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With the right free video editor, casual users can create picture-perfect videos that are all set to be shared on social media apps such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. There are loads of free video editors out there that come with all the basic editing functions and some powerful advanced tools.
As a beginner, you do not need a high-end, studio-level video editor for casual usage. Huge businesses may use Adobe Premiere Pro to produce professional marketing content or Hollywood producers – Vegas Pro for movie production. That software is then, of course, paid, and rightfully so. But being an amateur or someone who is just getting started with video editing, you only need a lightweight editor that matches your needs and boasts some powerful features.
However, finding that perfect editor for yourself can be challenging. This is why we have compiled the 10 best video editors that you can get for free. I will go into depth about each program’s features and what you’ll be getting out of it if you decide to download it.
10 Best Video Editors for Windows (Free)
Most of the editors on this list will be capable enough to perform all basic post-processing tasks like trimming clips, changing the playback speed, green screen filters, and so on. If you are a total novice in video editing, you will find these programs extremely accessible and easy to use.
1. Lightworks
Lightworks
Lightworks is considered by most to be the top choice when it comes to free video editors, which is exactly why it wins the first spot on our list, and also why you should seriously consider getting it. It is no match compared to programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, but that is expected from a completely free-of-cost editor. Nonetheless, Lightworks boasts many high-end features that we will now discuss.
Lightworks is a non-linear editing app, so the quality of your videos will stay untouched while being processed. It has multi-track video editing options, and you can render or import your videos in the background. It allows you to preview effects and filters in real-time. The interface is completely user-customizable, and you can drag-and-drop windows around till you get the layout you prefer. There is also an option to set keyboard shortcuts to help streamline your workflow. Lightworks has all the tools and features that you’d usually find inexpensive and premium software like Vegas or Final Cut Pro, and that too, for free. This video editor is flexible and fast. Once you get over the moderately complex interface’s learning curve, you can use it to execute any video project you want. Some impressive tools and features that you will get in Lightworks include color correction, real-time effects, masks and blur, loads of customizable presets, and more.
Using Lightworks, you can record footage from cameras within the editor or import video/audio clips from your PC. You can lay down all your essential components and create your first cut. The mechanisms may seem intimidating at first, but it all becomes very intuitive once you get some practice. You can get Lightworks for free from this link right here.
2. VideoPad
VideoPad
Videopad is another great choice for people wanting to get into video editing without spending a penny. It comes loaded with many robust editing features, making it a fitting choice for beginner and intermediate users alike. Videopad has several exporting and sharing options that allow the user to present their polished home movies to the world without a hassle.
Let’s discuss the features that VideoPad offers its users. The interface is easy to learn, simple and well organized. You will only need a small amount of dedication and practice, and soon you’ll be stringing together clips, adding narrations and transitions, text and visual effects like a master. VideoPad also lets its users export their finished videos directly to Dropbox, Facebook, Flickr, and Google Drive. All you need to do is sign-in to these platforms first, and you will be able to share your creations with the world through a simple drop-down menu. Furthermore, VideoPad supports 360-degree video editing and features a music library. Lastly, you can add light effects, overlay images, and text, fine-tune the colors in your footage, and make use of many more impressive features.
One of the few downsides to getting VideoPad is that advanced users may lack some essential features like motion tracking, multi-cam editing, etc. But that is a concern for advanced users, and you can only ask for so much in free editors. However, even in that case, there is the option of getting VideoPad for free and purchasing special plugins and add-ons. So, if you’re interested in getting VideoPad, click this link.
3. Shotcut
Shotcut
Shotcut provides the perfect middle ground between complex, powerful video editors like Adobe Premiere Pro and basic, simpler options. It features an easy-to-use interface that is highly customizable, with docking and undocking panels. The timeline is also sophisticated and decent.
Shotcut is packed with several powerful editing tools and features. For example, it has 4K support, accepts a wide range of file formats, and comes with a healthy amount of filters and visual effects. The maximum resolution and frame rate settings you can get in Shotcut are 4K and 60FPS, pretty decent. You can add as many layers of audio and video clips as you want in the project. However, this is a manual process. You cannot drop a clip with another one and automatically create a layer for it. Some other impressive features of Shotcut include chroma-keying, three-way color correction, text tools, 360 video editing, and so on.
One of the downsides to Shotcut is that you can only apply a single filter to a clip at a time, making the editing process time-consuming. Adding transitions can also be slightly annoying. However, Shotcut gets updated monthly, and the developers make sure their product stays in robust shape. All things considered, Shotcut is a powerful video editor that is totally free and open source with a few hitches. You can get Shotcut for free from its official website.
4. Hitfilm Express
HitFilm Express
Considered by many to be the best free video editor, Hitfilm Express is famous for its high-energy style loved by aspiring filmmakers. Many professionals use it to add special effects to their personal projects or to finesse their vlogs. That, however, does not take away from its accessibility to newer users. The team of developers that back Hitfilm Express has worked with Hollywood studio and many Youtubers. This video editor is packed with features that have been used to create blockbuster movies. Undoubtedly, it is the epitome of freemium tools.
Hitfilm Express makes bumpy and rough footage smoother with its auto-stabilizer, uses a separate color picker for color adjustment, and a crop and pan tool to get you the right dimensions and angle of your footage. It supports 4K and below resolutions, and Dolby AC3 audio, has a customizable interface and GPU accelerated decoding on AMD, Intel, and Nvidia cards. Using Hitfilm Express, you can also import Vegas effects and files. There are 3D effects, more than 410 presets and effects, limitless transitions and tracks, lens correction, 360-degree video support. You can also purchase many add-ons if you need something specific.
With all these endless editing possibilities, what’s there not to like about Hitfilm Express? Well, the program’s dark-mode costs $9, which is a bummer. If you can bring yourself to use it in light-mode or pay $9 bucks, I’m sure you’d love Hitfilm Express. If you want to download this application for free, simply clicking here would do.
5. Blender
Blender
Easily one of the top-tier mentions on this list is Blender. Initially created as a 3D animation program, Blender’s video editing capabilities sufficiently match most beginner to intermediate users’ needs. It is also open-source, meaning an active community backs it, and the product gets updated regularly. Blender has a whole arsenal of resources that its users can use to achieve their editing goals.
Let us discuss now what features Blender video editor provides its users. You can perform all basic tasks like video splicing, trimming, arranging, and putting together different clips. There are also numerous advanced tools and features such as video masking, real-time previewing, chroma vector-scope, waveform visualization, luma waveform, etc. Audio mixing and syncing are possible through 32 available slots for adding effects, images, and of course, videos.
Blender is good enough to be used professionally and for casual use by amateurs. (after some practice, as with any other software). For those interested, you can get this software from its official website.
6. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is one of the best choices for advanced and professional users. It is a powerful and cross-platform video editing software that you can get for free.
DaVinci Resolve integrates color correction, audio-production, and impressive visual effects with high-end 8K editing to bring you a perfect all-in-one package. It allows its users to edit their footage online and offline and includes several awesome features like 3D audio, facial recognition, direct exporting to Vimeo and YouTube. Fusion, which previously was a separate application, is now incorporated into DaVinci Resolve to beef it up with 4 video production modules for video effects, audio production, editing, motion graphics, and color correction. You also get a dual timeline that speeds up your workflow. There is a dedicated trimming space where you can go into minute details of your video and make edits. DaVinci Resolve has inbuilt tools for auto-syncing, picture-in-picture effects, text and audio, dynamic zooming, stabilization, and more.
These features make DaVinci Resolve the best editor choice for professionals to create television shows, movies, and more high-end studio projects. And, you can click this link to get it for free right now.
7. OpenShot
OpenShot Video Editor
OpenShot comes with an intuitive interface and a powerful toolkit that is easy to learn, making it a great video editor for beginners. If you run a small business and want to market it online, consider getting OpenShot. Or, if you are casually hoping to get into video editing, this editor can be a great starting point.
It features unlimited layers for backgrounds, watermarks, audio tracks, and a handy drag-and-drop function. There are also chroma-keying for green-screen effects, color correction, and many more cool features. If OpenShot has got your attention, feel free to get it by clicking here.
8. Filmora
Filmora
While Filmora Pro gives users the most extensive functionality, the free version isn’t too bad either. You get many basic features and tools that are sufficient for casual use.
With Filmora, you will be able to trim and layer videos to create picture-perfect clips for yourself. There is also an efficient noise removal tool that cleans unnecessary interfering frequencies. You can even publish your videos in 4K. All in all, Filmora is packed with features and easy to learn for beginners. So, if you think Filmora is good enough for your video editing tasks, get it for free from this link.
9. AVS Video Editor
AVS Video Editor
AVS has a lot of decent audio and video editing software under its belt, but this video editor is considered its flagship product.
If you have any DVD or Blu-ray disks with a nostalgic value attached to them, you can easily burn and access them through this software. Not only that, but there are more than 300 cool visual effects that you can apply to your footage. Furthermore, you can use AVS Video Editor to trim, organize, and put together all your clips. There are also overlays, text and subtitles, and menus that you can apply. AVS Video Editor supports most file formats like MP4, AVI, VOB, and all keyframe sizes like HD, FHD, Quad HD, DCI 4K, 4K Ultra HD, and so on. Get AVS Video Editor from its official website.
10. Cinelerra
Cinelerra
Let us end the list with one of the oldest contenders in the industry, Cinelerra. This editor has been around since 1998 and is still used to this day. Let’s explore why that is the case.
Despite having a slightly dated interface (as expected), Cinelerra packs some mean punches in terms of features. There are loads of high-end editing tools that go head to head with modern professional video editors. Some features that you’ll find useful in Cinelerra include motion stabilization, live input through the timeline, audio-video syncing, and 8K production.
All these features put together make Cinelerra a dark horse that really lives up to the saying “Old is gold.” So, if you’re interested in getting this video editor, you can do so by clicking here.
Conclusion
We presented our list of the top 10 best video editors that are free and accessible to users of all technical abilities. I hope you will now have a clearer understanding of which video editing app is right for you. Other than that, if you have any other free-of-cost video entry in mind, let us know about it in the comment section below.