Video editing has become an essential skill in today’s digital age. Whether you’re creating content for social media, YouTube, a personal project, or even professional work, having the right video editing software can make all the difference. However, choosing the best software can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. The right video editing software should be user-friendly, feature-rich, and versatile, allowing beginners to quickly grasp the basics while also offering room to grow as their skills improve.
This guide covers the top 10 best video editing software for beginners. Each option offers unique features and benefits, making it easier for you to find the one that suits your needs and budget.
1. Adobe Premiere Elements
Overview:
Adobe Premiere Elements is the beginner-friendly version of the professional Adobe Premiere Pro, designed specifically for users who are new to video editing. It offers a perfect balance between simplicity and powerful features, making it one of the best choices for novices.
Key Features:
- Guided Edits: Step-by-step guidance for creating effects like time-lapse, double exposure, and animated skies.
- Auto Creations: Uses Adobe Sensei AI to generate slideshows, collages, and highlight reels from your footage.
- Instant Movie: Quickly creates polished videos using templates and built-in effects.
- Easy-to-Use Interface: Simple drag-and-drop interface with an organized timeline and media library.
- Audio Tools: Options to add background music, sound effects, and voiceovers with automatic audio adjustments.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly with guided edits and tutorials.
- Robust enough for intermediate users who want to explore more advanced features.
- Supports 4K editing and 360-degree VR video.
- One-time purchase with no subscription required.
Cons:
- Limited to non-professional editing, which might not satisfy advanced users.
- Some features require a bit of a learning curve.
Best For: Beginners who want a mix of guided edits and advanced options for future growth.
2. iMovie
Overview:
iMovie is Apple’s free video editing software that comes pre-installed on macOS and iOS devices. It’s an ideal starting point for beginners who want to dive into video editing without investing in paid software.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easy-to-use interface that allows beginners to start editing quickly.
- Pre-Built Templates: Offers templates for trailers and themed projects to simplify the editing process.
- Green Screen: Enables users to add custom backgrounds to their videos using chroma keying.
- Built-In Transitions & Effects: Includes a variety of transitions, filters, and effects to enhance your videos.
- Audio Editing Tools: Options to add background music, adjust audio levels, and reduce background noise.
Pros:
- Completely free for macOS and iOS users.
- Seamless integration with other Apple products and apps.
- User-friendly interface with plenty of tutorials available.
- Supports 4K resolution.
Cons:
- Limited features compared to professional editing software.
- Only available on Apple devices.
Best For: Mac and iOS users who want a free, user-friendly tool for basic to intermediate video editing.
3. Filmora by Wondershare
Overview:
Filmora is a popular video editing software designed for beginners and casual users. It’s known for its intuitive interface and a wide range of features that cater to both beginners and semi-professional users.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-Drop Editing: Simple and intuitive drag-and-drop functionality for quick editing.
- Built-in Effects and Transitions: Over 800 presets, including transitions, filters, overlays, and animated elements.
- Split Screen: Allows users to play multiple videos simultaneously in a split-screen format.
- Motion Tracking: Track moving objects in your video and add elements like text or graphics that follow them.
- Chroma Key (Green Screen): Enables you to change video backgrounds using green screen technology.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface that’s perfect for beginners.
- Affordable with a one-time purchase option.
- Supports 4K video editing and export.
- Regular updates with new features and effects.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features for professional editing.
- Watermark on videos in the free version.
Best For: Beginners looking for an easy-to-use yet powerful tool with a wide range of effects and templates.
4. DaVinci Resolve
Overview:
DaVinci Resolve is a professional-grade video editing software with a free version that offers a surprising amount of functionality. It’s well-known for its powerful color correction and audio editing tools.
Key Features:
- Advanced Color Correction: Industry-leading color grading tools that allow for professional-level color adjustments.
- Multi-Track Timeline: Supports complex editing with a multi-track timeline and clip management tools.
- Fusion Effects: Built-in visual effects and motion graphics editor.
- Fairlight Audio: Integrated audio post-production suite with tools for sound mixing and editing.
- Collaboration: Multi-user collaboration tools for larger projects.
Pros:
- Free version is highly capable and offers professional-level features.
- Supports 8K editing and high-quality color grading.
- Suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve compared to other beginner-friendly software.
- Requires a powerful computer for optimal performance.
Best For: Beginners who want to learn professional-grade video editing and color correction.
5. HitFilm Express
Overview:
HitFilm Express is a free video editing software that combines basic video editing with advanced special effects. It’s ideal for beginners who want to experiment with creative visuals.
Key Features:
- Layer-Based Editing: Supports layer-based editing for greater creative control.
- VFX Library: Over 400 visual effects and presets, including 3D models and particle effects.
- Animation Tools: Keyframe-based animation for creating custom effects.
- Green Screen Tools: Built-in chroma keying for replacing backgrounds.
- Advanced Audio Editing: Tools for audio synchronization, mixing, and enhancement.
Pros:
- Free to use with optional paid add-ons.
- Great for beginners interested in special effects and VFX.
- Regular updates and community support.
Cons:
- Interface can be overwhelming for absolute beginners.
- Requires a decent computer to run smoothly.
Best For: Beginners who are interested in experimenting with VFX and special effects.
6. Shotcut
Overview:
Shotcut is a free, open-source video editing software that offers a solid set of features without any cost. It’s a great option for beginners who want a no-frills editor that gets the job done.
Key Features:
- Wide Format Support: Supports a vast range of audio and video formats.
- Filters and Effects: Built-in filters for video and audio, including color grading and keyframing.
- Timeline Editing: Non-linear timeline editing with drag-and-drop functionality.
- Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Hardware Support: Supports GPU acceleration for faster rendering.
Pros:
- Completely free with no watermarks.
- Regularly updated with new features and improvements.
- Great for beginners looking for a straightforward editor.
Cons:
- Interface is not as polished as paid software.
- Limited advanced features compared to professional tools.
Best For: Budget-conscious beginners looking for a free and reliable video editor.
7. VSDC Free Video Editor
Overview:
VSDC Free Video Editor is a powerful yet easy-to-use tool designed for beginners who want to create polished videos without spending a lot.
Key Features:
- Non-Linear Editing: Edit videos in a non-linear timeline for greater flexibility.
- Color Grading: Advanced color correction tools for a professional finish.
- Visual Effects: Includes filters, transitions, and motion tracking.
- Audio Tools: Built-in tools for audio editing, including sound normalization and equalizer.
- Screen Recorder: Additional features like screen recording and slideshow creation.
Pros:
- Free version is quite feature-rich.
- Lightweight software that doesn’t require high-end hardware.
- Supports a wide range of file formats.
Cons:
- The interface may take some time to get used to.
- Some advanced features are only available in the Pro version.
Best For: Beginners who want a feature-rich, free video editor with no watermarks.
8. Movavi Video Editor Plus
Overview:
Movavi Video Editor Plus is known for its user-friendly interface and quick editing capabilities. It’s designed for those who are new to video editing but want a robust tool to enhance their content.
Key Features:
- Pre-Made Intros: Includes ready-to-use intro templates to kickstart your projects.
- Transitions & Effects: Offers a wide range of transitions, filters, and animated titles.
- Easy Mode: Quick video creation mode for beginners.
- AI-Powered Tools: Features like AI background removal and automatic video stabilization.
- Audio Editing: Built-in music library and tools to adjust audio levels.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
- Affordable with a one-time purchase option.
- Ideal for creating YouTube videos and social media content.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features for professional editing.
- Free version adds a watermark to exported videos.
Best For: Beginners who want a simple, intuitive tool for creating high-quality videos quickly.
9. OpenShot
Overview:
OpenShot is another open-source video editing software that’s perfect for beginners. It’s designed to be easy to use while still offering powerful features for more advanced users.
Key Features:
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Simple Interface: Easy-to-use drag-and-drop timeline.
- Unlimited Tracks: Allows for unlimited video and audio tracks.
- 3D Animation: Basic 3D title and effect animation capabilities.
- Basic Effects & Transitions: Includes fade, slide, and animation presets.
Pros:
- Free to use with no restrictions.
- Regularly updated by a community of developers.
- Supports a wide range of video formats.
Cons:
- Can be a bit slow when handling large projects.
- Lacks some advanced features found in paid software.
Best For: Beginners looking for a free, open-source video editor that’s easy to use.
10. Camtasia
Overview:
Camtasia is a screen recording and video editing software that’s ideal for beginners, especially those creating educational content, tutorials, or presentations.
Key Features:
- Screen Recording: Built-in screen recorder with options to capture audio and webcam.
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: Intuitive editor with drag-and-drop functionality.
- Pre-Made Assets: Library of royalty-free music, icons, and templates.
- Annotations & Callouts: Great for creating instructional videos with callouts, annotations, and overlays.
- Interactive Elements: Add quizzes and clickable links to make your videos interactive.
Pros:
- Easy to learn, with a focus on screen recording and tutorial creation.
- Includes a vast library of assets and templates.
- One-time purchase with no subscription fees.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other beginner-friendly editors.
- Lacks some advanced video editing features.
Best For: Beginners who focus on creating tutorial videos, online courses, and educational content.
Conclusion
Choosing the right video editing software can significantly impact your editing experience, especially if you’re a beginner. Each of the tools listed above offers unique features that cater to different levels of experience and project requirements.
- Best Overall for Beginners: Filmora and iMovie are excellent choices if you’re just starting out due to their user-friendly interfaces and versatile feature sets.
- Best Free Option: DaVinci Resolve and Shotcut provide professional-level features without any cost, making them great for those on a budget.
- Best for Special Effects: If you’re interested in adding advanced visual effects, HitFilm Express is an excellent choice.
- Best for Mac Users: iMovie offers seamless integration with Apple products, while Final Cut Pro (not covered here) can be a future upgrade for those looking to step up their editing game.
- Best for Educational Content: Camtasia is ideal for creating screen recordings, tutorials, and presentations.
Ultimately, the best software for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and level of experience. As you grow your skills, you can always transition to more advanced software that offers greater creative control.