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If you’ve just started video editing, we’ve put together the best video editing programs you can use to learn the basics…
If you are a beginner or new to video editing, there are free video editing programs that will make the whole process as easy as possible and will not cost you a penny.
The most impressive programs make your daily tasks as simple as possible, such as cutting, editing, joining, and applying filters to clips.
These user-friendly editors provide a smooth introduction to editing, so you’ll learn the basics and step into a more advanced premium program when you’re ready.
Interested in making your music? Check out our list of best music making programs in the market.
Lightworks
Lightworks is an amazing free tool to make professional-quality video editing software available to everyone. If you’ve tried other free editors, you’ll probably find that the interface is slightly different from anything you’re used to.
In turn, you can edit various controls and windows to create something that suits your working style. There is Lightworks Pro, a paid version that adds the ability to export to non-MPEG formats, publish 4K video directly to YouTube, and export 3D videos. But free video editing software includes everything you need to make impressive videos.
Platform: Windows / Mac / Linux | Upload directly to YouTube: Yes | 8K support: No | 360 support: No
Hitfilm Express
Hitfilm Express is another video editor that promises professional features. It features a basic editor, advanced cutting tools, a great set of audio and video filters, layers and masking, merging options, and many features for creating green screen effects.
For a package that includes colour correction, exposure adjustment, split-screen masking, and a variety of ad filters, additional tools are available starting at around $ 10. But the free video editor is also worth a look.
The disadvantage is that Hitfilm Express is much more demanding than Lightworks or Shotcut, which is the main reason why it has dropped to third place. To avoid disappointment, be sure to check the technical requirements before downloading.
Platform: Windows / Mac | Upload directly to YouTube: Yes | 8K support: No | 360 support: Comes with add-on
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a free version of a premium video editing package. As in Lightworks, it’s so full of features that there are probably only a few tools that it doesn’t have. DaVinci Resolve is professional-grade free video editing software with intuitive interfaces for editing, colour correction, audio mastering and exporting.
One of the highlights of DaVinci Resolve is that it is very good at applying colour correction in whole video, or just a selected section. It has HDR support and can work directly on raw files. Several of the filters are exclusive to premium DaVinci Resolve Studio and have a maximum resolution of 3,840 x 2,160, but these are only limitations.
Platform: Windows / Mac / Linux | Upload directly to YouTube: No | 8K support: Yes | 360 support: Comes with plugin
Shortcut
Shotcut is a free video editor that requires some patience. A slight unusual interface is based on the fact that it started as a Linux application and that there is little change in its conversion to Windows.
To start with, the interface may seem a bit plain. Not only do you have to upload a video, but you’ll also have to choose which editing mode you want to work with and what tools you want to use.
There are many filters you can add to your video, and it’s possible to apply one and get impressive results.
Platform: Windows / Mac / Linux | Upload directly to YouTube: No | 8K support: No | 360 support: No
VSDC Free Video Editor
VSDC Free Video Editor is one of the best free video editing programs that is highly capable and can deliver great results. As a non-linear regulator, it works differently than many other similar tools.
Allows you to place and edit clips and other items in the timeline where you want them. Not only does it work with multiple scenes and transitions, but it also has the ability to add sprites and text to videos.
Platform: Windows | Upload directly to YouTube: Yes | 8K support: No | 360 support: Yes