Today’s video editing software is incredibly powerful. With the right program, you can create professional-quality, Hollywood-worthy videos right from your home computer. Standard features in almost all video editing software now include basic tasks such as cutting and splitting clips, adding text, graphic overlays, and animations. Leading programs today compete by offering features like 3D editing, high processing speeds, and a wide range of special effects.
It is important to know what features to look for when comparing the many available video editing software options. We have created this guide—designed for those unsure which program best suits their needs—to help you identify what to look for in the best video editing software.
Ease of Use
One of the most important factors when choosing video editing software is the balance between ease of use and the program’s features. Some editing tools are simpler and much easier to use. While this makes them less powerful, it allows beginners to create simple videos without complications. Corel VideoStudio focuses on making video editing easier for new users, and Adobe Premiere Elements takes a similar approach, combining ease of use with advanced features.
If you are looking for powerful features but lack extensive video editing experience, it is a good idea to choose programs like HitFilm or CyberLink PowerDirector, which include extensive libraries of tutorials and videos. Another option is self-learning by choosing software with an intuitive interface, such as Apple iMovie.
Users with prior video editing experience will likely be able to navigate the less traditional interfaces of advanced programs like VSDC Free Video Editor and Shotcut; both offer comprehensive functionality, despite having complex and detailed interfaces. If you decide to use a professional-grade program but lack prior knowledge, Adobe Premiere Pro is an ideal choice, as it combines an intuitive, user-friendly interface with excellent tutorials and a wide range of features.
Price
Today, video editing software spans a wide price range, from free options to high-end programs. However, not all “free” programs are truly free; many claim to be free but reserve most of their features for paying users or include a watermark on the final video. However, Apple iMovie, Shotcut, and Blender are among the completely free programs available for use. Blender is open-source, so it is guaranteed to remain free.
Other programs offer both free and paid versions; for instance, HitFilm has a free basic version and a premium version priced at $349 (valid for up to three computers), or allows you to purchase individual add-on tools to supplement the free version. It is also worth considering primarily free programs like VSDC Free Video Editor, which offer the full software for free, although they charge a fee for technical support.
If you decide to pay for video editing software, you can choose a one-time license—such as Corel VideoStudio or Adobe Premiere Elements, which cost $99.99—or opt for a recurring monthly subscription model, like Adobe Premiere Pro. Operating System
Obviously, you need to ensure that you choose a video editing program compatible with your operating system. Some options, such as Adobe Premiere Elements, are truly cross-platform. If you use Linux, your options may be more limited; however, you have alternatives like Avidemux, Blender, and Shotcut, which are also available for Windows and Mac users. It is worth noting that Apple iMovie runs exclusively on Mac, whereas VSDC Free Video Editor is designed solely for use on Windows devices.
Speed of Performance
The more features a video editing program offers, the more likely it is to run slowly unless you are using a very powerful computer. You might not mind waiting a little while for videos to load or play back—in fact, that is to be expected. However, some programs, such as HitFilm, require more powerful hardware for a frustration-free experience, whereas others, like CyberLink PowerDirector and Corel VideoStudio, run much faster.
Supported Video File Formats
Another aspect to consider is the file formats supported by the video editing program. This applies both to the formats you can use when importing video into the program and to the export formats. Ultimately, it is important to ensure that the editing software can open the format used by your digital camera. If you want to share the video for feedback or use it in presentations or marketing campaigns, you will also need a program capable of exporting the final video content in the appropriate format.
Fortunately, most programs allow you to import and export a wide range of file formats. Many programs even support the 4K XAVC-S format, including Adobe Premiere Elements, Corel VideoStudio, and CyberLink PowerDirector. Avidemux’s export formats include AVI, DVD, MPEG, MP4, and QuickTime, to name a few.
Features
One of the most important aspects of video editing software is the variety of features it offers. This is also the most fun part. Some video editing programs, such as Blender or Adobe Premiere Pro, include hundreds of features—far too many to list. However, here are some of the most important features to look for when comparing different video editing programs.
All video editing programs include special effects, but these range from a few basic filters to dozens of advanced effects, such as smoke, selective effects, motion tracking, transparency, and more.
The chroma key technique—also known as “green screen”—allows you to create exotic backgrounds and easily place your subjects into a wide variety of unexpected environments. Simply select the chroma key options and choose your preferred background.
Color correction and adjustment tools allow you to fine-tune brightness, hue, and saturation levels, sometimes with a high degree of sophistication. Adobe Premiere Pro includes the Lumetri Color tool, which offers professional-grade color correction—similar to Photoshop—for your videos.
Multicam functionality is becoming increasingly common in video editing software. It allows you to work with and combine multiple camera angles simultaneously, although the number of supported video feeds varies depending on the program.
3D editing is another very popular feature, as is 360-degree video editing—ideal for the latest and most in-demand video formats.
Create Professional Videos with Video Editing Software
Whether you are a vlogger or a marketing professional, passionate about creating home videos, or simply want to have fun experimenting with visual effects, you will find video editing software that suits your skill level, budget, and device.
