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15 Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac [Incl. M1/M2]
The best free video editing software for Mac lets you create pro-level videos without breaking the bank.
Maybe this is your first time trying to edit a video on Mac, and you’re not ready to invest in expensive software. Or perhaps you want to create professional-looking videos without paying for pricey programs like Premiere Pro.
Video editing can be a casual hobby or a full-time career. With so many different needs and reasons to edit, there are a variety of free editing apps for Mac to choose from.
But beware, many free choices can be hit-or-miss; some only offer the most basic of features, while others provide the same or better tools than expensive programs.
With that in mind, we have crafted a list of the best free video editing software for Mac. Learn the pros and cons of each to help you determine which option is best for your needs.
- Snapshot of the Top 3 Free Video Editing Software for Mac
- How to Choose the Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac
- How We Test Free Video Editing Software for Mac on This List
- 15 Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac [Incl. M1/M2]
- Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac Comparison Chart
- How to Edit Videos for Free on Mac
- Download the Best Video Editing Software for Mac for Free
- Free Video Editing Software for Mac FAQ
Snapshot of the Top 3 Free Video Editing Software for Mac
1. PowerDirector Essential - Best Overall
PowerDirector Essential is the best free video editing software for Mac because it offers the functionality and features of an advanced, paid program without the hefty price tag. You can get most of its features for free, or subscribe to PowerDirector 365 if you want to take advantage of its creative design packs and a full range of export formats. Its intuitive interface and design make PowerDirector an easy-to-use free video editor for Mac. Detailed Review >
Click the link below to download PowerDirector Essential for free today, and edit videos with all of the advanced features in PowerDirector 365 for 30 days.
2. VideoPad - Best Export Options
VideoPad is a free video editor for Mac with some advanced tools. It is beginner-friendly with a capable free version. Detailed Review >
3. iMovie - Best for the Basics
iMovie is Apple’s free video editing software for Mac. It is easy to use because it sticks to only basic editing tools for creating quality videos. Detailed Review >
How to Choose the Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac
How can you find the best free video editing software for Mac for your needs? Here are a few essential things to look for:
Compatibility - Does your free video editor for Mac support your operating system? Does it export in the video, image, and audio formats you need to use? The best free video editing software for Mac should at least support the most common formats like MP4, MP3, and WAV.
Skill Level - Is the free video editing software for Mac appropriate for your skill level? Getting a professional-level program when you have never used video editing software can cause you a lot of trouble. Instead, look for free editing apps for Mac that cater to beginners so you don’t waste time trying to learn how to edit videos on Mac with a difficult product.
Features - Does the free video editor for Mac include the effects you want to use in your videos? For example, a chroma key tool if you use green screen effects, or a video stabilizer if you film lots of action footage. Also, can you edit videos on Mac with templates and AI tools which make editing easier?
As you read through our list of best free video editing software for Mac, keep these things in mind to help find your ideal choice.
How We Test Free Video Editing Software for Mac on This List
Why should you trust us to provide an impartial list of the best free video editing software for Mac? Read below to see the process we go through to test free editing apps for Mac and how we rank them.
Test Similar Features - With so many free editing apps for Mac to go through, we need to choose a few basic tools as a control to compare apples with apples. We edit videos with the same core functions on each free video editing software for Mac: importing video clips, arranging them on the timeline, trimming, adding transitions, adding text and background music, and exporting.
Test Unique Features - Now it’s time to see what makes each free video editing software for Mac stand out from the others. We test and compare all the other features such as effects, color correction, audio editing, etc.
Check Outside Reviews - Once we’ve formed our own opinions on the free editing apps for Mac, we check outside reviews to see if our findings line up with others. For instance, if a tool didn’t work for us, but everyone else is raving about it, we will try the tool again. While we won’t let our opinion be swayed, this at least helps eliminate any user errors on our end.
Rank the Software - Now that we have our group of the best free video editing software for Mac, it’s time to rank them. These rankings are not arbitrary - we follow a system. First, we assign a score for “Beginner-Friendly Tools.” This number is based on both the number of features and the user-friendliness of the tools. Second, we check reputable review sites (both critic and user-based) and choose a review that is most representative of the free video editor for Mac. We include an outside review rating in our rankings to eliminate impartiality. Combine those 2 numbers and we get our ranking. In the event 2 free video editing software for Mac have the same score, we refer to our testing notes and decide which one deserves the top spot.
15 Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac [Incl. M1/M2]
1. PowerDirector Essential - Best Overall
PCMag Rating: 5/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $4.33/month
Key Features:
- Mask Designer: Remove objects, blend clips, and create unique visual effects
- Customizable Templates: Edit videos on Mac quickly with thousands of video templates, including intros and outros
- AI Body Effects: Apply fun and striking visual effects to moving people
- Animated Assets: Add animated titles, graphics, stickers, and effects with one click
Who It’s For
No matter your experience level, you won't have any issues using the best free video editing software for Mac, PowerDirector. It's designed to be simple enough for beginners yet powerful enough for professionals. If you’ve never tried to edit videos on Mac, you will appreciate PowerDirector Essential's comprehensive free features. It introduces you to the program's mechanics and lets you dive in and edit videos with fundamental tools.
Why We Picked It
If you want to edit videos with effects or transitions without paying for hundreds of advanced features, you will find that PowerDirector will suit your needs. Its wide range of editing tools includes a video collage designer, speed controls, chroma key, and a title designer.
Bottom Line
PowerDirector offers more features in its free version than other free editing apps for Mac, plus a 30-day free trial of its premium features, and a very affordable paid version. This allows the software to advance with you as your editing skills and budget grow. It also has advanced features for intermediate/professional users while staying beginner-friendly for new editors. For these reasons, we think PowerDirector is the best free video editing software for Mac.
Download PowerDirector - PC Mag Editor's Choice for the Best Video Editing Software of 2023 - for free by clicking the link below, and edit a video on Mac today.
2. VideoPad - Best Export Options
Compatibility: Mac, Windows
Capterra Rating: 4.3/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium versions available for $70 for Home and $129 for Master’s
Key Features:
- Animated Titles: Create title text animations in seconds using templates
- Speed Adjustment: Slow motion and fast motion effects
- Chroma Key: Remove the background of your video without a green screen
Who It’s For
VideoPad is one of the best free video editing software for Mac because of its wide range of export options. It offers direct uploads to YouTube in any resolution, plus you can fill in your video’s metadata from the software. Use this free video editor for Mac to post directly to all the popular social media and video sites, or share with friends.
Why We Picked It
This free video editing software for Mac offers some pro-level tools that are easy to use. It has advanced Pure Digital tools for audio editing, 360-degree and 3D editing, video stabilization, and green screen effects.
Bottom Line
VideoPad is one of the best free video editing software for Mac because, like our top choice PowerDirector, it offers some advanced tools in a beginner-friendly package. However, unlike our top free video editor for Mac, its free version contains annoying ads and is not available for commercial use. VideoPad is in the middle of our top 3 free video editing apps for Mac, offering fewer features than PowerDirector, but more than iMovie.
3. iMovie - Best for the Basics
Compatibility: Mac
G2 Rating: 4.3/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4/5
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Split-Screen & Picture-in-Picture Effects: Add a broadcast feel to your projects
- Green Screen Effects: Remove the background and choose from a library of replacements
- Smart Fit Music: 100 background music tracks that automatically fit your video length
Who It’s For
iMovie is a free video editor for Mac that comes pre-installed and therefore a convenient choice if you need to make basic edits. It includes a set of easy-to-use audio and editing tools that can produce polished videos for free. This is one of the best free video editing software for Mac for absolute beginners.
Why We Picked It
iMovie includes effects, transitions, and title options. It also has a set of movie trailer templates and a background music/soundtrack library. This free video editing software for Mac also supports adjusting the focus on videos taken in Cinematic mode on iPhones, a unique feature only found in iMovie and Apple’s paid software, Final Cut Pro.
Bottom Line
If you have never tried to edit videos on Mac before, this is one of the best free editing apps for Mac you could try. However, if you do have editing experience, iMovie lacks the advanced features and tools you can find in other free video editing software for Mac, such as PowerDirector.
4. VideoProc Vlogger - Best for Action Cam Footage
Image from ghacks.net
Compatibility: Mac, Windows
KommandoTech Rating: 4/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4/5
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Transitions: A library of over 60 presets
- Speed Ramping: Change speed manually or apply one of 20 speed presets
- Background Noise Remover: Remove extraneous sounds from wind and airplanes
Who It’s For
VideoProc Vlogger is the best free video editing software for Mac if you often shoot with an action camera or drone. It has fisheye removal to correct the lens aberrations that are a side effect of using a wide-angle lens. It also comes with video stabilization, advanced speed adjustment tools, and motion simulation. Basically, this free video editor for Mac has everything you need to make amazing action videos.
Why We Picked It
We chose VideoProc Vlogger as one of the best free video editing software for Mac because it is beginner-friendly, yet filled with advanced motion and color correction tools. Like our top free video editor for Mac, PowerDirector, it also has good customer service and user support, such as a learning center with blogs and tutorials.
Bottom Line
This free video editor for Mac is an excellent choice for anyone with a travel vlog since it has amazing tools for GoPro, drones, and other action-style footage. However, VideoProc Vlogger lacks general editing tools and effects, so if you make any other types of videos, we would recommend you choose one of the other free editing apps for Mac from our list.
5. Kapwing - Best for Subtitles
Compatibility: Web Browser
Product Hunt Rating: 3.6/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $16/month
Key Features:
- AI Audio Waveform Generator: Add a visual sound wave to your video
- Canvas Resize Tools: Change the aspect ratio, add padding, and show safe zones for popular platforms
- Video Effects: Edit videos with freeze frames, glitch effects, or TV static effects
Who It’s For
Kapwing allows you to edit videos on Mac through your browser. We found it is one of the best free video editing software for Mac if you need to add captions to your videos. Adding subtitles increases engagement and builds followers, and Kapwing makes it easy with AI-generated subtitles. We found these saved lots of time and were very accurate. You can also change the font, position, and color of the text and add movement. This free video editor for Mac also offers an auto-translator and text-to-speech tools.
Why We Picked It
This free video editor for Mac has a library of beautifully-designed templates so you can edit videos quickly and easily. Templates include intros and end screens for YouTube, green screen templates, lower thirds, ads, and many more. It is multi-functional and includes a meme generator, screen recorder, and video converter.
Bottom Line
Kapwing has a lot of tools for beginners to edit videos on Mac, such as AI tools and templates. Sadly, the free version is watermarked and has restrictions on video length and resolution (only videos under 7 mins, and only export up to 720p). The paid version is expensive and has far fewer advanced tools than professional software that costs less. Our top free video editor for Mac, PowerDirector, has the beginner-friendly AI-powered tools and templates that Kapwing has but also includes advanced tools with a much lower-priced premium version.
6. Shotcut - Best for Intermediate Editors
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
TechRadar Rating: 4/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4/5
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Multi-Format Timeline: Mix and match frame rates and resolutions in the same video
- Audio Editing Tools: Mix, balance, fade, cross-fade, and more
- Blending Modes: A variety of ways to blend and composite separate footage
Who It’s For
Shotcut is one of the best free video editing software for Mac for editors who have moved on from base-level editing software like iMovie. Shotcut offers advanced effects and filters that will help you produce a high-quality video for free.
Why We Picked It
The program is open source, so once you download it, you will have access to all its features and you can customize the interface to your liking. In addition, this free video editor for Mac has unlimited undo and redo for edits, including a history view. This makes it easy to step back to any part of your editing process, even if it has been hours since you started making changes.
Bottom Line
Shotcut is the best free video editing software for Mac for intermediate editors who want professional features without a professional price tag. However, the program can lag and freeze when dealing with large files. It also has a slight learning curve, so beginners who edit videos on Mac should stick with one of our top 5 options.
7. Animoto - Best for Templates
Compatibility: Web Browser
Capterra Rating: 4.3/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $8/month for Basic, $15/month for Professional, and $39/month for Professional Plus
Key Features:
- Voice-Over: Record, upload, and edit your narration
- Brand Kits: Save your logo, colors, and fonts to use again and again
- Video Resizer: Go from vertical to square to landscape in a few clicks
Who It’s For
Animoto is a cloud-based free video editor for Mac with free and paid versions. This program is for busy influencers who need to churn out a lot of content quickly. Animoto has hundreds of time-saving templates that adhere to social media best practices. With this free video editing software for Mac, you can quickly add your own video clips, or use one from the media stock library.
Why We Picked It
We chose Animoto as one of the best free video editing software for Mac because it is quick and easy to use for beginners, busy creators, or those with little creative or design know-how. You can customize any template with over 40 professional fonts and add music or voice-over.
Bottom Line
Choose Animoto as your free video editor for Mac if you don’t have the time and/or skills to make creative decisions on your social media videos. It is not the right free video editing software for Mac for long-form or narrative videos. In our research, we found the templates were very restrictive and allowed little creativity or control (a sentiment echoed in most of the online reviews). If you prefer more control over your edits, try PowerDirector. It has automated effects and templates but offers manual adjustments as well.
8. DaVinci Resolve - Best for Industry Professionals
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Creative Bloq Rating: 4.5/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3/5
Price: Free
*DaVinci Resolve Studio available for $295
Key Features:
- Edit Overlay: Insert, overwrite, replace, fit to fill, place on top, append at end, and ripple overwrite
- Shot Match: Automatically match the color, contrast, and brightness of any clip
- Title Generator: Build simple titles from scratch, or use a professionally-designed title template
Who It’s For
DaVinci Resolve is a free video editor for Mac for professionals on a budget. It is a clean, intuitive program that you would never guess is free. It offers a wide range of advanced features, including intelligent color correction, motion graphics, and visual effects.
Why We Picked It
DaVinci Resolve is one of the best free video editing software for Mac because of its high-quality, pro-level tools and features. Professionals will love the software’s organization and timeline management tools. Once you learn the program, you can edit videos on Mac quickly using keyboard shortcuts, automatic trimming tools, and drag-and-drop editing. This is one of the reasons we moved it higher on our updated list of the best free video editing software for Mac.
Bottom Line
This free video editor for Mac is not for beginners as it is designed for industry professionals. If you are thinking of buying Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for professional jobs, you should give DaVinci Resolve a try first. It could save you hundreds of dollars and potentially better fit your editing style.
9. HitFilm - Best for Visual Effects
Compatibility: Mac, Windows
TechRadar Rating: 4/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $7.99/month for Creator and $12.99/month for Pro
Key Features:
- Motion Tracking: Attach text or effects to a moving object or person
- Lighting & Lens Flares: Edit videos on Mac with high-quality light leaks
- Professional Text Tools: Add subtitles or create 3D titles
Who It’s For
HitFilm is the best video editing software for Mac for beginner to intermediate editors interested in visual effects. Future VFX artists and hobbyists will love trying out over 180 editing effects, including compositing and 3D tools.
Why We Picked It
If you enjoy editing with effects, but also need a free video editor for Mac with basic editing tools, HitFilm is your one-stop-shop. It comes with everything you need to edit videos on Mac from start to finish, such as transitions, stock music, audio tools, and presets for social media.
Bottom Line
If you are interested in learning how to edit videos on Mac with visual effects as a profession, HitFilm makes a great starting software. It does have a slight learning curve, however, so if you are a beginner who doesn’t need VFX-heavy software, try one of the top 3 options on our list of free editing apps for Mac. If you are an advanced editor, we recommend a more professional VFX program such as Blender or DaVinci Resolve.
10. Avidemux - Best Video Converter
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Capterra Rating: 4.2/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3/5
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Video Adjustments: Tweak contrast, brightness, and saturation, and adjust red/green/blue
- Subtitles: Built-In subtitle processor
- Automation Features: Use a Joblist queue to organize videos for bulk processing
Who It’s For
Avidemux is an open-source program for beginners who want to try out a free video editor for Mac. We think it is one of the best free video editing software for Mac because it can convert and save video or audio in almost any format. It can also encode and decode a wide range of video, (including multi-threaded videos), and audio (including TrueHD).
Why We Picked It
This free video editor for Mac has all the basic tools you need to edit video clips, like rotate, flip, join, cut, copy, and delete. It also has a wide array of export options.
Bottom Line
This free video editing software for Mac is strong, capable, and beloved by long-time users. However, even though Avidemux is a pretty bare-bones software, we found it can still take time to get used to. It is also pretty outdated and doesn’t come with many trending tools like stickers, filters, or AI-powered tools. If you are looking for a free video editor for Mac that is bare-bones but includes creative tools, we recommend iMovie.
11. Lightworks - Best for Aspiring Professionals
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
G2 Rating: 3.5/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $9.99/month for Create and $23.99/month for Pro
Key Features:
- Advanced Timeline Editing: Includes multi-point and asymmetric trimming, slide, ripple, roll, etc.
- Transitions: 100s of pro-level pre-sets to get you from scene to scene
- Audio EQ & Mixing: Clip-based audio leveling with midi control
Who It’s For
Lightworks is the best free video editing software for Mac if you’re looking for a free program that professionals use. It has been around for years, and the professional edition was used to edit box office hits like Pulp Fiction, 28 Days Later, and Congo. So if you’re willing to put in the work to learn a free video editor for Mac, it’s a great choice.
Why We Picked It
With this free video editing software for Mac, you can import just about any common type of media file. It has increased performance with optimized proxy files from HD, 4K, and 8K media. Plus, you can edit directly from your cloud storage.
Bottom Line
We think Lightworks is one of the best free video editing software for Mac for intermediate to advanced users. It is easier to use than DaVinci Resolve or Avid Media Composer First, but much harder than most free editing apps for Mac. It’s also a good choice for anyone with dreams of being a professional editor, as you can learn advanced software at no cost, but upgrade when you are ready.
12. OpenShot - Best for Beginners
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Creative Bloq Rating: 3/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3.5/5
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Audio Editing: Split audio from video and edit separately, display waveforms, and even render waveforms as part of your video
- Time-Mapping: Manually animate the speed and direction of your clip with keyframes
- Title Templates: 40+ customizable vector title templates
Who It’s For
Who It’s For
OpenShot is free video editing software for Mac that simplifies advanced features you would see in more expensive programs. Beginners will find the built-in templates, real-time previews, and advanced timeline features helpful to learn the ropes of editing, while intermediate users will appreciate the unlimited layering options this free video editor for Mac has to offer.
Why We Picked It
This free video editing software for Mac is open-source, so anyone can use and adapt it to meet their needs. Quickly trim down your videos, add animation to any element, and create video effects. OpenShot has slow-motion and time effects and is offered in over 70 languages.
Bottom Line
OpenShot is lightweight, easy to use, and has some advanced features. However, it does not have the professional quality of other free editing apps for Mac with advanced features such as PowerDirector, DaVinci Resolve, and HitFilm. Also, this free video editing software for Mac is prone to freezing and some effects don’t work properly.
13. Movie Maker Online - Best for First-Time Editors
Compatibility: Web Browser
TechRadar Rating: 3.5/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3/5
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Filters: Change the look of your video with presets
- Slideshow Maker: Combine video clips, photos, and music into an animated slideshow
- Blur Tools: Blur the whole video, the background, or just the text
Who It’s For
If you have never tried to edit videos on Mac before, we recommend Movie Maker Online. It is a good way to learn basic video editing without paying a dime. There is no learning curve, no download, and no signup, which means you can simply visit the site and start editing right away. It offers timeline-based editing and effects that other online free editing apps for Mac lack, making it a great learning tool as well.
Why We Picked It
Movie Maker Online is one of the best free video editing software for Mac because you get every tool for free (including stock assets) and there is no watermark. You can also try out some fun effects like greyscale, mirror, slow-motion, and reverse.
Bottom Line
Edit videos on Mac with Movie Maker Online if you want a completely free and simple tool. However, some of the reasons we think it is great for first-time users are that it lacks advanced features, and it has a very unconventional layout. The timeline is vertical and takes some getting used to if you’ve used other free editing apps for Mac before.
14. Blender - Best for Animation
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
PCMag Rating: 4/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 2/5
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Powerful Hair Nodes: Create realistic hair, fur, or grass with a curves-based hair system including 26 hair assets in 6 categories (Deformation, Generation, Guides, Utility, Read, and Write)
- Vector Displacement Maps: VDM brushes create complex shapes more easily
- Simulations: Create realistic smoke, fire, fluids, cloth, and more
Who It’s For
Blender is another open-source software you can use to edit videos on Mac. It is the best free video editing software for Mac for animators or editors interested in animation. Blender has advanced tools like 3D painting, modeling, sculpting, onion skinning, and more at no cost.
Why We Picked It
This free video editor for Mac is a great alternative to expensive software such as After Effects. It has pro-level masking tools and advanced motion graphics for visual effects artists. Blender also has some basic editing tools, so you don’t have to switch to another program to finish your video.
Bottom Line
Blender offers complex animation and VFX tools and is not for the faint of heart. Beginners who are interested in animation as a career should put in the hours to learn, but those interested solely in VFX may do better with HitFilm. Blender’s abundance of professional features is what put it on our list of best free video editing software for Mac, but its high learning curve and narrow focus keep it at the bottom of that list.
15. Avid Media Composer First - Best for Learning Avid Media Composer
Compatibility: Mac, Windows
Tom’s Guide Rating: 3.5/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 2/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $23.99/month for Media Composer and $49.99/month for Ultimate
Key Features:
- Multicam Editing: 4-way split in free version, and 4-way or 9-way split in paid versions
- Audio Editing: Audio ducking and punch-in
- Motion Effects: Time Warp and stabilization
Who It’s For
Who It’s For
Avid Media Composer First is the free version of Avid Media Composer - Hollywood’s favorite video editor for the past 2 decades. Professional and advanced editors who want to learn Avid to further their careers would do well to start with Avid Media Composer First - a slightly pared-back and slightly easier free video editing software for Mac that won’t cost you a dime.
Why We Picked It
This free video editor for Mac offers more professional tools than many paid options. With Media Composer First, you can use green-screen effects, stabilize footage, add transitions, adjust speed, mix audio, and much more. It even has direct uploads to social media, although using this free video editing software for Mac for a Facebook post seems like overkill.
Bottom Line
We know there are advanced editors out there who are stuck working on independent and low-budget films. Hollywood films and TV shows keep passing them by, simply because they want an editor proficient on Avid. Avid Media Composer First makes learning the Avid system a much easier prospect. However, this free video editing software for Mac still has a steep learning curve, even for advanced editors used to other software. For this reason, it is behind Lightworks and DaVinci Resolve on our list since they are easier free editing apps for Mac for advanced editors to use.
Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac Comparison Chart
| Software | OS | Beginner-Friendly | Editing Interfaces | Direct Uploads to Social Media | Mask Designer | Free Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerDirector Essential | Windows, Mac | Yes | Storyboard, Timeline & Slideshow Interfaces | Yes | Yes | |
| VideoPad | Windows, Mac | Yes | Timeline | Yes | No | Download |
| iMovie | Mac | Yes | Storyboard & Timeline | Yes | No | Download |
| VideoProc Vlogger | Windows, Mac | Yes | Timeline | No | No | Download |
| Kapwing | Web Browser | Yes | Timeline | No | No | Download |
| Shotcut | Windows, Mac, Linux | No | Timeline | No | Yes | Download |
| Animoto | Web Browser | Yes | Template-Based | Yes | No | Download |
| DaVinci Resolve | Windows, Mac, Linux | No | Timeline & Multi User Timeline | No | Yes | Download |
| HitFilm | Windows, Mac | No | Timeline | No | Yes | Download |
| Avidemux | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes | Timeline | No | No | Download |
| Lightworks | Windows, Mac, Linux | No | Timeline | Yes | No | Download |
| OpenShot | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes | Timeline | No | Yes | Download |
| Movie Maker Online | Web Browser | Yes | Vertical Timeline | No | No | Download |
| Blender | Windows, Mac, Linux | No | Timeline | No | Yes | Download |
| Avid Media Composer First | Windows, Mac | No | Timeline | Yes | Yes | Download |
PowerDirector Essential
vs
OS
Windows, Mac
-
Beginner-Friendly
Yes
-
Editing Interfaces
Storyboard, Timeline & Slideshow Interfaces
-
Direct Uploads to Social Media
Yes
-
Mask Designer
Yes
-
How to Edit Videos for Free on Mac
To learn how to use the best free video editing software for Mac, download PowerDirector by clicking the link below and then follow along.
- Open PowerDirector and select New Project.
- Import videos into PowerDirector’s Media Library.
- Drag your chosen video to the Video Timeline.
- Select Save Project to save your video.
Now that you know how to set up a video project, we will dive into some basics for how to edit videos on Mac.
How to Trim a Clip
- Click on a video clip and then click the Scissor icon. Drag the yellow sliders to mark your in and out positions at the beginning and end of your video, then click OK. Everything outside of your sliders will be deleted.
How to Split a Clip
- Move the slider where you want the clip to split in two, then click the Split icon (cutter icon).
- If there is a portion of the clip you don’t wish to keep, select it, then hit Delete. If you aren’t planning to drag another clip in the center, choose Remove and Fill Gap.
How to Add Transitions Between Clips
- Open the Transition Room (looks like a lightning bolt) from the left-hand menu.
- Click on a transition to view it in the Preview Window. When you have found the one you like, drag it between two video clips.
How to Add Text
- Click on the letter T icon from the menu on the left to open the Title Room.
- Preview the fonts. When you find one you want to use, drag it to a video track under your clip on the timeline.
- Click on the title in the timeline, then click the Designer button above the timeline.
- Type your text and make changes in the Title Designer.
- Click OK to save your title.
Here you can change the text’s color, add shadows, bold, italicize, and more.
How to Add Music
- Click Media Content along the top and choose Background Music.
- Scroll over and hit the Download button of your chosen track.
- Once it downloads, drag it to the Audio Track on the timeline.
How to Produce Your Video
- Click the Export tab from the very top of the screen.
- Click the Local tab and choose a video format.
- Select the Output Folder where your video will be saved.
- Click the Start button to produce and save your video.
For more information on how to edit videos on Mac with PowerDirector, click here.
Download the Best Video Editing Software for Mac for Free
Dozens of free video editing apps for Mac exist on the market today, but not all of them offer the same features and high-quality results. We think PowerDirector is the best free video editing software for Mac because it not only has advanced, pro-quality features, but it is easy to use, intuitive, and has an affordable paid version alongside its free video editor for Mac.
PowerDirector is always up-to-date with the latest technology and trending design packs that are added monthly. This free video editing software for Mac appeals to every skill level.
Click the link below to try out PowerDirector today and edit videos on Mac with ease.
Free Video Editing Software for Mac FAQ
1. What is video editing software?
Video editing software is a program that allows you to cut and trim videos and combine them into a longer video. It can be used to modify and manipulate footage in a wide variety of ways.
You can use it to add text, images, special effects, sound design, and color grade your videos.
2. Which video editing software is best for beginners?
PowerDirector is the best free video editing software for Macs for beginners. It is built on an easy-to-use platform that users can learn quickly. This free video editor for Mac is highly intuitive and offers dozens of tutorials to help beginners learn the ropes.
3. Does Mac have a free video editor?
Yes, Macs come with iMovie, a basic free video editor for Mac that allows you to trim video clips, and add text, music, and simple effects. Look in your Applications folder to find it.
4. When is the best time to buy video editing software?
PowerDirector is on sale many times throughout the year, but typically video editing software goes on sale around the end of the year, specifically during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It is always good to check a product’s website before purchasing to see if you are getting the best price.
If you’re interested in PowerDirector 365, definitely check out CyberLink.com’s home page before purchasing to look for great deals.
5. What is the best free video editor for MacBook Pro?
PowerDirector is the best free video editing software for Mac, including M1 and M2 Macs, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. PowerDirector makes it easy to edit videos, offers free and affordable paid versions, and is full of advanced features.
6. Is iMovie free for MacBook?
Yes, iMovie is free video editing software for Mac and iOS devices, including MacBook and MacBook Air.
7. What is an easy video editing software to use for Mac?
PowerDirector is the easiest free video editing software for Mac. Its interface is highly intuitive, so tools are easy to find and use. This free video editor for Mac also offers fully-automated features that work with one click, and easily adjustable sliders to tweak edits after the fact. And if you are ever stuck on the best way to use a tool, you’ll find tons of user supports at the CyberLink Support Center.
8. Is iMovie a good video editor?
The answer is sometimes. iMovie only undergoes a major update every few years, so sometimes it feels on the cutting edge, and other times it feels outdated. This free video editing software for Mac was created with beginners in mind, and therefore has only 2 editing tracks and lacks some advanced tools you can find in other beginner-friendly free editing apps for Mac.
9. What is the replacement for iMovie?
PowerDirector is a good replacement for iMovie. It remains beginner-friendly, yet offers more editing tracks and all the advanced features that the other free video editor for Mac lacks (such as support for 360-degree footage, multicam editing, and motion tracking).
10. Where do I start editing videos?
Download PowerDirector Essential and edit videos on Mac right away. It is completely free video editing software for Mac and Windows, yet offers a 30-day trial of all the advanced features found in PowerDirector 365. PowerDirector is also very beginner-friendly, even for first-time editors. The best way to learn how to edit videos on Mac is to jump in and start practicing.
11. What is basic video editing?
Basic video editing refers to the editing functions needed to edit any type of video. They are the bare minimum and should be included in the free video editor for Mac you choose. These tools include:
- Trim
- Split
- Transitions
- Audio tools
- Captions/Subtitles
- Text tools
For a free video editing software for Mac with all of these features and many more, we recommend PowerDirector.
12. Which video editor do YouTubers use?
YouTubers love to use PowerDirector as their free video editing software for Mac for many reasons. Busy creators can quickly create and share content with YouTube presets, intro/outro templates, and direct uploads to YouTube. You can complete your film’s metadata while still in the program, and use trending stickers, filters, animated titles, and graphics to make videos stand out.
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- Top Video Maker Apps for Students
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- Best Alternative Video Editor
- Best Editor for iOS and Android
- Best Editor for Windows and macOS
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