10 Best Free Video Editing Software on Mac OS X in 2020. Nowadays, video is around our life. We may record our daily life or memorable moments with camcorder, digital camera, portable devices like iPad, Surface, etc. And even iPhone, Samsung, etc.
Next on our list of 12 best video editing software for Mac is Final Cut Pro. It is Apple’s premier professional video editing software for macOS users. The application is built to tap into the robust processing core, graphics card, and VRAM that power the latest Mac machines.
Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac and iOS. If you are a Mac user, Apple iMovie is a classic free video editor to use. It’s a user-friendly tool for basic video editing with support for 4k resolutions with a wide range of features.
The question of which Mac to use for video editing isn't that simple. There are a lot of variables. The answer depends on whether you are a professional video editor working independently or as.
Why do you need a free video editing software
As with any good video in order to get it right it’ll need some edits. Editing your videos shouldn’t be that expensive either as there are some good, free, safe and easy to use video editing software in the internet.
Video editing has been made easy by tools that are readily available online. However, not all programs do what they're supposed to. A lot of such freeware packages are harmful and contain spyware/adware. Nevertheless, there’re a lot that are quite professional and there are even some that come without watermarks.
As there are so many on the market, we’ve put together a selection of 7 of the best free video editing software on the internet.
7 free and easy to use video editing software
Some of the software listed below are all recommended for either both Windows and Mac.
Openshot
Openshot is a great free video editing software for beginners who wants to edit YouTube videos. It has a very easy drag and drop facility that is much like that of iMovie and it’s excellent for making special occasion films.
Advantages
The software is available for PC running Windows 10, 8 and 7. It’s also compatible with Linux and Mac platforms.
It caters for both the novice user and the more experienced one.
The program’s advanced timeline allows for panning, scrolling, zooming, snapping and easy drag and drop.
The package comes with a whole trove of 3D animated subtitles, you can create titles or choose some from the hose of templates it has.
The software is a full open source system.
Disadvantages
It doesn’t have a very comprehensive help section.
Lightworks
If you’re looking for a professional video editing system then Lightworks is one of the best on the internet. This software is jammed full of useful utilities and features that more meet the needs of any user. It comes with a $25 per month Pro Version but the free version is more than adequate for most people’s editing needs.
Advantages
Video trimming to the highest precision standard.
It supports almost all video formats and allows for 720p video export to Youtube.
It comes with all the standard and advanced video features.
It’s one of the top packages for all kinds of video editing.
The software is supported on Windows, Linux and Mac operating system platforms.
Disadvantages
The video support in 4K for YouTube is only an option in the paid Pro version of the software.
It’s not user-friendly for a beginner.
iMovie
As with most iProducts they’re relatively easy to use and come with just enough utilities and features. It’s a really great package in which anyone with a Mac can learn the basics of video editing. iMovie has easy to use drag and drop features, it’s very intuitive but there is only so much you can do with this software.
Advantages
It’s one of the best program packages for Mac users to learn how to edit a video.
Its features are very easy to use.
4k/60fps Video Recording with the Sony IMX377 Image Sensor capturing high-quality video in full High Definition (HD) and 12MP still images.
Disadvantages
Available only on Mac.
The software has limited features.
Slow / sluggish rendering time.
Windows Movie Maker
Movie Maker is a hand free app that comes with Windows. It’s a very easy to use and simple piece of software that allows a person to add various background music, effects, titles and transitions to their videos. It has come a long way since it was first released.
Advantages
It’s a system application that comes standard with Windows 7, 8.
Easy to use timeline for adding clips.
Has all the basic functions like slow motion, speed-up, trimming, video playback preview, etc.
Enables the user to edit and capture feed direct for the PC camera.
Excellent for beginners wanting to learn how to do some video editing before going into a more complicated application.
Disadvantages
Only available on the Windows 7 and 8 platform.
Limited functionality and features.
Windows 10 no longer supports Movie Maker. For the OS you have to get Movie Moments from the store.
People experienced in video editing will be limited with this application.
VSDC Video Editor
VSDC is one of the best apps. However, the problem with this application is that it’s only available for Windows users. It’s also quite expensive to get support on a problem because the free version doesn’t come with free support. The will charge you a monthly cost of $9.99 or a yearly one of $14.99. If you choose to buy the Pro version for $19.99 the support is free, and it unlocks a host of great functions.
Advantages
The software is available only on the Windows Operating System Platform.
Although VSDC free version comes with some power packed features, it does lack in quite a bit of powerful features and functionality.
VSDC comes standard with audio editing and correction of color.
The software is really easy to use.
Disadvantages
Most of the features are available only in the Pro version.
Support of the product is free only for a paid Pro member or if you pay for a month / a year.
Avidemux
If you’re looking for a software to learn how to edit, then this option is for you. It’s very easy to use and it has some great basic features and tasks. Avidemux is powerful in its simplicity and gives the novice user a great place to build the video editing knowledge.
Advantages
Simple video editing applications for beginners.
The software hasn’t got a lot of technical jargon, you don’t really even need to read the manual or help documents.
Few basic editing functions like filtering, encoding and easy cutting features.
Disadvantages
It’s really limited in its functionality and features.
The app is not designed for anything other than the simplest video editing.
VideoPad
VideoPad is one of those small applications that end up being hugely surprising. It’s like a super version of Movie Maker.
Advantages
For use with most Windows Operating system platforms.
Simple and has great features that are helpful for a beginner user.
It has a lot of powerful editing tools that even more experienced user will find it good for video editing.
The software is compatible for video uploads to media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube.
It supports various video file formats giving a wider editing choice.
The editor is completely free for people who are using it for non-commercial use.
Handy drag and drop features for quick easy timeline video creations which is good for making special occasion film montages.
It comes loaded with special video effects, features and filters.
The software has several different transition setting.
Disadvantages
It doesn’t have as many special features and effects as some of its competitors.
Are you looking for a software to edit videos on your Mac? If yes, then which is the best video editing software for mac? is the question that you may ask while looking for a video editing solution on Mac. Well, the answer depends on the type of project and your level of editing. Some solutions are simpler than others, allowing for the quick creation of professional-quality presentation or tutorial videos. Other platforms are the more advanced types, with an array of high-tech tools suitable for use by commercial video/film producers and editors.
Today in this article we will help you to choose the best video editing software for Mac. How? Continue reading the article to know.
Contents
1 Best Video Editing Software For Mac
1.1 1. Adobe Premiere Pro
1.2 2. Lightworks – Best Video Rendering
1.3 3. DaVinci Resolve – Best Color Grading
1.4 4. Final Cut Pro X
1.5 5. Blender – Best for 3D
1.6 6. HitFilm Express – Best Visual Effects
1.7 7. Apple iMovie – For Home Video Editing
1.8 8. OpenShot – Best Free Mac Video Editor
Best Video Editing Software For Mac
You’ll be confused after seeing a varied variety of video editing software for Mac in the market today. If you are thinking to research all of them, then you will probably take a week. But you don’t need to worry; we have done the hard work for you and came up with a well-researched article of the 14 best video editing software for Mac. These best video editing tools are either intuitive to casual users or powerful for pros, while some are scalable so that they can be used by both types of users.
We have also highlighted the key features, pros, and cons of each to make it easier to compare them at a glance.
1. Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the best video editing software and is used at both personal and professional levels. It can be a great choice for those people who want to start filmmaking and produce video content at a professional level. The software is quite popular all over the globe due to its non-linear video editing interface.
Adobe Premiere Pro can run on various platforms including macOS 10.10 to 10.12 and from Windows 7 to Windows 10, ($139.00 at Microsoft Store) with the 64-bit versions required. To have a flawless experience minimum of 8GB of RAM (16GB recommended), and a 1,280**800 display is required
Adobe Premiere Pro comes with a free 30-days trial and to continue using the software after that, you will have to pay $19.99 per month with an annual subscription. You can also pay $29.99 per month to month basis.
PROS
adjustable interface.
Lots of
Fast rendering speed.
Ultimate power in video editing.
Used at a professional level.
Excellent stabilization.
360-degree
multi-cam angles.
CONS
Very hard to use.
No keyword tagging for media.
2. Lightworks – Best Video Rendering
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Price: Free or $24.99 per month
Lightworks is another freemium video editing software for Mac. With this video editing software, you can use countless audio and video clips while doing your projects. To run this software smoothly, your system must be powerful so that any post-production can be done in real-time.
NOTE:- It is mandatory to have special drivers for such video cards as NVIDIA.
There is also a screen capture feature that records all your work, so you don’t need to worry about the created video as they are automatically saved. Moreover, Lightworks also supports both import and export video formats which makes it possible to edit the videos recorded on multiple cameras simultaneously.
PROS
Advanced tools
Plenty of built-in effects
Free for home use
3D video editing
CONS
Complex interface
3. DaVinci Resolve – Best Color Grading
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Price: Free or $300
DaVince Resolve video editing software can be used at both personal and professional levels. The free version of DiVince Resolve supports up to 60 fps video rendering and SD, HD, and Ultra Hd export format. Its enhanced color correction and image stabilization feature are praiseworthy. DaVinci Resolve has one of the best digital audio workstations comprising amazing soundtracks so you will not need to minimize the software to get your desired sound.
It can be downloaded from App Store but if you want to access its all features then you should download it from the Blackmagic website.
PROS
Certified Training Course available
multilingual tutorials can be easily accessed
Package rendering
Many audio parameters
Multi-camera editing, curves, extended filters
CONS
Complicated interface for beginners
4. Final Cut Pro X
Platforms: Mac OS
Price: Free or $299
While talking of video editors for Mac, how can we forget the official one from Apple itself? Final Cut Pro X is specially optimized for Mac and features a modern metal engine. Final Cut X Pro has an intuitive design and offers some very innovative features like advanced color grading, HDR support,360° video editing, VR headset playback, and ProRes RAW.
PROS
Advanced color grading, HDR support, and ProRes RAW
360° video editing and VR headset playback
New Metal engine
Advanced color grading
Intuitive User Interface
CONS
Clips information can sometimes be slow to load
Not so great when it comes to audio mixing and editing
5. Blender – Best for 3D
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Price: Free
Blender is another open-source free video editor for Mac. If you are working on 3D projects such as modeling, training, interface, animation, shading, opening UV, creating 3D games in real-time, etc. then you should give it a shot. Cloudtv 3 8 8. It will not acquire much space on your system. Its user-interface is quite complex so in the beginning, you might find it a bit difficult to use it to use. However, there are plenty of videos on Youtube that you can watch to master this software.
PROS
Best tool create visual effects
A great number of add-ons
CONS
More inclined toward 3D animation/modeling
6. HitFilm Express – Best Visual Effects
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS
Price: Free
HitFilm Express is another free video editing software for Mac that offers more than 180 special effects that you can use for your videos. The highlight feature of HitFilm is composite images which allow creating a tome line only for special effects and animation (which may be further applied to the main video). It also has a customizable playback and pause for fast user experience.
The latest version of HitFilm Express includes quality playback, video resolution, a pause of quality, and a pause of resolution. Each of these parameters is available with four options from low to high.
PROS
Continue video editing while exporting
Flexible and intuitive export functions
Extended tracking and screen simulation
CONS
Paid plug-ins
Low export performance
7. Apple iMovie – For Home Video Editing
Platforms: Mac OS, iOS
Price: Free
If you are a beginner at video editing and looking a free and simple software to do the basics then Apple iMovie can be a good choice for you. It is specially designed for home use that is why the layout of this Mac video editor is made simple but still it has all those essential features that we can expect from a freeware video editor.
Moreover, Apple iMovie has a great online community and support so if anything went wrong with the software, you will get quick solutions for it.
PROS
Simple user-friendly app with an intuitive interface
Well designed, qualitative, simple, and interesting themes
Perfect for editing and creating trailers
Possibility to “frozen” frames and make clips
Many pre-installed sound effects
CONS
The chosen audio can’t be changed
No synchronization with other IOS-gadgets
8. OpenShot – Best Free Mac Video Editor
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Price: Free
Openshot is another open-source Mac video editing software. This free video editor for Mac is a perfect balance between advanced features and a simple interface. Its user interface is very similar to iMovie, however, in terms of features, it has an upper hand over iMac. Some of its features include clip resizing, scaling, cropping, snapping, rotating, including an unlimited number of layers, sound mixing, and more.
Openshot is suitable for both amateurs as well as for professional video editors. So if you want to edit promotional videos, training videos, etc. then you should consider this software.
Title templates, subtitles, 3D animated titles and effects
CONS
Only a few video lessons are available
Best Free Video Editing Software On Macbook Pro
14 Free Video Editing Software For Mac
Here are our top 14 picks for Mac video editing software.
Best Youtube Editing Software Free
Adobe Premier Pro
Lightworks
DaVince Resolve
Final Cut X Pro
Blender
HitFilm Express
Apple iMovie
OpenShot
Final Verdict
So, these were our top 14 picks for the best video editing software for Mac available in the market. These softwares are selected and ranked in the list in terms of their popularity, features and functionality, user ratings, and reviews. If there is any other good video editor that we have missed then let us know through the comment section.