Video editing consists of the possibility of being able to edit a film. Video editing software allows you to create and add audio and video effects to existing movies.
They can be used for example to add video clips, images, add special effects and transition effects, edit the audio track by inserting backing tracks and much more.
Not many people know that it is not necessary to buy expensive dedicated software and that it is possible to make quality videos even with free tools (even at professional level).
In this article we will try to highlight the best free video editing programs offered by the market and which are sometimes unfairly overlooked.
Clarify, we considered free only video editors who:
- they do not apply any watermark in the export of produced videos;
- they do not limit the resolution and duration of the videos processed;
- they continue to work without limits over time (therefore programs that offer the trial version and then have to upgrade to the paid version are excluded).
So let’s take a closer look at each video editing program that we have selected.
DaVinci Resolve (Windows, MacOS and Linux)
If you are looking for an advanced video editing tool, this video editing program might be for you. It is no coincidence that it is one of the solutions most used by Youtubers, to create video content of a certain quality..
It’s a solution that doesn’t have a very smooth learning curve, but offering professional quality tools. DaVinci Resolve is also used in the editing of movies and TV series. that’s probably it best video editing tool on this list, suitable for those who are already familiar with this type of software.
The application is available for Windows, Mac and Linux, it has no limitations and on the Internet there are many tutorials to learn how to use it to the fullest.
As this is a professional tool, it does not offer a quick social media upload procedure.
You can directly download the latest version of the program on the page dedicated to DaVinci Resolve on the manufacturer’s website.
Gunshot (Windows, MacOS and Linux)
It may not seem like the best editor at first glance, but it is no coincidence that it is among the first solutions that we recommend.
Gunshot is an excellent program developed as a free project, which it can delight both novices and more advanced users.
Minimalistic menus allow for easy navigation, while more advanced users can add powerful add-ons that can compete with professional solutions. to create and edit videos.
Obviously, if you insert the professional add-ons, the learning curve increases, luckily a rich series of video tutorials are available on the site, always free of charge.
If you are interested, you can download the program directly from download page on the Shotcut website.
OpenShot (Windows, MacOS, Linux and ChromeOS)
It is a powerful open source solution, but very accessible and easy to use.
The project was born in 2008 with the aim of providing the Linux operating system with a free version of a video editing program. Over the years it has become more and more complete and has also released versions for Windows, Mac and ChromeOS.
OpenShot offers a non-linear editor, with a timeline, support for visual effects, transitions and more, all accompanied by a well-organized, intuitive interface, and translated into Italian.
In addition, the program has a built-in tutorial, which will lead even beginners to quickly become experts.
If you want to try OpenShot, you can download it directly from OpenShot official website download page.
Kdenlive (Windows, MacOS and Linux)
Here we are in front of a free and multiplatform solution, more advanced than OpenShot.
Kdenlive is a very interesting project, it gets better from version to version, and offers a complete non-linear video editor.
This video editing program offers interesting advanced tools and can be a valid solution to switch from a basic editor to a more professional editor.
Although the software originated from Linux, it is now available for Windows and Mac.
This program can be downloaded directly from Kdenlive official website .
HitFilm Express (Windows and MacOS)
If you’re looking for a free solution with a more modern interface, this might be the one for you..
HitFilm is a complete, free application with no major limitations (except the dark interface is limited to paying customers), which offers a lot of features.
This program appears to be a happy marriage between two popular solutions from Adobe, After Effects and Premier.
The performance is distinguished by the full support for hardware acceleration.
HitFilm not only offers a nonlinear video editor, but also thefree access to a large number of video effects, including the most advanced.
To download it for free, just go to the Dedicated HitFilm page and move the slider until the price points to zero. At any time, you can pay to support the project by purchasing one of the additional packs.
Apple iMovie (MacOS)
The video editing program included with MacOS has always been particularly interesting and easy to use..
For those who need to edit simple videos or even post them on social media, this is a great solution.
It offers a non-linear editor, with a pleasant and intuitive interface. Plus, as you can imagine, iMovie is seamlessly integrated into the system.
This solution is only available on Mac, and you can install it for free directly from the App Store.
VideoPad (Windows and MacOS)
A simple and practical solution, for those who just need to edit a non-professional level video.
VideoPad is a very fast and immediate program, with which anyone who has ever edited a video will immediately be comfortable.
The app is free and allows you to edit videos efficiently, if you need advanced tools, you can purchase add-ons.
The application is available for Windows and Mac, you can download it from manufacturer’s website.
