Videos are the most consumed media of the present day. From social media posts and YouTube videos to promotional material and short films, the demand for quality video content is greater than ever.
So, whether you’re an aspiring creator or a business owner or someone that edits videos professionally, the right video editing software is essential for making the impact you want with your content.
In India, the surging digital content industry and rising YouTube channels are all set to create videos. Are you interested in video editing, but confused by the overwhelming number of software options available? Well, the good thing is that there is no shortage of options for every skill level, from a beginner starting out to a professional who wants to elevate their work.
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Video editing software has become such a hot topic over the past few years, so let this guide assist you in nabbling your way around and pointing out the best tools for novices and pros alike. Software Comparison First, we will compare software based on their features, ease of use, performance, and pricing. So if you are a YouTuber or a film maker, this article has everything you need to know to make your right choice.
Why is Video Editing Essential
Editing videos has become a basic skill for anyone who wants to make attractive content in the current digital planet. Whether making social media content, marketing pieces, personal ventures, or professional films, the quality of video editing is extremely important to enhance your films.
Professional editing of videos not only enhances the quality of your content but also keeps the audience engaged and retained. Professional video editing can take your content from insightful to incredible, helping attract attention and hopefully go viral, something that’s particularly valuable for creators and brands trying to get the word out.
Video Content is one of the best touch points for Indian creators. These platforms include YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc. But to make an impact in the over-saturated space, however, you’ll want to leverage the right video editing software to make sure your content appears polished and professional quality.
Important Features to Look Out for in Video Editing Software
The process is intimidating, however, so here’s some guidance as you shop for video editing software: understand the features that matter most to you depending on whether you’re a beginner or a professional. Here are some essential features to look out for:
Easy to Use Interface: Editing is made easy and faster with a clean and intuitive interface. Amateurs should seek out software with an easy learning curve, while professionals might want a little more control.
Multiple Formats Supported: Decent video editing software should support multiple video formats, inclusive of 4K and HD videos, to ensure compatibility with different types of cameras and output devices.
Multi-Track Editing: This lets you edit multiple video and audio tracks at the same time, which is crucial for more advanced edits, such as adding sound effects or working with layered footage.
Special Effects and Transitions: You need access to plenty of built-in effects, transitions, and filters to make advanced visual moves with your content.
Tools for Audio Editing: Editing the sound is as significant as editing the video itself. Seek out programs that enable you to improve audio, eliminate background noise, and include sound effects or voiceovers.
Export Options: The software should allow you flexible export settings so that you can save your video in the right format and resolution for various platforms.
The Best Video Editing Software for Beginners
If you’re new to video editing, you need easy-to-use software that doesn’t require an extended learning curve. Most user-friendly video editing programs come with drag-and-drop features, straightforward timelines and pre-set templates to streamline the editing process.
Software for Quick Edits
These are perfect for those looking who need to make simple edits, like cutting, trimming, or text overlays, without diving into too much technicality.
Filmora
Platform: Windows, macOS
Key Features:
Rewarding freeform of editing via drag-and-drop
Willingness to create your own transitions and effects
Basic audio editing options
Support for 4K video editing
Pros:
Easy to learn and use
Affordable pricing options
Regular software updates
Cons:
Limited advanced features
Watermark in the free version
iMovie (Mac Only)
Platform: macOS, iOS
Key Features:
Drag-and-drop video editing
Custom themes, transitions, and music
Well, it has a few audio editing and color correcting tools
Pros:
Completely free for Mac users
User-friendly clean interface
Supports 4K editing
Cons:
Exclusive to Apple devices
Very few advanced editing options
Shotcut
Available for: Windows, macOS, Linux
Key Features:
Open-source and entirely free
Can play almost every video format
Simple editing options such as trim, cut and filters
Pros:
Free to use
Open-source community support
Intuitive and adaptable user interface
Cons:
This is much steeper than iMovie and Filmora
Doesn’t include advanced effects and functionality
Options for Free Video Editing Software
But if you have a restricted budget, numerous high-quality video editing tools are offered as free.
DaVinci Resolve (Free version)
Platform : Windows, macOS, Linux
Key Features:
Advanced color grading tools
Multi-track video editing
Animation graphics, transitions, and effects
Supports 4K editing
Pros:
Free version with professional-grade features
Advanced color grading tools
Constantly updated
Cons:
Steep learning curve
Needs good hardware to run smoothly
Professional Video Editing Software
For professional editors or anyone looking to work in the film, TV or advertising industries, advanced video editing software is a must. These tools offer high-end features for multi-layer editing, special effects, color grading, and sound editing.
Industry-Standard Software
Adobe Premiere Pro
Platform: Windows, macOS
Key Features:
Basic Video Editing: Yes (Advanced editing features like multi-cam editing, 3D editing, audio mixing)
Massive catalog of effects, transitions, and plugins
Integration with other Adobe products (After Effects, Photoshop)
Previously mentioned issues with multicam and scene detection for 4K and 8K video editing
Pros:
Professional-grade tools
Industry standard software for film and TV editing
Regular updates and support
Cons:
Princely subscription-based pricing
Takes time to know the software
Final Cut Pro
Platform: macOS
Key Features:
Magnetic timeline for easier video editing
Multi-camera editing and advanced color grading
Supports 4K and 8K resolution
360-degree video editing
Pros:
Rendering time is fast (” on Mac)
Optimized for Apple hardware
Nonprofit tools for complex projects
Cons:
Only available on Mac
Beginners’ high learning curve
Avid Media Composer
Platform: Windows, macOS
Key Features:
This requires multi-camera editing and collaborative workflow tools
Used by broadcast TV and film editors as an industry standard
Tools for advanced color correction and special effects
Pros:
This is very powerful in case of larger scale and more complex projects
Tremendous support for multi-user work-flows
Regular maintenance and new functionality
Cons:
Expensive
• Needs level of expertise
Top Features for High-End Projects
If you are working with large-scale productions, you will require software that has features like high-end special effects, detailed color grading, and compatibility with high-resolution footage (4K, 8K).
After Effects (For Motion Graphics and Visual Effects)
Blender (for 3D Editing and Animation)
A quick overview and comparison of Video Editing software
Software platform Ease of use Price Main Target Filmora Windows, macOS Easy Free (With Watermark), Paid (₹3,000/Year) Beginners, YouTubers, Social Media Creators iMovie Mac
OS, iOS | Easy | Free | Beginners (Mac users) | |Shotcut | Windows, macOS, Linux | Moderate | Free | Open-source users, Budget creators | | DaVinci Resolve | Windows, macOS, Linux | Moderate | Free (Pro version ₹35,000/year) | Aspiring professionals, Color Grading | | Adobe Premiere Pro | Windows, macOS | Difficult | ₹1,675/month | Professionals, Film and TV editing | | Final Cut Pro | macOS | Moderate | ₹25,000 one time | Professionals (Mac users) | | Avid Media Composer| Windows, macOS | Difficult | ₹26,500/year | Film, TV professionals |
Free vs Paid Video Editing Software: Which Should You Use?
Deciding whether to go for free or paid software is ultimately a matter of your needs and goals:
Free Software Perfect for beginners or casual creators to start with basic editing. Free software does not have many options, but for basic projects, we can have a nice product.
Pro Software: Required for polished high-end or complicated projects, this software is priced for professionals or those who do such a project. It can provide you with additional features, upgrades, and support for an extra cost.
FAQ What Is the Best Video Editing Software for Beginners?
Here’s what to consider when selecting your video editing software:
Skill Level: Beginners will be better off with software that has a lower learning curve.
Projects type: if you’re working on professional movies or high-end advertisements invest in software that will deliver 4K or higher resolution.
Budget: Assess your requirements and consider whether a free or paid tool can fulfill your needs (for simple or complex tasks).
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Best Editing Software
Pros:
Ease of Use Beginners will find it are beginner-friendly software[Filmora, iMovie.
Advanced Features: Paid tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro only offer advanced features.
Support and Community: Well known software (like Adobe Premiere Pro) has big user communities making it easy to find tutorials and troubleshooting help.
Cons:
Price: Some professional software can be pricey (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro).
Steep Learning Curve: Advanced tools have high learning curves that may be harder for novices to crack.
Final Word: Which is Best for You and Your Editing?
[Related: The 14 best video editing software tools in 2023] There is software solution for everyone, whether you are a beginner or a pro editor. Knowing your skill level, project requirements and budget, you can make the right selection that will assist you in producing quality videos.
Filmora and iMovie are good places to start for beginners. Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve is more advanced tools for professional users to make high-end productions.
So here you have the full video editing software guide and now you know what is the best video editing software for you. Happy editing!