The world of content creation has seen immense growth in recent years. Making videos has become a trend for many purposes, such as projects, sharing a portfolio, or simply sharing snippets of your life with your audience. For this purpose, one of the essential requirements is a video editing software.
If you search for the best free video editor, here is a comprehensive list that will help you pick out the best software that will suit your requirements.
1. Blender
Blender is undoubtedly one of the most valuable and popular video editing software in the market. It works on Mac, Linux, and Windows and is an open-source program. It was initially launched as a 3D-animation software. However, it now comes with an efficient video editing feature as well.
Important features:
- Histogram displays, luma waveform, chroma vectorscope, and live preview.
- Syncing, scrubbing, waveform visualisation, and audio mixing.
- Transitions, keyframes, speed control filters, and speed control.
- Over 32 slots for adding images, audio, video, and effects.
Pros: It is best for advanced users who do not get intimidated by a ton of features.
Cons: Due to the advanced array of features available, it is a bit tough to learn. Most tutorials available are focused on 3D animation and modelling.
2. Lightworks
Another useful free video editor that works on Linux, Windows, and Mac is Lightworks. It is considered one of the most powerful editing software as it comes with a host of valuable features. It supports high-precision video trimming along with Multicam support.
The free version allows export up to 720p for uploading on YouTube. Huge varieties of video formats are also supported. Due to its ease of use and numerous features, it is one of the best all-around desktop editing software out there.
Pros: It is a compelling video editing software with numerous advanced features.
Cons: 4K video support is not available for the free version. Only the paid one costs $25. It may also be too advanced for beginners.
3. Shotcut
Another helpful video editing software that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers is ShotCut. It is another open-source program with great features and numerous tutorial videos. However, a few users consider the interface quirky as it was initially designed for Linux alone. Its best features include timeline editing and 4K resolution support. Also, it does not require importing the file to the editors, which saves a ton of time, especially for large video files.
It also supports 1080p resolution videos at 60 frames per second. You can transfer videos in 3 lossless export formats but may end up with massive file sizes.
Pros: 4K resolution support and timeline editing
Cons: Its quirky interface may be off-putting for a few.
4. Openshot
Another completely open-source program with an easy-to-use interface is OpenShot. It may remind you of iMovie as it comes with a similar drag and drop interface. However, it has many additional features, including photo editing tools, audio mixing, and unlimited layers.
Also, have a look at our blog for the best photo editing tools. This editor is famous for striking the perfect balance between a simple and easy-to-use interface and numerous advanced features. These features make it ideal for users who are just starting in video editing.
Best Features
- Advanced timeline (including scrolling, zooming, panning, snapping, and drag and drop)
- Unlimited layers/tracks
- Compositing, watermarks, image overlays
- Clip scaling, resizing, rotation, snapping, trimming, and cutting transition with real-time previews.
- Title creation, subtitles, animated effects and titles, title templates
Pros: Unlimited layers, open-source
Cons: Limited video tutorials
5. InVideo
If you are looking for an online video editor instead of downloading an entire software, InVideo is your best bet. A great tool helps you create professional-looking video content within just 10 minutes. With more than 4000 templates available, it makes video editing extremely quick, simple, and affordable.
It is a web-based program that can be used on both Linux, Mac, and Windows. All you need to do is log into the website using any browser, and you are ready to use its simple but intuitive interface for your video editing needs.
Top Features:
- Over 4000 free templates for quick editing
- Easy to use
- Import or edit text, effects, and visuals
- Intuitive User Interface
- Video-over and text-to-speech features are available
Pros: Easy to Use with over 4000 templates for quick editing and Free
Cons: Limited features
6. Avidemux
The simple interface of Avidemux makes it one of the most used editing software, especially for beginners. The software comes with effortless features that allow you to do basic tasks such as:
- Simple cutting
- Filtering
- Encoding
It is most suited for users that are entirely new to the process of video editing.
Pros: Extremely simple interface
Cons: Limited features in comparison to other video editing software
7. VideoPad
Another great free video editor for beginners, VideoPad works great for creating high-quality videos with easy-to-use features. It comes with useful features such as sound effects library and 3D video editing, allowing you to edit videos with overlays, special effects, transitions, and texts.
You can also add sound effects and perform colour adjustments on the videos. It is elementary to export videos for YouTube, Google Drive, Facebook, and mobile devices.
Top Features:
- Two built-in screens (selected clips preview/complete sequence preview) for intuitive and quick editing
- Customizable, pre-made transitions for professional-looking videos
- Sharing and publishing tools for various social media platforms
- Exporting presets for videos optimised for different platforms like YouTube and Facebook.
- Video optimisation tools, like stabilisation
- A vast library of visual effects and video transitions
Pros: Easy to Use, Open Source, Huge Library of visual and sound effects
Cons: Interface may be too simple for advanced users, limited features
Conclusion
These are some of the most popular and useful video editing tools available in 2021. Tons of free video editing programs are available in the market these days, but most come with different features and offer different quality results. The best part is that you can also create logos, since they are free to use, you can try them out and decide which one suits your requirements and expertise the best.
