Premiere Elements Not for You? Try These 10 Alternatives Instead

Top 10 Adobe Premiere Elements Alternatives

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Adobe Premiere Elements is a scaled-down version of the Adobe Premiere Pro, designed to novice editors and consumers. However, some beginning users still find it’s a little bit difficult for them to master this video editing software. Plus, Adobe is a company that constantly releases updates that have occasionally caused the users’ programs to stop functioning. Thus, they need to find a good alternative to Adobe Premiere Elements. In this piece of writing we are going to look at the 10 best Adobe Premiere Elements alternative which can help you do your job.

1. Wondershare Filmora - Best Premiere Elements Alternative

• Create amazing movies with video, audio & photos in any popular formats .
• Edit video/audio/photos with classic features like trim, split & crop
• Personalize home video with texts, filters, transitions & more.
• Provides more advanced features like picture-in-picture, mosaic, tilt shift, face off and & more.
• Share your movies anywhere: TV, YouTube, iPhone & more.

Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

How to edit videos with Adobe movie maker alternative: Wondershare Filmora

• Import video files

To import your video files, just click “Import” to browse your file folder and load them together. When they successfully load onto the Album, just drag and drop them in the video Timeline.

• Basic video editing: crop, rotate, trim, split

Double click the video item, you’ll open the video and audio editing panel. Here, you can rotate video 90 degree, adjust Brightness, Saturation, Contrast, slow or speed up the playing speed, crop to a suitable size, set audio pitch, volume, fade in/out, and more.

• Apply transition, intro/credit & other effects

It’s pretty easy to add titles, effect and intro/credits to your movie using this Adobe Premiere Elements alternative. Hit Transition, Text, or Effect tab above the Timeline, and then drag your favorite template between every two video clips.

If needed, you can also apply a Close-up, Jump Cut, Tilt-Shift, Mosaic, and Face-off to your video. To do this, just hit the “Power Tool” above the timeline and choose the effect you need.

• Export the new video

Before exporting, you can preview your new video on the right window. When everything satisfied, just click “Export” to access the output window. This Adobe Premiere Elements provides various way to save your video creation and share it. Also, you can choose to burn a DVD disc for enjoying on wide screen TV or any DVD player.

Check more other alternatives to Adobe Premiere Elements below.

2. Avidemux – Best Video Editing Software

Avidemux is the free video editor made for the simple cutting, encoding and filtering tasks. This supports several file types, which includes DVD MPEG files, AVI, MP4 & ASF, using many codecs. The tasks can get automated using the projects, powerful scripting and job queue. Avidemux also allows you store the current audio or video encoder as well as filters settings that can also be used as the additional “profiles” for some target formats (for example for the playback on the portable devices), or just as the preferred encoder options (so you do not need to set it manually again and again). You can use Avidemux to easily edit video .

3. VirtualDub –Can Process Large Number Of Files

VirtualDub is the video capture and processing utility for over 32bit and 64bit of Windows platforms (ME/98/2000/NT4/Vista/XP/7), licensed under GNU Public License (GPL). This lacks editing power of the general purpose editor like Adobe Premiere, however is streamlined for the fast linear operations on video. It also has got the batch processing capabilities to process large numbers of the files and can get extended with the 3rd party video filters. The VirtualDub is primarily geared in processing the AVI files, even hough it will read (and not write) MPEG-1 as well as handle certain sets of the BMP images. Thus is one of the best video capturing apps to look at.

4. Adobe Premiere Pro – Built With Amazing Features

Now, you can edit video much faster than before with powerful and connected Adobe Premiere CC. Many brand new features that include redesigned timeline, streamlined color grading and improved media management. You can sync your shortcuts and settings to any PC at any edit bay and get an access to the new features when they are released. Your whole creative world, is one place. You can learn Premiere video editing tutorials if you feel like Premiere is too difficult to start editing. The Adobe Premiere Pro is the customizable, powerful, and nonlinear video editor, which allows you to edit your way. You can import and combine virtually any kind of media, from the video shot on phone to the raw 5K or higher resolution footage, and edit in the native format without even wasting any time in

5. Lightworks – Award Winning Video Editing Software

Lightworks is the editing powerhouse that delivers flexibility and unparalleled speed, completely integrated with other members of Complete Collaboration family. The Lightworks is the Emmy and Academy award winning grade video editor having over twenty years of the history in broadcast and film industry. Having cut many films like The Departed, Pulp Fiction, Shutter Island, Centurion, Martin Scorsese’s Departed, The King’s Speech, Pulp Fiction, Mission Impossible, Batman and Braveheart, it includes the full feature of the editorial tools – right from the advanced trimming & media management, to real time effects and stereoscopic support that includes the multiple color correctors. The Lightworks has advanced effects pipeline, using power of GPU. With support for 2K of workflows with the real time effects, it’s highly advanced editing app available.

6. Windows Live - Movie Maker – Carry Out Multiple Tast

Windows Movie Maker app makes your home movies totally fun. With the Movie Maker, you may create, share and edit your movies right on the computer. You can also build your own movie with some very simple drag & drops. You can delete the bad shots as well as include just some of the best scenes that you want. After that, you can share the movie through e-mail, Web, and CD. By using any third party application you can also take the movies you have made and turn it in the DVDs. You may as well save the movie back to your video tape in the camera so that you can play back on the TV or on camera itself.

7. iMovie – Video Sharing Made Simple

Maybe you wish to throw together some video clips. Or you have time and wish to fine-tune each edit. Or you just wish to flip through the clips in a way you flip through the album covers in iTunes. The iMovie apps allows you do this all — and then share this. iMovie makes it simple to browse and share HD video that you shoot on iOS device. You can turn your preferred clips in blockbuster movies and Hollywood style of trailers. You can watch the mini master pieces anywhere with the iMovie Theater. Some taps, swipes, and you are set for the big premiere at home. Want to use iMovie on Windows? Here are 10 iMovie alternatives for your choice .

8. VideoLAN Movie Creator – Arriving Soon With Some Amazing Features

(VideoLAN Movie Creator or VLMC is the free video editing program, giving features to get semi-professional quality films, however with an aim to stay user-friendly and simple. Developers of the most famous video players in world, the VLC Media Player, now have started the new and promising project: called Videolan Movie Creator. It is “promising” because the Videolan Movie Creator still is at the early stage of the development. From the developers, it is just the pre-alpha release, and with many important features missing & plenty of bugs. However, they are taking a close look on it that nobody could resist this temptation! Testing Videolan Movie Creator is an adventure. Program still is unstable & buggy, thus expect some crashes.

9. PiTiVi – Accomplish Several Task In One Software

PiTiVi is the open source editor, written in the Python and based at GStreamer & GTK+. Taking in account a fact that not everyone has similar knowledge of the video editing, and nor same requirements, PiTIVi gives many ways of modifying and creating the timeline. Ranging from the simple synopsis view to full editing view (or Complex View) puts you in total control of editing. PiTiVi may encode and capture video and audio, trim and split video clips, enhance and trim audio & render projects at any format that is supported by GStreamer framework. The PiTiVi was been added by kn (the Contributor) at 17/04/2009 and latest change was made

10. Cinelerra – Best Free Video Editing Software In Market

Cinelerra is the highly professional and advanced video editing program, however still remains the open source. Cinelerra will solve 3 important tasks: capturing, compositing and editing. There is no limit to video resolution thus whether it is standard or HD does not really matter at Cinelerra. Cinelerra always has been free and may remain so since developers are working very closely with traditional technical design & manufacturing companies and media and broadcast production companies all along with the Independent Artists & Technologists to bring some new capabilities and higher functionality. We know that Cinelerra isn’t perfect, however, it’s one platform that we can build on together to make our independent and professional studios.

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Adobe Premiere Elements is a scaled-down version of the Adobe Premiere Pro, designed to novice editors and consumers. However, some beginning users still find it’s a little bit difficult for them to master this video editing software. Plus, Adobe is a company that constantly releases updates that have occasionally caused the users’ programs to stop functioning. Thus, they need to find a good alternative to Adobe Premiere Elements. In this piece of writing we are going to look at the 10 best Adobe Premiere Elements alternative which can help you do your job.

1. Wondershare Filmora - Best Premiere Elements Alternative

• Create amazing movies with video, audio & photos in any popular formats .
• Edit video/audio/photos with classic features like trim, split & crop
• Personalize home video with texts, filters, transitions & more.
• Provides more advanced features like picture-in-picture, mosaic, tilt shift, face off and & more.
• Share your movies anywhere: TV, YouTube, iPhone & more.

Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

How to edit videos with Adobe movie maker alternative: Wondershare Filmora

• Import video files

To import your video files, just click “Import” to browse your file folder and load them together. When they successfully load onto the Album, just drag and drop them in the video Timeline.

• Basic video editing: crop, rotate, trim, split

Double click the video item, you’ll open the video and audio editing panel. Here, you can rotate video 90 degree, adjust Brightness, Saturation, Contrast, slow or speed up the playing speed, crop to a suitable size, set audio pitch, volume, fade in/out, and more.

• Apply transition, intro/credit & other effects

It’s pretty easy to add titles, effect and intro/credits to your movie using this Adobe Premiere Elements alternative. Hit Transition, Text, or Effect tab above the Timeline, and then drag your favorite template between every two video clips.

If needed, you can also apply a Close-up, Jump Cut, Tilt-Shift, Mosaic, and Face-off to your video. To do this, just hit the “Power Tool” above the timeline and choose the effect you need.

• Export the new video

Before exporting, you can preview your new video on the right window. When everything satisfied, just click “Export” to access the output window. This Adobe Premiere Elements provides various way to save your video creation and share it. Also, you can choose to burn a DVD disc for enjoying on wide screen TV or any DVD player.

Check more other alternatives to Adobe Premiere Elements below.

2. Avidemux – Best Video Editing Software

Avidemux is the free video editor made for the simple cutting, encoding and filtering tasks. This supports several file types, which includes DVD MPEG files, AVI, MP4 & ASF, using many codecs. The tasks can get automated using the projects, powerful scripting and job queue. Avidemux also allows you store the current audio or video encoder as well as filters settings that can also be used as the additional “profiles” for some target formats (for example for the playback on the portable devices), or just as the preferred encoder options (so you do not need to set it manually again and again). You can use Avidemux to easily edit video .

3. VirtualDub –Can Process Large Number Of Files

VirtualDub is the video capture and processing utility for over 32bit and 64bit of Windows platforms (ME/98/2000/NT4/Vista/XP/7), licensed under GNU Public License (GPL). This lacks editing power of the general purpose editor like Adobe Premiere, however is streamlined for the fast linear operations on video. It also has got the batch processing capabilities to process large numbers of the files and can get extended with the 3rd party video filters. The VirtualDub is primarily geared in processing the AVI files, even hough it will read (and not write) MPEG-1 as well as handle certain sets of the BMP images. Thus is one of the best video capturing apps to look at.

4. Adobe Premiere Pro – Built With Amazing Features

Now, you can edit video much faster than before with powerful and connected Adobe Premiere CC. Many brand new features that include redesigned timeline, streamlined color grading and improved media management. You can sync your shortcuts and settings to any PC at any edit bay and get an access to the new features when they are released. Your whole creative world, is one place. You can learn Premiere video editing tutorials if you feel like Premiere is too difficult to start editing. The Adobe Premiere Pro is the customizable, powerful, and nonlinear video editor, which allows you to edit your way. You can import and combine virtually any kind of media, from the video shot on phone to the raw 5K or higher resolution footage, and edit in the native format without even wasting any time in

5. Lightworks – Award Winning Video Editing Software

Lightworks is the editing powerhouse that delivers flexibility and unparalleled speed, completely integrated with other members of Complete Collaboration family. The Lightworks is the Emmy and Academy award winning grade video editor having over twenty years of the history in broadcast and film industry. Having cut many films like The Departed, Pulp Fiction, Shutter Island, Centurion, Martin Scorsese’s Departed, The King’s Speech, Pulp Fiction, Mission Impossible, Batman and Braveheart, it includes the full feature of the editorial tools – right from the advanced trimming & media management, to real time effects and stereoscopic support that includes the multiple color correctors. The Lightworks has advanced effects pipeline, using power of GPU. With support for 2K of workflows with the real time effects, it’s highly advanced editing app available.

6. Windows Live - Movie Maker – Carry Out Multiple Tast

Windows Movie Maker app makes your home movies totally fun. With the Movie Maker, you may create, share and edit your movies right on the computer. You can also build your own movie with some very simple drag & drops. You can delete the bad shots as well as include just some of the best scenes that you want. After that, you can share the movie through e-mail, Web, and CD. By using any third party application you can also take the movies you have made and turn it in the DVDs. You may as well save the movie back to your video tape in the camera so that you can play back on the TV or on camera itself.

7. iMovie – Video Sharing Made Simple

Maybe you wish to throw together some video clips. Or you have time and wish to fine-tune each edit. Or you just wish to flip through the clips in a way you flip through the album covers in iTunes. The iMovie apps allows you do this all — and then share this. iMovie makes it simple to browse and share HD video that you shoot on iOS device. You can turn your preferred clips in blockbuster movies and Hollywood style of trailers. You can watch the mini master pieces anywhere with the iMovie Theater. Some taps, swipes, and you are set for the big premiere at home. Want to use iMovie on Windows? Here are 10 iMovie alternatives for your choice .

8. VideoLAN Movie Creator – Arriving Soon With Some Amazing Features

(VideoLAN Movie Creator or VLMC is the free video editing program, giving features to get semi-professional quality films, however with an aim to stay user-friendly and simple. Developers of the most famous video players in world, the VLC Media Player, now have started the new and promising project: called Videolan Movie Creator. It is “promising” because the Videolan Movie Creator still is at the early stage of the development. From the developers, it is just the pre-alpha release, and with many important features missing & plenty of bugs. However, they are taking a close look on it that nobody could resist this temptation! Testing Videolan Movie Creator is an adventure. Program still is unstable & buggy, thus expect some crashes.

9. PiTiVi – Accomplish Several Task In One Software

PiTiVi is the open source editor, written in the Python and based at GStreamer & GTK+. Taking in account a fact that not everyone has similar knowledge of the video editing, and nor same requirements, PiTIVi gives many ways of modifying and creating the timeline. Ranging from the simple synopsis view to full editing view (or Complex View) puts you in total control of editing. PiTiVi may encode and capture video and audio, trim and split video clips, enhance and trim audio & render projects at any format that is supported by GStreamer framework. The PiTiVi was been added by kn (the Contributor) at 17/04/2009 and latest change was made

10. Cinelerra – Best Free Video Editing Software In Market

Cinelerra is the highly professional and advanced video editing program, however still remains the open source. Cinelerra will solve 3 important tasks: capturing, compositing and editing. There is no limit to video resolution thus whether it is standard or HD does not really matter at Cinelerra. Cinelerra always has been free and may remain so since developers are working very closely with traditional technical design & manufacturing companies and media and broadcast production companies all along with the Independent Artists & Technologists to bring some new capabilities and higher functionality. We know that Cinelerra isn’t perfect, however, it’s one platform that we can build on together to make our independent and professional studios.

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Adobe Premiere Elements is a scaled-down version of the Adobe Premiere Pro, designed to novice editors and consumers. However, some beginning users still find it’s a little bit difficult for them to master this video editing software. Plus, Adobe is a company that constantly releases updates that have occasionally caused the users’ programs to stop functioning. Thus, they need to find a good alternative to Adobe Premiere Elements. In this piece of writing we are going to look at the 10 best Adobe Premiere Elements alternative which can help you do your job.

1. Wondershare Filmora - Best Premiere Elements Alternative

• Create amazing movies with video, audio & photos in any popular formats .
• Edit video/audio/photos with classic features like trim, split & crop
• Personalize home video with texts, filters, transitions & more.
• Provides more advanced features like picture-in-picture, mosaic, tilt shift, face off and & more.
• Share your movies anywhere: TV, YouTube, iPhone & more.

Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

How to edit videos with Adobe movie maker alternative: Wondershare Filmora

• Import video files

To import your video files, just click “Import” to browse your file folder and load them together. When they successfully load onto the Album, just drag and drop them in the video Timeline.

• Basic video editing: crop, rotate, trim, split

Double click the video item, you’ll open the video and audio editing panel. Here, you can rotate video 90 degree, adjust Brightness, Saturation, Contrast, slow or speed up the playing speed, crop to a suitable size, set audio pitch, volume, fade in/out, and more.

• Apply transition, intro/credit & other effects

It’s pretty easy to add titles, effect and intro/credits to your movie using this Adobe Premiere Elements alternative. Hit Transition, Text, or Effect tab above the Timeline, and then drag your favorite template between every two video clips.

If needed, you can also apply a Close-up, Jump Cut, Tilt-Shift, Mosaic, and Face-off to your video. To do this, just hit the “Power Tool” above the timeline and choose the effect you need.

• Export the new video

Before exporting, you can preview your new video on the right window. When everything satisfied, just click “Export” to access the output window. This Adobe Premiere Elements provides various way to save your video creation and share it. Also, you can choose to burn a DVD disc for enjoying on wide screen TV or any DVD player.

Check more other alternatives to Adobe Premiere Elements below.

2. Avidemux – Best Video Editing Software

Avidemux is the free video editor made for the simple cutting, encoding and filtering tasks. This supports several file types, which includes DVD MPEG files, AVI, MP4 & ASF, using many codecs. The tasks can get automated using the projects, powerful scripting and job queue. Avidemux also allows you store the current audio or video encoder as well as filters settings that can also be used as the additional “profiles” for some target formats (for example for the playback on the portable devices), or just as the preferred encoder options (so you do not need to set it manually again and again). You can use Avidemux to easily edit video .

3. VirtualDub –Can Process Large Number Of Files

VirtualDub is the video capture and processing utility for over 32bit and 64bit of Windows platforms (ME/98/2000/NT4/Vista/XP/7), licensed under GNU Public License (GPL). This lacks editing power of the general purpose editor like Adobe Premiere, however is streamlined for the fast linear operations on video. It also has got the batch processing capabilities to process large numbers of the files and can get extended with the 3rd party video filters. The VirtualDub is primarily geared in processing the AVI files, even hough it will read (and not write) MPEG-1 as well as handle certain sets of the BMP images. Thus is one of the best video capturing apps to look at.

4. Adobe Premiere Pro – Built With Amazing Features

Now, you can edit video much faster than before with powerful and connected Adobe Premiere CC. Many brand new features that include redesigned timeline, streamlined color grading and improved media management. You can sync your shortcuts and settings to any PC at any edit bay and get an access to the new features when they are released. Your whole creative world, is one place. You can learn Premiere video editing tutorials if you feel like Premiere is too difficult to start editing. The Adobe Premiere Pro is the customizable, powerful, and nonlinear video editor, which allows you to edit your way. You can import and combine virtually any kind of media, from the video shot on phone to the raw 5K or higher resolution footage, and edit in the native format without even wasting any time in

5. Lightworks – Award Winning Video Editing Software

Lightworks is the editing powerhouse that delivers flexibility and unparalleled speed, completely integrated with other members of Complete Collaboration family. The Lightworks is the Emmy and Academy award winning grade video editor having over twenty years of the history in broadcast and film industry. Having cut many films like The Departed, Pulp Fiction, Shutter Island, Centurion, Martin Scorsese’s Departed, The King’s Speech, Pulp Fiction, Mission Impossible, Batman and Braveheart, it includes the full feature of the editorial tools – right from the advanced trimming & media management, to real time effects and stereoscopic support that includes the multiple color correctors. The Lightworks has advanced effects pipeline, using power of GPU. With support for 2K of workflows with the real time effects, it’s highly advanced editing app available.

6. Windows Live - Movie Maker – Carry Out Multiple Tast

Windows Movie Maker app makes your home movies totally fun. With the Movie Maker, you may create, share and edit your movies right on the computer. You can also build your own movie with some very simple drag & drops. You can delete the bad shots as well as include just some of the best scenes that you want. After that, you can share the movie through e-mail, Web, and CD. By using any third party application you can also take the movies you have made and turn it in the DVDs. You may as well save the movie back to your video tape in the camera so that you can play back on the TV or on camera itself.

7. iMovie – Video Sharing Made Simple

Maybe you wish to throw together some video clips. Or you have time and wish to fine-tune each edit. Or you just wish to flip through the clips in a way you flip through the album covers in iTunes. The iMovie apps allows you do this all — and then share this. iMovie makes it simple to browse and share HD video that you shoot on iOS device. You can turn your preferred clips in blockbuster movies and Hollywood style of trailers. You can watch the mini master pieces anywhere with the iMovie Theater. Some taps, swipes, and you are set for the big premiere at home. Want to use iMovie on Windows? Here are 10 iMovie alternatives for your choice .

8. VideoLAN Movie Creator – Arriving Soon With Some Amazing Features

(VideoLAN Movie Creator or VLMC is the free video editing program, giving features to get semi-professional quality films, however with an aim to stay user-friendly and simple. Developers of the most famous video players in world, the VLC Media Player, now have started the new and promising project: called Videolan Movie Creator. It is “promising” because the Videolan Movie Creator still is at the early stage of the development. From the developers, it is just the pre-alpha release, and with many important features missing & plenty of bugs. However, they are taking a close look on it that nobody could resist this temptation! Testing Videolan Movie Creator is an adventure. Program still is unstable & buggy, thus expect some crashes.

9. PiTiVi – Accomplish Several Task In One Software

PiTiVi is the open source editor, written in the Python and based at GStreamer & GTK+. Taking in account a fact that not everyone has similar knowledge of the video editing, and nor same requirements, PiTIVi gives many ways of modifying and creating the timeline. Ranging from the simple synopsis view to full editing view (or Complex View) puts you in total control of editing. PiTiVi may encode and capture video and audio, trim and split video clips, enhance and trim audio & render projects at any format that is supported by GStreamer framework. The PiTiVi was been added by kn (the Contributor) at 17/04/2009 and latest change was made

10. Cinelerra – Best Free Video Editing Software In Market

Cinelerra is the highly professional and advanced video editing program, however still remains the open source. Cinelerra will solve 3 important tasks: capturing, compositing and editing. There is no limit to video resolution thus whether it is standard or HD does not really matter at Cinelerra. Cinelerra always has been free and may remain so since developers are working very closely with traditional technical design & manufacturing companies and media and broadcast production companies all along with the Independent Artists & Technologists to bring some new capabilities and higher functionality. We know that Cinelerra isn’t perfect, however, it’s one platform that we can build on together to make our independent and professional studios.

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Adobe Premiere Elements is a scaled-down version of the Adobe Premiere Pro, designed to novice editors and consumers. However, some beginning users still find it’s a little bit difficult for them to master this video editing software. Plus, Adobe is a company that constantly releases updates that have occasionally caused the users’ programs to stop functioning. Thus, they need to find a good alternative to Adobe Premiere Elements. In this piece of writing we are going to look at the 10 best Adobe Premiere Elements alternative which can help you do your job.

1. Wondershare Filmora - Best Premiere Elements Alternative

• Create amazing movies with video, audio & photos in any popular formats .
• Edit video/audio/photos with classic features like trim, split & crop
• Personalize home video with texts, filters, transitions & more.
• Provides more advanced features like picture-in-picture, mosaic, tilt shift, face off and & more.
• Share your movies anywhere: TV, YouTube, iPhone & more.

Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

How to edit videos with Adobe movie maker alternative: Wondershare Filmora

• Import video files

To import your video files, just click “Import” to browse your file folder and load them together. When they successfully load onto the Album, just drag and drop them in the video Timeline.

• Basic video editing: crop, rotate, trim, split

Double click the video item, you’ll open the video and audio editing panel. Here, you can rotate video 90 degree, adjust Brightness, Saturation, Contrast, slow or speed up the playing speed, crop to a suitable size, set audio pitch, volume, fade in/out, and more.

• Apply transition, intro/credit & other effects

It’s pretty easy to add titles, effect and intro/credits to your movie using this Adobe Premiere Elements alternative. Hit Transition, Text, or Effect tab above the Timeline, and then drag your favorite template between every two video clips.

If needed, you can also apply a Close-up, Jump Cut, Tilt-Shift, Mosaic, and Face-off to your video. To do this, just hit the “Power Tool” above the timeline and choose the effect you need.

• Export the new video

Before exporting, you can preview your new video on the right window. When everything satisfied, just click “Export” to access the output window. This Adobe Premiere Elements provides various way to save your video creation and share it. Also, you can choose to burn a DVD disc for enjoying on wide screen TV or any DVD player.

Check more other alternatives to Adobe Premiere Elements below.

2. Avidemux – Best Video Editing Software

Avidemux is the free video editor made for the simple cutting, encoding and filtering tasks. This supports several file types, which includes DVD MPEG files, AVI, MP4 & ASF, using many codecs. The tasks can get automated using the projects, powerful scripting and job queue. Avidemux also allows you store the current audio or video encoder as well as filters settings that can also be used as the additional “profiles” for some target formats (for example for the playback on the portable devices), or just as the preferred encoder options (so you do not need to set it manually again and again). You can use Avidemux to easily edit video .

3. VirtualDub –Can Process Large Number Of Files

VirtualDub is the video capture and processing utility for over 32bit and 64bit of Windows platforms (ME/98/2000/NT4/Vista/XP/7), licensed under GNU Public License (GPL). This lacks editing power of the general purpose editor like Adobe Premiere, however is streamlined for the fast linear operations on video. It also has got the batch processing capabilities to process large numbers of the files and can get extended with the 3rd party video filters. The VirtualDub is primarily geared in processing the AVI files, even hough it will read (and not write) MPEG-1 as well as handle certain sets of the BMP images. Thus is one of the best video capturing apps to look at.

4. Adobe Premiere Pro – Built With Amazing Features

Now, you can edit video much faster than before with powerful and connected Adobe Premiere CC. Many brand new features that include redesigned timeline, streamlined color grading and improved media management. You can sync your shortcuts and settings to any PC at any edit bay and get an access to the new features when they are released. Your whole creative world, is one place. You can learn Premiere video editing tutorials if you feel like Premiere is too difficult to start editing. The Adobe Premiere Pro is the customizable, powerful, and nonlinear video editor, which allows you to edit your way. You can import and combine virtually any kind of media, from the video shot on phone to the raw 5K or higher resolution footage, and edit in the native format without even wasting any time in

5. Lightworks – Award Winning Video Editing Software

Lightworks is the editing powerhouse that delivers flexibility and unparalleled speed, completely integrated with other members of Complete Collaboration family. The Lightworks is the Emmy and Academy award winning grade video editor having over twenty years of the history in broadcast and film industry. Having cut many films like The Departed, Pulp Fiction, Shutter Island, Centurion, Martin Scorsese’s Departed, The King’s Speech, Pulp Fiction, Mission Impossible, Batman and Braveheart, it includes the full feature of the editorial tools – right from the advanced trimming & media management, to real time effects and stereoscopic support that includes the multiple color correctors. The Lightworks has advanced effects pipeline, using power of GPU. With support for 2K of workflows with the real time effects, it’s highly advanced editing app available.

6. Windows Live - Movie Maker – Carry Out Multiple Tast

Windows Movie Maker app makes your home movies totally fun. With the Movie Maker, you may create, share and edit your movies right on the computer. You can also build your own movie with some very simple drag & drops. You can delete the bad shots as well as include just some of the best scenes that you want. After that, you can share the movie through e-mail, Web, and CD. By using any third party application you can also take the movies you have made and turn it in the DVDs. You may as well save the movie back to your video tape in the camera so that you can play back on the TV or on camera itself.

7. iMovie – Video Sharing Made Simple

Maybe you wish to throw together some video clips. Or you have time and wish to fine-tune each edit. Or you just wish to flip through the clips in a way you flip through the album covers in iTunes. The iMovie apps allows you do this all — and then share this. iMovie makes it simple to browse and share HD video that you shoot on iOS device. You can turn your preferred clips in blockbuster movies and Hollywood style of trailers. You can watch the mini master pieces anywhere with the iMovie Theater. Some taps, swipes, and you are set for the big premiere at home. Want to use iMovie on Windows? Here are 10 iMovie alternatives for your choice .

8. VideoLAN Movie Creator – Arriving Soon With Some Amazing Features

(VideoLAN Movie Creator or VLMC is the free video editing program, giving features to get semi-professional quality films, however with an aim to stay user-friendly and simple. Developers of the most famous video players in world, the VLC Media Player, now have started the new and promising project: called Videolan Movie Creator. It is “promising” because the Videolan Movie Creator still is at the early stage of the development. From the developers, it is just the pre-alpha release, and with many important features missing & plenty of bugs. However, they are taking a close look on it that nobody could resist this temptation! Testing Videolan Movie Creator is an adventure. Program still is unstable & buggy, thus expect some crashes.

9. PiTiVi – Accomplish Several Task In One Software

PiTiVi is the open source editor, written in the Python and based at GStreamer & GTK+. Taking in account a fact that not everyone has similar knowledge of the video editing, and nor same requirements, PiTIVi gives many ways of modifying and creating the timeline. Ranging from the simple synopsis view to full editing view (or Complex View) puts you in total control of editing. PiTiVi may encode and capture video and audio, trim and split video clips, enhance and trim audio & render projects at any format that is supported by GStreamer framework. The PiTiVi was been added by kn (the Contributor) at 17/04/2009 and latest change was made

10. Cinelerra – Best Free Video Editing Software In Market

Cinelerra is the highly professional and advanced video editing program, however still remains the open source. Cinelerra will solve 3 important tasks: capturing, compositing and editing. There is no limit to video resolution thus whether it is standard or HD does not really matter at Cinelerra. Cinelerra always has been free and may remain so since developers are working very closely with traditional technical design & manufacturing companies and media and broadcast production companies all along with the Independent Artists & Technologists to bring some new capabilities and higher functionality. We know that Cinelerra isn’t perfect, however, it’s one platform that we can build on together to make our independent and professional studios.

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Top Adobe Premiere Shortcuts and Tricks

Top 20 Adobe Premiere Shortcuts You Will Use When Editing Video Files

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Whilst the conventional mouse control allows you to perform any task that Premiere is capable of, for efficient workflow the keyboard shortcuts cannot be beaten. We all work a little differently, and thankfully Adobe understands that, so although here we will be concentrating on the standard keyboard layout, the keyboard shortcuts can be customized to be anything you want and saved as a custom profile, there are even presets already included for Avid Media Composer and Final Cut Pro for those who are maybe transitioning from those packages or just prefer the way they work.

---

This is a basic tutorial about Adobe Premiere, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor) , which is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

---

This is achieved by going through the path edit > keyboard shortcuts as below:

Before we step into the most useful shortcuts, a brief note here on the different platforms, although I’m sure most readers are aware. The PC and Mac versions of the software do share the same basic shortcuts with the one caveat that where the PC uses the Control and Alt keys, the Mac has Command and Option keys instead. Other than that the functionality is the same. I’ll include the shortcuts for both platforms with each to make referencing easier.

1Select Window

I’m starting with this one simply because I find it the most used of all, especially if like me you prefer a custom layout for all your windows. If your program monitor is hidden for instance, you can just press shift+4 and there it is. The shortcuts are the same for both platforms here.

• Audio Clip Mixer Shift+9
• Audio Track Mixer Shift+6
• Effect Controls Shift+5
• Effects Shift+7
• Media Browser Shift+8
• Program Monitor Shift+4
• Project Shift+1
• Source Monitor Shift+2
• Timelines Shift+3

2 Import

Whilst the shortcuts for editing and manipulating clips are extremely important for efficient workflow, it should be remembered that those relating to the basic operation of the program are just as useful, as we see here. Using Control and I (Command and I on Mac) brings up the import media dialogue box instantly.

3Capture Panel

There are multiple shortcuts that can be used within the capture panel, but because this is such an intrinsic aspect of the Premiere workflow, being the entry into a project for all media, I think the available shortcuts are all as valuable as each other here.

• Navigate Through Fields - Tab
• Cancel Capture - Esc
• Fast Forward - F
• Rewind - R
• Go to In Point - Q
• Go to Out Point - W
• Record - G
• Stop - S
• Step Back - Left Arrow
• Step Forward - Right Arrow

4 Timeline Panel

In a similar vein to the Capture Panel, the Timeline Panel has a set of shortcuts specific to all its basic operations, and are essential for a faster workflow.

• Clear Ins and Outs - G
• Clear In Point - D
• Clear Out Point - F
• Go to In Point- Q
• Go to Out Point - W
• Match Frame - M
• Start and Stop - Spacebar
• Play Normal Speed - L
• Play Reverse Normal Speed - J
• Set In Point - I
• Set Out Point - o
• Shuttle Stop - K
• Trim - T
• Arc Tool - A
• Ellipse Tool – E

5 Navigation within a clip

This one works within the program monitor/timeline or source monitor windows, ensure the desired one is active first of course. You can move to a specific time code within the clip, or go forwards or backwards a set number of frames using the number pad. To go to a specific time code simply type that on the number pad. To travel a set number of frames simply type + or – (to signify direction) and the number of frames.

6Marking Clips

By far the simplest way to mark clips is to use the keyboard shortcut.

For marking clips use X , whilst marking a selection is / .

7 In and Out

In addition to marking clips via shortcuts, it is also far easier to mark In and Out points this way.

• To Mark In use I , whilst to mark Out use O .
• To Clear In the shortcut is Control+Shift+I for PC and Option+I for Mac.
• To Clear Out Control+Shift+O for PC, Option+O for Mac.

8Playing Clips

Going hand in hand with the shortcuts for marking, are the keyboard commands for playing clips. These are:

• Play In to Out: Control+Shift+Space (PC) and Option+K for Mac
• Clear In and Out: Control+Shift+X (PC) and Option+X for Mac
• Play Around: The same for both platforms and is Shift+K.

To get the best from this it is necessary to set some options beforehand, as Play Around plays the portion of the timeline around the Playhead, and where it plays is dependent on the options set. This is done through the menu via edit > preferences > playback, here I have preroll and postroll set to 4 seconds, meaning that it plays 4 seconds prior and following the point where the playhead is placed.

In addition, turning on looping for this can help to fine tune edits.

9Toggle Audio During Scrubbing

There are times you may want to hear audio when scrubbing, however turning it off can have beneficial effects on performance for lower end computers. The shortcut makes it an easy process to turn off and on as required.

The shortcut is Shift+S for both platforms.

10Slide a clip within the sequence

There are a couple of options available here from the shortcuts, slide one frame or 5 frames.

• To slide one frame to the left is Alt+, for PC or Option+, for Mac. To increase to five frames add Shift to either shortcut.
• To slide one frame to the right is Alt+. for PC and Option+. for Mac. Again, to increase to five frames add Shift.

11Slip within a sequence

As with the slide options, the choice is one frame or five frames.

• To slip one frame to the left is Control+Alt+Left for PC or Option+Command+Left for Mac. To increase to five frames add Shift to either shortcut.
• To slip one frame to the right is Control+Alt+Right for PC and Option+Command+Right for Mac. Again, to increase to five frames add Shift.

12Nudging

You can move a clip up or down simply by using the Up and Down arrow keys, whilst holding Alt or Option at the same time allows you to select just the video or audio to move.

13Multi Camera Selection

This is a tool that allows you to work with multiple camera angles of the same subject or scene. To switch between different cameras quickly is extremely useful and accomplished with the numerical keys.

Numbers 1 through 9 select the corresponding camera.

14Add an edit

This option cuts the track (or tracks) that are targeted. The shortcut for this is Control+K or Command+K.

You can view all added edits within a sequence by selecting show through edits within the sequence menu.

15Add the default Transition

This option applies the default transition to all selected media. To do this use Shift+D.

16 Match Frame

Locating a specific frame within the sequence for adding in a second clip is very useful, the shortcut is M, a great timesaver.

17Zoom to sequence

Being able to zoom in is great, it makes working in the sequence panel much easier, at least for me, however the one drawback I find is that I tend to get lost when looking for a particular clip. Using / enable you to quickly zoom out for navigation and back in again to work

18Jump to Edit

Navigating from edit to edit is a very simple process with the shortcuts available to you.

Page up takes you to the previous edit point, whilst page down takes you to the next.

With practice these shortcuts become second nature and you will find your workflow becomes not only faster but a smoother operation as well.

19Toggle the type of Trim used

Quickly shift between Standard, Ripple and Roll trim types.

Shift+T for PC, Control+T for Mac

20Ripple Trim

This enables you to trim the head or tail of the clip very quickly, making an extremely efficient workflow. To trim the next edit from the Playhead use W, for the previous edit from the playhead use Q.

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Whilst the conventional mouse control allows you to perform any task that Premiere is capable of, for efficient workflow the keyboard shortcuts cannot be beaten. We all work a little differently, and thankfully Adobe understands that, so although here we will be concentrating on the standard keyboard layout, the keyboard shortcuts can be customized to be anything you want and saved as a custom profile, there are even presets already included for Avid Media Composer and Final Cut Pro for those who are maybe transitioning from those packages or just prefer the way they work.

---

This is a basic tutorial about Adobe Premiere, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor) , which is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

---

This is achieved by going through the path edit > keyboard shortcuts as below:

Before we step into the most useful shortcuts, a brief note here on the different platforms, although I’m sure most readers are aware. The PC and Mac versions of the software do share the same basic shortcuts with the one caveat that where the PC uses the Control and Alt keys, the Mac has Command and Option keys instead. Other than that the functionality is the same. I’ll include the shortcuts for both platforms with each to make referencing easier.

1Select Window

I’m starting with this one simply because I find it the most used of all, especially if like me you prefer a custom layout for all your windows. If your program monitor is hidden for instance, you can just press shift+4 and there it is. The shortcuts are the same for both platforms here.

• Audio Clip Mixer Shift+9
• Audio Track Mixer Shift+6
• Effect Controls Shift+5
• Effects Shift+7
• Media Browser Shift+8
• Program Monitor Shift+4
• Project Shift+1
• Source Monitor Shift+2
• Timelines Shift+3

2 Import

Whilst the shortcuts for editing and manipulating clips are extremely important for efficient workflow, it should be remembered that those relating to the basic operation of the program are just as useful, as we see here. Using Control and I (Command and I on Mac) brings up the import media dialogue box instantly.

3Capture Panel

There are multiple shortcuts that can be used within the capture panel, but because this is such an intrinsic aspect of the Premiere workflow, being the entry into a project for all media, I think the available shortcuts are all as valuable as each other here.

• Navigate Through Fields - Tab
• Cancel Capture - Esc
• Fast Forward - F
• Rewind - R
• Go to In Point - Q
• Go to Out Point - W
• Record - G
• Stop - S
• Step Back - Left Arrow
• Step Forward - Right Arrow

4 Timeline Panel

In a similar vein to the Capture Panel, the Timeline Panel has a set of shortcuts specific to all its basic operations, and are essential for a faster workflow.

• Clear Ins and Outs - G
• Clear In Point - D
• Clear Out Point - F
• Go to In Point- Q
• Go to Out Point - W
• Match Frame - M
• Start and Stop - Spacebar
• Play Normal Speed - L
• Play Reverse Normal Speed - J
• Set In Point - I
• Set Out Point - o
• Shuttle Stop - K
• Trim - T
• Arc Tool - A
• Ellipse Tool – E

5 Navigation within a clip

This one works within the program monitor/timeline or source monitor windows, ensure the desired one is active first of course. You can move to a specific time code within the clip, or go forwards or backwards a set number of frames using the number pad. To go to a specific time code simply type that on the number pad. To travel a set number of frames simply type + or – (to signify direction) and the number of frames.

6Marking Clips

By far the simplest way to mark clips is to use the keyboard shortcut.

For marking clips use X , whilst marking a selection is / .

7 In and Out

In addition to marking clips via shortcuts, it is also far easier to mark In and Out points this way.

• To Mark In use I , whilst to mark Out use O .
• To Clear In the shortcut is Control+Shift+I for PC and Option+I for Mac.
• To Clear Out Control+Shift+O for PC, Option+O for Mac.

8Playing Clips

Going hand in hand with the shortcuts for marking, are the keyboard commands for playing clips. These are:

• Play In to Out: Control+Shift+Space (PC) and Option+K for Mac
• Clear In and Out: Control+Shift+X (PC) and Option+X for Mac
• Play Around: The same for both platforms and is Shift+K.

To get the best from this it is necessary to set some options beforehand, as Play Around plays the portion of the timeline around the Playhead, and where it plays is dependent on the options set. This is done through the menu via edit > preferences > playback, here I have preroll and postroll set to 4 seconds, meaning that it plays 4 seconds prior and following the point where the playhead is placed.

In addition, turning on looping for this can help to fine tune edits.

9Toggle Audio During Scrubbing

There are times you may want to hear audio when scrubbing, however turning it off can have beneficial effects on performance for lower end computers. The shortcut makes it an easy process to turn off and on as required.

The shortcut is Shift+S for both platforms.

10Slide a clip within the sequence

There are a couple of options available here from the shortcuts, slide one frame or 5 frames.

• To slide one frame to the left is Alt+, for PC or Option+, for Mac. To increase to five frames add Shift to either shortcut.
• To slide one frame to the right is Alt+. for PC and Option+. for Mac. Again, to increase to five frames add Shift.

11Slip within a sequence

As with the slide options, the choice is one frame or five frames.

• To slip one frame to the left is Control+Alt+Left for PC or Option+Command+Left for Mac. To increase to five frames add Shift to either shortcut.
• To slip one frame to the right is Control+Alt+Right for PC and Option+Command+Right for Mac. Again, to increase to five frames add Shift.

12Nudging

You can move a clip up or down simply by using the Up and Down arrow keys, whilst holding Alt or Option at the same time allows you to select just the video or audio to move.

13Multi Camera Selection

This is a tool that allows you to work with multiple camera angles of the same subject or scene. To switch between different cameras quickly is extremely useful and accomplished with the numerical keys.

Numbers 1 through 9 select the corresponding camera.

14Add an edit

This option cuts the track (or tracks) that are targeted. The shortcut for this is Control+K or Command+K.

You can view all added edits within a sequence by selecting show through edits within the sequence menu.

15Add the default Transition

This option applies the default transition to all selected media. To do this use Shift+D.

16 Match Frame

Locating a specific frame within the sequence for adding in a second clip is very useful, the shortcut is M, a great timesaver.

17Zoom to sequence

Being able to zoom in is great, it makes working in the sequence panel much easier, at least for me, however the one drawback I find is that I tend to get lost when looking for a particular clip. Using / enable you to quickly zoom out for navigation and back in again to work

18Jump to Edit

Navigating from edit to edit is a very simple process with the shortcuts available to you.

Page up takes you to the previous edit point, whilst page down takes you to the next.

With practice these shortcuts become second nature and you will find your workflow becomes not only faster but a smoother operation as well.

19Toggle the type of Trim used

Quickly shift between Standard, Ripple and Roll trim types.

Shift+T for PC, Control+T for Mac

20Ripple Trim

This enables you to trim the head or tail of the clip very quickly, making an extremely efficient workflow. To trim the next edit from the Playhead use W, for the previous edit from the playhead use Q.

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Whilst the conventional mouse control allows you to perform any task that Premiere is capable of, for efficient workflow the keyboard shortcuts cannot be beaten. We all work a little differently, and thankfully Adobe understands that, so although here we will be concentrating on the standard keyboard layout, the keyboard shortcuts can be customized to be anything you want and saved as a custom profile, there are even presets already included for Avid Media Composer and Final Cut Pro for those who are maybe transitioning from those packages or just prefer the way they work.

---

This is a basic tutorial about Adobe Premiere, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor) , which is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

---

This is achieved by going through the path edit > keyboard shortcuts as below:

Before we step into the most useful shortcuts, a brief note here on the different platforms, although I’m sure most readers are aware. The PC and Mac versions of the software do share the same basic shortcuts with the one caveat that where the PC uses the Control and Alt keys, the Mac has Command and Option keys instead. Other than that the functionality is the same. I’ll include the shortcuts for both platforms with each to make referencing easier.

1Select Window

I’m starting with this one simply because I find it the most used of all, especially if like me you prefer a custom layout for all your windows. If your program monitor is hidden for instance, you can just press shift+4 and there it is. The shortcuts are the same for both platforms here.

• Audio Clip Mixer Shift+9
• Audio Track Mixer Shift+6
• Effect Controls Shift+5
• Effects Shift+7
• Media Browser Shift+8
• Program Monitor Shift+4
• Project Shift+1
• Source Monitor Shift+2
• Timelines Shift+3

2 Import

Whilst the shortcuts for editing and manipulating clips are extremely important for efficient workflow, it should be remembered that those relating to the basic operation of the program are just as useful, as we see here. Using Control and I (Command and I on Mac) brings up the import media dialogue box instantly.

3Capture Panel

There are multiple shortcuts that can be used within the capture panel, but because this is such an intrinsic aspect of the Premiere workflow, being the entry into a project for all media, I think the available shortcuts are all as valuable as each other here.

• Navigate Through Fields - Tab
• Cancel Capture - Esc
• Fast Forward - F
• Rewind - R
• Go to In Point - Q
• Go to Out Point - W
• Record - G
• Stop - S
• Step Back - Left Arrow
• Step Forward - Right Arrow

4 Timeline Panel

In a similar vein to the Capture Panel, the Timeline Panel has a set of shortcuts specific to all its basic operations, and are essential for a faster workflow.

• Clear Ins and Outs - G
• Clear In Point - D
• Clear Out Point - F
• Go to In Point- Q
• Go to Out Point - W
• Match Frame - M
• Start and Stop - Spacebar
• Play Normal Speed - L
• Play Reverse Normal Speed - J
• Set In Point - I
• Set Out Point - o
• Shuttle Stop - K
• Trim - T
• Arc Tool - A
• Ellipse Tool – E

5 Navigation within a clip

This one works within the program monitor/timeline or source monitor windows, ensure the desired one is active first of course. You can move to a specific time code within the clip, or go forwards or backwards a set number of frames using the number pad. To go to a specific time code simply type that on the number pad. To travel a set number of frames simply type + or – (to signify direction) and the number of frames.

6Marking Clips

By far the simplest way to mark clips is to use the keyboard shortcut.

For marking clips use X , whilst marking a selection is / .

7 In and Out

In addition to marking clips via shortcuts, it is also far easier to mark In and Out points this way.

• To Mark In use I , whilst to mark Out use O .
• To Clear In the shortcut is Control+Shift+I for PC and Option+I for Mac.
• To Clear Out Control+Shift+O for PC, Option+O for Mac.

8Playing Clips

Going hand in hand with the shortcuts for marking, are the keyboard commands for playing clips. These are:

• Play In to Out: Control+Shift+Space (PC) and Option+K for Mac
• Clear In and Out: Control+Shift+X (PC) and Option+X for Mac
• Play Around: The same for both platforms and is Shift+K.

To get the best from this it is necessary to set some options beforehand, as Play Around plays the portion of the timeline around the Playhead, and where it plays is dependent on the options set. This is done through the menu via edit > preferences > playback, here I have preroll and postroll set to 4 seconds, meaning that it plays 4 seconds prior and following the point where the playhead is placed.

In addition, turning on looping for this can help to fine tune edits.

9Toggle Audio During Scrubbing

There are times you may want to hear audio when scrubbing, however turning it off can have beneficial effects on performance for lower end computers. The shortcut makes it an easy process to turn off and on as required.

The shortcut is Shift+S for both platforms.

10Slide a clip within the sequence

There are a couple of options available here from the shortcuts, slide one frame or 5 frames.

• To slide one frame to the left is Alt+, for PC or Option+, for Mac. To increase to five frames add Shift to either shortcut.
• To slide one frame to the right is Alt+. for PC and Option+. for Mac. Again, to increase to five frames add Shift.

11Slip within a sequence

As with the slide options, the choice is one frame or five frames.

• To slip one frame to the left is Control+Alt+Left for PC or Option+Command+Left for Mac. To increase to five frames add Shift to either shortcut.
• To slip one frame to the right is Control+Alt+Right for PC and Option+Command+Right for Mac. Again, to increase to five frames add Shift.

12Nudging

You can move a clip up or down simply by using the Up and Down arrow keys, whilst holding Alt or Option at the same time allows you to select just the video or audio to move.

13Multi Camera Selection

This is a tool that allows you to work with multiple camera angles of the same subject or scene. To switch between different cameras quickly is extremely useful and accomplished with the numerical keys.

Numbers 1 through 9 select the corresponding camera.

14Add an edit

This option cuts the track (or tracks) that are targeted. The shortcut for this is Control+K or Command+K.

You can view all added edits within a sequence by selecting show through edits within the sequence menu.

15Add the default Transition

This option applies the default transition to all selected media. To do this use Shift+D.

16 Match Frame

Locating a specific frame within the sequence for adding in a second clip is very useful, the shortcut is M, a great timesaver.

17Zoom to sequence

Being able to zoom in is great, it makes working in the sequence panel much easier, at least for me, however the one drawback I find is that I tend to get lost when looking for a particular clip. Using / enable you to quickly zoom out for navigation and back in again to work

18Jump to Edit

Navigating from edit to edit is a very simple process with the shortcuts available to you.

Page up takes you to the previous edit point, whilst page down takes you to the next.

With practice these shortcuts become second nature and you will find your workflow becomes not only faster but a smoother operation as well.

19Toggle the type of Trim used

Quickly shift between Standard, Ripple and Roll trim types.

Shift+T for PC, Control+T for Mac

20Ripple Trim

This enables you to trim the head or tail of the clip very quickly, making an extremely efficient workflow. To trim the next edit from the Playhead use W, for the previous edit from the playhead use Q.

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Whilst the conventional mouse control allows you to perform any task that Premiere is capable of, for efficient workflow the keyboard shortcuts cannot be beaten. We all work a little differently, and thankfully Adobe understands that, so although here we will be concentrating on the standard keyboard layout, the keyboard shortcuts can be customized to be anything you want and saved as a custom profile, there are even presets already included for Avid Media Composer and Final Cut Pro for those who are maybe transitioning from those packages or just prefer the way they work.

---

This is a basic tutorial about Adobe Premiere, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor) , which is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

---

This is achieved by going through the path edit > keyboard shortcuts as below:

Before we step into the most useful shortcuts, a brief note here on the different platforms, although I’m sure most readers are aware. The PC and Mac versions of the software do share the same basic shortcuts with the one caveat that where the PC uses the Control and Alt keys, the Mac has Command and Option keys instead. Other than that the functionality is the same. I’ll include the shortcuts for both platforms with each to make referencing easier.

1Select Window

I’m starting with this one simply because I find it the most used of all, especially if like me you prefer a custom layout for all your windows. If your program monitor is hidden for instance, you can just press shift+4 and there it is. The shortcuts are the same for both platforms here.

• Audio Clip Mixer Shift+9
• Audio Track Mixer Shift+6
• Effect Controls Shift+5
• Effects Shift+7
• Media Browser Shift+8
• Program Monitor Shift+4
• Project Shift+1
• Source Monitor Shift+2
• Timelines Shift+3

2 Import

Whilst the shortcuts for editing and manipulating clips are extremely important for efficient workflow, it should be remembered that those relating to the basic operation of the program are just as useful, as we see here. Using Control and I (Command and I on Mac) brings up the import media dialogue box instantly.

3Capture Panel

There are multiple shortcuts that can be used within the capture panel, but because this is such an intrinsic aspect of the Premiere workflow, being the entry into a project for all media, I think the available shortcuts are all as valuable as each other here.

• Navigate Through Fields - Tab
• Cancel Capture - Esc
• Fast Forward - F
• Rewind - R
• Go to In Point - Q
• Go to Out Point - W
• Record - G
• Stop - S
• Step Back - Left Arrow
• Step Forward - Right Arrow

4 Timeline Panel

In a similar vein to the Capture Panel, the Timeline Panel has a set of shortcuts specific to all its basic operations, and are essential for a faster workflow.

• Clear Ins and Outs - G
• Clear In Point - D
• Clear Out Point - F
• Go to In Point- Q
• Go to Out Point - W
• Match Frame - M
• Start and Stop - Spacebar
• Play Normal Speed - L
• Play Reverse Normal Speed - J
• Set In Point - I
• Set Out Point - o
• Shuttle Stop - K
• Trim - T
• Arc Tool - A
• Ellipse Tool – E

5 Navigation within a clip

This one works within the program monitor/timeline or source monitor windows, ensure the desired one is active first of course. You can move to a specific time code within the clip, or go forwards or backwards a set number of frames using the number pad. To go to a specific time code simply type that on the number pad. To travel a set number of frames simply type + or – (to signify direction) and the number of frames.

6Marking Clips

By far the simplest way to mark clips is to use the keyboard shortcut.

For marking clips use X , whilst marking a selection is / .

7 In and Out

In addition to marking clips via shortcuts, it is also far easier to mark In and Out points this way.

• To Mark In use I , whilst to mark Out use O .
• To Clear In the shortcut is Control+Shift+I for PC and Option+I for Mac.
• To Clear Out Control+Shift+O for PC, Option+O for Mac.

8Playing Clips

Going hand in hand with the shortcuts for marking, are the keyboard commands for playing clips. These are:

• Play In to Out: Control+Shift+Space (PC) and Option+K for Mac
• Clear In and Out: Control+Shift+X (PC) and Option+X for Mac
• Play Around: The same for both platforms and is Shift+K.

To get the best from this it is necessary to set some options beforehand, as Play Around plays the portion of the timeline around the Playhead, and where it plays is dependent on the options set. This is done through the menu via edit > preferences > playback, here I have preroll and postroll set to 4 seconds, meaning that it plays 4 seconds prior and following the point where the playhead is placed.

In addition, turning on looping for this can help to fine tune edits.

9Toggle Audio During Scrubbing

There are times you may want to hear audio when scrubbing, however turning it off can have beneficial effects on performance for lower end computers. The shortcut makes it an easy process to turn off and on as required.

The shortcut is Shift+S for both platforms.

10Slide a clip within the sequence

There are a couple of options available here from the shortcuts, slide one frame or 5 frames.

• To slide one frame to the left is Alt+, for PC or Option+, for Mac. To increase to five frames add Shift to either shortcut.
• To slide one frame to the right is Alt+. for PC and Option+. for Mac. Again, to increase to five frames add Shift.

11Slip within a sequence

As with the slide options, the choice is one frame or five frames.

• To slip one frame to the left is Control+Alt+Left for PC or Option+Command+Left for Mac. To increase to five frames add Shift to either shortcut.
• To slip one frame to the right is Control+Alt+Right for PC and Option+Command+Right for Mac. Again, to increase to five frames add Shift.

12Nudging

You can move a clip up or down simply by using the Up and Down arrow keys, whilst holding Alt or Option at the same time allows you to select just the video or audio to move.

13Multi Camera Selection

This is a tool that allows you to work with multiple camera angles of the same subject or scene. To switch between different cameras quickly is extremely useful and accomplished with the numerical keys.

Numbers 1 through 9 select the corresponding camera.

14Add an edit

This option cuts the track (or tracks) that are targeted. The shortcut for this is Control+K or Command+K.

You can view all added edits within a sequence by selecting show through edits within the sequence menu.

15Add the default Transition

This option applies the default transition to all selected media. To do this use Shift+D.

16 Match Frame

Locating a specific frame within the sequence for adding in a second clip is very useful, the shortcut is M, a great timesaver.

17Zoom to sequence

Being able to zoom in is great, it makes working in the sequence panel much easier, at least for me, however the one drawback I find is that I tend to get lost when looking for a particular clip. Using / enable you to quickly zoom out for navigation and back in again to work

18Jump to Edit

Navigating from edit to edit is a very simple process with the shortcuts available to you.

Page up takes you to the previous edit point, whilst page down takes you to the next.

With practice these shortcuts become second nature and you will find your workflow becomes not only faster but a smoother operation as well.

19Toggle the type of Trim used

Quickly shift between Standard, Ripple and Roll trim types.

Shift+T for PC, Control+T for Mac

20Ripple Trim

This enables you to trim the head or tail of the clip very quickly, making an extremely efficient workflow. To trim the next edit from the Playhead use W, for the previous edit from the playhead use Q.

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

DVR Wars: TiVo and Comcast Go Head-to-Head

TiVo vs Comcast, Who Wins the DVR Battle?

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Cable, satellite, over the air broadcast, streaming internet video – never before have we had so many choices of how to receive television programming. DVR, PVR, computer hard drive, external storage device; now we have choices in how to store programs for viewing later to consider as well. So what is true and what is hype when it comes to what’s the best device? Let’s peel back the layers and look at the information.

First, what is a DVR? A DVR, or digital video recorder, is a device that records video from a source for playback at another time. It often comes with a television programming guide included so you can easily locate shows you want to record. Most DVRs come with large capacity hard drives, though some have flash memory cards as their storage medium. There are a variety of types that range from small storage capacity and two tuners, up through several tuners and massive hard drive storage ability. You also can pause and rewind live TV, which is great when you want to create your own sports instant replays. Most DVRs also allow you to watch one program that was previously recorded while two others are recording, though some have greater capacity.

A TiVo is a particular kind of DVR that was first introduced in 1999. It requires a subscription to its own programming guide that can be purchased month to month, or as a “lifetime” subscription (that means the life of the TiVo, not your life, by the way). TiVos, like cable company DVRs, can record just one show or an entire season. TiVos have a smart feature which notices which shows you are watching and recommends similar ones to you based on how you rate current programs. It also uses these ratings to suggest shows to other viewers.

Let’s look at a few of the main features of both so you can do a comparison. We’ll look at five factors.

1. TiVo vs Comcast: Cost and rent versus own

With a Comcast DVR, you are renting it from the cable company at a cost of $10 to $16 a month, depending on your market. There are no upfront costs, and should the device fail, you can swap it at no cost at your local Comcast service center. Some folks have found that the new X1 boxes are prone to crashes, so that free swap is handy.

A TiVo is yours to keep as long as it lasts or as long as you want it, whichever comes first. It has an initial cost of between $200 and $600, depending on the model. Plus, you have the subscription cost on top of the unit price, which is $15 a month or $500 for a “lifetime” subscription, which TiVo may or may not give you partial credit for should your device fail and you need a new one. Like the Comcast DVRs, some TiVo boxes are less than stable. It’s the nature of electronics. TiVos also have advertising on them, which some Comcast channels do also, like MusicChoice, but not on all of them.

2. TiVo vs Comcast: Services available

With a DVR from Comcast, you can only record shows that are broadcast on one of Comcast’s channels or play shows that are loaded into its On Demand section. A TiVo can be connected to a number of sources, including cable via a cable card, and allow you to combine all of your viewing sources into the one box. It even connects to a high definition antenna.

The TiVo with cable card has access to all of the cable On Demand services, so in that sense it can replace all of the Comcast DVRs. However, the cable card is not free. It typically runs $1.50 per card per month, up to $2.50 per card on the Frontier system.

The menus are slightly different, as you can see below.

Comcast interface

TiVo interface

TiVos also recognize SD and HD as just different versions of the same show, instead of different channels like Comcast does, so you can set your DVR to just record HD. This makes it somewhat harder to just record HD on a TiVo.

Down the road, Comcast is planning the X2 system which would have cloud recording capacity, thus ending the need for a box in your house at all. TiVo has not yet announced such a plan.

3. TiVo vs Comcast: Connection to a network

TiVos can be connected to your home computer network, and the newest one, the Roamio, comes with built-in wifi, for total freedom of use. Because it’s on the network, you can stream shows from your computer through the TiVo box for later playback. It supports channels like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Instant. You can also stream shows to your Apple portable devices and then take the shows with you on the plane or to the gym, or use the device as a remote control. (Android devices will have the same capacity soon.) The network capacity also means you can use your computer to control the TiVo box and view content wherever you are.

Some reviewers have also noted that the network set up is not as simple as it might be, and it requires some computer knowledge and ability. Unless you have a tech person nearby, novice computer users may not wish to set up the network.

The iPhone app remote screen looks like this:

A TiVo does have limitations of who can access which channels. For instance, it does not stream HBOGo, nor does it interface with Apple’s TV programming. For that you still need an AppleTV device.

Comcast boxes simply do not network well. They are designed to broadcast the cable signals through your TV, but not on a home network. They are often easier to connect, however, just requiring a cable from the box to be plugged into the TV.

4. TiVo vs Comcast: Recording capacity

The new TiVo, the Roamio, has as many as six tuners that can record at the same time with up to 150 hours of high definition programming. You’ll never have another scheduling conflict again!

TiVos have recording capacities that range from 75 to 450 hours, depending on whether it is standard definition or high definition, and which device you are using. You can choose from three models of the Roamio. The base model costs $200 and has 75 hours of capacity. The menu and features are more limited on this one than on the others. There is a middle model priced at $400 that has the same six tuners as the high-end one but can only hold 150 hours of recordings. Then the top tier model costs $600 and has 450 hours of recording capacity, all of it in high definition.

The Comcast X1 DVR has four tuners and it can record them simultaneously. You can watch a prerecorded program while it’s recording, too. It can hold 120 hours of HD or 600 hours of SD programming.

5. TiVo vs Comcast: User interface

The Comcast X1 DVR system has a voice-activated interface and a completely different look and layout than their standard system has.

The basic Comcast remote is a multi-function remote and capable of controlling all functions, but it does not have the ability to connect to a portable device like a tablet or a smartphone to have connectivity that way like a TiVo can through an app. The remote has to be line of sight in order to work.

The TiVo device menu is in standard definition, so for those who have a high definition set up, you may find this a bit distraction or fuzzy. It does come with apps for extending what the box can do, including games for kids.

Many reviewers liked the interface on the TiVo better than the grid used on the Comcast service. The TiVo programming guide allows you to delete channels you don’t watch so you’re only looking at the channels you like. Comcast’s guide covers every channel they offer, even ones that are not available on your tier of service.

With the TiVo Roamio, connecting to a tablet allows you to be in another room and still operate the “remote” for the TiVo DVR. Download the app onto your device and you’re ready to go.

TiVo’s device remote has a sleek layout called the “peanut”.

Summary

What it all comes down to is looking at how you use your TV, where you get your sources from, and what your budget is. Each device has its own set of things that are appealing, and its own drawbacks. For flexibility of being able to use multiple sources and devices, the TiVo is the clear winner. For cost in the long run, it’s almost a draw. For ease of connection to a TV, the Comcast box comes out on top. No matter which one you pick, you’ll never run out of great programs to watch.

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Cable, satellite, over the air broadcast, streaming internet video – never before have we had so many choices of how to receive television programming. DVR, PVR, computer hard drive, external storage device; now we have choices in how to store programs for viewing later to consider as well. So what is true and what is hype when it comes to what’s the best device? Let’s peel back the layers and look at the information.

First, what is a DVR? A DVR, or digital video recorder, is a device that records video from a source for playback at another time. It often comes with a television programming guide included so you can easily locate shows you want to record. Most DVRs come with large capacity hard drives, though some have flash memory cards as their storage medium. There are a variety of types that range from small storage capacity and two tuners, up through several tuners and massive hard drive storage ability. You also can pause and rewind live TV, which is great when you want to create your own sports instant replays. Most DVRs also allow you to watch one program that was previously recorded while two others are recording, though some have greater capacity.

A TiVo is a particular kind of DVR that was first introduced in 1999. It requires a subscription to its own programming guide that can be purchased month to month, or as a “lifetime” subscription (that means the life of the TiVo, not your life, by the way). TiVos, like cable company DVRs, can record just one show or an entire season. TiVos have a smart feature which notices which shows you are watching and recommends similar ones to you based on how you rate current programs. It also uses these ratings to suggest shows to other viewers.

Let’s look at a few of the main features of both so you can do a comparison. We’ll look at five factors.

1. TiVo vs Comcast: Cost and rent versus own

With a Comcast DVR, you are renting it from the cable company at a cost of $10 to $16 a month, depending on your market. There are no upfront costs, and should the device fail, you can swap it at no cost at your local Comcast service center. Some folks have found that the new X1 boxes are prone to crashes, so that free swap is handy.

A TiVo is yours to keep as long as it lasts or as long as you want it, whichever comes first. It has an initial cost of between $200 and $600, depending on the model. Plus, you have the subscription cost on top of the unit price, which is $15 a month or $500 for a “lifetime” subscription, which TiVo may or may not give you partial credit for should your device fail and you need a new one. Like the Comcast DVRs, some TiVo boxes are less than stable. It’s the nature of electronics. TiVos also have advertising on them, which some Comcast channels do also, like MusicChoice, but not on all of them.

2. TiVo vs Comcast: Services available

With a DVR from Comcast, you can only record shows that are broadcast on one of Comcast’s channels or play shows that are loaded into its On Demand section. A TiVo can be connected to a number of sources, including cable via a cable card, and allow you to combine all of your viewing sources into the one box. It even connects to a high definition antenna.

The TiVo with cable card has access to all of the cable On Demand services, so in that sense it can replace all of the Comcast DVRs. However, the cable card is not free. It typically runs $1.50 per card per month, up to $2.50 per card on the Frontier system.

The menus are slightly different, as you can see below.

Comcast interface

TiVo interface

TiVos also recognize SD and HD as just different versions of the same show, instead of different channels like Comcast does, so you can set your DVR to just record HD. This makes it somewhat harder to just record HD on a TiVo.

Down the road, Comcast is planning the X2 system which would have cloud recording capacity, thus ending the need for a box in your house at all. TiVo has not yet announced such a plan.

3. TiVo vs Comcast: Connection to a network

TiVos can be connected to your home computer network, and the newest one, the Roamio, comes with built-in wifi, for total freedom of use. Because it’s on the network, you can stream shows from your computer through the TiVo box for later playback. It supports channels like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Instant. You can also stream shows to your Apple portable devices and then take the shows with you on the plane or to the gym, or use the device as a remote control. (Android devices will have the same capacity soon.) The network capacity also means you can use your computer to control the TiVo box and view content wherever you are.

Some reviewers have also noted that the network set up is not as simple as it might be, and it requires some computer knowledge and ability. Unless you have a tech person nearby, novice computer users may not wish to set up the network.

The iPhone app remote screen looks like this:

A TiVo does have limitations of who can access which channels. For instance, it does not stream HBOGo, nor does it interface with Apple’s TV programming. For that you still need an AppleTV device.

Comcast boxes simply do not network well. They are designed to broadcast the cable signals through your TV, but not on a home network. They are often easier to connect, however, just requiring a cable from the box to be plugged into the TV.

4. TiVo vs Comcast: Recording capacity

The new TiVo, the Roamio, has as many as six tuners that can record at the same time with up to 150 hours of high definition programming. You’ll never have another scheduling conflict again!

TiVos have recording capacities that range from 75 to 450 hours, depending on whether it is standard definition or high definition, and which device you are using. You can choose from three models of the Roamio. The base model costs $200 and has 75 hours of capacity. The menu and features are more limited on this one than on the others. There is a middle model priced at $400 that has the same six tuners as the high-end one but can only hold 150 hours of recordings. Then the top tier model costs $600 and has 450 hours of recording capacity, all of it in high definition.

The Comcast X1 DVR has four tuners and it can record them simultaneously. You can watch a prerecorded program while it’s recording, too. It can hold 120 hours of HD or 600 hours of SD programming.

5. TiVo vs Comcast: User interface

The Comcast X1 DVR system has a voice-activated interface and a completely different look and layout than their standard system has.

The basic Comcast remote is a multi-function remote and capable of controlling all functions, but it does not have the ability to connect to a portable device like a tablet or a smartphone to have connectivity that way like a TiVo can through an app. The remote has to be line of sight in order to work.

The TiVo device menu is in standard definition, so for those who have a high definition set up, you may find this a bit distraction or fuzzy. It does come with apps for extending what the box can do, including games for kids.

Many reviewers liked the interface on the TiVo better than the grid used on the Comcast service. The TiVo programming guide allows you to delete channels you don’t watch so you’re only looking at the channels you like. Comcast’s guide covers every channel they offer, even ones that are not available on your tier of service.

With the TiVo Roamio, connecting to a tablet allows you to be in another room and still operate the “remote” for the TiVo DVR. Download the app onto your device and you’re ready to go.

TiVo’s device remote has a sleek layout called the “peanut”.

Summary

What it all comes down to is looking at how you use your TV, where you get your sources from, and what your budget is. Each device has its own set of things that are appealing, and its own drawbacks. For flexibility of being able to use multiple sources and devices, the TiVo is the clear winner. For cost in the long run, it’s almost a draw. For ease of connection to a TV, the Comcast box comes out on top. No matter which one you pick, you’ll never run out of great programs to watch.

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Cable, satellite, over the air broadcast, streaming internet video – never before have we had so many choices of how to receive television programming. DVR, PVR, computer hard drive, external storage device; now we have choices in how to store programs for viewing later to consider as well. So what is true and what is hype when it comes to what’s the best device? Let’s peel back the layers and look at the information.

First, what is a DVR? A DVR, or digital video recorder, is a device that records video from a source for playback at another time. It often comes with a television programming guide included so you can easily locate shows you want to record. Most DVRs come with large capacity hard drives, though some have flash memory cards as their storage medium. There are a variety of types that range from small storage capacity and two tuners, up through several tuners and massive hard drive storage ability. You also can pause and rewind live TV, which is great when you want to create your own sports instant replays. Most DVRs also allow you to watch one program that was previously recorded while two others are recording, though some have greater capacity.

A TiVo is a particular kind of DVR that was first introduced in 1999. It requires a subscription to its own programming guide that can be purchased month to month, or as a “lifetime” subscription (that means the life of the TiVo, not your life, by the way). TiVos, like cable company DVRs, can record just one show or an entire season. TiVos have a smart feature which notices which shows you are watching and recommends similar ones to you based on how you rate current programs. It also uses these ratings to suggest shows to other viewers.

Let’s look at a few of the main features of both so you can do a comparison. We’ll look at five factors.

1. TiVo vs Comcast: Cost and rent versus own

With a Comcast DVR, you are renting it from the cable company at a cost of $10 to $16 a month, depending on your market. There are no upfront costs, and should the device fail, you can swap it at no cost at your local Comcast service center. Some folks have found that the new X1 boxes are prone to crashes, so that free swap is handy.

A TiVo is yours to keep as long as it lasts or as long as you want it, whichever comes first. It has an initial cost of between $200 and $600, depending on the model. Plus, you have the subscription cost on top of the unit price, which is $15 a month or $500 for a “lifetime” subscription, which TiVo may or may not give you partial credit for should your device fail and you need a new one. Like the Comcast DVRs, some TiVo boxes are less than stable. It’s the nature of electronics. TiVos also have advertising on them, which some Comcast channels do also, like MusicChoice, but not on all of them.

2. TiVo vs Comcast: Services available

With a DVR from Comcast, you can only record shows that are broadcast on one of Comcast’s channels or play shows that are loaded into its On Demand section. A TiVo can be connected to a number of sources, including cable via a cable card, and allow you to combine all of your viewing sources into the one box. It even connects to a high definition antenna.

The TiVo with cable card has access to all of the cable On Demand services, so in that sense it can replace all of the Comcast DVRs. However, the cable card is not free. It typically runs $1.50 per card per month, up to $2.50 per card on the Frontier system.

The menus are slightly different, as you can see below.

Comcast interface

TiVo interface

TiVos also recognize SD and HD as just different versions of the same show, instead of different channels like Comcast does, so you can set your DVR to just record HD. This makes it somewhat harder to just record HD on a TiVo.

Down the road, Comcast is planning the X2 system which would have cloud recording capacity, thus ending the need for a box in your house at all. TiVo has not yet announced such a plan.

3. TiVo vs Comcast: Connection to a network

TiVos can be connected to your home computer network, and the newest one, the Roamio, comes with built-in wifi, for total freedom of use. Because it’s on the network, you can stream shows from your computer through the TiVo box for later playback. It supports channels like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Instant. You can also stream shows to your Apple portable devices and then take the shows with you on the plane or to the gym, or use the device as a remote control. (Android devices will have the same capacity soon.) The network capacity also means you can use your computer to control the TiVo box and view content wherever you are.

Some reviewers have also noted that the network set up is not as simple as it might be, and it requires some computer knowledge and ability. Unless you have a tech person nearby, novice computer users may not wish to set up the network.

The iPhone app remote screen looks like this:

A TiVo does have limitations of who can access which channels. For instance, it does not stream HBOGo, nor does it interface with Apple’s TV programming. For that you still need an AppleTV device.

Comcast boxes simply do not network well. They are designed to broadcast the cable signals through your TV, but not on a home network. They are often easier to connect, however, just requiring a cable from the box to be plugged into the TV.

4. TiVo vs Comcast: Recording capacity

The new TiVo, the Roamio, has as many as six tuners that can record at the same time with up to 150 hours of high definition programming. You’ll never have another scheduling conflict again!

TiVos have recording capacities that range from 75 to 450 hours, depending on whether it is standard definition or high definition, and which device you are using. You can choose from three models of the Roamio. The base model costs $200 and has 75 hours of capacity. The menu and features are more limited on this one than on the others. There is a middle model priced at $400 that has the same six tuners as the high-end one but can only hold 150 hours of recordings. Then the top tier model costs $600 and has 450 hours of recording capacity, all of it in high definition.

The Comcast X1 DVR has four tuners and it can record them simultaneously. You can watch a prerecorded program while it’s recording, too. It can hold 120 hours of HD or 600 hours of SD programming.

5. TiVo vs Comcast: User interface

The Comcast X1 DVR system has a voice-activated interface and a completely different look and layout than their standard system has.

The basic Comcast remote is a multi-function remote and capable of controlling all functions, but it does not have the ability to connect to a portable device like a tablet or a smartphone to have connectivity that way like a TiVo can through an app. The remote has to be line of sight in order to work.

The TiVo device menu is in standard definition, so for those who have a high definition set up, you may find this a bit distraction or fuzzy. It does come with apps for extending what the box can do, including games for kids.

Many reviewers liked the interface on the TiVo better than the grid used on the Comcast service. The TiVo programming guide allows you to delete channels you don’t watch so you’re only looking at the channels you like. Comcast’s guide covers every channel they offer, even ones that are not available on your tier of service.

With the TiVo Roamio, connecting to a tablet allows you to be in another room and still operate the “remote” for the TiVo DVR. Download the app onto your device and you’re ready to go.

TiVo’s device remote has a sleek layout called the “peanut”.

Summary

What it all comes down to is looking at how you use your TV, where you get your sources from, and what your budget is. Each device has its own set of things that are appealing, and its own drawbacks. For flexibility of being able to use multiple sources and devices, the TiVo is the clear winner. For cost in the long run, it’s almost a draw. For ease of connection to a TV, the Comcast box comes out on top. No matter which one you pick, you’ll never run out of great programs to watch.

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Cable, satellite, over the air broadcast, streaming internet video – never before have we had so many choices of how to receive television programming. DVR, PVR, computer hard drive, external storage device; now we have choices in how to store programs for viewing later to consider as well. So what is true and what is hype when it comes to what’s the best device? Let’s peel back the layers and look at the information.

First, what is a DVR? A DVR, or digital video recorder, is a device that records video from a source for playback at another time. It often comes with a television programming guide included so you can easily locate shows you want to record. Most DVRs come with large capacity hard drives, though some have flash memory cards as their storage medium. There are a variety of types that range from small storage capacity and two tuners, up through several tuners and massive hard drive storage ability. You also can pause and rewind live TV, which is great when you want to create your own sports instant replays. Most DVRs also allow you to watch one program that was previously recorded while two others are recording, though some have greater capacity.

A TiVo is a particular kind of DVR that was first introduced in 1999. It requires a subscription to its own programming guide that can be purchased month to month, or as a “lifetime” subscription (that means the life of the TiVo, not your life, by the way). TiVos, like cable company DVRs, can record just one show or an entire season. TiVos have a smart feature which notices which shows you are watching and recommends similar ones to you based on how you rate current programs. It also uses these ratings to suggest shows to other viewers.

Let’s look at a few of the main features of both so you can do a comparison. We’ll look at five factors.

1. TiVo vs Comcast: Cost and rent versus own

With a Comcast DVR, you are renting it from the cable company at a cost of $10 to $16 a month, depending on your market. There are no upfront costs, and should the device fail, you can swap it at no cost at your local Comcast service center. Some folks have found that the new X1 boxes are prone to crashes, so that free swap is handy.

A TiVo is yours to keep as long as it lasts or as long as you want it, whichever comes first. It has an initial cost of between $200 and $600, depending on the model. Plus, you have the subscription cost on top of the unit price, which is $15 a month or $500 for a “lifetime” subscription, which TiVo may or may not give you partial credit for should your device fail and you need a new one. Like the Comcast DVRs, some TiVo boxes are less than stable. It’s the nature of electronics. TiVos also have advertising on them, which some Comcast channels do also, like MusicChoice, but not on all of them.

2. TiVo vs Comcast: Services available

With a DVR from Comcast, you can only record shows that are broadcast on one of Comcast’s channels or play shows that are loaded into its On Demand section. A TiVo can be connected to a number of sources, including cable via a cable card, and allow you to combine all of your viewing sources into the one box. It even connects to a high definition antenna.

The TiVo with cable card has access to all of the cable On Demand services, so in that sense it can replace all of the Comcast DVRs. However, the cable card is not free. It typically runs $1.50 per card per month, up to $2.50 per card on the Frontier system.

The menus are slightly different, as you can see below.

Comcast interface

TiVo interface

TiVos also recognize SD and HD as just different versions of the same show, instead of different channels like Comcast does, so you can set your DVR to just record HD. This makes it somewhat harder to just record HD on a TiVo.

Down the road, Comcast is planning the X2 system which would have cloud recording capacity, thus ending the need for a box in your house at all. TiVo has not yet announced such a plan.

3. TiVo vs Comcast: Connection to a network

TiVos can be connected to your home computer network, and the newest one, the Roamio, comes with built-in wifi, for total freedom of use. Because it’s on the network, you can stream shows from your computer through the TiVo box for later playback. It supports channels like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Instant. You can also stream shows to your Apple portable devices and then take the shows with you on the plane or to the gym, or use the device as a remote control. (Android devices will have the same capacity soon.) The network capacity also means you can use your computer to control the TiVo box and view content wherever you are.

Some reviewers have also noted that the network set up is not as simple as it might be, and it requires some computer knowledge and ability. Unless you have a tech person nearby, novice computer users may not wish to set up the network.

The iPhone app remote screen looks like this:

A TiVo does have limitations of who can access which channels. For instance, it does not stream HBOGo, nor does it interface with Apple’s TV programming. For that you still need an AppleTV device.

Comcast boxes simply do not network well. They are designed to broadcast the cable signals through your TV, but not on a home network. They are often easier to connect, however, just requiring a cable from the box to be plugged into the TV.

4. TiVo vs Comcast: Recording capacity

The new TiVo, the Roamio, has as many as six tuners that can record at the same time with up to 150 hours of high definition programming. You’ll never have another scheduling conflict again!

TiVos have recording capacities that range from 75 to 450 hours, depending on whether it is standard definition or high definition, and which device you are using. You can choose from three models of the Roamio. The base model costs $200 and has 75 hours of capacity. The menu and features are more limited on this one than on the others. There is a middle model priced at $400 that has the same six tuners as the high-end one but can only hold 150 hours of recordings. Then the top tier model costs $600 and has 450 hours of recording capacity, all of it in high definition.

The Comcast X1 DVR has four tuners and it can record them simultaneously. You can watch a prerecorded program while it’s recording, too. It can hold 120 hours of HD or 600 hours of SD programming.

5. TiVo vs Comcast: User interface

The Comcast X1 DVR system has a voice-activated interface and a completely different look and layout than their standard system has.

The basic Comcast remote is a multi-function remote and capable of controlling all functions, but it does not have the ability to connect to a portable device like a tablet or a smartphone to have connectivity that way like a TiVo can through an app. The remote has to be line of sight in order to work.

The TiVo device menu is in standard definition, so for those who have a high definition set up, you may find this a bit distraction or fuzzy. It does come with apps for extending what the box can do, including games for kids.

Many reviewers liked the interface on the TiVo better than the grid used on the Comcast service. The TiVo programming guide allows you to delete channels you don’t watch so you’re only looking at the channels you like. Comcast’s guide covers every channel they offer, even ones that are not available on your tier of service.

With the TiVo Roamio, connecting to a tablet allows you to be in another room and still operate the “remote” for the TiVo DVR. Download the app onto your device and you’re ready to go.

TiVo’s device remote has a sleek layout called the “peanut”.

Summary

What it all comes down to is looking at how you use your TV, where you get your sources from, and what your budget is. Each device has its own set of things that are appealing, and its own drawbacks. For flexibility of being able to use multiple sources and devices, the TiVo is the clear winner. For cost in the long run, it’s almost a draw. For ease of connection to a TV, the Comcast box comes out on top. No matter which one you pick, you’ll never run out of great programs to watch.

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

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