly limited. For example, you cannot do CMYK color processing on it.
• Little opportunities for advancement when learning new skills. This is obviously due to limited features. If you are trying to learn new skills. You cannot upgrade your skills much while using this version. This is because it is narrowly restricted to amateur consumers.
• It can be a bit slow although this depends on your system type.

System Requirements for Adobe Premiere Elements Video Editing Software:

It’s very important to make sure the specs of your computer is compatible with the video editing software.

As you already know, Premiere Pro is compatible with Windows and macOS platforms only but, let’s go further and find out the minimum and recommended system requirements for the smooth and efficient running of this software.

Minimum Requirements for Windows and Mac

• Processor: Intel 6th generation or AMD equivalent with SSE4 support
• Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit only) version 1903 or better is the minimum requirement and macOS 10.14 or macOS 11
• RAM: 8GB of RAM
• HDD: 6.9GB free hard disk space for software installation
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 800 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: DirectX12 compatible with 2GB of GPU VRAM
• Internet: Internet connection is needed for activation of product and for downloading content.

Recommended Requirements for Windows and Mac

• Processor: Intel 7th generation or AMD equivalent with SSE4 and AVX support
• Operating system: Windows 10 (64-bit edition) and Mac OS 10.14 through MacOS 11
• RAM: 16GB+ (32GB recommended for 4K media)
• HDD: 10GB+ needed to download optional content
• Screen Resolution: 1280 x 800 resolution
• Graphics card: 4GB of VPI VRAM
• Internet: Required for product activation and to download content and updates.

Inasmuch as its’ simplicity is beneficial, some user reviews from more advanced, professional video editors often think it is too basic.

This makes the software less refreshing as the features get easily and quickly explored, unlike much other software that provides a wide range of video editing features.

On the bright side, this familiarity with the tools and ease in exploration is exactly what you need if you’re a beginner or intermediate photo editor, and let’s do well to remember that that was Adobe’s intention when developing this software.

Pricing:

Subscription to the Adobe Premiere Elements costs a one-off fee of $69.99, or $79.99 if you upgraded from a previous version.

2. Davinci Resolve

It was originally published by da Vinci Systems in 2004 before it was subsequently developed by Blackdesign systems in 2009.

It is one of the best video editing software for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It is a non-linear editing software.

It has amazing designs that make it very suitable for digital producers.

This software also has really captivating features. It has the Cut Page. This is a very significant feature because it allows you to work faster. You can use this to make quick edits, especially when you have to meet deadlines.

You can also import your image straight to the Cut Page, instead of using first using the Media Page.

It also has a Node-Based Workflow. You can copy a particular node to another, color them, and organize them however you want.

These nodes are of different types: Serial nodes, parallel nodes, and Parallel mixers, outside nodes. These all help with the color grading process.

Professional Editing Tools are also available here. From the name, you can tell that it helps you to edit your videos, especially as a pro.

It enhances your chances of improving your video editing skills, as it provides a myriad of editing options you can select from, to make your videos appear more interesting and captivating to whoever is watching.

This software has really great features ranging from project notes which help you jot down important or key things you need for projects, to Looping Customizable Ranges, which help you add an in and out point in the Color Page timeline.

Key Features of Davinci Resolve Video Editing Software:

• Power Grades: They are basically saved looks. They are shortcuts that you can use to quickly execute looks. They are very useful and time-saving. After the nodes have been copied, colored, and organized, and you want to paste them to another video clip, when you can grab a still and put it in your gallery, you can access or reach all the nodes attached to that still. You can take the still and drag the still to your Power Grades. These are very important functions the Power Grades carry out.
• Frame io Integration (Studio Version): This can be enabled by going to the Internet Accounts Panel which is in the System Tab of your Davinci Resolve Preferences. This platform also allows you to upload and share videos.
• Quick export: This is a new feature found in the Davinci Resolve 16. It can be done from the Cut and Edit page. You have several presets to choose from. You can even decide to create your own presets by selecting “presets” in the Quick Exports submenu.
• Multi-cam editing feature: that you can use when working with multiple cameras. Your clips can be synchronized with this feature. This can be done using in/out points, and also sounds, which greatly helps to save time.

Pros:

• It is user-friendly.
• It has a free version which does most of the things that you can get on the paid version. You have access to several features that you can use to make some of the best videos, without having to pay or subscribe to it.
• Great for quick video edits: This helps to save a lot of time that would have been spent doing tiring and redundant work. This software provides efficient and effective tools that aid in editing videos with speed.

Cons:

• It does not have sufficient learning tutorials. While it is largely user-friendly, it is not tailored for beginners. So, you may have trouble navigating your way around some areas of this software, if you are an amateur.
• It is an intense program: If your computer is not up to spec, it may be slow to use. It, therefore, requires certain kinds of systems, for it to work effectively and efficiently.

System Requirements for Davinci Resolve Video Editing Software:

Davinci Resolve is available across all platforms. Find out if your current computer system is up to the task or if you’d need a new one to make use of this software.

Minimum Requirements for Windows, Mac and Linux

• Processor: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
• Operating System: Windows 8.1 or better
  Mac OS Yosemite or newer versions
  Linux CentOS 6.6 or better
• RAM: 16GB of RAM
• HDD: 512GB minimum SSD or internal flash storage (for mac)
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 800 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: AMD or CUDA compliant GPU with 4GB of VRAM
• Internet: No internet connection needed.

Recommended Requirements for Windows, Mac and Linux

• Processor: Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9
• Operating System: Windows 10, versions 1903 and better
  Mac OS 10.5
  Linux CentOS 6.6 or better
• RAM: 32GB of RAM
• HDD: 512GB minimum SSD or internal flash storage (for mac) and direct-attached RAID or NAS RAID (10GbE)
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 800 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: AMD or CUDA compatible GPU with 8GB of VRAM
• Internet: No internet connection needed.

Pricing:

While the Davinci Resolve has a free version, the Davinci Resolve Studio version costs $299.

3. Adobe Premiere Pro

It was first launched in 2003 by Adobe. It is a software that provides great features for both beginners and professionals.

It is one of the best video editing software for macOS and one of the best video editing software for Windows. It allows you to edit videos however you want. It adjusts colors, and it applies transitions and effects.

It is equipped with significantly more features than Adobe Premiere Elements. Also, the software is able to successfully capture from tape, using Shuttle transport, scene detection, and others. It has four edit types: The ripple, roll, slide, and the slip.

It is a touch-friendly software which allows you to move clips around with literally just your fingertips.

This software has a very nice and very flexible interface. It requires a minimum of 8gig of RAM. This software is constantly being updated. The Adobe Premiere Pro is extremely powerful and capable.

Also, it is one of the best video editing software. Why this is a very good pro, is because it helps you to create the visual organization in your timeline. This is done using sixteen label colors, trimming makes your work more accurate, and multi-cam editing helps you to be able to work with multiple cameras.

The Adobe Premiere Pro also possesses cross-system compatibility. You can edit with the software, on a Mac, and send to a friend who has a PC. This software is therefore really accommodating to people with multiple computers.

This software has a lot of really cool features.

Key Features of Adobe Premiere Pro Video Editing Software:

• Final Cut: The Final Cut has some inventive tools that help in making work easier for editors. It does this through the use of Connected Clips and other efficient tools.
• Startup View: This view helps you search Adobe Stock, and helps you to locate projects you have been working on, in a very short time. It can also be in new projects. This just goes to show that the software is well-equipped to help make work easier for you.
• Scene Edit Detection: This is another great feature of this software. It enables video editors to quickly and more accurately find cuts in videos that have been previously edited. The feature adds cuts and markers which allow users to add effects to single unedited frames.
• 3D Transformation Gizmos: With this feat here, one can quickly and spontaneously locate scenes. This helps with ease of use for the editor. With this, you can switch between gizmo modes if you wish to focus on a particular task.
• Graphics templates effects.
• Shared and simultaneous projects.

Pros:

• Responsive speed: What this means is that you can quickly edit and make adjustments to your unedited and edited clips, respectively. The Final Cut is a great example of one of these amazing features that make work faster and more enjoyable, as well as efficient, for video editors.
• It also has great organizational tools. These tools help you to organize video clips in the ways you find suitable. When they are easily organized, you can easily locate them. Because of these tools, your video editing process is sped up, because you do not have to face unnecessary stress locating your videos.
• It has really good professional video editing tools. Due to these tools, professional editors can edit their videos with the advanced features available. It also enables you to reach high potentials in your video editing skills, as a result of its advanced editing tools that sharpen your skills.

Cons:

• Understanding the functionalities of the software can be tasking and confusing sometimes. This is because the software is not particularly tailored for amateurs. So, not everyone can easily understand the way some of the features work. It is mostly suited for professionals. Because of this, beginners may experience some stress trying to navigate their way through the software. The learning curve is very disappointing.
• It requires a lot of memory. This is highly problematic, because, if you lack sufficient storage, the software may be very slow. This could make you lose interest in the software, or find it stressful to use, as the features would become slower to use.
• It is not very affordable and like some other great video editing software, you have to actually pay to get access to its interesting features.

System Requirements for Adobe Premiere Pro Video Editing Software:

It’s very important to make sure the specs of your computer is compatible with the video editing software.

Premiere Pro is compatible on Windows and macOS platforms only but, let’s go further and find out the minimum and recommended system requirements for the smooth and efficient running of this software.

Minimum Requirements for Windows and Mac

• Processor: Intel 6th generation 64-bit multi-core processor
• Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit only) version 1903 or better is the minimum requirement and macOS 10.14 or macOS 11.
• RAM: 8GB of RAM
• HDD: 8GB free hard disk space for software installation
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 800 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: DirectX12 compatible with 2GB of GPU VRAM
• Internet: Internet connection is needed for activation of product and for downloading content and updates.

Recommended Requirements for Windows and Mac

• Processor: Intel 7th generation or AMD FX
• Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit only) version 1903 or better is the minimum requirement and macOS 10.14 or macOS 11
• RAM: 16GB of RAM
• HDD: 16GB free hard disk space (because of additional space required during installation)
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 800 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: DirectX12 compatible with 4GB of GPU VRAM
• Internet: Internet connection is needed for activation of product and for downloading content and updates.

Furthermore, while the Graphics Panel is really good, it still requires a lot more work. There is a need for more templates to be made.

It’s important to have a very powerful computer; one that meets the requirements above or else you may experience some difficulty while using the software such as crashes if projects get too intensive.

Pricing:

Subscription to Adobe Premiere Pro is $20.99 per month if you wish to pay for an annual plan, and $31.49 if you want to pay on a month-to-month basis.

4. Final Cut Pro X

This software is a very powerful software and was released on June 21, 2011.

It is one of the best video editing software for Mac. This software is a non-linear video editing software. It is a 64-bit app capable of using CPU cores.

It succeeded the Final Cut Express which was actually released in 2003 but was subsequently discontinued. It is a software that is extended to professionals involved in films and stream media.

It is very essential to create professional-looking video clips.

The Final Cut Pro X has some really interesting features. Let’s check them out:

Key Features of Final Cut Pro X Video Editing Software:

• Precision Editor: To be able to use this, you are to double-check on the gap between video clips. An extended view will pop up, then you can grab the markers. It is a very simple and non-stressful process.
• Save Effects: This is used after color grading, placing all the effects that you want in that video clip, and you have several effects lined up which you feel you may need in the future. By pressing the Save Effects as presents, you will be able to save all the different settings you used in the video clip, and you will be able to use them in the future if you want to. You would not need to place the effects again from the beginning. This is apparently very time-saving.
• Multi-cam editing is another amazing feature. This feature allows you to successfully edit videos to your satisfaction, using multiple cameras. This is especially great for people who have multiple computers.
• The Color Correction Effect can grade your videos with ease and with speed. You can also view multiple video scopes. You can save any of the effects as presets to easily use in the future.

It also features:

• Text and Graphic tools.
• Easily applicable filters, create 2D and 3D effects.

Pros:

• Fast delivery: Using this software, you can quickly complete your videos with ease, due to the processing power of multicore and multithread machines.
• It has a useful auto-save feature: This amazing feature enables the software to save your work from time to time. You do not have to worry about having to lose work, because you did not save them. The auto-save feature ensures that your work is saved without necessarily having to save it yourself. This is not only impressive but very comforting.
• Very user-friendly: This is because, you can easily navigate your way around the software, and you can easily learn how each feature works. You have easy-to-access controls, and they aren’t all hidden away in menu structures. The amazing thing about this feature is that it is also very good for professional editors. The features that are hidden, are more advanced, so, you may not need to use them, as a beginner. This software accommodates both beginners and professionals.
• Great pricing model: Instead of paying monthly or annually, you only get to pay a one-time fee, and you get unrestricted access to the features in the software. Also, you do not have to worry about update payments, as those are already covered for, in your one-time payment.
• It has stability: What this means is that, crashes rarely ever occur in this software. This is unlike a lot of other software that crashes way too many times.
• It has plugin expansion: So, you can import third-party plugins. This applies to both free and paid plugins.
• It has great organizational tools: Users can easily locate videos whenever they want. You do not have to go digging deep into files looking for them.
• Also, it has a fast performance, depending on the type of computer you are using. For some computers, it can be so fast, so that your work is done faster, and with more ease.

Cons:

• No cloud-based functionality. As a result of this, it is difficult to share files with other editors, regardless of whether or not they are using Mac and/or using Final Cut Pro. The editor(s) you are collaborating with, may not even have the same plugin, and this is problematic.
• It is only compatible with Macs. If you are working with other users, they must be using Mac, to be able to edit and successfully share files.
• There is an issue of integration and motion. In order to successfully create a video effect, you have to take your footage out into motion, create your effect, then import it back into Final Cut Pro, rather than being able to open up the clip inside logic or motion.

System Requirements for Final Cut Pro Video Editing Software:

Available only on Apple platforms, here are the system requirements:

Minimum Requirements for Mac

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or later
• Operating System: macOS 10.14.6 or later
• RAM: 4GB of RAM
• HDD: 3.8GB free hard disk space for software installation
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 800 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: 1GB of GPU VRAM recommended for advanced features like 4k editing. Graphics card must be metal capable.
• Internet: Internet connection is needed for some features.

Recommended Requirements for Mac

• Processor: Intel Quad-Core i5 or more
• Operating System: macOS 10.15.6 or later
• RAM: 8GB+ (32GB preferably) of RAM
• HDD: 200GB free hard disk space
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 800 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: At least 2GB of GPU VRAM recommended for advanced features like 4k editing. Graphics card must be metal capable
• Internet: Internet connection is needed for activation of product and for downloading content.

Pricing:

The pricing for Final Cut Pro X is $299, and it is a one-time payment fee.

5. Apple iMovie

It was created by Apple Incorporation and is one of the best video editing software on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS.

It was released in the year 1999. It is particularly suited for Apple users who wish to make and edit really good videos with their devices.

With this great video editing software, you can easily make and edit videos to share with families, friends, and other people. It can be played directly from your Apple device to a screen. It is also very user-friendly.

The Apple iMovie has some really nice features and benefits: it can successfully edit and organize clips. It does so by trimming out unwanted parts, editing the scenes, and synchronizing the audio to the video.

Key Features of Apple iMovie Video Editing Software:

• Precision Editor: This feature helps to widen or expand the view, so as to show you the parts of the video clips before and after editing.
• Source Panel: one of its fine features; video clips are trimmed here, before entering them into the project.
• Freeze-frame: This is another really great feature. It is applied with a click, and the time of the freeze can be adjusted. You can decide to choose fast or slow.
• Clip Filters, which include: X-ray, Sci-Fi, duotone, and many others.
• Other features include: Lens flare, video speed change, video effects and transitions, crop and rotate video clip, and real-time titling.

Pros:

• It has a very simple interface. This makes it easy for amateurs to easily navigate their way around the software application, without having to worry about how to use what tools. All the qualities needed to create really amazing videos are available on this software and are easy to identify and use.
• As a user, you can easily share their movies through iCloud Drive, social media, airdrop, and other video-sharing media.
• You can easily make Hollywood-style trailers. It enables you to select the best videos for your trailer, with the use of animated drop zones. You can also customize casts and credits.

Cons:

• Trying to import mp4 files to edit them, is a complicated process. It has to convert to H.264 codecs.
• It does not have the sufficient capabilities of a full video editor.
• It is limited to Mac and iOS only.

System Requirements for Apple iMovie Video Editing Software:

iMovie is available exclusively to Mac Operating system and these are the requirements:

Minimum Requirements for Mac

• Processor: intel core processor with 1GHz or faster
  Operating System: MacOS X, MacOS 10.3.9 are the minimum OS
• RAM: 256MB of RAM
• HDD: 200MB free hard disk space for software installation
• Screen Resolution: 1024 x 768 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: Inbuilt graphics card
• Internet: Internet connection is needed for activation of product and for downloading content.

Recommended Requirements for Mac

• Processor: intel core processor with 1GHz or faster with HDV support
  Operating System: macOS 10.4.4 and above is recommended
• RAM: 512MB of RAM
• HDD: 4GB+ free hard disk space
• Screen Resolution: 1024 x 768 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: Inbuilt graphics card
• Internet: Internet connection is needed for activation of product and for downloading content.

Pricing:

For a tool this powerful and a favorite amongst Apple product users, the iMovie software is completely free.

6. Cyberlink PowerDirector 18

It is one of the best video editing software for Windows users. It is an intuitive user interface that allows you to make use of a great stock library. This software is convenient for all classes of users.

Key Features of Cyberlink PowerDirector Video Editing Software:

The Cyberlink PowerDirector 18 has a lot of cool features that qualify it as one of the best video editing software. They include:

• Motion Graphic Titles: You start with a preset, and then you use the software menus to customize and apply the title to the video timeline.
• Shape Designer: This feature allows you to animate vector objects and apply titles to these objects. You can do this with autofit text and keyframe controls. You animate objects by customizing the scale, position, and rotation of the objects.
• 4k Video Editing: You can directly import and export 4K video on the timeline. This requires an advanced Windows box.

Pros:

• Fast Rendering: People using this software, will attest to the fact that it speeds up your video editing process. This enables you to meet up your deadlines.
• It has a very clear interface: The features are readily made available, so you do not have to stress yourself looking for the right tools or effects to apply to your videos, because they are organized in a way that would make you easily locate them. This makes it not only convenient for professional editors, but also amateurs who may have problems navigating their way through other software.
• It has a lot of effects: This software contains robust tools and effects that would help you edit your videos to your satisfaction.
• It is equipped with Multicam editing: So, you can edit your videos using more than one device.

Cons:

• Overwhelming to use: the number of tools and effects options can make the interface overwhelming. Due to the almost endless number of tools, users, especially amateurs, might have a hard time selecting what tools to use or what options to choose from, when editing a video.
• Some of the plugin features can be hard to find, once installed. There have been complaints that the features are a bit hidden and therefore difficult to locate.

System Requirements for Cyberlink PowerDirector Video Editing Software:

It is available only on the Windows platform, here are the minimum and recommended requirements:

Minimum Requirements for Windows

• Processor: Intel Core i-series or AMD Phenom II and above
• Operating System: Windows 7, windows 8/8.1 (64-bit versions only)
• RAM: 4GB of RAM
• HDD: 6.9GB free hard disk space
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 800 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: 128MB VGA VRAM or higher
• Internet: An Internet connection is needed for activation of the product and for downloading subsequent updates.

Recommended Requirements for Windows

• Processor: Intel Core i-series or AMD Phenom II and above
• Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit versions only)
• RAM: 8GB of RAM
• HDD: 16GB free hard disk space
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 800 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: 1GB+ VRAM.
• Internet: An Internet connection is needed for activation of the product and for downloading subsequent updates.

Pricing:

The Cyberlink PowerDirector is $19.99 per month. However, there is a free trial.

7. Pinnacle Studio

Pinnacle Studio is another great video editing software. It was developed by Pinnacle Systems.

With this software, you can successfully capture, edit, and share videos within a short period of time. It has an intuitive user interface. It is modern, well-organized, and very efficient.

Key Features of Pinnacle Studio Video Editing Software:

• Project Bin: This feature helps you organize your assets in one location. You can quickly access your saved projects, as well as your files. When you create a new project bin, you can give a name. Then, Pinnacle Studio creates a new project bin to be situated at the end of the project bin list. You need would then need to select the Import Function of your choice, and select the video footage you would need to add to the project bin.
• Effect Compositions: This is particularly great for people who use the same effects for two or more videos. After applying the effects for your video and making any changes or modifications, click on the Save icon, then you will be able to retrieve the same effect from the Effect Compositions and apply it to a subsequent video(s).
• Trim Video Feature: To successfully trim your video by removing parts at the beginning or end, click and drag to where you want it to end. You could split and delete the part you want to remove, by clicking on the Dustbin icon or pressing the Delete key on the keyboard.
• Movie Templates: Movie Templates allow you to create movie or project templates on your timeline. This is so as to quicken workflow.
• Split Video feature: To split a video into two different parts, you would start with your clip on the timeline, then move the scrubber to the part you want to cut. Go up, then select the Split Clip icon.
• Motion tracking is also available. You can get to this, by either right-clicking on the track, or by double-clicking on the clip in the timeline to open the Effects window.
• Other features include Morph transitions, 360 video editing, 3D Title Editor, paint effects, multicamera video editing.

Pros:

• It has an intuitive user interface. You can streamline your workplace, due to the detachable panes that give you more control over editing parameters.
• It has a multi-cam module: This helps you combine multiple video clips, gives you smooth transitions and video results.

Cons:

• Motion tracking is limited.

System Requirements for Pinnacle Studio Video Editing Software:

Pinnacle Studio is available only on the Windows platform. Here are the requirements for running the application on your computer:

Minimum Requirements for Windows

• Processor: Intel Core i3 or AMD A4 3.0 GHz or higher
• Operating System: Windows 7, Windows 8(64 bit) can be used
• RAM: 4GB of RAM
• HDD: 8GB free hard disk space for software full installation
• Screen Resolution: 1024 x 768 resolution
• Graphics card: 256MB VGA VRAM
• Internet: An Internet connection is needed for activation of the product, downloading updates, and registration.

Recommended Requirements for Windows

• Processor: Intel Core i3 or AMD A4 3.0 GHz or higher
• Operating System: Windows 10(64 bit) is recommended
• RAM: 8GB of RAM (recommended for multicamera)
• HDD: 16GB: 8GB free hard disk space for software full installation plus extra space for use
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 800 resolution
• Graphics card: 512MB VGA VRAM.
• Internet: An Internet connection is needed for activation of the product, downloading updates, and registration.

Pricing:

The pricing for Pinnacle Studio is $59.95.

8. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate

Corel VideoStudio Ultimate is another really good video editing software. It is an intuitive customer video editing software.

It was recently upgraded in 2020. It has a very simple and clear interface and also has very robust video editing software.

Key Features of Corel VideoStudio Ultimate Video Editing Software:

The newly upgraded version (VideoStudio X10), has some really eye-catching features.

• Upgraded color grading: This contains a new color panel that has color wheels.
• Photoshop-like blending modes: In order to make overlays, you can now choose Multiply, Overlay, screen, and many others.
• 4k monitor support: This software has been adjusted and optimized to look better in these high-DPI displays.

Pros:

• It has fast rendering: This software allows you to quickly edit videos and share them with your family, friends, and other people.
• Very easy to use: The newly upgraded version of this software. This is because of the great features that make it easy to navigate, even for beginners. The multi-cam editing is one feature that especially makes work easier and more convenient for users.
• You can easily export: When you’re d editing your video, this software makes it very easy and convenient to easily share the finished footage to places like social media, or even save it to DVD or Blu-ray.

Cons:

• The software is limited to Windows, and so, people using other devices cannot make use of the software to edit and share their own videos.
• It is not very affordable.
• It usually takes a moment to open the software application, and while that is going on, the Corel logo remains on the screen. This stops you from doing anything else on your computer for that moment of time.

System Requirements for VideoStudio Ultimate Video Editing Software:

It’s very important to make sure the specs of your computer is compatible with the video editing software. As you already know, VideoStudio Ultimate is available only on the Windows platform.

Minimum Requirements for Windows

• Processor: Intel Core Duo 1.83 GHz processor or AMD Dual Core 2.0 GHz processor
• Operating System: Windows 7, Window XP, Windows Vista, Windows 8 (32 an 64-bit versions)
• RAM: 2GB of RAM
• HDD: 6.9GB free hard disk space for software installation
• Screen Resolution: 1024 x 768 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: 1GB of GPU VRAM.
• Internet: Internet connection is needed for activation of product and for downloading content.

Recommended Requirements for Windows

• Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, or AMD Phenom II X6 or X8Operating System: Windows 7, Window XP, Windows Vista, Windows 8 (64-bit versions)
• RAM: 4GB of RAM
• HDD: 6.9GB free hard disk space for software installation
• Screen Resolution: 1024 x 768 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: 2GB of GPU VRAM.
• Internet: Internet connection is needed for the activation of product and for downloading content.

Pricing:

Pricing for Corel VideoStudio Ultimate is $49.99, although there is a Free Trial period.

9. Blender

Blender is free and open-source software that’s developed and updated by the Blender Foundation and community.

It serves a handful of functions including video editing although it is most popularly known for its flawless 3D computer graphics program.

Despite video editing not being the main feature of this software, it has risen to popularity amongst Photo editors as well.

Thanks to its’ built-in video sequence editor and a variety of other useful editing tools, Blender is a great choice for performing basic editing actions to your videos, and even better; it has good support across Mac, Linux, and Windows Platforms which is not very common amongst many video editing software.

Key Features of Blender Video Editing Software

• Waveform visualization
• Live preview
• Audio mixing, syncing, and scrubbing
• Layers, transitions, and filters.

Pros:

• Open source and free
• Intuitive timeline
• Easy to understand workflow
• User-friendly interface.

Cons:

• Incapable features for exporting videos
• Not recommended for simple tasks.

Blender is not essentially designed for only video editing and offers so much more than that. Some of those features include:

• 2D and 3D design
• Animation
• Powerful simulation tools
• Extensive modeling toolset.

System Requirements for Blender Video Editing Software:

It is very important to make sure the specs of your computer is compatible with the video editing software.

Blender is available across all major platforms; Windows, Mac, and Linux. Let’s go further and find out the minimum and recommended system requirements for the smooth and efficient running of this software.

Minimum Requirements for Windows, Mac, and Linux

• Processor: 64-bit Dual Core 2GHz with SSE2 support
• Operating System: Windows 7, 8.1, 10
  MacOS 10.13 and above
  Linux
• RAM: 4GB of RAM
• HDD: Negligible; no installation is needed for Blender
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 768resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: 1GB VRAM with OpenGL 3.3.
• Internet: None is required.

Recommended Requirements for Windows, Mac, and Linux

• Processor: 64-bit quad or eight-core CPU with SSE2 support
• Operating System: Windows 7, 8.1,10
  MacOS 10.13 and above
  Linux
• RAM: 16+GB of RAM
• HDD: Negligible; no installation is needed for Blender
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 768resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: 4GB+ VRAM with OpenGL 3.3.
• Internet: None is required.

Also, take note that a mouse and pen+tablet is required for optimal use of the Blender software.

Pricing:

Blender is free!

10. Wondershare Filmora

Filmora is a powerful, easy to use, and intuitive video editing software.

It offers plenty of effects and features that appeal to a wide range of video editors; from beginners to professionals, there is a Filmora version for you.

It was developed in 2003 by Wondershare, Filmora has continued to upgrade and evolve into the powerful tool it is now.

It is available on Windows and Mac platforms and offers a modern interface, built-in effects, and advanced features in its Pro version.

Key Features of Filmora Video Editing Software:

• Reliable 4k support
• Powerful color correction
• Split screen
• Advanced text editing
• Advanced audio editing
• Powerful compositing tools.

Pros:

• Seamless interface
• Tons of resources made available for learning faster
• Easy to use
• A split-screen option is available
• Free version to try.

Cons:

• Keyframes available only in Pro version
• Relatively poor Graphic User Interface (GUI).

System Requirements for Filmora Video Editing Software:

This software is available across Windows and MacOS platforms.

Find out the minimum and recommended system requirements for the smooth and efficient running of this software below:

Minimum Requirements for Windows and Mac

• Processor: Intel i3 or better multicore with 2GHz
• Operating System: Windows 7, Windows 8.1 (64-bit only)
  macOS versions 10.12 and above
• RAM: 4GB of RAM (8GB required for more advanced editing like HD and 4K videos)
• HDD: 10GB free hard disk space for software installation
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 800 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: 2GB VRAM required; Intel HD Graphics 5000, NVIDIA Geforce GTX 700 or AMD Radeon R5 and above.
• Internet: An Internet connection is needed for activation of the product and access to some services.

Recommended Requirements for Windows and Mac

• Processor: Intel i6 or better multicore for more advanced editing features
• Operating System: Windows 10(64-bit only)
  macOS versions 10.12 and above
• RAM: 8GB+
• HDD: 10GB free hard disk space for software installation plus SSD
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 800 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: 4GB VRAM required; Intel HD Graphics 5000, NVIDIA Geforce GTX 700 or AMD Radeon R5 and above.
• Internet: An Internet connection is needed for activation of the product and access to some services.

Pricing:

Filmora has different plans for different versions available for its users across various platforms.

• Filmora X: Annual plan for this for Windows users is $39.99 while the price goes for $44.99 for macOS. The Lifetime plan goes for $69.99 for both Windows and macOS users
• Filmora Pro: Annual plan for this goes for $89.99 for both Windows and macOS platforms. The Lifetime plan goes for $149.99 for Windows and macOS users.

Should I use Filmora X or Filmora Pro?

I’d make this decision easier for you by highlighting the difference between the two (excluding their cost which has already been discussed above; Filmora X starting at $39.99 and Pro version starting price at $89.99).

Filmora X is an easy to use video editing software with an intuitive interface that is equipped to carry out all your basic editing needs.

It has a wide range of editing tools from Auto color matching to built-in-video effects. While it is already a competent video editor, the Filmora Pro offers more advanced and professional effects with many flexible parameters.

You can go with Filmora X if:

• You’re new to video editing or a hobbyist.
• You’re only looking for a quick tool to get some basic editing done
• You’re a vlogger or YouTuber.

Or go with Filmora Pro if:

• You’re a professional video editor who would need to make use of advanced tools.
• You want to make use of the keyframing tool (it’s only available on the Pro version).
• You want more control over your video editing and are a perfectionist.

Both versions are great options and you just need to make sure that you find out what category you belong to before going ahead and getting one.

11. Lightworks

Let me introduce this piece of software to you by informing you that it has an EMMY award.

Yes, Lightworks won an EMMY in 2017 for pioneering digital nonlinear editing.

Lightworks is a non-linear editing system that has been in development since the late ’80s; 1989 to be precise.

Developed by LWKS Software Ltd over 3 decades ago, Lightworks is one of the most popular and widely used video editing software.

Being available on all major platforms; Windows, Linux, and macOS gives it an edge over many video editing software of its’ caliber.

Also worth mentioning is that it has the widest native format support. This means that you can import virtually any file format without having to go through any process of transcoding.

Key Features of Lightworks Video Editing Software:

• Multicam Editing
• Project collaboration for teams
• Customizable interface
• Fusion Compositor
• Enhanced VFX with Boris FX and Graffiti pro bundle.

Pros:

• User friendly and easy to use
• Renewable free trial
• Has 4k support
• Fast precision editing.

Cons:

• Archaic UI
• Imports only a few select formats.

System Requirements For Lightworks Video Editing Software:

Lightworks is available across all major platforms. Here are the minimum requirements for your system to be able to run the application hitch-free.

Minimum Requirements for Windows, Mac and Linux

• Processor: Intel i7 processor or AMD equivalent and above
• Operating System: Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, and Windows 10
  Mac 10.9 and higher
  Linux Ubuntu, 18.04 and higher, Mint and Fedora 30 or better
• RAM: 3GB+ of RAM
• HDD: 200MB free hard disk space for software installation
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 800 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: DirectX9 compatible (for windows) with 1GB+ of GPU VRAM.
• Internet: Internet connection is needed for activation of product and for downloading content.

Pricing:

There are three options available for you if you want to make use of this software. They are:

• A monthly subscription: Get Lightworks pro for $24.99 per month.
• Annual subscription: Get a Lightworks Yearly license for $174.99 per annum.
• Lifetime License: This gets you the Lightworks pro for a one-time payment of $437.99.

12. Videopad

The Videopad video editor is developed by NCH software and part of a suite of software that is also created by NCH.

Videopad, while it may not be the go-to choice for professional video editors looking for the most advanced tools, it appeals to the hobbyists and beginner photo editing market.

It’s very easy to use, lightweight and great for quick edits and enhancing home videos. It has a lot of really handy features. Let’s discuss those.

Key Features of Videopad Video Editing Software:

• 3D video editing
• Integration with other NCH Software such as a Wavepad, sound-editing software, and an image editor
• Video clip transitions
• Direct video upload.

Pros:

• Lightweight software
• Intuitive interface
• Possible to create multiple videos and audio tracks all layered.
• It’s completely free.

Cons:

• Fewer features in comparison to other video editing software.
• Not suitable for professional video editors.

System Requirements for Videopad Video Editing Software:

It is ideal for less sophisticated computers, Videopad is available on Windows and macOS platforms and is a good choice if you’re using an older version of OS or computer.

Minimum Requirements for Windows and Mac

• Processor: Intel i3 or AMD equivalent with 1.5GHz processor
• Operating System: Windows 10, XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 8.1
  macOS X 10.6 and above
• RAM: 4GB of RAM
• HDD: 100MB free hard disk space
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 800 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: Negligible.
• Internet: Internet connection is needed for activation of product and for downloading content.

Pricing:

Videopad is a completely free video editor.

13. Shotcut

This is another free and open-source video editing software.

Shotcut has one of the widest availability across platforms as it is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD. It’s constantly being updated with various interesting ideas and it presents a much easier option for editing to beginners or lovers of open source communities.

It has been in development since 2004 under MLT Multimedia Framework. It’s free, it’s surprisingly powerful and it’s the one for you if you find slick, highly marketed products like Adobe premiere overrated and prefer an ever-growing open source community.

Key Features of Shotcut Video Editing Software:

• Cross-platform software
• Chroma keying
• Codec dependent
• Customizable interface
• Wide output format support.

Pros:

• Free and cross-platform
• Open-source with an enthusiastic community
• Lots of filter effects
• Regularly updated.

Cons:

• Not so friendly user interface (UI).
• Struggle to achieve more advanced edits.

System Requirements for Shotcut Video Editing Software:

Available across all major platforms; Windows, macOS, and Linux. These are the system requirements for Shotcut:

Minimum Requirements for Windows, Mac and Linux

• Processor: x86-64 Intel or AMD; at least one 2GHz core for SD, Quad-core for HD, and eight cores for 4k editing.
• Operating System: Windows 7, 8/8.1, 10(64-bit version)
  MacOS 10.10(Yosemite) or better
  Linux with at least Glibc 2.19
• RAM: 8GB+ of RAM
• HDD: 4GB+
• Screen Resolution: 1200 x 800 resolution (at 100% scale factor)
• Graphics card: Open GL 2.0 that’s compatible with DirectX9 or 11 drivers
• Internet: Internet is not required for accessing and running Shotcut.

Pricing:

You guessed it right, Shotcut is 100% free.

What is Video Editing?

Video editing is a process that involves editing, manipulation, and arrangement of motion video footage.

We use video editing to structure our videos and the information we’re trying to deliver. This technology is used everywhere when it comes to the production of information through videos.

We see it in advertisements, television, and all over social media.

Originally, video editing was known to be quite a difficult task and in some ways, it still is. Luckily, there are plenty of software applications that have been developed to make this a less tedious and boring but, essential task.

Video editing is something that is actually studied because on a very basic level, it is quite complex.

There are different types of video editing and they are as follows:

• Linear video editing
• Non-linear editing
• Online editing
• Cloud-based editing
• Vision mixing.

Home Video Editing Software and Video Editing Tools

Gone are the days where good video editing tools were available to only a limited number of people who could afford them. Now, you don’t need to be a professional to make awesome, seamlessly edited videos.

There is a plethora of basic video editing software; with most of them being free. They are capable and equipped with all the features you’d need for editing your home videos.

Two popular Home video editing tools amongst many are the Apple iMovie and the Windows Movie Maker.

Alongside these are many video editing applications which are made especially for mobile phones, tablets, and iPads.

This gives the average person with no prior knowledge about editing, to easy navigate through and edit their videos perfectly suited to their desires.

Beginners Guide to Video Editing

You could be referred to as a beginner on different levels. Either you’re new to editing and wish to progress to pro status, or you’re only a hobbyist who is only interested in learning basic editing tips and guidelines. Either way, the beginning of both journeys is similar.

• What type of videos are you editing?

This is an important question that has to be answered because it determines what you will be looking for in video editing software and even when picking out a computer.

Will you be more focused on producing YouTube videos and skits? Or serious documentary footage? Or simply putting together home videos or perhaps you want to be able to do everything and explore the depth of video manipulation.

Once, you have been able to answer this question for yourself, you can proceed to ask the next question or should I say making the next evaluation.

• Is your computers spec up to par?

Of course, this is very important to take note of. Even the best of the best of video editors and tacky and annoying when being run on a system that is below requirements.

Most commonly, the video editing software requires a dual-core processor, at least 2GB of RAM, and sometimes a hard drive and SSD.

Make sure to check out the detailed system requirements which I have included in this guide and ensure you have a capable computer before dabbling into video editing.

Also, if you’re looking to buy a new computer, have the minimum system requirements in mind as you pick your choice.

• Choosing a video editing software

This might present itself as an overwhelming decision to make but, if you have answered questions 1 and 2 above then, making this decision would be easier.

The editor you choose is 90% based off on what kind of videos you want to be editing and if you have a computer that is up to the requirements. The 10% I’d chalk up to your budget.

There are free and paid services and it’s really up to you to decide which way to go. Hopefully with the list of editors above and their features and pros and cons, making the choice would be even made easier.

After this, you’d be ready to take the technical steps required in making your first video edit. Check out this article that shed light on the step by step approach to video editing.

Frequently Asked Questions – Video Editing

Summary

To conclude, the tools needed to create an excellent video have been handed to us.

It’s no secret that pretty much every single video that we see have undergone one process of editing or the other.

Video editing is an essential process that is applicable to all; the random person who just wants to upload a video they can be proud of, or the professional whose career rotates around all the nitty and gritty of the procedure.

Anyone can learn basic video editing and everyone should. We have gone through a bunch of the editing software which is considered to be the best amongst video editors and I hope this ultimate guide on video editing software and video editing tools has been able to be of assistance to you today.

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