They always say that content is king, and adding creative videos will boost your content’s quality and improve its impact. Videos can be used to improve the results of your marketing campaign, enhance employees’ learning experience, and build trust when dealing with new clients. Videos are also used for educational purposes, entertainment, and documentation, so having an editing application is a must. 

Using the best free video editing software will help you create and share interesting videos to deliver your message to stakeholders. Whether you want to share your portfolio, introduce a project, or get employees accustomed to a new business process, having high-quality videos will be the best tool to use. 

In this article, we’ll list the best free video software programs that you can use in any context. We’ll also help you choose the right program based on your needs.

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Regardless of your niche, industry, or purpose, there’s always the question of how to maximize benefits while cutting down costs. Luckily, there are lots of incredible free software programs that you can use to edit your videos and deliver high-quality content without spending money. Check out our top picks.

The Best Free Video Editing Software Programs On the Market

Whether you have a Windows, Linux, or Mac device, Shotcut will work for you because it’s an open-source software platform with an intuitive interface that can be used for multiple video editing purposes. In addition, this video editing software package has a drag-and-drop feature for easy file management and displays valuable information about your files and edited videos to help you manage your content. 

Regardless of the nature of your file, this software program will work for you because it supports multiple video and audio formats. No import is required, as the program allows for native timeline editing. It also allows you to mix and match resolutions and frame rates within the same project for a professional-grade effect. 

Using this video editing platform, you’ll be able to adjust the colors, control white balance, fade in and out video and audio, use different filters, and activate various blending modes, in addition to multi-track timeline, 3-point editing, and the ability to detach the audio from the video. It even has some special features for 360-degree videos. 

This software program is a bit too technical for a beginner. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for high-quality video editing features, this will be the right platform for you. 

Compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac devices. 

Different features for easy content management. 

Supports multiple audio and video formats. 

Offers special 360-degree video features. 

Shotcut

Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, HitFilm Express will enable you to enjoy professional-grade videos for free, thanks to its practical interface and easy-to-use tools. The software program allows you to do a lot of edits, including balancing colors, trimming, and exporting your videos in different formats, with no watermarks. 

This software package features a massive library of industry-grade effects that you can use for free, including 3D effects, keying, and distortion. You can also create motion graphics for engaging animation videos. 

Although the download process can be a little complicated, the software package has a YouTube channel with hundreds of useful tutorials to help you download and use it. However, compared to other video editing software programs, this one has higher system requirements, whether you’re using Windows or Mac operating systems. 

Suitable for amateurs and professionals. 

Needs a stronger processor and higher system requirements to be downloaded.  

HitFilm Express

ActivePresenter is an excellent tool for screen recording and video editing. It’s suitable for beginners because it’s effortless to use and can be used on Windows and iOS devices, so it will work for you whether you’re using your computer or smartphone to record videos. 

You can use this tool to edit videos for presentations, documentation, manuals, and interactive training sessions, thanks to the edited high-quality videos. The setup package is extremely simple to download and use and will work for the free edition and the paid one that you can upgrade to later on. 

All the features are already activated on the free version, so you won’t be missing out if you want to save some cash. If you want to have your edited videos without a watermark, you can upgrade to the paid version, with no extra downloads or setups. 

Can be used for screen recording and video editing. 

A simple package to download for the free and paid versions. 

ActivePresenter

Lightworks has already helped more than 5.5 million video creators and editors, and you can be next because it’s free and can be used for multiple purposes. This software program is built for editing videos from your phone, computer, or any other device. It works on any video file and allows you to share your video on any platform. In addition, it’s free to download on any Windows, Mac, or Linux device. 

Unlike other free software programs, this one supports multi-track videos and non-linear editing, so the video quality won’t be reduced. In addition, it includes features that are only found in inexpensive software programs, like viewing effects in real-time and rendering footage in the background. 

Moreover, you can upgrade to the pro version, which offers more professional features for YouTubers, gamers, and cinema editors. The free version exports only in MPEG format, but you can upgrade your package to be able to import and export in different formats. Although this is a highly versatile application with lots of professional-grade features, it has a steeper learning curve than other video editing software programs, so it might not be suitable for a beginner. 

Compatible with multiple operating systems. 

Supports multi-track videos and non-linear editing. 

Allows for viewing effects in real-time. 

It can be a little complicated for beginners. 

The free version exports in MPEG format.  

Lightworks

If you’re a Mac or iOS user, iMovie will be the perfect video editing software program to use. It offers a streamlined user interface and intuitive editing features that cater to the needs of beginner and professional users. 

Using this software platform, you’ll be able to transfer your media from one device to another and edit at resolutions up to 4K. Moreover, it allows for easy file management, as all your content will be stored in one place, and you can easily share a video or a part of a video. 

Using iMovie, you’ll be able to choose between 29 Hollywood-style trailer templates, with the ability to change features and add 3D maps and other effects. You can also use this application to create picture-in-picture or side-by-side effects, and even green-screen effects.

Once you finish editing your video, this software program gives you the option to share your video on YouTube or Vimeo. You can also select any frame to share as an image and save your videos to your iCloud to be later displayed on an Apple TV or any other Apple device. 

Despite being an excellent tool for Apple users, this application lacks some special video editing features like motion tracking and 360-degree video features. It’s also exclusively compatible with Apple devices and doesn’t support other operating systems. 

Easy to use software program for beginners and professionals. 

Lacks some features like motion tracking and 360-degree video editing. 

Not compatible with other operating systems. 

iMovie

OpenShot is a flexible open-source platform that allows you to create videos from images and edit the ones you record for professional results. You can include titles, effects, and transitions without paying anything and export your videos to YouTube, Xbox 360, DVD, and other platforms. 

This program allows for editing videos on Windows, Mac, and Linux and supports multiple audio, image, and video formats. It also features unlimited layers and tracks to help you add the desired effects to your videos, including 3D effects. 

The best thing about this video editing software program is that it’s straightforward to use, so it’s an excellent choice for beginners. It also provides regular updates, so you’ll always enjoy some of the new features. However, this one might be a little slower compared to other programs, so it might not be what you need if you’re looking for professional quality. 

Flexible platform with different features. 

Allows you to export to different formats. 

Not as fast as other software programs.  

OpenShot

VideoPad is a cool and straightforward software program for less experienced users who want to create and edit interesting videos and upload them fast. It features an intuitive interface that you can use successfully, even if you’re editing videos for the first time. As a result, it’s a recommended software program for students and teens. 

With multiple effects and various supported formats, this is a versatile application that won’t let you down. It even allows you to export 3D and 360-degree video titles and add effects to audio files. After editing your video, you can add it to a hard drive or directly upload it to any server or platform like YouTube, Facebook, or Google Drive, or Dropbox. 

VideoPad is compatible with Mac and Windows devices and features a drag and drop feature for easy editing. You can add text or create a customized soundtrack, or add your customized watermarks and logos. Moreover, it doesn’t have high system requirements like some of the other software products. 

However, most users find that the free version is too basic and eventually choose to buy some add-ons to enjoy a smoother video editing experience. Also, it’s a bit slower than other applications, but if you’re looking for a basic video editing software program, this one will do the job. 

Intuitive interface to edit and quickly upload your video. 

Doesn’t have high system requirements. 

Slower than other video editing software programs. 

VideoPad

Of course, there are lots of professional tools that offer amazing features for video editors, but free software programs don’t fall short, as some of them are actually splendid and will deliver what they promise. 

However, the process of choice can be overwhelming because there are several options on the market. Here are some of the features that you need to consider before choosing your video editing software application. 

There are different types of costs that you should consider before downloading a free video editing software platform. All the software platforms on our list are free, but some of them fall under the category of freemium, which means a free application with some additional add-ons. 

This can be a lower version of the paid version or a free plan with some special effects that can make video editing more professional. 

Another cost that you need to consider is the cost of constant advertising. Some software programs request that you verify that you’re using the free version every time you use the program. 

Some of these applications will include the program’s watermark or logo, and the only way to get rid of such nuisance is to pay for the program. These hidden costs should be considered in addition to the initial cost of the program. 

Although your main goal is to find a free application, some of the paid features are worth the price. Check that there’s an option to buy additional add-ons or to upgrade to a reasonable pricing plan that doesn’t break the bank and still delivers some cool editing features. 

Before choosing a video editing program, you need to make sure that it’s compatible with your device. Some video editing platforms will only support a specific operating system, so you need to make sure that you’re able to use the video editing application on your device. 

You should also check the system requirements as some platforms are more demanding. If your device is too old or your operating system isn’t updated, your video editing platform will run slow, or some of the features won't work. 

Not all video editing applications and software programs are created equal, as some of them are designed for professional use. These platforms will be more complicated for a beginner user, but they usually offer more features and effects that can help you record and edit videos in industry-grade quality. 

However, there are other video editing programs that are designed with the beginner user in mind. These programs have intuitive interfaces and are simple to use. You can use these programs even if you’re a first-timer, so they’re suitable for students and other non-professional users. 

Thinking about the supported formats will affect your experience before and after using the video editing program. For example, if the application doesn’t support your video or audio format, you won’t be able to use it. You should also make sure that you’re able to export your edited video to the desired format, whether you want to save it or share it on any platform. 

Every video editing platform offers different features and effects that are included in the free version. So before choosing an application, you should make sure that the feature you’re looking for isn’t just exclusive to the paid version. 

All free software programs offer some of the basic features like trimming, playback, adjusting colors, and changing white balance. In addition, some of the free versions offer cool features like adding different effects, including 3D and 360-degree video effects. 

Before picking a video editing program, you should make sure that you’ll be able to receive some support while using it. Paid applications offer this kind of documentation that might be missing from most free versions. However, some of the free programs offer tutorials on the website or YouTube, so you can explore the different features and learn more about the platform before using it. 

Browse the internet and visit forums and social media pages to see what other users are saying about the platform you’ve chosen. You can also contact the website for any questions.

How to Choose the Best Free Video Editing Software Program

You can edit your videos and add the desirable effects when you choose the best free video editing software program. After checking out numerous applications and platforms, we chose Shotcut as our top choice because it offers industry-grade editing features for free, so it’s a good choice for professionals and more frequent users. 

If you need a simple application with an intuitive interface, you can check out ActivePresenter. It’s a suitable tool for beginners and can be used on a computer or a smartphone.

Best Free Video Editing Software To Use

Best Free Video Editing Software To Use

The Best Free Video Editing Software Programs On the Market

Shotcut

HitFilm Express

ActivePresenter

Lightworks

iMovie

OpenShot

VideoPad

How to Choose the Best Free Video Editing Software Program

Conclusion

Best Free Video Editing Software To Use

Best Free Video Editing Software To Use

The Best Free Video Editing Software Programs On the Market

Shotcut

HitFilm Express

ActivePresenter

Lightworks

iMovie

OpenShot

VideoPad

How to Choose the Best Free Video Editing Software Program

Conclusion

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