We’ve done the research and found the top free video editing software available today, so you can get your feet wet without spending a dime. We will go over the key features, pros and cons, and skill level of each option on our list, explain how to choose a video editor for PC, and answer all your video editing questions.
iMovie
This is the default video editing software for Mac users since it comes pre-installed on all Apple devices. Though there are only two video tracks you can use, there’s a beauty to its simplicity: it’s super intuitive and easy to hit the ground running. Explore the app’s decent selection of pre-set filters, transitions, and title options to quickly get your video looking professional.
The editing toolset is basic, but it’s got everything you need, really: cutting and trimming, color correction, background noise removal, and stabilization for shaky footage. Integration with iTunes means you can import songs from your music library, or layer in sounds from the royalty-free audio and SFX selection.
No time to craft the perfect vid? Use the Magic Movie feature in the latest version to let AI make all those decisions for you.
One of the best things about iMovie is that it never bugs you to upgrade to a premium version. What you see is what you get: no upselling.
(Not a Mac user? Windows has its own house video editor that offers most of the same features, a solid choice of free video editing software for PC users.)
DaVinci Resolve
Want some “Emmy award-winning image technology?” Who doesn’t?! Then DaVinci Resolve is probably the free video editing software for you. DaVinci is particularly useful for remote collaborations, thanks to its cloud-based workflow systems.
Fans applaud DaVinci’s UX design, too: divided into ‘Pages,’ users can tackle each individual part of the editing process in a focused way. Start on the ‘Cut’ page to do your trimming, and make your way over to the ‘Color’ tab to tweak the hues and shadows. Over on the ‘Media and Delivery’ page, there’s a wide range of formats supported, so you can even output right to Twitter.
This is a powerful tool that requires a powerful computer, so make sure your hardware can handle it before you hit ‘download.’
HitFilm
HitFilm’s claim to fame is its speed. The intuitive interface invites you to trim, copy, slice, and sync with zero lag — allegedly, it’s twice as fast as competitors at exporting, and eight times speedier when it comes to playback.
The tools are basic but highly effective: use drag-and-drop transitions and ready-to-use presets to create pro-quality content in a snap. Auto audio sync makes tweaking sound a breeze.
Lighting effects are a nice touch, too, if you want to go that deep with your social video editing: light leaks and glows give footage a cinematic feel.
Shotcut
Open-source and cross-platform, Shotcut is a free video editing tool of people. That does mean it comes with the occasional bug, but overall, it’s a highly robust piece of software that makes almost every ‘Best Video Editing Software’ list out there.
Shotcut supports hundreds of video and audio formats, so it’s super handy for bringing disparate files together. Drag-and-drop file management makes it easy to pull in everything you need for your social video grand opus.
Lightworks
Lightworks has been around for 30-plus years, so expect plenty of polish from this top-notch free video editor. The pro version is a Hollywood favorite: The King’s Speech was edited using Lightworks, in case the Colin Firth factor is a decision-maker for you.
It’s a little more complex to get started than iMovie, but watch the orientation video and you’ll be flying in no time. Professional editors love the keyboard controls and cutting tools that are specifically designed to wrangle large volumes of footage. The color correction options and built-in video effects are super impressive, and not limited, even if you’re a free user.
A powerful timeline, instant autosave, and background processing make it a hyper-efficient tool for getting your video done and out into the world as quickly as possible. The only downside to using the free version is that your export options are more limited — export up to 720p and in formats preset for Youtube, Vimeo, or MP4.
Also read: Top 5 Windows Tips & Tricks