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New Lightweight Champions The Best Video Editing Software for Speed for 2024
Lightweight Champions: The Best Video Editing Software for Speed
If you are new to video editing and you simply want to do basic editing to your video, you need a light video editor. There is no need for a heavyweight video editor that is generally used by professionals. Besides, an industry-grade video editor demands high-end computer as they put pressure on your system resources for video processing and rendering.
Therefore, if you do not have a high-end computer for video editing, a lightweight video editor is perfect for you. There are so many lightweight video editing software applications available to choose from for video editing. We have picked the best light video editing software for smooth and satisfying video editing work.
Part 1. The Features for Light Video Editor
Here are the main features of a good lightweight video editor that you should be aware of.
Small File Size – A light video editor comes in a small size file, and you will understand the file size when you download it on your computer. Ideally, a light video editor should not be above a couple of hundred MBs in size.
Wide OS Compatibility – A good light video editor should not only be compatible with the latest version of computer operating system but also with older versions. This is because older operating systems fail to run a heavyweight video editor smoothly.
Low System Requirements – Every video editor lists out their system requirements starting from processor version to RAM capacity and free disk space. A light video editor should have low system requirements such as 4GB RAM, 5GB free disk space, Intel i3 or likewise.
Low CPU Usage – How much CPU resource a video editor uses determines whether the video editor is truly lightweight. You can monitor how much CPU resource an application is using from Task Manager. For a light video editor, it should never be more than 33% of the total CPU usage at any given time.
Faster Processing – A lightweight video editor is generally faster in processing and rendering videos. They use different techniques such as compression, background processing and proxy workflow to boost processing speed without affecting system performance.
Part 2. Best Light Video Editors
Here is the list of the best light video editing software with complete review so that you can pick the best one for your video editing purposes.
1. Filmora
Best for: beginners as well as advanced users.
System compatibility: Windows and Mac.
Reason to choose:
- Drag and drop media files from your hard drive.
- Robust timeline to arrange photos, videos, and audio files.
- Wide categories of transitions, effects and graphical elements.
- Take screenshot from videos and instant preview of the changes.
- Export in different file formats with adjusted video parameters.
Reason to avoid:
- Video processing slightly on the slower side.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Wondershare Filmora is the best lightweight video editor that is tailor-made for both beginners as well as professionals. It is a premium video editor, and you should opt for it if you regularly edit videos. In fact, it is widely used by YouTubers and social media video creators. The software lets you record your screen and webcam video along with system and external mic sound. You can edit various video parameters such as aspect ratio, resolution, frame rate and likewise.
Coming to its editing features, you get a perfect blend of basic and advanced editing tools. You can trim, crop, split, join video clips as well as make videos from photos. You can import various media files of different formats including audio files. There are loads of transitions, effects, elements, texts, and stock media files. You can opt for greenscreen effect, apply stickers, correct colors, and much more.
2. Studio
Best for: Slightly advanced Windows users for advanced video editing.
System compatibility: Windows 11 and 10 (64 bit)
Reason to choose:
- Perfect blend of standard and advanced video editing tools.
- Advanced video masking and color grading options.
- Tons of effects, filters, transitions, and overlays.
- Edit multi-cam video and 360-degree video.
- Advanced audio editing options.
Reason to avoid:
- Some advanced features are not full-fledged.
Studio is a premium but light video editor that has some advanced video editing options. You will get all the basic video editing tools as well. You can publish cinema-grade videos with Studio. You can zoom video clips and edit frames accurately so that the video has no glitches and inconsistency in editing. The software allows you to edit multi-cam videos and make split-screen videos.
You can also record your screen and webcam with Studio. Apart from video editing, you can edit your audio files. There are options for color grading, blend modes and video making. Among the advanced features, you get motion and smart object tracking along with keyframing and editing 360-degree videos. The software comes with hardware acceleration to boost its performance.
3. OpenShot
Best for: those looking for a free light video editor.
System compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Reason to choose:
- Drag and drop media files of different formats.
- Wide range of video filters and transition effects.
- 3D objects and animations with Blender plugin.
- Dedicated audio editor and video templates.
Reason to avoid:
- Not so suitable for 4K resolution videos.
OpenShot is an open-source and cross-platform video editor that is compatible across all computer operating systems. It is completely free to use, and it has a good mixture of all basic and some advanced video editing options. You can import photos, video clips, and audio files as per your requirements as it supports a wide range of media file formats.
The user interface is simple, and hence, beginners will find it easy to use. The software has one of the lowest CPU resource usages among the lightweight video editors. You can trim, crop, resize, split and do all such video editing. You can adjust the speed of videos as well as correct video parameters. The software allows you to attach custom watermarks and overlays, and there is the option for time-mapping.
4. ShotCut
Best for: open-source video editor with standard and advanced features.
System compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Reason to choose:
- Import and export different file formats in high-resolution.
- Chroma key, video stabilization, filters and transitions.
- Video masking, composting and color correction.
- Complete audio editor with filters and mixing.
- Wide range of video editing options and tools.
Reason to avoid:
- User interface takes time to understand all features.
- Limited transitions and no stock media files.
Shotcut is an open-source and cross-platform video editor. It has support for all the different media file formats, and it supports 4K resolution. You can use the software to capture webcam and screen video as well as audio narration. You can also import different file formats for photos. There are various audio features available starting from audio filters to audio mixing.
Shotcut comes with a large set of transitions, effects, and filters. It supports video stabilization and deinterlacing as well as blending modes. You can edit video speed, reserve video clips, correct colors, and imperfections easily. There is a multi-track timeline available for easy video making and editing.
5. Adobe Premiere Pro
Best for: premium video editor for advanced Windows users.
System compatibility: Windows 10 and 11.
Reason to choose:
- Wide range of video effects, transitions, and templates.
- Edit 3D, VR, and multicam and 360-dgree videos as well as audio.
- Suitable for collaborative video editing and robust timeline.
- Support for various video and audio formats.
Reason to avoid:
- Reports of lagging in low-end computers.
- Steep learning curve to understand the user interface.
Adobe Premiere Pro is undoubtedly the best lightweight video editor Windows 10 for advanced video editors. Even though it is relatively less lightweight, you can do basic video editing on computers which do not have high-end hardware. Apart from basic editing, you can create industry-grade videos with the editing options available on the software.
You may need some training and lessons could be high useful for smooth editing. The software supports teamwork and collaborative video editing. You can edit VR and 3D videos as well as audio. The user interface is complicated, but it is highly customizable and flexible. The timeline is quite advanced and it is a complete video editor with full-fledged features.
6. VideoPad Video Editor
Best for: those who are looking for a video as well as audio editor.
System compatibility: Windows and Mac.
Reason to choose:
- Perfect combination of standard video and audio editing options.
- Video templates for intro, outro, and themed videos.
- Lossless exporting of videos in different formats.
- Video stabilization, color correction, and plugin support.
- Supports 4K video and share directly on YouTube.
Reason to avoid:
- Limited range of transitions and effects.
- Limited options for 3D video editing.
VideoPad Video Editor from NCH Software comes with a simple user interface, and hence, it is suitable for beginners. There is a wide category of transitions and effects available. It is the perfect combination video and audio editor. The software can process the videos faster, and it supports so many different types of media file formats.
Even though it is a rather simple video editor, it is quite powerful where you can edit 3D and e60-degree videos. Besides, there are options for 3D texts and tiles, chroma key, custom logos, and animations. Moreover, you can choose from different templates for intro and outro part of your videos. The audio editor is quite useful for mixing tracks, adding effects, and record own narration.
7. VSDC Free Video Editor
Best for: those who have very low end and outdated PCs.
System compatibility: Windows XP or above.
Reason to choose:
- Zoom and edit option, 360-degree video editing.
- Large set of video effects, transitions and filters.
- Chroma key option and PiP and split screen effect.
- Color correction and very low system requirements.
- Supports importing and exporting different file formats.
Reason to avoid:
- Advanced features are locked for premium users.
VSDC is a free suite where you get video editor and audio editor for free. Coming specifically to VSDC Free Video Editor, all the features are available for free without any watermark. However, there is a Pro version available with more advance video editing features. The software supports a wide range of media file formats.
You can zoom and edit accurately. You can even edit 360-degree videos without any issue. There are options for color correction, greenscreen effects and visualizations. You can choose from a large set of video effects and filters. The best part is that VSDC Free Video Editor is suitable for very low-end systems.
8. Avidemux
Best for: those looking for a free video editor for basic editing.
System compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Reason to choose:
- Standard video options available.
- Advanced video filters and effects.
- Custom scripting and advanced interlacing.
- Super intuitive user interface.
- Supports multiple file formats.
Reason to avoid:
- Not suitable for high-resolution videos.
Avidemux from Sourceforge is a light video editing software free. The software is suitable for basic editing only. It is extremely lightweight, and it supports a limited resolution of videos. You can cut crop, trim videos, add filters to them, and perform encoding tasks. The software supports various import and export file formats.
Avidemux also has basic audio editing options, and you can publish compressed videos in rather small file sizes. There is also option for custom scripting, and you can automate common tasks easily. It belongs to the open-source video editor category, and hence, it is completely free to use for all purposes.
Part 3. FAQs about Light Video Editor
1. What is Light Video Editor?
Light Video Editor is a user-friendly video editing software that allows users to edit and create videos quickly and easily. The software includes features such as trimming, merging, cropping, adding music, and more.
2. what is the best lightweight video editor for windows?
Wondershare Filmora is the best lightweight video editor for Windows as well as Mac users. Even though the software is world-class as a video editing software, it does not demand high CPU usage and does not high system requirements.
3. What is the best free light video editor?
Shotcut is the best free light video editor, and it is available for all computer operating systems. If you have a very low-end computer, VSDC Free Video Editor is the best free light video editor for you.
4. Can I use a light video editor for professional projects?
While a light video editor may not have all the features of a professional video editor, it can still be used for professional projects such as short promotional videos, social media content, or simple marketing videos. It can be a great option for those who need to quickly edit and produce videos without spending a lot of time learning a complex software.
5. What are the benefits of using a light video editor?
One of the main benefits of using a light video editor is its simplicity and ease of use. It can be a great option for beginners or those who need to quickly edit and produce videos without spending a lot of time learning a complex software. It is also usually more affordable than a full-featured video editor and can still produce high-quality videos for personal or professional use.
Reason to avoid:
- Video processing slightly on the slower side.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Wondershare Filmora is the best lightweight video editor that is tailor-made for both beginners as well as professionals. It is a premium video editor, and you should opt for it if you regularly edit videos. In fact, it is widely used by YouTubers and social media video creators. The software lets you record your screen and webcam video along with system and external mic sound. You can edit various video parameters such as aspect ratio, resolution, frame rate and likewise.
Coming to its editing features, you get a perfect blend of basic and advanced editing tools. You can trim, crop, split, join video clips as well as make videos from photos. You can import various media files of different formats including audio files. There are loads of transitions, effects, elements, texts, and stock media files. You can opt for greenscreen effect, apply stickers, correct colors, and much more.
2. Studio
Best for: Slightly advanced Windows users for advanced video editing.
System compatibility: Windows 11 and 10 (64 bit)
Reason to choose:
- Perfect blend of standard and advanced video editing tools.
- Advanced video masking and color grading options.
- Tons of effects, filters, transitions, and overlays.
- Edit multi-cam video and 360-degree video.
- Advanced audio editing options.
Reason to avoid:
- Some advanced features are not full-fledged.
Studio is a premium but light video editor that has some advanced video editing options. You will get all the basic video editing tools as well. You can publish cinema-grade videos with Studio. You can zoom video clips and edit frames accurately so that the video has no glitches and inconsistency in editing. The software allows you to edit multi-cam videos and make split-screen videos.
You can also record your screen and webcam with Studio. Apart from video editing, you can edit your audio files. There are options for color grading, blend modes and video making. Among the advanced features, you get motion and smart object tracking along with keyframing and editing 360-degree videos. The software comes with hardware acceleration to boost its performance.
3. OpenShot
Best for: those looking for a free light video editor.
System compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Reason to choose:
- Drag and drop media files of different formats.
- Wide range of video filters and transition effects.
- 3D objects and animations with Blender plugin.
- Dedicated audio editor and video templates.
Reason to avoid:
- Not so suitable for 4K resolution videos.
OpenShot is an open-source and cross-platform video editor that is compatible across all computer operating systems. It is completely free to use, and it has a good mixture of all basic and some advanced video editing options. You can import photos, video clips, and audio files as per your requirements as it supports a wide range of media file formats.
The user interface is simple, and hence, beginners will find it easy to use. The software has one of the lowest CPU resource usages among the lightweight video editors. You can trim, crop, resize, split and do all such video editing. You can adjust the speed of videos as well as correct video parameters. The software allows you to attach custom watermarks and overlays, and there is the option for time-mapping.
4. ShotCut
Best for: open-source video editor with standard and advanced features.
System compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Reason to choose:
- Import and export different file formats in high-resolution.
- Chroma key, video stabilization, filters and transitions.
- Video masking, composting and color correction.
- Complete audio editor with filters and mixing.
- Wide range of video editing options and tools.
Reason to avoid:
- User interface takes time to understand all features.
- Limited transitions and no stock media files.
Shotcut is an open-source and cross-platform video editor. It has support for all the different media file formats, and it supports 4K resolution. You can use the software to capture webcam and screen video as well as audio narration. You can also import different file formats for photos. There are various audio features available starting from audio filters to audio mixing.
Shotcut comes with a large set of transitions, effects, and filters. It supports video stabilization and deinterlacing as well as blending modes. You can edit video speed, reserve video clips, correct colors, and imperfections easily. There is a multi-track timeline available for easy video making and editing.
5. Adobe Premiere Pro
Best for: premium video editor for advanced Windows users.
System compatibility: Windows 10 and 11.
Reason to choose:
- Wide range of video effects, transitions, and templates.
- Edit 3D, VR, and multicam and 360-dgree videos as well as audio.
- Suitable for collaborative video editing and robust timeline.
- Support for various video and audio formats.
Reason to avoid:
- Reports of lagging in low-end computers.
- Steep learning curve to understand the user interface.
Adobe Premiere Pro is undoubtedly the best lightweight video editor Windows 10 for advanced video editors. Even though it is relatively less lightweight, you can do basic video editing on computers which do not have high-end hardware. Apart from basic editing, you can create industry-grade videos with the editing options available on the software.
You may need some training and lessons could be high useful for smooth editing. The software supports teamwork and collaborative video editing. You can edit VR and 3D videos as well as audio. The user interface is complicated, but it is highly customizable and flexible. The timeline is quite advanced and it is a complete video editor with full-fledged features.
6. VideoPad Video Editor
Best for: those who are looking for a video as well as audio editor.
System compatibility: Windows and Mac.
Reason to choose:
- Perfect combination of standard video and audio editing options.
- Video templates for intro, outro, and themed videos.
- Lossless exporting of videos in different formats.
- Video stabilization, color correction, and plugin support.
- Supports 4K video and share directly on YouTube.
Reason to avoid:
- Limited range of transitions and effects.
- Limited options for 3D video editing.
VideoPad Video Editor from NCH Software comes with a simple user interface, and hence, it is suitable for beginners. There is a wide category of transitions and effects available. It is the perfect combination video and audio editor. The software can process the videos faster, and it supports so many different types of media file formats.
Even though it is a rather simple video editor, it is quite powerful where you can edit 3D and e60-degree videos. Besides, there are options for 3D texts and tiles, chroma key, custom logos, and animations. Moreover, you can choose from different templates for intro and outro part of your videos. The audio editor is quite useful for mixing tracks, adding effects, and record own narration.
7. VSDC Free Video Editor
Best for: those who have very low end and outdated PCs.
System compatibility: Windows XP or above.
Reason to choose:
- Zoom and edit option, 360-degree video editing.
- Large set of video effects, transitions and filters.
- Chroma key option and PiP and split screen effect.
- Color correction and very low system requirements.
- Supports importing and exporting different file formats.
Reason to avoid:
- Advanced features are locked for premium users.
VSDC is a free suite where you get video editor and audio editor for free. Coming specifically to VSDC Free Video Editor, all the features are available for free without any watermark. However, there is a Pro version available with more advance video editing features. The software supports a wide range of media file formats.
You can zoom and edit accurately. You can even edit 360-degree videos without any issue. There are options for color correction, greenscreen effects and visualizations. You can choose from a large set of video effects and filters. The best part is that VSDC Free Video Editor is suitable for very low-end systems.
8. Avidemux
Best for: those looking for a free video editor for basic editing.
System compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Reason to choose:
- Standard video options available.
- Advanced video filters and effects.
- Custom scripting and advanced interlacing.
- Super intuitive user interface.
- Supports multiple file formats.
Reason to avoid:
- Not suitable for high-resolution videos.
Avidemux from Sourceforge is a light video editing software free. The software is suitable for basic editing only. It is extremely lightweight, and it supports a limited resolution of videos. You can cut crop, trim videos, add filters to them, and perform encoding tasks. The software supports various import and export file formats.
Avidemux also has basic audio editing options, and you can publish compressed videos in rather small file sizes. There is also option for custom scripting, and you can automate common tasks easily. It belongs to the open-source video editor category, and hence, it is completely free to use for all purposes.
Part 3. FAQs about Light Video Editor
1. What is Light Video Editor?
Light Video Editor is a user-friendly video editing software that allows users to edit and create videos quickly and easily. The software includes features such as trimming, merging, cropping, adding music, and more.
2. what is the best lightweight video editor for windows?
Wondershare Filmora is the best lightweight video editor for Windows as well as Mac users. Even though the software is world-class as a video editing software, it does not demand high CPU usage and does not high system requirements.
3. What is the best free light video editor?
Shotcut is the best free light video editor, and it is available for all computer operating systems. If you have a very low-end computer, VSDC Free Video Editor is the best free light video editor for you.
4. Can I use a light video editor for professional projects?
While a light video editor may not have all the features of a professional video editor, it can still be used for professional projects such as short promotional videos, social media content, or simple marketing videos. It can be a great option for those who need to quickly edit and produce videos without spending a lot of time learning a complex software.
5. What are the benefits of using a light video editor?
One of the main benefits of using a light video editor is its simplicity and ease of use. It can be a great option for beginners or those who need to quickly edit and produce videos without spending a lot of time learning a complex software. It is also usually more affordable than a full-featured video editor and can still produce high-quality videos for personal or professional use.
Reason to avoid:
- Video processing slightly on the slower side.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Wondershare Filmora is the best lightweight video editor that is tailor-made for both beginners as well as professionals. It is a premium video editor, and you should opt for it if you regularly edit videos. In fact, it is widely used by YouTubers and social media video creators. The software lets you record your screen and webcam video along with system and external mic sound. You can edit various video parameters such as aspect ratio, resolution, frame rate and likewise.
Coming to its editing features, you get a perfect blend of basic and advanced editing tools. You can trim, crop, split, join video clips as well as make videos from photos. You can import various media files of different formats including audio files. There are loads of transitions, effects, elements, texts, and stock media files. You can opt for greenscreen effect, apply stickers, correct colors, and much more.
2. Studio
Best for: Slightly advanced Windows users for advanced video editing.
System compatibility: Windows 11 and 10 (64 bit)
Reason to choose:
- Perfect blend of standard and advanced video editing tools.
- Advanced video masking and color grading options.
- Tons of effects, filters, transitions, and overlays.
- Edit multi-cam video and 360-degree video.
- Advanced audio editing options.
Reason to avoid:
- Some advanced features are not full-fledged.
Studio is a premium but light video editor that has some advanced video editing options. You will get all the basic video editing tools as well. You can publish cinema-grade videos with Studio. You can zoom video clips and edit frames accurately so that the video has no glitches and inconsistency in editing. The software allows you to edit multi-cam videos and make split-screen videos.
You can also record your screen and webcam with Studio. Apart from video editing, you can edit your audio files. There are options for color grading, blend modes and video making. Among the advanced features, you get motion and smart object tracking along with keyframing and editing 360-degree videos. The software comes with hardware acceleration to boost its performance.
3. OpenShot
Best for: those looking for a free light video editor.
System compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Reason to choose:
- Drag and drop media files of different formats.
- Wide range of video filters and transition effects.
- 3D objects and animations with Blender plugin.
- Dedicated audio editor and video templates.
Reason to avoid:
- Not so suitable for 4K resolution videos.
OpenShot is an open-source and cross-platform video editor that is compatible across all computer operating systems. It is completely free to use, and it has a good mixture of all basic and some advanced video editing options. You can import photos, video clips, and audio files as per your requirements as it supports a wide range of media file formats.
The user interface is simple, and hence, beginners will find it easy to use. The software has one of the lowest CPU resource usages among the lightweight video editors. You can trim, crop, resize, split and do all such video editing. You can adjust the speed of videos as well as correct video parameters. The software allows you to attach custom watermarks and overlays, and there is the option for time-mapping.
4. ShotCut
Best for: open-source video editor with standard and advanced features.
System compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Reason to choose:
- Import and export different file formats in high-resolution.
- Chroma key, video stabilization, filters and transitions.
- Video masking, composting and color correction.
- Complete audio editor with filters and mixing.
- Wide range of video editing options and tools.
Reason to avoid:
- User interface takes time to understand all features.
- Limited transitions and no stock media files.
Shotcut is an open-source and cross-platform video editor. It has support for all the different media file formats, and it supports 4K resolution. You can use the software to capture webcam and screen video as well as audio narration. You can also import different file formats for photos. There are various audio features available starting from audio filters to audio mixing.
Shotcut comes with a large set of transitions, effects, and filters. It supports video stabilization and deinterlacing as well as blending modes. You can edit video speed, reserve video clips, correct colors, and imperfections easily. There is a multi-track timeline available for easy video making and editing.
5. Adobe Premiere Pro
Best for: premium video editor for advanced Windows users.
System compatibility: Windows 10 and 11.
Reason to choose:
- Wide range of video effects, transitions, and templates.
- Edit 3D, VR, and multicam and 360-dgree videos as well as audio.
- Suitable for collaborative video editing and robust timeline.
- Support for various video and audio formats.
Reason to avoid:
- Reports of lagging in low-end computers.
- Steep learning curve to understand the user interface.
Adobe Premiere Pro is undoubtedly the best lightweight video editor Windows 10 for advanced video editors. Even though it is relatively less lightweight, you can do basic video editing on computers which do not have high-end hardware. Apart from basic editing, you can create industry-grade videos with the editing options available on the software.
You may need some training and lessons could be high useful for smooth editing. The software supports teamwork and collaborative video editing. You can edit VR and 3D videos as well as audio. The user interface is complicated, but it is highly customizable and flexible. The timeline is quite advanced and it is a complete video editor with full-fledged features.
6. VideoPad Video Editor
Best for: those who are looking for a video as well as audio editor.
System compatibility: Windows and Mac.
Reason to choose:
- Perfect combination of standard video and audio editing options.
- Video templates for intro, outro, and themed videos.
- Lossless exporting of videos in different formats.
- Video stabilization, color correction, and plugin support.
- Supports 4K video and share directly on YouTube.
Reason to avoid:
- Limited range of transitions and effects.
- Limited options for 3D video editing.
VideoPad Video Editor from NCH Software comes with a simple user interface, and hence, it is suitable for beginners. There is a wide category of transitions and effects available. It is the perfect combination video and audio editor. The software can process the videos faster, and it supports so many different types of media file formats.
Even though it is a rather simple video editor, it is quite powerful where you can edit 3D and e60-degree videos. Besides, there are options for 3D texts and tiles, chroma key, custom logos, and animations. Moreover, you can choose from different templates for intro and outro part of your videos. The audio editor is quite useful for mixing tracks, adding effects, and record own narration.
7. VSDC Free Video Editor
Best for: those who have very low end and outdated PCs.
System compatibility: Windows XP or above.
Reason to choose:
- Zoom and edit option, 360-degree video editing.
- Large set of video effects, transitions and filters.
- Chroma key option and PiP and split screen effect.
- Color correction and very low system requirements.
- Supports importing and exporting different file formats.
Reason to avoid:
- Advanced features are locked for premium users.
VSDC is a free suite where you get video editor and audio editor for free. Coming specifically to VSDC Free Video Editor, all the features are available for free without any watermark. However, there is a Pro version available with more advance video editing features. The software supports a wide range of media file formats.
You can zoom and edit accurately. You can even edit 360-degree videos without any issue. There are options for color correction, greenscreen effects and visualizations. You can choose from a large set of video effects and filters. The best part is that VSDC Free Video Editor is suitable for very low-end systems.
8. Avidemux
Best for: those looking for a free video editor for basic editing.
System compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Reason to choose:
- Standard video options available.
- Advanced video filters and effects.
- Custom scripting and advanced interlacing.
- Super intuitive user interface.
- Supports multiple file formats.
Reason to avoid:
- Not suitable for high-resolution videos.
Avidemux from Sourceforge is a light video editing software free. The software is suitable for basic editing only. It is extremely lightweight, and it supports a limited resolution of videos. You can cut crop, trim videos, add filters to them, and perform encoding tasks. The software supports various import and export file formats.
Avidemux also has basic audio editing options, and you can publish compressed videos in rather small file sizes. There is also option for custom scripting, and you can automate common tasks easily. It belongs to the open-source video editor category, and hence, it is completely free to use for all purposes.
Part 3. FAQs about Light Video Editor
1. What is Light Video Editor?
Light Video Editor is a user-friendly video editing software that allows users to edit and create videos quickly and easily. The software includes features such as trimming, merging, cropping, adding music, and more.
2. what is the best lightweight video editor for windows?
Wondershare Filmora is the best lightweight video editor for Windows as well as Mac users. Even though the software is world-class as a video editing software, it does not demand high CPU usage and does not high system requirements.
3. What is the best free light video editor?
Shotcut is the best free light video editor, and it is available for all computer operating systems. If you have a very low-end computer, VSDC Free Video Editor is the best free light video editor for you.
4. Can I use a light video editor for professional projects?
While a light video editor may not have all the features of a professional video editor, it can still be used for professional projects such as short promotional videos, social media content, or simple marketing videos. It can be a great option for those who need to quickly edit and produce videos without spending a lot of time learning a complex software.
5. What are the benefits of using a light video editor?
One of the main benefits of using a light video editor is its simplicity and ease of use. It can be a great option for beginners or those who need to quickly edit and produce videos without spending a lot of time learning a complex software. It is also usually more affordable than a full-featured video editor and can still produce high-quality videos for personal or professional use.
Reason to avoid:
- Video processing slightly on the slower side.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Wondershare Filmora is the best lightweight video editor that is tailor-made for both beginners as well as professionals. It is a premium video editor, and you should opt for it if you regularly edit videos. In fact, it is widely used by YouTubers and social media video creators. The software lets you record your screen and webcam video along with system and external mic sound. You can edit various video parameters such as aspect ratio, resolution, frame rate and likewise.
Coming to its editing features, you get a perfect blend of basic and advanced editing tools. You can trim, crop, split, join video clips as well as make videos from photos. You can import various media files of different formats including audio files. There are loads of transitions, effects, elements, texts, and stock media files. You can opt for greenscreen effect, apply stickers, correct colors, and much more.
2. Studio
Best for: Slightly advanced Windows users for advanced video editing.
System compatibility: Windows 11 and 10 (64 bit)
Reason to choose:
- Perfect blend of standard and advanced video editing tools.
- Advanced video masking and color grading options.
- Tons of effects, filters, transitions, and overlays.
- Edit multi-cam video and 360-degree video.
- Advanced audio editing options.
Reason to avoid:
- Some advanced features are not full-fledged.
Studio is a premium but light video editor that has some advanced video editing options. You will get all the basic video editing tools as well. You can publish cinema-grade videos with Studio. You can zoom video clips and edit frames accurately so that the video has no glitches and inconsistency in editing. The software allows you to edit multi-cam videos and make split-screen videos.
You can also record your screen and webcam with Studio. Apart from video editing, you can edit your audio files. There are options for color grading, blend modes and video making. Among the advanced features, you get motion and smart object tracking along with keyframing and editing 360-degree videos. The software comes with hardware acceleration to boost its performance.
3. OpenShot
Best for: those looking for a free light video editor.
System compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Reason to choose:
- Drag and drop media files of different formats.
- Wide range of video filters and transition effects.
- 3D objects and animations with Blender plugin.
- Dedicated audio editor and video templates.
Reason to avoid:
- Not so suitable for 4K resolution videos.
OpenShot is an open-source and cross-platform video editor that is compatible across all computer operating systems. It is completely free to use, and it has a good mixture of all basic and some advanced video editing options. You can import photos, video clips, and audio files as per your requirements as it supports a wide range of media file formats.
The user interface is simple, and hence, beginners will find it easy to use. The software has one of the lowest CPU resource usages among the lightweight video editors. You can trim, crop, resize, split and do all such video editing. You can adjust the speed of videos as well as correct video parameters. The software allows you to attach custom watermarks and overlays, and there is the option for time-mapping.
4. ShotCut
Best for: open-source video editor with standard and advanced features.
System compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Reason to choose:
- Import and export different file formats in high-resolution.
- Chroma key, video stabilization, filters and transitions.
- Video masking, composting and color correction.
- Complete audio editor with filters and mixing.
- Wide range of video editing options and tools.
Reason to avoid:
- User interface takes time to understand all features.
- Limited transitions and no stock media files.
Shotcut is an open-source and cross-platform video editor. It has support for all the different media file formats, and it supports 4K resolution. You can use the software to capture webcam and screen video as well as audio narration. You can also import different file formats for photos. There are various audio features available starting from audio filters to audio mixing.
Shotcut comes with a large set of transitions, effects, and filters. It supports video stabilization and deinterlacing as well as blending modes. You can edit video speed, reserve video clips, correct colors, and imperfections easily. There is a multi-track timeline available for easy video making and editing.
5. Adobe Premiere Pro
Best for: premium video editor for advanced Windows users.
System compatibility: Windows 10 and 11.
Reason to choose:
- Wide range of video effects, transitions, and templates.
- Edit 3D, VR, and multicam and 360-dgree videos as well as audio.
- Suitable for collaborative video editing and robust timeline.
- Support for various video and audio formats.
Reason to avoid:
- Reports of lagging in low-end computers.
- Steep learning curve to understand the user interface.
Adobe Premiere Pro is undoubtedly the best lightweight video editor Windows 10 for advanced video editors. Even though it is relatively less lightweight, you can do basic video editing on computers which do not have high-end hardware. Apart from basic editing, you can create industry-grade videos with the editing options available on the software.
You may need some training and lessons could be high useful for smooth editing. The software supports teamwork and collaborative video editing. You can edit VR and 3D videos as well as audio. The user interface is complicated, but it is highly customizable and flexible. The timeline is quite advanced and it is a complete video editor with full-fledged features.
6. VideoPad Video Editor
Best for: those who are looking for a video as well as audio editor.
System compatibility: Windows and Mac.
Reason to choose:
- Perfect combination of standard video and audio editing options.
- Video templates for intro, outro, and themed videos.
- Lossless exporting of videos in different formats.
- Video stabilization, color correction, and plugin support.
- Supports 4K video and share directly on YouTube.
Reason to avoid:
- Limited range of transitions and effects.
- Limited options for 3D video editing.
VideoPad Video Editor from NCH Software comes with a simple user interface, and hence, it is suitable for beginners. There is a wide category of transitions and effects available. It is the perfect combination video and audio editor. The software can process the videos faster, and it supports so many different types of media file formats.
Even though it is a rather simple video editor, it is quite powerful where you can edit 3D and e60-degree videos. Besides, there are options for 3D texts and tiles, chroma key, custom logos, and animations. Moreover, you can choose from different templates for intro and outro part of your videos. The audio editor is quite useful for mixing tracks, adding effects, and record own narration.
7. VSDC Free Video Editor
Best for: those who have very low end and outdated PCs.
System compatibility: Windows XP or above.
Reason to choose:
- Zoom and edit option, 360-degree video editing.
- Large set of video effects, transitions and filters.
- Chroma key option and PiP and split screen effect.
- Color correction and very low system requirements.
- Supports importing and exporting different file formats.
Reason to avoid:
- Advanced features are locked for premium users.
VSDC is a free suite where you get video editor and audio editor for free. Coming specifically to VSDC Free Video Editor, all the features are available for free without any watermark. However, there is a Pro version available with more advance video editing features. The software supports a wide range of media file formats.
You can zoom and edit accurately. You can even edit 360-degree videos without any issue. There are options for color correction, greenscreen effects and visualizations. You can choose from a large set of video effects and filters. The best part is that VSDC Free Video Editor is suitable for very low-end systems.
8. Avidemux
Best for: those looking for a free video editor for basic editing.
System compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Reason to choose:
- Standard video options available.
- Advanced video filters and effects.
- Custom scripting and advanced interlacing.
- Super intuitive user interface.
- Supports multiple file formats.
Reason to avoid:
- Not suitable for high-resolution videos.
Avidemux from Sourceforge is a light video editing software free. The software is suitable for basic editing only. It is extremely lightweight, and it supports a limited resolution of videos. You can cut crop, trim videos, add filters to them, and perform encoding tasks. The software supports various import and export file formats.
Avidemux also has basic audio editing options, and you can publish compressed videos in rather small file sizes. There is also option for custom scripting, and you can automate common tasks easily. It belongs to the open-source video editor category, and hence, it is completely free to use for all purposes.
Part 3. FAQs about Light Video Editor
1. What is Light Video Editor?
Light Video Editor is a user-friendly video editing software that allows users to edit and create videos quickly and easily. The software includes features such as trimming, merging, cropping, adding music, and more.
2. what is the best lightweight video editor for windows?
Wondershare Filmora is the best lightweight video editor for Windows as well as Mac users. Even though the software is world-class as a video editing software, it does not demand high CPU usage and does not high system requirements.
3. What is the best free light video editor?
Shotcut is the best free light video editor, and it is available for all computer operating systems. If you have a very low-end computer, VSDC Free Video Editor is the best free light video editor for you.
4. Can I use a light video editor for professional projects?
While a light video editor may not have all the features of a professional video editor, it can still be used for professional projects such as short promotional videos, social media content, or simple marketing videos. It can be a great option for those who need to quickly edit and produce videos without spending a lot of time learning a complex software.
5. What are the benefits of using a light video editor?
One of the main benefits of using a light video editor is its simplicity and ease of use. It can be a great option for beginners or those who need to quickly edit and produce videos without spending a lot of time learning a complex software. It is also usually more affordable than a full-featured video editor and can still produce high-quality videos for personal or professional use.
Final Cut Face-Off: What Sets Pro Apart From Express
Why Final Cut Pro Beats Final Cut Express
Liza Brown
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Boring and unexciting videos may turn off your mode. You need something special or wonderful that could turn you on and make your memories worth watching.
To let users give a new look to their pictures and videos, Apple Inc. released its first video editing software Final Cut Express in 2003. Over the next few years, various improvements were made in its updated versions.
However, after multiple inconveniences, Apple Inc. discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011 and launched its new version Final Cut Pro with advanced video editing features. Final Cut Pro was customized for video editing professionals with advanced knowledge of video editing. It is available for just $299.99 with 90 days free trial.
Some alternatives to Final Cut Express are also available in the market such as Final Cut Pro of crouse, iMovie, a low-end alternative, and Filmora, popular among beginners and pros. Let’s look at these tools individually in this article.
Part 1: What is Final Cut Express?
Final Cut Express was a video editing software designed by Apple Inc. for advanced editing of digital and HD videos. It was a consumer version of Final Cut Pro liked by professional photographers, due to its better capabilities than iMovie.
Final Cut Express used to have many features like two-way color correction, dynamic RT, Chroma key, 99 audio tracks, split-screen, and picture-in-picture effects, motion path keyframing, 23 compositing modes, and opacity keyframing.
It also allowed the users to keyframe the filters and perform slide and blade edits. Eight years after its release, Apple discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011 in favor of Final Cut Pro X.
Part 2: Is Final Cut Express Still Available?
No, concurrent with the launch of Final Cut Pro X on June 21, 2011, Final Cut Express was discontinued and removed from the Apple online store.
You might be wondering what prompted Apple to do this. Well, the primary cause of the discontinuation of Final Cut Express was that Apple Inc. wanted to launch an advanced video editing software Final Cut Pro.
Besides, despite several attempts to improve the software’s performance, Final Cut Express kept on causing multiple inconveniences. The company eventually decided to discontinue Final Cut Express and introduce a new product to meet the ever-evolving needs of its customers.
As Final Cut Express withdrawal from the stage, many other editors still update to this day. For example, Filmora, an editor trusted by many beginners and pros, updates every month. Click download to try it for free!
Part 3: Major Differences between Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express
Both Final Cut Express and Final Cut Pro were two high-performance, user-friendly, and advanced video editing software developed by Apple Inc. Both had amazing features and were liked by professional photographers, filmmakers, and editors. However, Apple Inc. discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011.
Today, Final Cut Pro incorporates all features of Final Cut Express plus some additional functions added by Apple Inc. later.
Given below are some of the key differences between these two software:
| Final Cut Pro | Final Cut Express |
|---|---|
| The software is currently available on Apple Store and is supported by all iOS devices. | The software was discontinued in 2011 and can no longer be downloaded from Apple Store. |
| Effectiveness is guaranteed as the user will receive application updates. | Untrusted and unreliable software because no application updates are available. |
| Original version with advanced features | The consumer version of Final Cut Pro with limited features |
| The application performance keeps improving with new versions | The application performance kept on declining due to downgraded features |
| Heavyweight editing tools for better results | Simple editing tools |
| Costs $299 | Costs $199 |
| Recommended for experts and professionals | Recommended for beginners |
| Requires a system with better hardware and enhanced performance | Compatible with systems with less-advanced hardware |
Part 4: iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro, Which is the Best?
All these video editing software, iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro are developed by Apple Inc. with different features and functions. However, they have different target audiences and offer diverse pricing plans according to the user’s needs.
The following table offers a detailed comparison of iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro to help you choose the best one for advanced video editing.
| No. | Parameter of Comparison | iMovie | Final Cut Express | Final Cut Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Target Audience | It is aimed at home users and who are beginners with no video editing skills | It is ideal for a bit advanced users with moderate knowledge of video editing | It is a professional product and targets professional photographers and video editors. |
| 2 | Features | Automated video editing video support Audio & music editing HD & 4K Video color settings Crop & rotate video clip Stabilization Video effects & transitions Timeline Photo & music import Pre-built themes & backdrops simultaneously | Two-way color correction Dynamic RT Chroma key 99 audio tracks Split-screen Picture-in-picture effects Motion path keyframing 23 compositing modes Opacity keyframing | Moving & Trimming Clips Multicam Editing 360 Degree VR Editing Effects VR Headset Playback Advanced Color Grading HDR Video Support Motion Graphics Templates Asset Management Plug-Ins |
| 3 | Interface | User-friendly and easy to understand | Complicated for beginners | Very complicated |
| 4 | Skill Set Required | Beginner | Moderate | Advanced |
| 5 | Advanced Sharing | Yes | No | No |
| 6 | Text Implementation | Limited Tools | Limited Tools | Advanced tools for easy text customization |
| 7 | Compatible OS | Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later | Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later | Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later, 64-bit processor |
| 8 | Workflow | Advanced | Moderate | Advanced |
| 9 | Supported HD Format | 1080 | 1080 | UHD 4K |
| 10 | iCloud sync | Yes | No | No |
| 9 | Operating Speed | Fast due to limited tools | Fast due to limited tools | Moderate due to advanced tools and effects |
| 10 | Advanced Effects | Presets | Presets with moderate effects | An array of advanced effects |
| 11 | Plugins and Integrations | Limited | Limited | Several third-party plugins |
| 12 | Color Correction Features | Focus on Image Improvement | Small editing of pictures | Total customization to match the footage tone |
| 13 | Pricing | Free of Cost | $199 | 90 days free trial then $299.99 |
Part 5: Best Alternative to Final Cut Express
Now, as Final Cut Express is no longer available, you may want to try the other two editors of Apple. While iMovie mainly targeted beginners, Final Cut Express and Pro targeted users with moderate to advanced knowledge of video editing.
For those beginners who wanted to make professional-looking videos without any editing skills, Wondershare launched Filmora as an alternative to Final Cut Express and Pro.
This user-friendly made video editing as simple as ABC. From offering multiple hand-picked effects to advanced editing options, Filmora allows you to range markers, perfect your audio, group timeline clips, and perform detailed color correction with auto-correction and color wheels for free.
Key Features
- Advanced video editing options;
- 300+ free handcrafted effects
- User-friendly video editing tools; and
- Video conversion options to multiple formats.
Liza Brown
Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Liza Brown
Liza Brown
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Boring and unexciting videos may turn off your mode. You need something special or wonderful that could turn you on and make your memories worth watching.
To let users give a new look to their pictures and videos, Apple Inc. released its first video editing software Final Cut Express in 2003. Over the next few years, various improvements were made in its updated versions.
However, after multiple inconveniences, Apple Inc. discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011 and launched its new version Final Cut Pro with advanced video editing features. Final Cut Pro was customized for video editing professionals with advanced knowledge of video editing. It is available for just $299.99 with 90 days free trial.
Some alternatives to Final Cut Express are also available in the market such as Final Cut Pro of crouse, iMovie, a low-end alternative, and Filmora, popular among beginners and pros. Let’s look at these tools individually in this article.
Part 1: What is Final Cut Express?
Final Cut Express was a video editing software designed by Apple Inc. for advanced editing of digital and HD videos. It was a consumer version of Final Cut Pro liked by professional photographers, due to its better capabilities than iMovie.
Final Cut Express used to have many features like two-way color correction, dynamic RT, Chroma key, 99 audio tracks, split-screen, and picture-in-picture effects, motion path keyframing, 23 compositing modes, and opacity keyframing.
It also allowed the users to keyframe the filters and perform slide and blade edits. Eight years after its release, Apple discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011 in favor of Final Cut Pro X.
Part 2: Is Final Cut Express Still Available?
No, concurrent with the launch of Final Cut Pro X on June 21, 2011, Final Cut Express was discontinued and removed from the Apple online store.
You might be wondering what prompted Apple to do this. Well, the primary cause of the discontinuation of Final Cut Express was that Apple Inc. wanted to launch an advanced video editing software Final Cut Pro.
Besides, despite several attempts to improve the software’s performance, Final Cut Express kept on causing multiple inconveniences. The company eventually decided to discontinue Final Cut Express and introduce a new product to meet the ever-evolving needs of its customers.
As Final Cut Express withdrawal from the stage, many other editors still update to this day. For example, Filmora, an editor trusted by many beginners and pros, updates every month. Click download to try it for free!
Part 3: Major Differences between Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express
Both Final Cut Express and Final Cut Pro were two high-performance, user-friendly, and advanced video editing software developed by Apple Inc. Both had amazing features and were liked by professional photographers, filmmakers, and editors. However, Apple Inc. discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011.
Today, Final Cut Pro incorporates all features of Final Cut Express plus some additional functions added by Apple Inc. later.
Given below are some of the key differences between these two software:
| Final Cut Pro | Final Cut Express |
|---|---|
| The software is currently available on Apple Store and is supported by all iOS devices. | The software was discontinued in 2011 and can no longer be downloaded from Apple Store. |
| Effectiveness is guaranteed as the user will receive application updates. | Untrusted and unreliable software because no application updates are available. |
| Original version with advanced features | The consumer version of Final Cut Pro with limited features |
| The application performance keeps improving with new versions | The application performance kept on declining due to downgraded features |
| Heavyweight editing tools for better results | Simple editing tools |
| Costs $299 | Costs $199 |
| Recommended for experts and professionals | Recommended for beginners |
| Requires a system with better hardware and enhanced performance | Compatible with systems with less-advanced hardware |
Part 4: iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro, Which is the Best?
All these video editing software, iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro are developed by Apple Inc. with different features and functions. However, they have different target audiences and offer diverse pricing plans according to the user’s needs.
The following table offers a detailed comparison of iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro to help you choose the best one for advanced video editing.
| No. | Parameter of Comparison | iMovie | Final Cut Express | Final Cut Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Target Audience | It is aimed at home users and who are beginners with no video editing skills | It is ideal for a bit advanced users with moderate knowledge of video editing | It is a professional product and targets professional photographers and video editors. |
| 2 | Features | Automated video editing video support Audio & music editing HD & 4K Video color settings Crop & rotate video clip Stabilization Video effects & transitions Timeline Photo & music import Pre-built themes & backdrops simultaneously | Two-way color correction Dynamic RT Chroma key 99 audio tracks Split-screen Picture-in-picture effects Motion path keyframing 23 compositing modes Opacity keyframing | Moving & Trimming Clips Multicam Editing 360 Degree VR Editing Effects VR Headset Playback Advanced Color Grading HDR Video Support Motion Graphics Templates Asset Management Plug-Ins |
| 3 | Interface | User-friendly and easy to understand | Complicated for beginners | Very complicated |
| 4 | Skill Set Required | Beginner | Moderate | Advanced |
| 5 | Advanced Sharing | Yes | No | No |
| 6 | Text Implementation | Limited Tools | Limited Tools | Advanced tools for easy text customization |
| 7 | Compatible OS | Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later | Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later | Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later, 64-bit processor |
| 8 | Workflow | Advanced | Moderate | Advanced |
| 9 | Supported HD Format | 1080 | 1080 | UHD 4K |
| 10 | iCloud sync | Yes | No | No |
| 9 | Operating Speed | Fast due to limited tools | Fast due to limited tools | Moderate due to advanced tools and effects |
| 10 | Advanced Effects | Presets | Presets with moderate effects | An array of advanced effects |
| 11 | Plugins and Integrations | Limited | Limited | Several third-party plugins |
| 12 | Color Correction Features | Focus on Image Improvement | Small editing of pictures | Total customization to match the footage tone |
| 13 | Pricing | Free of Cost | $199 | 90 days free trial then $299.99 |
Part 5: Best Alternative to Final Cut Express
Now, as Final Cut Express is no longer available, you may want to try the other two editors of Apple. While iMovie mainly targeted beginners, Final Cut Express and Pro targeted users with moderate to advanced knowledge of video editing.
For those beginners who wanted to make professional-looking videos without any editing skills, Wondershare launched Filmora as an alternative to Final Cut Express and Pro.
This user-friendly made video editing as simple as ABC. From offering multiple hand-picked effects to advanced editing options, Filmora allows you to range markers, perfect your audio, group timeline clips, and perform detailed color correction with auto-correction and color wheels for free.
Key Features
- Advanced video editing options;
- 300+ free handcrafted effects
- User-friendly video editing tools; and
- Video conversion options to multiple formats.
Liza Brown
Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Liza Brown
Liza Brown
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Boring and unexciting videos may turn off your mode. You need something special or wonderful that could turn you on and make your memories worth watching.
To let users give a new look to their pictures and videos, Apple Inc. released its first video editing software Final Cut Express in 2003. Over the next few years, various improvements were made in its updated versions.
However, after multiple inconveniences, Apple Inc. discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011 and launched its new version Final Cut Pro with advanced video editing features. Final Cut Pro was customized for video editing professionals with advanced knowledge of video editing. It is available for just $299.99 with 90 days free trial.
Some alternatives to Final Cut Express are also available in the market such as Final Cut Pro of crouse, iMovie, a low-end alternative, and Filmora, popular among beginners and pros. Let’s look at these tools individually in this article.
Part 1: What is Final Cut Express?
Final Cut Express was a video editing software designed by Apple Inc. for advanced editing of digital and HD videos. It was a consumer version of Final Cut Pro liked by professional photographers, due to its better capabilities than iMovie.
Final Cut Express used to have many features like two-way color correction, dynamic RT, Chroma key, 99 audio tracks, split-screen, and picture-in-picture effects, motion path keyframing, 23 compositing modes, and opacity keyframing.
It also allowed the users to keyframe the filters and perform slide and blade edits. Eight years after its release, Apple discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011 in favor of Final Cut Pro X.
Part 2: Is Final Cut Express Still Available?
No, concurrent with the launch of Final Cut Pro X on June 21, 2011, Final Cut Express was discontinued and removed from the Apple online store.
You might be wondering what prompted Apple to do this. Well, the primary cause of the discontinuation of Final Cut Express was that Apple Inc. wanted to launch an advanced video editing software Final Cut Pro.
Besides, despite several attempts to improve the software’s performance, Final Cut Express kept on causing multiple inconveniences. The company eventually decided to discontinue Final Cut Express and introduce a new product to meet the ever-evolving needs of its customers.
As Final Cut Express withdrawal from the stage, many other editors still update to this day. For example, Filmora, an editor trusted by many beginners and pros, updates every month. Click download to try it for free!
Part 3: Major Differences between Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express
Both Final Cut Express and Final Cut Pro were two high-performance, user-friendly, and advanced video editing software developed by Apple Inc. Both had amazing features and were liked by professional photographers, filmmakers, and editors. However, Apple Inc. discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011.
Today, Final Cut Pro incorporates all features of Final Cut Express plus some additional functions added by Apple Inc. later.
Given below are some of the key differences between these two software:
| Final Cut Pro | Final Cut Express |
|---|---|
| The software is currently available on Apple Store and is supported by all iOS devices. | The software was discontinued in 2011 and can no longer be downloaded from Apple Store. |
| Effectiveness is guaranteed as the user will receive application updates. | Untrusted and unreliable software because no application updates are available. |
| Original version with advanced features | The consumer version of Final Cut Pro with limited features |
| The application performance keeps improving with new versions | The application performance kept on declining due to downgraded features |
| Heavyweight editing tools for better results | Simple editing tools |
| Costs $299 | Costs $199 |
| Recommended for experts and professionals | Recommended for beginners |
| Requires a system with better hardware and enhanced performance | Compatible with systems with less-advanced hardware |
Part 4: iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro, Which is the Best?
All these video editing software, iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro are developed by Apple Inc. with different features and functions. However, they have different target audiences and offer diverse pricing plans according to the user’s needs.
The following table offers a detailed comparison of iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro to help you choose the best one for advanced video editing.
| No. | Parameter of Comparison | iMovie | Final Cut Express | Final Cut Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Target Audience | It is aimed at home users and who are beginners with no video editing skills | It is ideal for a bit advanced users with moderate knowledge of video editing | It is a professional product and targets professional photographers and video editors. |
| 2 | Features | Automated video editing video support Audio & music editing HD & 4K Video color settings Crop & rotate video clip Stabilization Video effects & transitions Timeline Photo & music import Pre-built themes & backdrops simultaneously | Two-way color correction Dynamic RT Chroma key 99 audio tracks Split-screen Picture-in-picture effects Motion path keyframing 23 compositing modes Opacity keyframing | Moving & Trimming Clips Multicam Editing 360 Degree VR Editing Effects VR Headset Playback Advanced Color Grading HDR Video Support Motion Graphics Templates Asset Management Plug-Ins |
| 3 | Interface | User-friendly and easy to understand | Complicated for beginners | Very complicated |
| 4 | Skill Set Required | Beginner | Moderate | Advanced |
| 5 | Advanced Sharing | Yes | No | No |
| 6 | Text Implementation | Limited Tools | Limited Tools | Advanced tools for easy text customization |
| 7 | Compatible OS | Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later | Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later | Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later, 64-bit processor |
| 8 | Workflow | Advanced | Moderate | Advanced |
| 9 | Supported HD Format | 1080 | 1080 | UHD 4K |
| 10 | iCloud sync | Yes | No | No |
| 9 | Operating Speed | Fast due to limited tools | Fast due to limited tools | Moderate due to advanced tools and effects |
| 10 | Advanced Effects | Presets | Presets with moderate effects | An array of advanced effects |
| 11 | Plugins and Integrations | Limited | Limited | Several third-party plugins |
| 12 | Color Correction Features | Focus on Image Improvement | Small editing of pictures | Total customization to match the footage tone |
| 13 | Pricing | Free of Cost | $199 | 90 days free trial then $299.99 |
Part 5: Best Alternative to Final Cut Express
Now, as Final Cut Express is no longer available, you may want to try the other two editors of Apple. While iMovie mainly targeted beginners, Final Cut Express and Pro targeted users with moderate to advanced knowledge of video editing.
For those beginners who wanted to make professional-looking videos without any editing skills, Wondershare launched Filmora as an alternative to Final Cut Express and Pro.
This user-friendly made video editing as simple as ABC. From offering multiple hand-picked effects to advanced editing options, Filmora allows you to range markers, perfect your audio, group timeline clips, and perform detailed color correction with auto-correction and color wheels for free.
Key Features
- Advanced video editing options;
- 300+ free handcrafted effects
- User-friendly video editing tools; and
- Video conversion options to multiple formats.
Liza Brown
Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Liza Brown
Liza Brown
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Boring and unexciting videos may turn off your mode. You need something special or wonderful that could turn you on and make your memories worth watching.
To let users give a new look to their pictures and videos, Apple Inc. released its first video editing software Final Cut Express in 2003. Over the next few years, various improvements were made in its updated versions.
However, after multiple inconveniences, Apple Inc. discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011 and launched its new version Final Cut Pro with advanced video editing features. Final Cut Pro was customized for video editing professionals with advanced knowledge of video editing. It is available for just $299.99 with 90 days free trial.
Some alternatives to Final Cut Express are also available in the market such as Final Cut Pro of crouse, iMovie, a low-end alternative, and Filmora, popular among beginners and pros. Let’s look at these tools individually in this article.
Part 1: What is Final Cut Express?
Final Cut Express was a video editing software designed by Apple Inc. for advanced editing of digital and HD videos. It was a consumer version of Final Cut Pro liked by professional photographers, due to its better capabilities than iMovie.
Final Cut Express used to have many features like two-way color correction, dynamic RT, Chroma key, 99 audio tracks, split-screen, and picture-in-picture effects, motion path keyframing, 23 compositing modes, and opacity keyframing.
It also allowed the users to keyframe the filters and perform slide and blade edits. Eight years after its release, Apple discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011 in favor of Final Cut Pro X.
Part 2: Is Final Cut Express Still Available?
No, concurrent with the launch of Final Cut Pro X on June 21, 2011, Final Cut Express was discontinued and removed from the Apple online store.
You might be wondering what prompted Apple to do this. Well, the primary cause of the discontinuation of Final Cut Express was that Apple Inc. wanted to launch an advanced video editing software Final Cut Pro.
Besides, despite several attempts to improve the software’s performance, Final Cut Express kept on causing multiple inconveniences. The company eventually decided to discontinue Final Cut Express and introduce a new product to meet the ever-evolving needs of its customers.
As Final Cut Express withdrawal from the stage, many other editors still update to this day. For example, Filmora, an editor trusted by many beginners and pros, updates every month. Click download to try it for free!
Part 3: Major Differences between Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express
Both Final Cut Express and Final Cut Pro were two high-performance, user-friendly, and advanced video editing software developed by Apple Inc. Both had amazing features and were liked by professional photographers, filmmakers, and editors. However, Apple Inc. discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011.
Today, Final Cut Pro incorporates all features of Final Cut Express plus some additional functions added by Apple Inc. later.
Given below are some of the key differences between these two software:
| Final Cut Pro | Final Cut Express |
|---|---|
| The software is currently available on Apple Store and is supported by all iOS devices. | The software was discontinued in 2011 and can no longer be downloaded from Apple Store. |
| Effectiveness is guaranteed as the user will receive application updates. | Untrusted and unreliable software because no application updates are available. |
| Original version with advanced features | The consumer version of Final Cut Pro with limited features |
| The application performance keeps improving with new versions | The application performance kept on declining due to downgraded features |
| Heavyweight editing tools for better results | Simple editing tools |
| Costs $299 | Costs $199 |
| Recommended for experts and professionals | Recommended for beginners |
| Requires a system with better hardware and enhanced performance | Compatible with systems with less-advanced hardware |
Part 4: iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro, Which is the Best?
All these video editing software, iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro are developed by Apple Inc. with different features and functions. However, they have different target audiences and offer diverse pricing plans according to the user’s needs.
The following table offers a detailed comparison of iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro to help you choose the best one for advanced video editing.
| No. | Parameter of Comparison | iMovie | Final Cut Express | Final Cut Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Target Audience | It is aimed at home users and who are beginners with no video editing skills | It is ideal for a bit advanced users with moderate knowledge of video editing | It is a professional product and targets professional photographers and video editors. |
| 2 | Features | Automated video editing video support Audio & music editing HD & 4K Video color settings Crop & rotate video clip Stabilization Video effects & transitions Timeline Photo & music import Pre-built themes & backdrops simultaneously | Two-way color correction Dynamic RT Chroma key 99 audio tracks Split-screen Picture-in-picture effects Motion path keyframing 23 compositing modes Opacity keyframing | Moving & Trimming Clips Multicam Editing 360 Degree VR Editing Effects VR Headset Playback Advanced Color Grading HDR Video Support Motion Graphics Templates Asset Management Plug-Ins |
| 3 | Interface | User-friendly and easy to understand | Complicated for beginners | Very complicated |
| 4 | Skill Set Required | Beginner | Moderate | Advanced |
| 5 | Advanced Sharing | Yes | No | No |
| 6 | Text Implementation | Limited Tools | Limited Tools | Advanced tools for easy text customization |
| 7 | Compatible OS | Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later | Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later | Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later, 64-bit processor |
| 8 | Workflow | Advanced | Moderate | Advanced |
| 9 | Supported HD Format | 1080 | 1080 | UHD 4K |
| 10 | iCloud sync | Yes | No | No |
| 9 | Operating Speed | Fast due to limited tools | Fast due to limited tools | Moderate due to advanced tools and effects |
| 10 | Advanced Effects | Presets | Presets with moderate effects | An array of advanced effects |
| 11 | Plugins and Integrations | Limited | Limited | Several third-party plugins |
| 12 | Color Correction Features | Focus on Image Improvement | Small editing of pictures | Total customization to match the footage tone |
| 13 | Pricing | Free of Cost | $199 | 90 days free trial then $299.99 |
Part 5: Best Alternative to Final Cut Express
Now, as Final Cut Express is no longer available, you may want to try the other two editors of Apple. While iMovie mainly targeted beginners, Final Cut Express and Pro targeted users with moderate to advanced knowledge of video editing.
For those beginners who wanted to make professional-looking videos without any editing skills, Wondershare launched Filmora as an alternative to Final Cut Express and Pro.
This user-friendly made video editing as simple as ABC. From offering multiple hand-picked effects to advanced editing options, Filmora allows you to range markers, perfect your audio, group timeline clips, and perform detailed color correction with auto-correction and color wheels for free.
Key Features
- Advanced video editing options;
- 300+ free handcrafted effects
- User-friendly video editing tools; and
- Video conversion options to multiple formats.
Liza Brown
Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Liza Brown
Digitalize Your DVDs: A Beginner’s Guide to Video Conversion
Best DVD to Digital Format Converters
Liza Brown
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
DVDs are not as nearly as popular as they were in the 2000s, simply because USB flash drives are much more durable than DVD discs. One of the easiest ways to back up the data stored on DVDs is to convert it to digital video file formats, like MOV or MP4 .
You cannot just copy and paste the data from a DVD or Blu-ray to a computer since you need file conversion software in order to change the format of a video file . Read on if you are looking for a way to convert a DVD to a digital video file format because in this article we are going to take you through some of the best DVD to digital format converters.
How to convert DVDs to Digital Video File Formats?
The process of converting a video file is simple, and anyone can perform it in just a few minutes even if they have never done it before. However, converting DVDs to digital file formats without permission is punishable by the law, so you must make sure that you have the right to use the file you created freely. Let’s take a look at some of the best DVD to digital format converters.
1. Vudu
Price: $2 - $5 per conversion
Compatibility: Android, iOS
Having a source of entertainment in your pocket wherever you go can make dull long journeys much more fun. Vudu allows you to manage your film collection directly from your Smartphone and have access to all your DVD and Blu-ray discs at any moment.
In order to start the conversion process, you just have to scan a disc’s barcode and the app will automatically convert it to a digital video file format. You can choose to convert a Blu-ray to HDX, DVD to SD or DVD to HDX, however, you will have to pay between $2 and $5 plus the tax for each file you convert with Vudu. Furthermore, the app features an impressive movie collection with more than 100,000 titles you can watch anytime and anywhere.
2. HandBrake
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows
This open-source file converter can help you convert any DVD to a file format you choose effortlessly. PC users that have Windows 7 or later can install HandBrake for free, although the application only works on 64-bit versions of the OS.
You can choose from a variety of device presets that automatically adjust the conversion settings to a device on which the converted DVD video is going to be played. In addition, HandBrake lets you choose the output file format, set the preferred framerate or apply video filters such as Denoise , Grayscale or Deinterlacing. Nonetheless, HandBrake can only convert DVDs to MP4 or MKV file formats, which can considerably limit your conversion options.
3. Wondershare Uniconverter
Price: Freemium, $55.99 for the perpetual plan
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
If you are looking for a software product that enables you to burn DVDs, edit or transfer videos and convert them to more than a thousand video file formats, then Wondershare Unicoverter is undoubtedly one of the best choices you have at your disposal.
This cross-platform app converts files 30 times faster than any of its competitors because it supports GPU acceleration. In addition to excellent DVD file conversion capabilities, Uniconverter also offers VR conversion features and it allows you to combine and merge multiple video clips . Optionally, you can use this cross-platform app to add srt and other subtitle files to the videos you convert with it. You should keep in mind that the free version of Wondershare Uniconverter only lets you convert 1/3 of the output file and prevents recording videos that are longer than one minute.
4. DVDVideoSoft Free Video Converter
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows
This is a simple tool that makes the process of converting a DVD to a digital video or audio file effortless. You just have to specify the source of the input video, then select the file format of the output video and optimize it for playback on a particular device by choosing one of the available Device presets.
You can easily convert DVDs to AVI, MP4, MKV, iPod, iPhone, Apple TV, Xbox or PS3 files with this video file converter. Extracting audio from DVD is yet another option DVDVideo Soft Free Video Converter provides, which enables you to extract dialogue or narration from video files. Even so, the software can only convert unprotected files, so you must make sure that the DVD you are trying to convert doesn’t have regional protection or any other form of encryption.
5. DVDFab DVD Ripper
Price: Free version available, pricing options start at $69
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
The range of the file conversion options this tool provides depends on the subscription model you’ve selected. In case you choose to convert your DVDs with the free version of the software, the number of discs you can open will not be limited but you won’t have access to all conversion profiles. Furthermore, you won’t have access to 4K and profiles and you will only get a free DVD Ripper account.
Both Full Trial and Paid versions of this DVD converter let you export multichannel audio files, but the free version limits the number of audio channels to just two. The resolution of the output videos cannot be higher than 480p regardless of the subscription model you choose, but you can purchase the Enlarger AI app separately and use it to upscale the videos up to 1080p.
6. WinX DVD Ripper Platinum
Price: $59.95
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Backing up old DVDs, fixing playback errors on DVDs, or ripping a DVD to MP4 are some of the most common reasons why PC and Mac users choose to convert their DVDs with WinX DVD Ripper Platinum.
You can also convert encrypted or regional DVDs or choose to clone DVD to ISO without any quality losses. This DVD converter also offers simple video editing tools that allow you to trim videos, remove black bars, add subtitles or change the resolution of a video file. WinX DVD Ripper Platinum supports Level-3 Hardware Acceleration for Intel CPU, Nvidia or AMD GPU, so that you can convert an entire DVD into MP4 in just a few minutes.
Conclusion
Even though DVDs are no longer as popular as they once were, movie or music collectors can benefit from converting them to digital formats. Damaging a DVD is relatively easy, and backing up the data from your DVDs is probably the easiest way of ensuring that all your files are safe. Which DVD to digital format converter are you going to choose to convert your DVDs to digital video file format? Leave a comment and let us know.
Liza Brown
Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Liza Brown
Liza Brown
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
DVDs are not as nearly as popular as they were in the 2000s, simply because USB flash drives are much more durable than DVD discs. One of the easiest ways to back up the data stored on DVDs is to convert it to digital video file formats, like MOV or MP4 .
You cannot just copy and paste the data from a DVD or Blu-ray to a computer since you need file conversion software in order to change the format of a video file . Read on if you are looking for a way to convert a DVD to a digital video file format because in this article we are going to take you through some of the best DVD to digital format converters.
How to convert DVDs to Digital Video File Formats?
The process of converting a video file is simple, and anyone can perform it in just a few minutes even if they have never done it before. However, converting DVDs to digital file formats without permission is punishable by the law, so you must make sure that you have the right to use the file you created freely. Let’s take a look at some of the best DVD to digital format converters.
1. Vudu
Price: $2 - $5 per conversion
Compatibility: Android, iOS
Having a source of entertainment in your pocket wherever you go can make dull long journeys much more fun. Vudu allows you to manage your film collection directly from your Smartphone and have access to all your DVD and Blu-ray discs at any moment.
In order to start the conversion process, you just have to scan a disc’s barcode and the app will automatically convert it to a digital video file format. You can choose to convert a Blu-ray to HDX, DVD to SD or DVD to HDX, however, you will have to pay between $2 and $5 plus the tax for each file you convert with Vudu. Furthermore, the app features an impressive movie collection with more than 100,000 titles you can watch anytime and anywhere.
2. HandBrake
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows
This open-source file converter can help you convert any DVD to a file format you choose effortlessly. PC users that have Windows 7 or later can install HandBrake for free, although the application only works on 64-bit versions of the OS.
You can choose from a variety of device presets that automatically adjust the conversion settings to a device on which the converted DVD video is going to be played. In addition, HandBrake lets you choose the output file format, set the preferred framerate or apply video filters such as Denoise , Grayscale or Deinterlacing. Nonetheless, HandBrake can only convert DVDs to MP4 or MKV file formats, which can considerably limit your conversion options.
3. Wondershare Uniconverter
Price: Freemium, $55.99 for the perpetual plan
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
If you are looking for a software product that enables you to burn DVDs, edit or transfer videos and convert them to more than a thousand video file formats, then Wondershare Unicoverter is undoubtedly one of the best choices you have at your disposal.
This cross-platform app converts files 30 times faster than any of its competitors because it supports GPU acceleration. In addition to excellent DVD file conversion capabilities, Uniconverter also offers VR conversion features and it allows you to combine and merge multiple video clips . Optionally, you can use this cross-platform app to add srt and other subtitle files to the videos you convert with it. You should keep in mind that the free version of Wondershare Uniconverter only lets you convert 1/3 of the output file and prevents recording videos that are longer than one minute.
4. DVDVideoSoft Free Video Converter
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows
This is a simple tool that makes the process of converting a DVD to a digital video or audio file effortless. You just have to specify the source of the input video, then select the file format of the output video and optimize it for playback on a particular device by choosing one of the available Device presets.
You can easily convert DVDs to AVI, MP4, MKV, iPod, iPhone, Apple TV, Xbox or PS3 files with this video file converter. Extracting audio from DVD is yet another option DVDVideo Soft Free Video Converter provides, which enables you to extract dialogue or narration from video files. Even so, the software can only convert unprotected files, so you must make sure that the DVD you are trying to convert doesn’t have regional protection or any other form of encryption.
5. DVDFab DVD Ripper
Price: Free version available, pricing options start at $69
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
The range of the file conversion options this tool provides depends on the subscription model you’ve selected. In case you choose to convert your DVDs with the free version of the software, the number of discs you can open will not be limited but you won’t have access to all conversion profiles. Furthermore, you won’t have access to 4K and profiles and you will only get a free DVD Ripper account.
Both Full Trial and Paid versions of this DVD converter let you export multichannel audio files, but the free version limits the number of audio channels to just two. The resolution of the output videos cannot be higher than 480p regardless of the subscription model you choose, but you can purchase the Enlarger AI app separately and use it to upscale the videos up to 1080p.
6. WinX DVD Ripper Platinum
Price: $59.95
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Backing up old DVDs, fixing playback errors on DVDs, or ripping a DVD to MP4 are some of the most common reasons why PC and Mac users choose to convert their DVDs with WinX DVD Ripper Platinum.
You can also convert encrypted or regional DVDs or choose to clone DVD to ISO without any quality losses. This DVD converter also offers simple video editing tools that allow you to trim videos, remove black bars, add subtitles or change the resolution of a video file. WinX DVD Ripper Platinum supports Level-3 Hardware Acceleration for Intel CPU, Nvidia or AMD GPU, so that you can convert an entire DVD into MP4 in just a few minutes.
Conclusion
Even though DVDs are no longer as popular as they once were, movie or music collectors can benefit from converting them to digital formats. Damaging a DVD is relatively easy, and backing up the data from your DVDs is probably the easiest way of ensuring that all your files are safe. Which DVD to digital format converter are you going to choose to convert your DVDs to digital video file format? Leave a comment and let us know.
Liza Brown
Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Liza Brown
Liza Brown
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
DVDs are not as nearly as popular as they were in the 2000s, simply because USB flash drives are much more durable than DVD discs. One of the easiest ways to back up the data stored on DVDs is to convert it to digital video file formats, like MOV or MP4 .
You cannot just copy and paste the data from a DVD or Blu-ray to a computer since you need file conversion software in order to change the format of a video file . Read on if you are looking for a way to convert a DVD to a digital video file format because in this article we are going to take you through some of the best DVD to digital format converters.
How to convert DVDs to Digital Video File Formats?
The process of converting a video file is simple, and anyone can perform it in just a few minutes even if they have never done it before. However, converting DVDs to digital file formats without permission is punishable by the law, so you must make sure that you have the right to use the file you created freely. Let’s take a look at some of the best DVD to digital format converters.
1. Vudu
Price: $2 - $5 per conversion
Compatibility: Android, iOS
Having a source of entertainment in your pocket wherever you go can make dull long journeys much more fun. Vudu allows you to manage your film collection directly from your Smartphone and have access to all your DVD and Blu-ray discs at any moment.
In order to start the conversion process, you just have to scan a disc’s barcode and the app will automatically convert it to a digital video file format. You can choose to convert a Blu-ray to HDX, DVD to SD or DVD to HDX, however, you will have to pay between $2 and $5 plus the tax for each file you convert with Vudu. Furthermore, the app features an impressive movie collection with more than 100,000 titles you can watch anytime and anywhere.
2. HandBrake
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows
This open-source file converter can help you convert any DVD to a file format you choose effortlessly. PC users that have Windows 7 or later can install HandBrake for free, although the application only works on 64-bit versions of the OS.
You can choose from a variety of device presets that automatically adjust the conversion settings to a device on which the converted DVD video is going to be played. In addition, HandBrake lets you choose the output file format, set the preferred framerate or apply video filters such as Denoise , Grayscale or Deinterlacing. Nonetheless, HandBrake can only convert DVDs to MP4 or MKV file formats, which can considerably limit your conversion options.
3. Wondershare Uniconverter
Price: Freemium, $55.99 for the perpetual plan
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
If you are looking for a software product that enables you to burn DVDs, edit or transfer videos and convert them to more than a thousand video file formats, then Wondershare Unicoverter is undoubtedly one of the best choices you have at your disposal.
This cross-platform app converts files 30 times faster than any of its competitors because it supports GPU acceleration. In addition to excellent DVD file conversion capabilities, Uniconverter also offers VR conversion features and it allows you to combine and merge multiple video clips . Optionally, you can use this cross-platform app to add srt and other subtitle files to the videos you convert with it. You should keep in mind that the free version of Wondershare Uniconverter only lets you convert 1/3 of the output file and prevents recording videos that are longer than one minute.
4. DVDVideoSoft Free Video Converter
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows
This is a simple tool that makes the process of converting a DVD to a digital video or audio file effortless. You just have to specify the source of the input video, then select the file format of the output video and optimize it for playback on a particular device by choosing one of the available Device presets.
You can easily convert DVDs to AVI, MP4, MKV, iPod, iPhone, Apple TV, Xbox or PS3 files with this video file converter. Extracting audio from DVD is yet another option DVDVideo Soft Free Video Converter provides, which enables you to extract dialogue or narration from video files. Even so, the software can only convert unprotected files, so you must make sure that the DVD you are trying to convert doesn’t have regional protection or any other form of encryption.
5. DVDFab DVD Ripper
Price: Free version available, pricing options start at $69
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
The range of the file conversion options this tool provides depends on the subscription model you’ve selected. In case you choose to convert your DVDs with the free version of the software, the number of discs you can open will not be limited but you won’t have access to all conversion profiles. Furthermore, you won’t have access to 4K and profiles and you will only get a free DVD Ripper account.
Both Full Trial and Paid versions of this DVD converter let you export multichannel audio files, but the free version limits the number of audio channels to just two. The resolution of the output videos cannot be higher than 480p regardless of the subscription model you choose, but you can purchase the Enlarger AI app separately and use it to upscale the videos up to 1080p.
6. WinX DVD Ripper Platinum
Price: $59.95
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Backing up old DVDs, fixing playback errors on DVDs, or ripping a DVD to MP4 are some of the most common reasons why PC and Mac users choose to convert their DVDs with WinX DVD Ripper Platinum.
You can also convert encrypted or regional DVDs or choose to clone DVD to ISO without any quality losses. This DVD converter also offers simple video editing tools that allow you to trim videos, remove black bars, add subtitles or change the resolution of a video file. WinX DVD Ripper Platinum supports Level-3 Hardware Acceleration for Intel CPU, Nvidia or AMD GPU, so that you can convert an entire DVD into MP4 in just a few minutes.
Conclusion
Even though DVDs are no longer as popular as they once were, movie or music collectors can benefit from converting them to digital formats. Damaging a DVD is relatively easy, and backing up the data from your DVDs is probably the easiest way of ensuring that all your files are safe. Which DVD to digital format converter are you going to choose to convert your DVDs to digital video file format? Leave a comment and let us know.
Liza Brown
Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Liza Brown
Liza Brown
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
DVDs are not as nearly as popular as they were in the 2000s, simply because USB flash drives are much more durable than DVD discs. One of the easiest ways to back up the data stored on DVDs is to convert it to digital video file formats, like MOV or MP4 .
You cannot just copy and paste the data from a DVD or Blu-ray to a computer since you need file conversion software in order to change the format of a video file . Read on if you are looking for a way to convert a DVD to a digital video file format because in this article we are going to take you through some of the best DVD to digital format converters.
How to convert DVDs to Digital Video File Formats?
The process of converting a video file is simple, and anyone can perform it in just a few minutes even if they have never done it before. However, converting DVDs to digital file formats without permission is punishable by the law, so you must make sure that you have the right to use the file you created freely. Let’s take a look at some of the best DVD to digital format converters.
1. Vudu
Price: $2 - $5 per conversion
Compatibility: Android, iOS
Having a source of entertainment in your pocket wherever you go can make dull long journeys much more fun. Vudu allows you to manage your film collection directly from your Smartphone and have access to all your DVD and Blu-ray discs at any moment.
In order to start the conversion process, you just have to scan a disc’s barcode and the app will automatically convert it to a digital video file format. You can choose to convert a Blu-ray to HDX, DVD to SD or DVD to HDX, however, you will have to pay between $2 and $5 plus the tax for each file you convert with Vudu. Furthermore, the app features an impressive movie collection with more than 100,000 titles you can watch anytime and anywhere.
2. HandBrake
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows
This open-source file converter can help you convert any DVD to a file format you choose effortlessly. PC users that have Windows 7 or later can install HandBrake for free, although the application only works on 64-bit versions of the OS.
You can choose from a variety of device presets that automatically adjust the conversion settings to a device on which the converted DVD video is going to be played. In addition, HandBrake lets you choose the output file format, set the preferred framerate or apply video filters such as Denoise , Grayscale or Deinterlacing. Nonetheless, HandBrake can only convert DVDs to MP4 or MKV file formats, which can considerably limit your conversion options.
3. Wondershare Uniconverter
Price: Freemium, $55.99 for the perpetual plan
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
If you are looking for a software product that enables you to burn DVDs, edit or transfer videos and convert them to more than a thousand video file formats, then Wondershare Unicoverter is undoubtedly one of the best choices you have at your disposal.
This cross-platform app converts files 30 times faster than any of its competitors because it supports GPU acceleration. In addition to excellent DVD file conversion capabilities, Uniconverter also offers VR conversion features and it allows you to combine and merge multiple video clips . Optionally, you can use this cross-platform app to add srt and other subtitle files to the videos you convert with it. You should keep in mind that the free version of Wondershare Uniconverter only lets you convert 1/3 of the output file and prevents recording videos that are longer than one minute.
4. DVDVideoSoft Free Video Converter
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows
This is a simple tool that makes the process of converting a DVD to a digital video or audio file effortless. You just have to specify the source of the input video, then select the file format of the output video and optimize it for playback on a particular device by choosing one of the available Device presets.
You can easily convert DVDs to AVI, MP4, MKV, iPod, iPhone, Apple TV, Xbox or PS3 files with this video file converter. Extracting audio from DVD is yet another option DVDVideo Soft Free Video Converter provides, which enables you to extract dialogue or narration from video files. Even so, the software can only convert unprotected files, so you must make sure that the DVD you are trying to convert doesn’t have regional protection or any other form of encryption.
5. DVDFab DVD Ripper
Price: Free version available, pricing options start at $69
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
The range of the file conversion options this tool provides depends on the subscription model you’ve selected. In case you choose to convert your DVDs with the free version of the software, the number of discs you can open will not be limited but you won’t have access to all conversion profiles. Furthermore, you won’t have access to 4K and profiles and you will only get a free DVD Ripper account.
Both Full Trial and Paid versions of this DVD converter let you export multichannel audio files, but the free version limits the number of audio channels to just two. The resolution of the output videos cannot be higher than 480p regardless of the subscription model you choose, but you can purchase the Enlarger AI app separately and use it to upscale the videos up to 1080p.
6. WinX DVD Ripper Platinum
Price: $59.95
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Backing up old DVDs, fixing playback errors on DVDs, or ripping a DVD to MP4 are some of the most common reasons why PC and Mac users choose to convert their DVDs with WinX DVD Ripper Platinum.
You can also convert encrypted or regional DVDs or choose to clone DVD to ISO without any quality losses. This DVD converter also offers simple video editing tools that allow you to trim videos, remove black bars, add subtitles or change the resolution of a video file. WinX DVD Ripper Platinum supports Level-3 Hardware Acceleration for Intel CPU, Nvidia or AMD GPU, so that you can convert an entire DVD into MP4 in just a few minutes.
Conclusion
Even though DVDs are no longer as popular as they once were, movie or music collectors can benefit from converting them to digital formats. Damaging a DVD is relatively easy, and backing up the data from your DVDs is probably the easiest way of ensuring that all your files are safe. Which DVD to digital format converter are you going to choose to convert your DVDs to digital video file format? Leave a comment and let us know.
Liza Brown
Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Liza Brown
Revolutionize Your Video Editing: Top Free 4K Editors
The Ultra HD video, also known as 4K video , defines 3840 2160 pixels. It became popular in 2016 and has overtaken both HD and ultra-HD to become the video with the highest resolution. Most videos are shot in HD, but as camera technology improves, 4K video seems to have become increasingly common. Because of the additional level of detail that the camera acquires, 4K videos are large files that allow you more editing possibilities.
Several free 4K video editing software has been developed to make video editing relatively easy in recent times. These free 4K video editors allow you to import, edit, and export videos easily. This article will provide you with some of the best free 4K video editors you should try in 2022.
In this article
01 Best Free 4K Video Editing Software for Windows and Mac
02 Things You Need to Pay Attention to Run Free 4K Video Editors
03 Tips for Editing 4K Videos Smoothly
Part 1: Top 5 Best Free 4K Video Editing Software for Windows and Mac
1. iMovie
Supported OS: iPhone, iPad, and Mac
iMovie is one of the most popular free 4K Video editing software. Using iMovie, you can create a professional-looking video even without any editing experience. You can import 4K images and 4K videos to iMovie, and then trim, split and add titles, transitions, filters or effects to the video by dragging and dropping. What’s more, you can import and export 60 frames per second video in iMovie.
iMovie is a video editing software that imports video footage from digital video cameras that use the MiniDV format. It can play DV, HDV, AVCHD, iFrame, Animation Codec, and other video formats. You can import 4K videos directly to iMovie and export them as 4K videos at 24fps/30fps/60fps. You can also share the 4K video to YouTube from iMovie directly.
Pros:
1. Switching across different devices:
This free 4K video editor is designed to work together using different devices (iPhone, iPad & Mac). You can begin a project on your iPhone, then transfer it to your iPad using AirDrop or iCloud Drive. It allows you to share what you have worked on to different devices, and you can also send projects from your iPad to your MacBook or iMac.
2. Advanced editing features:
What makes this free 4K video editor special is the ability to add some innovative editing functions when creating and editing your videos. Understandably, any video editor should offer basic editing features; however, iMovie allows you to work with more advanced functions like split-screen , picture-in-picture , and green-screen effects .
3. Saving all the original files
An advantage of working with different devices provides an opportunity to save all original files. It saves you time since you can import any media you need to get your project started in the video editor without losing the original files.
Cons:
- Distorted files: If you don’t follow the importing and exporting process, the files might get distorted, resulting in fuzzy images.
- Only available on iOS/macOS/iPad devices
2. VSDC
Supported OS: Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7/8/10
VSDC is a free 4K video editor that allows for beginner-level editing. It supports recording voice-over, capturing the desktop screen, editing the video and audio files. With VSDC, you can blend multiple footage layers into a single composition. You can easily apply a picture-in-picture effect and make things change their appearance or position.
VSDC allows you to import 4K video, audio, and image files. To successfully import these files; Click ‘Shift + I’ to add an image, ‘Shift A’ to add an audio file, and ‘Shift V’ to add a video file. VSDC allows you to export 4K videos to PC or share to web platforms like YouTube. To export these files, go to the export project tab at the top, and then set the profile to the highest quality. Click the Edit profile button and then select the 4K preset from the list. Choose the video and audio quality size, and then save the video as 4K.
Pros:
- Every tool for video editing is available
- Amazing Visual Effects
- Efficient Text Processing
- Lots of Blending modes
Cons:
- Pro editing features are missing
- Available for Windows only
- Audio waveform and hardware acceleration features are not available
3. ShotCut
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Shotcut is another free 4K video editor made for Linux, Macintosh, and Windows gadgets. It has wide arranged support that features its astounding usefulness. This 4K video editing software may not be the most alluring programming you see, yet it can assist with making the process of editing smooth and straightforward.
This professional video editing software support almost all the latest audio and video formats, including ProRes, DNxHD, and 4K, and it allows you to trim, cut, insert, and overwrite the video and audio. With its video effects, you can do color correction and grading, add fade-in and fade-out effects, reverse the clip, and even edit the 360° videos.
Here is a completed video tutorial from YouTuber Kevin Stratvert, which provides almost all information about how to use Shotcut, including how to create a project, add media, edit clips and export.
Pros:
- Easy Access: The 4K video editor is open source. Users can easily alter the source codes, enabling the process of editing simple and clear.
- Shotcut has every one of the required instruments to give excellent outcomes to clients. It has all elements of good video editing software and a bunch of other supportive and current choices.
- Shotcut offers an easy-to-use interface that allows you to finish a project quickly while having it examined by multiple members of your team. Its preview panel gives users access to a quick start menu, and its view menu lets them decide which features appear on the screen. The software’s video and audio filters are the most amazing of all its features. These filters can be customized, and they can be combined and layered in a variety of ways. Adjusting is now easier thanks to the easy checkbox and slider systems. Shotcut is so good that it makes even the most complicated effects understandable to the average user.
Cons:
- The platform might be a bit confusing when using the software for the first time because the interface isn’t intuitive.
4. LightWorks
Supported OS: Windows, Linux, and macOS
Lightworks is another video editor that can edit 4K videos from EditShare for people who have video editing experience. It has a simple and intuitive user interface, and you will find LOG, EDIT, VFX, and AUDIO tabs at the top of the interface. It integrates some paid royalty-free audio files, so you don’t need to find the background music from somewhere else. This software has some advanced editing features such as Multicam editing and batch export. It even supports third-party plugins, such as Boris FX, Boris Graffiti, and GenArts Sapphire. It enables its users to freely edit videos, even to the extent of trimming a video down to the size you desire.
However, if you want to export the videos in 4K, you need to pay, since it is limited to Lightworks Pro users.
Pros:
- The software allows clips to be easily imported and provides a platform where these clips can be played. This is made possible because this 4K video editor provides an interface made of panels such as bins, timeline, and edit review.
- Lightworks provides an easy way of applying varieties of effects from different clips in a coordinated manner. The software utilizes the hub-based framework to put together clips and recordings, which is needed for clips with numerous effects and tracks.
- Navigating this software, a right-click menu allows the user to export videos directly to YouTube. Also, the software automatically saves your work, so you don’t lose the files you’ve worked on.
Cons:
- Poor quality exporting options when making use of the free version (720p only)
- You need to register first to use it
5. Filmora Instant Cutter Tool
Supporting OS: Windows and Mac
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Filmora is one of the best video editors for beginners to create professional-looking videos in a modern way. One of the biggest advantages of using Filmora is its resources. You can now search the resources in the search bar and drag and drop them to the timeline to preview the result without paying first.
Some of you may say, Filmora is not a free video editor since there will be a watermark at the export video. But here, I will introduce the Instant Cutter Tool which is a perfect tool to trim and merge large 4K videos and action camera videos. This free 4k tool provides a proper way of instantly trimming or merging videos without de-coding, which means the video resolution will not be changed. Using the instant cutter tool, you can upload or merge files of huge sizes in different formats, such as MP4/MOV or MTS/M2TS.
Note: You can try some legal ways to remove the Filmora watermark without paying .
Pros:
- Clean and Intuitive User Interface
- 4K Video Support
- Trim and merge large videos quickly
Cons:
- Limited video formats supported when using Instant Cutter Tool
Part 2: Things You Need to Pay Attention to Run Free 4K Video Editors
While the general features of the best free 4K video editors have been discussed, it’s important you are aware of some specific requirements your system must possess to edit your videos successfully. Irrespective of the kind of device you’re using to edit your videos, you need to pay attention to some features your device must have. However, these requirements depend on the 4K video editing software free.
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): The Processor of the software being used must be Intel Core i7, 2.3Ghz four-core; this is applicable if you will be editing your videos offline. Then, Dual Intel Xeon 2Ghz six-core is applicable if you will be editing your videos online.
- Random Access Memory (RAM): Preferably an 8GB Memory if you’re editing offline, and 32GB Memory if you’re editing online.
- Internal storage: The required storage must be sufficient because 4K videos are huge files.
Note: Offline editing refers to editing a proxy file of the original source material ; online editing is the editing of the original material.
Part 3: Tips for Editing 4K Videos Smoothly
- Choose the software based on your hardware: To choose the best 4K video editing software free, you must not opt for an editing software with higher requirements than your hardware; such software won’t work well on your device. You should instead select an editing software with lower requirements.
- Split large 4K videos into several parts: It has been reiterated that 4K videos are huge files; to edit your videos smoothly, it is recommended to split up the videos and edit one after the other. This will save you from heavy data loss.
- Enable graphics accelerator: A graphic accelerator is used in video editing to turbocharge your video exporting. It’s usually clung to a video board of your system. It makes the editing easier and faster by preventing a heavy workload.
02 Things You Need to Pay Attention to Run Free 4K Video Editors
03 Tips for Editing 4K Videos Smoothly
Part 1: Top 5 Best Free 4K Video Editing Software for Windows and Mac
1. iMovie
Supported OS: iPhone, iPad, and Mac
iMovie is one of the most popular free 4K Video editing software. Using iMovie, you can create a professional-looking video even without any editing experience. You can import 4K images and 4K videos to iMovie, and then trim, split and add titles, transitions, filters or effects to the video by dragging and dropping. What’s more, you can import and export 60 frames per second video in iMovie.
iMovie is a video editing software that imports video footage from digital video cameras that use the MiniDV format. It can play DV, HDV, AVCHD, iFrame, Animation Codec, and other video formats. You can import 4K videos directly to iMovie and export them as 4K videos at 24fps/30fps/60fps. You can also share the 4K video to YouTube from iMovie directly.
Pros:
1. Switching across different devices:
This free 4K video editor is designed to work together using different devices (iPhone, iPad & Mac). You can begin a project on your iPhone, then transfer it to your iPad using AirDrop or iCloud Drive. It allows you to share what you have worked on to different devices, and you can also send projects from your iPad to your MacBook or iMac.
2. Advanced editing features:
What makes this free 4K video editor special is the ability to add some innovative editing functions when creating and editing your videos. Understandably, any video editor should offer basic editing features; however, iMovie allows you to work with more advanced functions like split-screen , picture-in-picture , and green-screen effects .
3. Saving all the original files
An advantage of working with different devices provides an opportunity to save all original files. It saves you time since you can import any media you need to get your project started in the video editor without losing the original files.
Cons:
- Distorted files: If you don’t follow the importing and exporting process, the files might get distorted, resulting in fuzzy images.
- Only available on iOS/macOS/iPad devices
2. VSDC
Supported OS: Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7/8/10
VSDC is a free 4K video editor that allows for beginner-level editing. It supports recording voice-over, capturing the desktop screen, editing the video and audio files. With VSDC, you can blend multiple footage layers into a single composition. You can easily apply a picture-in-picture effect and make things change their appearance or position.
VSDC allows you to import 4K video, audio, and image files. To successfully import these files; Click ‘Shift + I’ to add an image, ‘Shift A’ to add an audio file, and ‘Shift V’ to add a video file. VSDC allows you to export 4K videos to PC or share to web platforms like YouTube. To export these files, go to the export project tab at the top, and then set the profile to the highest quality. Click the Edit profile button and then select the 4K preset from the list. Choose the video and audio quality size, and then save the video as 4K.
Pros:
- Every tool for video editing is available
- Amazing Visual Effects
- Efficient Text Processing
- Lots of Blending modes
Cons:
- Pro editing features are missing
- Available for Windows only
- Audio waveform and hardware acceleration features are not available
3. ShotCut
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Shotcut is another free 4K video editor made for Linux, Macintosh, and Windows gadgets. It has wide arranged support that features its astounding usefulness. This 4K video editing software may not be the most alluring programming you see, yet it can assist with making the process of editing smooth and straightforward.
This professional video editing software support almost all the latest audio and video formats, including ProRes, DNxHD, and 4K, and it allows you to trim, cut, insert, and overwrite the video and audio. With its video effects, you can do color correction and grading, add fade-in and fade-out effects, reverse the clip, and even edit the 360° videos.
Here is a completed video tutorial from YouTuber Kevin Stratvert, which provides almost all information about how to use Shotcut, including how to create a project, add media, edit clips and export.
Pros:
- Easy Access: The 4K video editor is open source. Users can easily alter the source codes, enabling the process of editing simple and clear.
- Shotcut has every one of the required instruments to give excellent outcomes to clients. It has all elements of good video editing software and a bunch of other supportive and current choices.
- Shotcut offers an easy-to-use interface that allows you to finish a project quickly while having it examined by multiple members of your team. Its preview panel gives users access to a quick start menu, and its view menu lets them decide which features appear on the screen. The software’s video and audio filters are the most amazing of all its features. These filters can be customized, and they can be combined and layered in a variety of ways. Adjusting is now easier thanks to the easy checkbox and slider systems. Shotcut is so good that it makes even the most complicated effects understandable to the average user.
Cons:
- The platform might be a bit confusing when using the software for the first time because the interface isn’t intuitive.
4. LightWorks
Supported OS: Windows, Linux, and macOS
Lightworks is another video editor that can edit 4K videos from EditShare for people who have video editing experience. It has a simple and intuitive user interface, and you will find LOG, EDIT, VFX, and AUDIO tabs at the top of the interface. It integrates some paid royalty-free audio files, so you don’t need to find the background music from somewhere else. This software has some advanced editing features such as Multicam editing and batch export. It even supports third-party plugins, such as Boris FX, Boris Graffiti, and GenArts Sapphire. It enables its users to freely edit videos, even to the extent of trimming a video down to the size you desire.
However, if you want to export the videos in 4K, you need to pay, since it is limited to Lightworks Pro users.
Pros:
- The software allows clips to be easily imported and provides a platform where these clips can be played. This is made possible because this 4K video editor provides an interface made of panels such as bins, timeline, and edit review.
- Lightworks provides an easy way of applying varieties of effects from different clips in a coordinated manner. The software utilizes the hub-based framework to put together clips and recordings, which is needed for clips with numerous effects and tracks.
- Navigating this software, a right-click menu allows the user to export videos directly to YouTube. Also, the software automatically saves your work, so you don’t lose the files you’ve worked on.
Cons:
- Poor quality exporting options when making use of the free version (720p only)
- You need to register first to use it
5. Filmora Instant Cutter Tool
Supporting OS: Windows and Mac
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Filmora is one of the best video editors for beginners to create professional-looking videos in a modern way. One of the biggest advantages of using Filmora is its resources. You can now search the resources in the search bar and drag and drop them to the timeline to preview the result without paying first.
Some of you may say, Filmora is not a free video editor since there will be a watermark at the export video. But here, I will introduce the Instant Cutter Tool which is a perfect tool to trim and merge large 4K videos and action camera videos. This free 4k tool provides a proper way of instantly trimming or merging videos without de-coding, which means the video resolution will not be changed. Using the instant cutter tool, you can upload or merge files of huge sizes in different formats, such as MP4/MOV or MTS/M2TS.
Note: You can try some legal ways to remove the Filmora watermark without paying .
Pros:
- Clean and Intuitive User Interface
- 4K Video Support
- Trim and merge large videos quickly
Cons:
- Limited video formats supported when using Instant Cutter Tool
Part 2: Things You Need to Pay Attention to Run Free 4K Video Editors
While the general features of the best free 4K video editors have been discussed, it’s important you are aware of some specific requirements your system must possess to edit your videos successfully. Irrespective of the kind of device you’re using to edit your videos, you need to pay attention to some features your device must have. However, these requirements depend on the 4K video editing software free.
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): The Processor of the software being used must be Intel Core i7, 2.3Ghz four-core; this is applicable if you will be editing your videos offline. Then, Dual Intel Xeon 2Ghz six-core is applicable if you will be editing your videos online.
- Random Access Memory (RAM): Preferably an 8GB Memory if you’re editing offline, and 32GB Memory if you’re editing online.
- Internal storage: The required storage must be sufficient because 4K videos are huge files.
Note: Offline editing refers to editing a proxy file of the original source material ; online editing is the editing of the original material.
Part 3: Tips for Editing 4K Videos Smoothly
- Choose the software based on your hardware: To choose the best 4K video editing software free, you must not opt for an editing software with higher requirements than your hardware; such software won’t work well on your device. You should instead select an editing software with lower requirements.
- Split large 4K videos into several parts: It has been reiterated that 4K videos are huge files; to edit your videos smoothly, it is recommended to split up the videos and edit one after the other. This will save you from heavy data loss.
- Enable graphics accelerator: A graphic accelerator is used in video editing to turbocharge your video exporting. It’s usually clung to a video board of your system. It makes the editing easier and faster by preventing a heavy workload.
02 Things You Need to Pay Attention to Run Free 4K Video Editors
03 Tips for Editing 4K Videos Smoothly
Part 1: Top 5 Best Free 4K Video Editing Software for Windows and Mac
1. iMovie
Supported OS: iPhone, iPad, and Mac
iMovie is one of the most popular free 4K Video editing software. Using iMovie, you can create a professional-looking video even without any editing experience. You can import 4K images and 4K videos to iMovie, and then trim, split and add titles, transitions, filters or effects to the video by dragging and dropping. What’s more, you can import and export 60 frames per second video in iMovie.
iMovie is a video editing software that imports video footage from digital video cameras that use the MiniDV format. It can play DV, HDV, AVCHD, iFrame, Animation Codec, and other video formats. You can import 4K videos directly to iMovie and export them as 4K videos at 24fps/30fps/60fps. You can also share the 4K video to YouTube from iMovie directly.
Pros:
1. Switching across different devices:
This free 4K video editor is designed to work together using different devices (iPhone, iPad & Mac). You can begin a project on your iPhone, then transfer it to your iPad using AirDrop or iCloud Drive. It allows you to share what you have worked on to different devices, and you can also send projects from your iPad to your MacBook or iMac.
2. Advanced editing features:
What makes this free 4K video editor special is the ability to add some innovative editing functions when creating and editing your videos. Understandably, any video editor should offer basic editing features; however, iMovie allows you to work with more advanced functions like split-screen , picture-in-picture , and green-screen effects .
3. Saving all the original files
An advantage of working with different devices provides an opportunity to save all original files. It saves you time since you can import any media you need to get your project started in the video editor without losing the original files.
Cons:
- Distorted files: If you don’t follow the importing and exporting process, the files might get distorted, resulting in fuzzy images.
- Only available on iOS/macOS/iPad devices
2. VSDC
Supported OS: Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7/8/10
VSDC is a free 4K video editor that allows for beginner-level editing. It supports recording voice-over, capturing the desktop screen, editing the video and audio files. With VSDC, you can blend multiple footage layers into a single composition. You can easily apply a picture-in-picture effect and make things change their appearance or position.
VSDC allows you to import 4K video, audio, and image files. To successfully import these files; Click ‘Shift + I’ to add an image, ‘Shift A’ to add an audio file, and ‘Shift V’ to add a video file. VSDC allows you to export 4K videos to PC or share to web platforms like YouTube. To export these files, go to the export project tab at the top, and then set the profile to the highest quality. Click the Edit profile button and then select the 4K preset from the list. Choose the video and audio quality size, and then save the video as 4K.
Pros:
- Every tool for video editing is available
- Amazing Visual Effects
- Efficient Text Processing
- Lots of Blending modes
Cons:
- Pro editing features are missing
- Available for Windows only
- Audio waveform and hardware acceleration features are not available
3. ShotCut
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Shotcut is another free 4K video editor made for Linux, Macintosh, and Windows gadgets. It has wide arranged support that features its astounding usefulness. This 4K video editing software may not be the most alluring programming you see, yet it can assist with making the process of editing smooth and straightforward.
This professional video editing software support almost all the latest audio and video formats, including ProRes, DNxHD, and 4K, and it allows you to trim, cut, insert, and overwrite the video and audio. With its video effects, you can do color correction and grading, add fade-in and fade-out effects, reverse the clip, and even edit the 360° videos.
Here is a completed video tutorial from YouTuber Kevin Stratvert, which provides almost all information about how to use Shotcut, including how to create a project, add media, edit clips and export.
Pros:
- Easy Access: The 4K video editor is open source. Users can easily alter the source codes, enabling the process of editing simple and clear.
- Shotcut has every one of the required instruments to give excellent outcomes to clients. It has all elements of good video editing software and a bunch of other supportive and current choices.
- Shotcut offers an easy-to-use interface that allows you to finish a project quickly while having it examined by multiple members of your team. Its preview panel gives users access to a quick start menu, and its view menu lets them decide which features appear on the screen. The software’s video and audio filters are the most amazing of all its features. These filters can be customized, and they can be combined and layered in a variety of ways. Adjusting is now easier thanks to the easy checkbox and slider systems. Shotcut is so good that it makes even the most complicated effects understandable to the average user.
Cons:
- The platform might be a bit confusing when using the software for the first time because the interface isn’t intuitive.
4. LightWorks
Supported OS: Windows, Linux, and macOS
Lightworks is another video editor that can edit 4K videos from EditShare for people who have video editing experience. It has a simple and intuitive user interface, and you will find LOG, EDIT, VFX, and AUDIO tabs at the top of the interface. It integrates some paid royalty-free audio files, so you don’t need to find the background music from somewhere else. This software has some advanced editing features such as Multicam editing and batch export. It even supports third-party plugins, such as Boris FX, Boris Graffiti, and GenArts Sapphire. It enables its users to freely edit videos, even to the extent of trimming a video down to the size you desire.
However, if you want to export the videos in 4K, you need to pay, since it is limited to Lightworks Pro users.
Pros:
- The software allows clips to be easily imported and provides a platform where these clips can be played. This is made possible because this 4K video editor provides an interface made of panels such as bins, timeline, and edit review.
- Lightworks provides an easy way of applying varieties of effects from different clips in a coordinated manner. The software utilizes the hub-based framework to put together clips and recordings, which is needed for clips with numerous effects and tracks.
- Navigating this software, a right-click menu allows the user to export videos directly to YouTube. Also, the software automatically saves your work, so you don’t lose the files you’ve worked on.
Cons:
- Poor quality exporting options when making use of the free version (720p only)
- You need to register first to use it
5. Filmora Instant Cutter Tool
Supporting OS: Windows and Mac
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Filmora is one of the best video editors for beginners to create professional-looking videos in a modern way. One of the biggest advantages of using Filmora is its resources. You can now search the resources in the search bar and drag and drop them to the timeline to preview the result without paying first.
Some of you may say, Filmora is not a free video editor since there will be a watermark at the export video. But here, I will introduce the Instant Cutter Tool which is a perfect tool to trim and merge large 4K videos and action camera videos. This free 4k tool provides a proper way of instantly trimming or merging videos without de-coding, which means the video resolution will not be changed. Using the instant cutter tool, you can upload or merge files of huge sizes in different formats, such as MP4/MOV or MTS/M2TS.
Note: You can try some legal ways to remove the Filmora watermark without paying .
Pros:
- Clean and Intuitive User Interface
- 4K Video Support
- Trim and merge large videos quickly
Cons:
- Limited video formats supported when using Instant Cutter Tool
Part 2: Things You Need to Pay Attention to Run Free 4K Video Editors
While the general features of the best free 4K video editors have been discussed, it’s important you are aware of some specific requirements your system must possess to edit your videos successfully. Irrespective of the kind of device you’re using to edit your videos, you need to pay attention to some features your device must have. However, these requirements depend on the 4K video editing software free.
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): The Processor of the software being used must be Intel Core i7, 2.3Ghz four-core; this is applicable if you will be editing your videos offline. Then, Dual Intel Xeon 2Ghz six-core is applicable if you will be editing your videos online.
- Random Access Memory (RAM): Preferably an 8GB Memory if you’re editing offline, and 32GB Memory if you’re editing online.
- Internal storage: The required storage must be sufficient because 4K videos are huge files.
Note: Offline editing refers to editing a proxy file of the original source material ; online editing is the editing of the original material.
Part 3: Tips for Editing 4K Videos Smoothly
- Choose the software based on your hardware: To choose the best 4K video editing software free, you must not opt for an editing software with higher requirements than your hardware; such software won’t work well on your device. You should instead select an editing software with lower requirements.
- Split large 4K videos into several parts: It has been reiterated that 4K videos are huge files; to edit your videos smoothly, it is recommended to split up the videos and edit one after the other. This will save you from heavy data loss.
- Enable graphics accelerator: A graphic accelerator is used in video editing to turbocharge your video exporting. It’s usually clung to a video board of your system. It makes the editing easier and faster by preventing a heavy workload.
02 Things You Need to Pay Attention to Run Free 4K Video Editors
03 Tips for Editing 4K Videos Smoothly
Part 1: Top 5 Best Free 4K Video Editing Software for Windows and Mac
1. iMovie
Supported OS: iPhone, iPad, and Mac
iMovie is one of the most popular free 4K Video editing software. Using iMovie, you can create a professional-looking video even without any editing experience. You can import 4K images and 4K videos to iMovie, and then trim, split and add titles, transitions, filters or effects to the video by dragging and dropping. What’s more, you can import and export 60 frames per second video in iMovie.
iMovie is a video editing software that imports video footage from digital video cameras that use the MiniDV format. It can play DV, HDV, AVCHD, iFrame, Animation Codec, and other video formats. You can import 4K videos directly to iMovie and export them as 4K videos at 24fps/30fps/60fps. You can also share the 4K video to YouTube from iMovie directly.
Pros:
1. Switching across different devices:
This free 4K video editor is designed to work together using different devices (iPhone, iPad & Mac). You can begin a project on your iPhone, then transfer it to your iPad using AirDrop or iCloud Drive. It allows you to share what you have worked on to different devices, and you can also send projects from your iPad to your MacBook or iMac.
2. Advanced editing features:
What makes this free 4K video editor special is the ability to add some innovative editing functions when creating and editing your videos. Understandably, any video editor should offer basic editing features; however, iMovie allows you to work with more advanced functions like split-screen , picture-in-picture , and green-screen effects .
3. Saving all the original files
An advantage of working with different devices provides an opportunity to save all original files. It saves you time since you can import any media you need to get your project started in the video editor without losing the original files.
Cons:
- Distorted files: If you don’t follow the importing and exporting process, the files might get distorted, resulting in fuzzy images.
- Only available on iOS/macOS/iPad devices
2. VSDC
Supported OS: Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7/8/10
VSDC is a free 4K video editor that allows for beginner-level editing. It supports recording voice-over, capturing the desktop screen, editing the video and audio files. With VSDC, you can blend multiple footage layers into a single composition. You can easily apply a picture-in-picture effect and make things change their appearance or position.
VSDC allows you to import 4K video, audio, and image files. To successfully import these files; Click ‘Shift + I’ to add an image, ‘Shift A’ to add an audio file, and ‘Shift V’ to add a video file. VSDC allows you to export 4K videos to PC or share to web platforms like YouTube. To export these files, go to the export project tab at the top, and then set the profile to the highest quality. Click the Edit profile button and then select the 4K preset from the list. Choose the video and audio quality size, and then save the video as 4K.
Pros:
- Every tool for video editing is available
- Amazing Visual Effects
- Efficient Text Processing
- Lots of Blending modes
Cons:
- Pro editing features are missing
- Available for Windows only
- Audio waveform and hardware acceleration features are not available
3. ShotCut
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Shotcut is another free 4K video editor made for Linux, Macintosh, and Windows gadgets. It has wide arranged support that features its astounding usefulness. This 4K video editing software may not be the most alluring programming you see, yet it can assist with making the process of editing smooth and straightforward.
This professional video editing software support almost all the latest audio and video formats, including ProRes, DNxHD, and 4K, and it allows you to trim, cut, insert, and overwrite the video and audio. With its video effects, you can do color correction and grading, add fade-in and fade-out effects, reverse the clip, and even edit the 360° videos.
Here is a completed video tutorial from YouTuber Kevin Stratvert, which provides almost all information about how to use Shotcut, including how to create a project, add media, edit clips and export.
Pros:
- Easy Access: The 4K video editor is open source. Users can easily alter the source codes, enabling the process of editing simple and clear.
- Shotcut has every one of the required instruments to give excellent outcomes to clients. It has all elements of good video editing software and a bunch of other supportive and current choices.
- Shotcut offers an easy-to-use interface that allows you to finish a project quickly while having it examined by multiple members of your team. Its preview panel gives users access to a quick start menu, and its view menu lets them decide which features appear on the screen. The software’s video and audio filters are the most amazing of all its features. These filters can be customized, and they can be combined and layered in a variety of ways. Adjusting is now easier thanks to the easy checkbox and slider systems. Shotcut is so good that it makes even the most complicated effects understandable to the average user.
Cons:
- The platform might be a bit confusing when using the software for the first time because the interface isn’t intuitive.
4. LightWorks
Supported OS: Windows, Linux, and macOS
Lightworks is another video editor that can edit 4K videos from EditShare for people who have video editing experience. It has a simple and intuitive user interface, and you will find LOG, EDIT, VFX, and AUDIO tabs at the top of the interface. It integrates some paid royalty-free audio files, so you don’t need to find the background music from somewhere else. This software has some advanced editing features such as Multicam editing and batch export. It even supports third-party plugins, such as Boris FX, Boris Graffiti, and GenArts Sapphire. It enables its users to freely edit videos, even to the extent of trimming a video down to the size you desire.
However, if you want to export the videos in 4K, you need to pay, since it is limited to Lightworks Pro users.
Pros:
- The software allows clips to be easily imported and provides a platform where these clips can be played. This is made possible because this 4K video editor provides an interface made of panels such as bins, timeline, and edit review.
- Lightworks provides an easy way of applying varieties of effects from different clips in a coordinated manner. The software utilizes the hub-based framework to put together clips and recordings, which is needed for clips with numerous effects and tracks.
- Navigating this software, a right-click menu allows the user to export videos directly to YouTube. Also, the software automatically saves your work, so you don’t lose the files you’ve worked on.
Cons:
- Poor quality exporting options when making use of the free version (720p only)
- You need to register first to use it
5. Filmora Instant Cutter Tool
Supporting OS: Windows and Mac
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Filmora is one of the best video editors for beginners to create professional-looking videos in a modern way. One of the biggest advantages of using Filmora is its resources. You can now search the resources in the search bar and drag and drop them to the timeline to preview the result without paying first.
Some of you may say, Filmora is not a free video editor since there will be a watermark at the export video. But here, I will introduce the Instant Cutter Tool which is a perfect tool to trim and merge large 4K videos and action camera videos. This free 4k tool provides a proper way of instantly trimming or merging videos without de-coding, which means the video resolution will not be changed. Using the instant cutter tool, you can upload or merge files of huge sizes in different formats, such as MP4/MOV or MTS/M2TS.
Note: You can try some legal ways to remove the Filmora watermark without paying .
Pros:
- Clean and Intuitive User Interface
- 4K Video Support
- Trim and merge large videos quickly
Cons:
- Limited video formats supported when using Instant Cutter Tool
Part 2: Things You Need to Pay Attention to Run Free 4K Video Editors
While the general features of the best free 4K video editors have been discussed, it’s important you are aware of some specific requirements your system must possess to edit your videos successfully. Irrespective of the kind of device you’re using to edit your videos, you need to pay attention to some features your device must have. However, these requirements depend on the 4K video editing software free.
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): The Processor of the software being used must be Intel Core i7, 2.3Ghz four-core; this is applicable if you will be editing your videos offline. Then, Dual Intel Xeon 2Ghz six-core is applicable if you will be editing your videos online.
- Random Access Memory (RAM): Preferably an 8GB Memory if you’re editing offline, and 32GB Memory if you’re editing online.
- Internal storage: The required storage must be sufficient because 4K videos are huge files.
Note: Offline editing refers to editing a proxy file of the original source material ; online editing is the editing of the original material.
Part 3: Tips for Editing 4K Videos Smoothly
- Choose the software based on your hardware: To choose the best 4K video editing software free, you must not opt for an editing software with higher requirements than your hardware; such software won’t work well on your device. You should instead select an editing software with lower requirements.
- Split large 4K videos into several parts: It has been reiterated that 4K videos are huge files; to edit your videos smoothly, it is recommended to split up the videos and edit one after the other. This will save you from heavy data loss.
- Enable graphics accelerator: A graphic accelerator is used in video editing to turbocharge your video exporting. It’s usually clung to a video board of your system. It makes the editing easier and faster by preventing a heavy workload.
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- Title: New Lightweight Champions The Best Video Editing Software for Speed for 2024
- Author: Morgan
- Created at : 2024-04-28 05:25:46
- Updated at : 2024-04-29 05:25:46
- Link: https://ai-video-tools.techidaily.com/new-lightweight-champions-the-best-video-editing-software-for-speed-for-2024/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
