Top 5 Best Free Video Editing Software

Before I subscribed to Adobe, I used a multitude of free editing software over the years in order to save money.

Many of these were good enough to meet most of my needs at the time. However, they couldn’t replace the functionality of Adobe.

Here’s a brief introduction to each of them for those who prefer to use free tools especially for hobbies.

1 — Lightworks

Lightworks is a professional, non-linear video editing software. It was first released in 1989. This tool is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux and offers features that rival some of the top-tier paid video editing software.

Lightworks provides a user-friendly interface, a wide range of editing tools and effects, and support for many different file formats, including 4K and 360-degree video.

One of the most notable features of Lightworks is its collaboration tools. They allow multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.

This makes it a popular choice for video editing in larger teams or large-scale projects. Lightworks also has an extensive library of royalty-free music and sound effects that users can easily access and add to their projects.

In terms of video editing tools, Lightworks offers comprehensive options like trimming, cutting, and slicing tools and advanced video effects such as chroma-key (green screen), picture-in-picture, and color correction. It also includes audio editing and mixing support, giving users complete control over the audio in their projects.

While Lightworks is free to download and use, users, can also opt for a paid version which offers additional features and support.

The Pro version of Lightworks provides access to all of the software’s features, including advanced effects and plugins, as well as access to the Lightworks Cloud. This cloud-based editing platform allows users to work on their projects from anywhere.

Overall, Lightworks is a powerful and versatile video editing software suitable for amateur and professional video editors. Its wide range of features, flexible pricing, and multi-platform support make it an attractive option for many users.

2 — Shotcut

As an open-source software, Shotcut is a free and cross-platform video editing software. It was first released in 2011 and has become a popular choice among amateur and professional video editors. Shotcut supports various file formats. In addition, it offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for beginners while providing advanced editing tools for more experienced users.

One of the standout features of Shotcut is its wide range of video and audio filters, which provide users with a range of creative options for post-production. This includes color correction, chroma key (green screen), picture-in-picture, and audio mixing. It also provides support for 4K video, 360-degree video, and multi-camera editing.

Shotcut also has a range of collaboration tools that make it ideal for use in a team setting. For example, multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously, and changes can be saved and synced across all users in real time. This makes it an excellent option for video editing in a team or large-scale projects.

In terms of performance, Shotcut is known for its speed and stability, even when working with large and complex projects. It also has a large and active community of users, who contribute to its development, share tips and tricks, and offer support to other users.

Overall, Shotcut is an excellent choice for those looking for free, open-source, and feature-rich video editing software. Its wide range of features, active community and flexible licensing make it a popular choice among video editors of all levels.

3 — Blender

Blender is also free and open-source. It is a 3D creation software. It includes a built-in video editing module. Initially developed for creating 3D graphics and animations, Blender has evolved to become a comprehensive multimedia creation tool.

Its video editing capabilities have made it a popular choice among independent filmmakers and video creators.

Blender’s video editing module provides users with various tools and features, including support for different file formats, trimming and cutting tools, video effects, and audio editing.

It also includes support for multi-camera editing, 3D compositing, and motion graphics, making it a nice option for more advanced video editing projects.

One of the standout features of Blender’s video editing module is its node-based compositing system, which allows users to build complex visual effects and transitions by connecting different elements. This makes it a powerful tool for post-production and provides a wide range of creative possibilities.

Blender’s user-friendly interface and active community also make it an excellent choice for those new to video editing. Many tutorials and resources are available online, as well as a large community of users who are happy to offer support and advice.

Overall, Blender is an excellent option for those looking for free, open-source, and versatile video editing software. Its wide range of features, active community and flexible licensing make it a popular choice among video editors of all levels.

It has a steeper learning curve than other video editing software. However, it provides users with a powerful and flexible tool for their video editing projects.

4 — OpenShot

As open-source software, OpenShot is a free video editing software. It supports multiple platforms. OpenShotwas first released in 2008. It then became a popular choice among amateur and professional video editors.

OpenShot offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy to use for beginners while still providing advanced editing tools for more experienced users.

One of the standout features of OpenShot is its support for a wide range of file formats, including 4K and 360-degree video. It also includes a range of video and audio effects, including color correction, chroma key (green screen), picture-in-picture, and audio mixing.

OpenShot also supports multi-camera editing, making it an excellent option for more complex projects.

OpenShot also includes various collaboration tools, making it ideal for use in a team setting. For example, multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously, and changes can be saved and synced across all users in real time. This makes it a good option for video editing in a team or for large-scale projects.

In terms of performance, OpenShot is known for its speed and stability, even when working with large and complex projects. It also has a large and active community of users, who contribute to its development, share tips and tricks, and offer support to other users.

Overall, OpenShot is an excellent choice for those looking for free, open-source, and feature-rich video editing software. Its wide range of features, active community and flexible licensing make it a popular choice among video editors of all levels.

Whether you’re just starting or are an experienced video editor, OpenShot provides a powerful and flexible tool for your video editing projects.

5 — DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a professional-level video editing software developed by Blackmagic Design. It is widely used by film and video editors, colorists, and post-production professionals for its advanced editing and color-grading capabilities.

DaVinci Resolve is available in both free and paid versions, with the free version offering a comprehensive set of features and the paid version offering even more advanced tools and capabilities.

DaVinci Resolve is known for its advanced color grading tools, including HDR support and a wide range of color correction tools. It also includes various audio editing tools, making it an excellent option for those working on audio-intensive projects.

DaVinci Resolve provides users with various tools and features, such as file formats, trimming and cutting tools, video effects, and multi-camera editing.

DaVinci Resolve’s user interface is highly customizable and provides users with a range of options for adjusting the layout to their specific needs. This, combined with its comprehensive help documentation and active user community, makes it a great option for those who are new to professional-level video editing software.

Overall, DaVinci Resolve is a top choice for professional-level video editors and colorists. Its advanced features, active user community, and flexible licensing make it a popular choice among those working in the film and video industry.

While its learning curve is steeper than some other video editing software, DaVinci Resolve provides users with a powerful and flexible tool for their post-production needs.

Final Words and Takeaways

Lightworks, Shotcut, Blender, OpenShot, and DaVinci Resolve are free and open-source video editing software with various features, such as trimming and cutting tools, video effects, and audio editing.

Lightworks is professional and offers collaboration tools and a Pro version with more features.

Shotcut is fast, has a range of filters, and supports collaboration.

Blender is a 3D creation software with a built-in video editing module and a node-based compositing system.

OpenShot has a user-friendly interface, a wide range of file formats, and offers both beginner and advanced editing tools.

DaVinci Resolve is a professional-level software with highly advanced and customizable tools.

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