PowerDirector
Best Video Editing Software for Creators [2021]
- Intuitive user interface with advance editing features
- 100's of stunning effects, titles and transitions
- Edit and upload to any platform or device
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The best free video editing software that doesn’t break the bank and lets you create pro-level videos.
Searching for a free video editing software?
Maybe this is your first time editing video and you’re not ready to invest in expensive software. Or perhaps you want to create professional look videos or add cool effects 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 lots of free programs to choose from.
But beware, with so many options out there a lot of the free choices can be hit-or-miss; some only offer the most basic of features, while others provide the same or better tools than expansive programs.
With that in mind, we have crafted a list of the best video editing software available for free on Mac. Learn the pros and cons of each to help you determine which option is best for your video editing needs.
PowerDirector offers the functionality and features of an advanced, paid program without the hefty price tag. You can get most of its features for free and subscribe if you would like to take full advantage of all its creative design packs and a full range of export formats. Its intuitive interface and design will make you feel like a pro.
If you’re a Mac user looking for free video editing software, you can’t go wrong using iMovie, which comes pre-installed on most Mac desktops. The program is simple, easy to use, and includes a wide range of basic features, making it one of the best bare-bones video editing software programs for Mac.
There is no denying DaVinci Resolve is an incredibly powerful video editor. Designed best for working with Blackmagic camera footage and specially designed DaVinci hardware this is a great choice if you are willing to put in the time and have the dedication to learn it.
Free version: PowerDirector Essential is a free editing suite with all the basic and advanced features you’ll need to create a professional video.
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If you’re new to the video editing world, you will appreciate the comprehensive free features that PowerDirector Essential offers.
This free version introduces you to the mechanics of the program and lets you dive into fundamental video editing tools before investing in the premium option. If you want to add basic effects or transitions to videos without paying for hundreds of advanced features, you will find that PowerDirector suits all your video editing needs.
The free version of PowerDirector includes features such as:
Download the free video editing software:
Best free video editing software for the absolute basics
Free version: iMovie is preinstalled on most Macs.
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Why not use what you already have? iMovie should be pre-installed on your Mac which makes it an easy choice. It includes a set of easy-to-use audio and editing tools that can produce polished videos for free. It is a fantastic editor for basic video projects.
iMovie includes quality features such as:
Best free video editing software for experts and professionals
Free version: Free download on the website
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DaVinci Resolve is a clean, intuitive program that you would never guess is free. It offers a wide range of advanced features, including intelligent color-correction tools that let you edit skin tones, eye color, and lip color at the touch of a button, along with quality audio-editing software.
DaVinci features:
Great free video editing for Professionals
Free version: Features a wide range of tools and effects
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If you’re looking for a free program that professionals use, Lightworks is one of your best options. 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. If you’re willing to put in the work to learn this software it’s a great choice.
Lightworks features:
Free video editing software for intermediate editors
Free version: Free download on the website
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For editors who have moved on from base-level editing software like Movie Maker or iMovie, Shotcut is an excellent next step. This program is open source, so once you download it, you will have access to all of its features and can customize your interface to your liking. Shotcut offers advanced effects and filters that will help you produce a high-quality video for free.
Shotcut features:
Best free video editing software for online use
Free version: Always free online
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One of the biggest perks of Movie Maker Online is right in the name: unlike other editors in this list, Movie Maker runs in your browser. You can edit videos through the program on any desktop device and pick up where you left off at any time.
Movie Maker is also the best video editor for laptop use, as it doesn’t have a RAM requirement or a specific operating system to run.
Movie Maker Online features:
Free video editing software for beginners with some advanced features
Free version: Free download on website
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Openshot is free video editing software that simplifies advanced features you would see in more expensive programs. The program is open-source, so anyone can use and adapt the program to meet their needs.
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.
Openshot features:
Free video editing software for advanced editors
Free version: The basic version is free, but you can pay for add-ons.
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Hitfilm Express offers all of the advanced, professional features that editing enthusiasts need for free. The option to add on features starting at $9 each lets you up your game without breaking the bank.
Hitfilm Express features:
The best video editing software options for beginners are built on easy-to-use platforms that users can learn quickly. PowerDirector has the most intuitive platform and offers dozens of tutorials to help beginners learn the ropes. iMovie is also easy to navigate, syncs smoothly with other Apple programs, and includes basic features.
Yes, Macs come with iMovie, a basic video editor, that allows you to trim video clips, add text, music, and simple effects. Look in your Applications folder to find it.
Dozens of free video editing software options exist on the market today, but not all of them offer the same features and high-quality results. Thankfully, because these programs are free, you can try them all out for yourself to find the one that suits your needs and expertise.
Check out CyberLink PowerDirector or our other free editing programs today to begin editing incredible videos.
Take your videos to the next level with the best video editor for Mac