If you enjoy making videos on your phone or even with hi-tech cameras, you’ll probably get to the point where you’ll want to show others something more than just the raw footage. Whether it’s something you want to put on YouTube to show off your skills with a catchy intro, just cutting out your drunk Uncle Larry’s bare ass from your Fourth of July party video or even making a full blown movie, you’re going to need video editing software and learn how to use it. Video editors will help you spruce up your videos by editing out the parts you don’t want, adding different effects, photos and other video clips and tie it all together to make it more appealing for the viewer.
Now many of you might be saying, “Well I don’t have the money to buy expensive software like that” or “I don’t have the time to learn complicated software like that”. However, you’re in luck because there are quite a few really decent video editors out there for free that will do just about whatever you need it to do with the exception of the professional grade obviously.
When it comes to starting out with video editing as a noob, my suggestion is to learn the basics with a simple, easy to learn editor. That way, when you master that software, you can move up to a better editor that will give you much more control over what you want to accomplish. But if you already have the basics down, that’s one less thing you have to learn when moving up to a better, more complex editor. Because the basic editing functions are pretty much the same no matter what software you use. It’s the bells and whistles that set them apart in addition to it’s functionality.
So to start off my top 5 picks of free video editors, I’ll start with the easiest and probably best one to learn the basics with.
- WINDOWS LIVE MOVIE MAKER
Windows Movie Maker is so easy to use, you can probably teach your Grandma how to use it. Well, maybe. But the cool thing about it is that although very easy to use, it will give you the basics that you need that you will carry with you for any video editor that you use no matter how complex.
On top of that, it really does have quite a few tools and effects that you can make a pretty decent video with it. With that said, however is the biggest problem. Unfortunately, Microsoft stopped making it available for download on their website. You can still find it on alternate websites but I urge you to proceed with caution if you chose to take a chance going that route. Many sites that offer a copy of this editor will include a nice little virus with your download and I don’t think any software is worth that headache no matter how good it is. But if you can get your hands on a clean copy of this software especially if you’re a noob, I strongly suggest taking advantage of it.
- FILMORA WONDERSHARE
https://filmora.wondershare.com/video-editor/
My next pick is Filmora Video Editor by Wondershare. I have to say, I really like this software for it’s simplicity and user friendly interface. I’ve used this for a while and really enjoyed it as a step up from a beginner’s video editor. This software has tons of stuff included in the free version to really make a bad ass video. And if you want to add on more special effects and cool options, their website provides all kinds of wicked add-on’s available for purchase.
All in all, it’s a solid Video editor for pretty much any novice and totally free. However, I have two issues with it and one is pretty big. My first problem which isn’t all that terrible has to do with limitation on how far you can take it. I’ve had many times where I found something that I wanted to add but I was limited on how I could apply it. When it comes to flexibility, Filmora lacks and you’re kind of stuck with the parameters that they set.
Now my second issue is this (and it’s a biggie), here’s the catch: You just finished your masterpiece video editing project that you spent 2 days on and you go to export it only to find that there’s a huge watermark slapped across your video with the company’s logo. The only way to get rid of it is to buy the full version for around $40. But if you really like the software, I definitely think it’s worth it for what you get. However, if you want more flexibility and features there are better free editors out there that won’t ruin your work with a watermark and give you plenty of effects.
- SHOTCUT
Shotcut is a totally free video editor that’s been around for many years. It’s an open source software which means it can be updated, improved and enhanced by anyone. I have to admit I haven’t used it much because I fell in love with another software on my list and never got around to getting to know it all that well. However, from what I’ve seen, it is a powerful video editor that is capable of doing just about anything you need. Most of the complaints that people have about it are that it has an unusual interface which can take some time to get used to and it has a bit of a learning curve. But if you take the time to get used to it, it’s well worth it due to the power that you can unlock from this software. Shotcut supports 4K, has audio scopes, color correction, many effects and many tutorials on their website. Shotcut would probably be my video editor of choice if I hadn’t found my number one pick.
- DaVinci Resolve
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/
Although I’ve never used this software, it’s got nothing but great reviews from everyone that’s used it. DaVinci Resolve is some serious business. An editor that is highly esteemed and used in the professional world by many in Hollywood. The free version is excellent and still has many of the features included in the paid version.
This software does it all and you can create some of the best looking videos if you know what you’re doing and have any bit of creativity. However, it is known to have quite a big learning curve and can get pretty complex. But if you have patience and the time, you can really create some spectacular videos with this software.
DaVinci Resolve boasts one of the best color correction utilities out there as that is what they specialize in. So if you really got the basics of video editing down and want to up your game, check out this software and learn the magic that you can create.
- HITFILM EXPRESS
Hitflim Pro
Hitfilm Express is my number one pick for video editing software. The beauty of this video editor is that it has a built in compositor. Something that is unheard of in free software. Imagine having the power of Adobe After Effects without having to leave your video editor!
Hitfilm was originally created with independent filmmakers in mind but has become a great program for breakout YouTube stars as well. Hitfilm has everything you need to make a simple video with cool effects or the tools needed to edit an entire movie. The free version is called Hitfilm Express and has many of the same features that are loaded into the paid version called Hitfilm Pro. But if you don’t want to shell out the money just yet for the Pro version, Express will more than do the job. On top of that you can buy different add-on packs that you might want for a specific area of interest.
Hitfilm is fairly easy to use if you already have the basics down. Their website is very helpful, they have tons of awesome tutorial videos on their YouTube Channel and their customer service is top notch. You’ll love playing around with the visual effects and all the control you have to make them just how you want. After using this video editing software you won’t believe that it’s free. And once you use it for a while, you’re gonna want to eventually buy the Pro version just to get all the extra awesomeness that comes with it as I ended up doing!
Well there you go. Those are my top picks for free video editing software. If you’re serious about making some cool videos, films and visual effects, try ‘em all out and let me know what you think. If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I’ll do what I can to answer them for you. Also, hopefully in a month or so I’ll try to get a video up featuring this list with some more detail so stay on the lookout for that. Happy editing!
Grizzly Hangwire