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Finding an alternative to premium software can be hard and time-consuming. So in order to help you out we have compiled a list of top open source video editing software. This list also contains some free-to-use video editing software. First, let’s take a look at what open source video editing software means.
Open-source software refers to software that is free to use, freely available, and can be modified or distributed by users. So, open source video editing software is also the same and as the name suggests is used mainly for the purpose of video editing. These softwares are developed and maintained by communities of volunteer programmers and users, and the source code is available for anyone to use, modify, or distribute. Some popular open-source video editing software includes Blender, Shotcut, Lightworks, Kdenlive, OpenShot, and HitFilm Express.
Table of Contents
- Uses of Video Editing Software
- Learning Video Editing
- Advantages of Video Editing
- Top Open Source Video Editing Software
Uses of Video Editing Software
Video editing software is used to edit and manipulate video and multimedia content, allowing users to create polished, professional-looking videos. Applications include:
- Cutting, splicing, and rearranging video clips
- Adding audio, music, and special effects
- Enhancing video quality through color correction and lighting adjustments
- Creating title sequences, captions, and overlays.
- Compressing and exporting videos for various platforms and devices.
Learning Video Editing
If you want to learn video editing you will have to understand the techniques and tools used in the editing process. To start, you can:
- Familiarize yourself with the interface and features of your chosen editing software.
- Watch online tutorials and read articles to learn about different editing techniques.
- Practice editing your own videos and experimenting with various tools and effects.
- Seek feedback from experienced editors or join online communities to learn from others.
- Stay up-to-date with industry developments and advancements in technology.
- Consider taking a course or workshop to gain hands-on experience and receive personalized instruction.
In order to start learning video editing you search for tutorials on Youtube, buy courses on platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and so on, or enroll in classes.
Advantages of Video Editing
Some of the advantages of video editing include:
- Improved storytelling: Video editing allows you to arrange clips and add elements like music, voiceover, and special effects to enhance the narrative and emotional impact of your video.
- Increased production value: A well-edited video can look more professional and polished, increasing its overall production value.
- Flexibility: Video editing gives you the ability to make changes and adjustments to your footage, allowing for greater creativity and control over the final product.
- Efficient use of time and resources: By carefully editing footage, you can ensure that only the best takes and angles are used, saving time and resources compared to capturing new footage.
- Better engagement: An edited video can hold the audience’s attention, keeping them engaged and interested in the content.
- Ability to share and distribute: Video editing makes it possible to export and share your video on various platforms and devices, reaching a wider audience.
Top Open Source Video Editing Software
- Blender
- Shotcut
- Lightworks
- DaVinci Resolve
- Kdenlive
- OpenShot
- HitFilm Express
- VSDC Free Video Editor
- InVideo
- Magix Movie Edit Pro Free Edition
1. Blender
Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation software that allows users to create animations, models, art, and more. It can be used for a wide range of applications, including:
- 3D modeling and animation
- Visual effects and compositing
- Video editing and post-production
- Game development and interactive design.
Blender offers a comprehensive set of tools, including a powerful 3D engine, a user-friendly interface, and a large community of users who share resources, tutorials, and support. The software is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users and industries.
Some of the key features of Blender for video editing include:
- Non-linear editing: Blender supports non-linear video editing, allowing users to easily make changes and edits to their projects.
- Video effects and filters: Blender includes a range of video effects and filters, including color correction, blur, and sharpening tools.
- Video transitions: Blender provides a range of video transitions, including cross-fade and dissolves, to help users smoothly transition between clips.
- Audio editing: Blender provides essential audio editing tools, including volume adjustment and equalization.
- Wide format support: Blender supports a wide range of video and audio formats, including popular industry standards such as H.264 and MP3.
- 3D Animation: In addition to its video editing capabilities, Blender is also a powerful 3D animation software, allowing users to create 3D animations, visual effects, and more.
- Export: Blender allows users to export their projects to a wide range of formats, including QuickTime, AVI, and MP4.
- User-friendly interface: Blender has a user-friendly interface designed to be accessible to users of all skill levels, while still providing advanced features for professionals.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Blender is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
While Blender is a versatile tool, it is not as focused on video editing as other professional video editings software such as Lightworks or Adobe Premiere Pro. Nevertheless, it provides basic video editing features that can be useful for simple projects or as a starting point for more complex work.
2. Shotcut
Shotcut is a free, open-source, cross-platform video editing software. It provides a range of features for video editing, including support for various video and audio formats, filters, and transitions, as well as basic color correction tools. Shotcut is designed to be accessible to users of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.
Some of the key features of Shotcut include:
- Cross-platform compatibility: Shotcut runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
- Wide format support: Shotcut supports a wide range of video and audio formats, including 4K and 8K resolution.
- Video effects and filters: Shotcut includes a variety of video effects and filters, such as color correction, blurs, and sharpening.
- Audio editing: Shotcut provides essential audio editing tools, such as volume adjustment and equalization.
- Video transitions: Shotcut includes a variety of video transitions, such as cross-fade and dissolve.
- Multi-track editing: Shotcut supports multi-track editing, allowing users to combine multiple video and audio tracks in a single project.
- Codecs: Shotcut supports a range of codecs, including H.264, ProRes, and VP9, among others.
- Export: Shotcut allows users to export their projects to a variety of formats, including MP4, AVI, and MOV.
- User-friendly interface: Shotcut has a user-friendly interface designed to be accessible to users of all skill levels.
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3. Lightworks
Lightworks is a professional video editing software that is used to create feature films, television shows, and other video content. It provides a wide range of advanced video editing features, including support for 4K and higher resolution video, real-time effects, and multi-camera editing. Lightworks has a long history, having been first released in 1989, and has been used to edit numerous high-profile productions over the years. The software is available in two editions: a free, open-source version and a paid, proprietary version with additional features and support. Lightworks is considered to be a high-end video editing solution, with a focus on professional-level features and performance.
Some of the key features of Lightworks include:
- Professional video editing: Lightworks is designed for professional video editing and provides a range of advanced features to meet the demands of the industry.
- Real-time effects: Lightworks supports real-time effects, allowing users to preview their work as they edit.
- Multi-camera editing: Lightworks provides advanced multi-camera editing tools, including the ability to synchronize footage from multiple cameras.
- High-resolution support: Lightworks supports 4K and higher resolution video, making it suitable for a wide range of professional projects.
- Wide format support: Lightworks supports a wide range of video and audio formats, including popular industry standards such as ProRes, DNxHD, and H.264.
- Audio editing: Lightworks provides advanced audio editing tools, including audio syncing, mixing, and sweetening.
- Video effects and filters: Lightworks includes a wide range of video effects and filters, including color correction, blur, and sharpening tools.
- Export: Lightworks allows users to export their projects to a wide range of formats, including QuickTime, AVI, and MP4.
- User-friendly interface: Lightworks has a user-friendly interface designed to be accessible to users of all skill levels, while still providing advanced features for professionals.
- Keyboard shortcuts: Lightworks provides a range of keyboard shortcuts, allowing users to work more efficiently and quickly.
4. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing software that is used for creating feature films, television shows, and other video content. It is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and flexible video editing software solutions on the market. DaVinci Resolve offers a wide range of advanced video editing features, including support for 4K and higher resolution video, real-time effects, and multi-camera editing. In addition to its video editing capabilities, DaVinci Resolve also includes powerful color grading tools, audio editing features, and visual effects tools. DaVinci Resolve is available in two editions: a free version, DaVinci Resolve, and a paid version, DaVinci Resolve Studio, which includes additional features and support. DaVinci Resolve is widely used in the professional video production industry and has a reputation for its high performance, flexibility, and advanced features.
Some of the key features of DaVinci Resolve include:
- Professional video editing: DaVinci Resolve is designed for professional video editing and provides a range of advanced features to meet the demands of the industry.
- Real-time effects: DaVinci Resolve supports real-time effects, allowing users to preview their work as they edit.
- Multi-camera editing: DaVinci Resolve provides advanced multi-camera editing tools, including the ability to synchronize footage from multiple cameras.
- High-resolution support: DaVinci Resolve supports 4K and higher resolution video, making it suitable for a wide range of professional projects.
- Wide format support: DaVinci Resolve supports a wide range of video and audio formats, including popular industry standards such as ProRes, DNxHD, and H.264.
- Audio editing: DaVinci Resolve provides advanced audio editing tools, including audio syncing, mixing, and sweetening.
- Video effects and filters: DaVinci Resolve includes a wide range of video effects and filters, including color correction, blur, and sharpening tools.
- Color grading: DaVinci Resolve provides powerful color grading tools, allowing users to adjust the color and tone of their videos to achieve a specific look or style.
- Visual effects: DaVinci Resolve includes a range of visual effects tools, including the ability to add composites and green screen effects.
- Export: DaVinci Resolve allows users to export their projects to a wide range of formats, including QuickTime, AVI, and MP4.
- User-friendly interface: DaVinci Resolve has a user-friendly interface designed to be accessible to users of all skill levels, while still providing advanced features for professionals.
- Keyboard shortcuts: DaVinci Resolve provides a range of keyboard shortcuts, allowing users to work more efficiently and quickly.
5. Kdenlive
Kdenlive is a free and open-source video editing software for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It is designed to be a non-linear video editor that provides a range of video editing features and effects to help users create professional-quality video projects. Some of the key features of Kdenlive include:
- Non-linear editing: Kdenlive supports non-linear video editing, allowing users to easily make changes and edits to their projects.
- Video effects and filters: Kdenlive includes a range of video effects and filters, including color correction, blur, and sharpening tools.
- Video transitions: Kdenlive provides a range of video transitions, including cross-fade and dissolves, to help users smoothly transition between clips.
- Audio editing: Kdenlive provides essential audio editing tools, including volume adjustment and equalization.
- Wide format support: Kdenlive supports a wide range of video and audio formats, including popular industry standards such as H.264 and MP3.
- User-friendly interface: Kdenlive has a user-friendly interface designed to be accessible to users of all skill levels, while still providing advanced features for professionals.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Kdenlive is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
- Multi-camera editing: Kdenlive provides multi-camera editing capabilities, allowing users to easily switch between camera angles during the editing process.
- Customizable interface: Kdenlive provides a customizable interface, allowing users to configure the layout and functions of the software to meet their needs.
- Community support: Kdenlive is supported by an active community of users and developers, who provide support, tutorials, and plugins to help users get the most out of the software.
Kdenlive provides a good balance between ease of use and professional features, making it a popular choice for both amateur and professional video editors.
6. OpenShot
OpenShot is a free, open-source video editing software for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It offers a user-friendly interface, basic and advanced editing tools, and support for a wide range of video, audio, and image formats. It’s designed for both amateur and professional video editors.
OpenShot offers the following features:
- User-friendly interface
- Multi-track timeline for video and audio editing
- Support for a wide range of video, audio, and image formats
- 3D animated title creation
- Advanced video effects and transitions
- Keyframe animation
- Unlimited layers for video, audio, and images
- Support for 4K resolution videos
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Mac, and Linux)
- Integration with various video and audio libraries
- Support for open-source video codecs and formats.
These features make OpenShot a versatile and comprehensive video editing solution for both amateur and professional video editors.
7. HitFilm Express
HitFilm Express is a free video editing software for Windows and Mac. It provides a wide range of features for video editing, visual effects, and color correction. It is aimed at both beginner and professional video editors.
Some of the key features of HitFilm Express include:
- User-friendly interface
- Multi-track timeline for video and audio editing
- Advanced visual effects with over 400 built-in preset
- Color correction and grading tools
- 3D compositing and visual effects simulations
- Support for 4K resolution videos
- Advanced audio editing and mixing tools
- Keyframe animation
- Advanced particle and explosion simulations
- Integration with various video and audio libraries
- Wide format support including 3D, 360-degree, and HEVC.
HitFilm Express is a comprehensive and feature-rich video editing software that provides advanced tools for visual effects and color correction, making it a popular choice among amateur and professional video editors.
8. VSDC Free Video Editor
VSDC Free Video Editor is a free video editing software for Windows. It provides a range of features for video editing, visual effects, and audio editing. The software is aimed at both beginner and advanced video editors.
Some of the key features of VSDC Free Video Editor include:
- User-friendly interface
- Multi-track timeline for video and audio editing
- Advanced visual effects with over 100 built-in preset
- Color correction and grading tools
- Support for 4K resolution videos
- Advanced audio editing and mixing tools
- Keyframe animation
- Masking and chroma-keying tools
- Wide format support including 3D and 360-degree videos
- Support for open-source video codecs and formats.
VSDC Free Video Editor provides a comprehensive set of features for video editing, visual effects, and audio editing, making it a popular choice for both beginner and advanced video editors.
9. InVideo
InVideo is a cloud-based video creation and editing platform. It provides a range of tools for creating professional-looking videos, from social media content to corporate presentations. InVideo is designed for businesses, marketers, and content creators.
Some of the key features of InVideo include:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
- Wide range of templates and themes for various types of videos
- Advanced video editing tools
- Built-in stock library with millions of media assets
- Advanced text and caption options
- Advanced color correction and grading tools
- Support for multiple languages
- Integration with various platforms and tools, including YouTube, Facebook, and Google Drive
- Team collaboration and approval workflow features
- Ability to export videos in various resolutions and formats.
InVideo provides a comprehensive set of features for video creation and editing, making it a popular choice for businesses, marketers, and content creators looking to create professional-looking videos quickly and easily.
10. Magix Movie Edit Pro Free Edition
MAGIX Movie Edit Pro Free Edition is a free video editing software for Windows. It provides a range of basic and advanced video editing tools and is aimed at both beginner and advanced video editors.
Some of the key features of MAGIX Movie Edit Pro Free Edition include:
- User-friendly interface
- Multi-track timeline for video and audio editing
- Basic and advanced video editing tools
- Advanced visual effects
- Color correction and grading tools
- Advanced audio editing and mixing tools
- Basic keyframe animation
- Support for 4K resolution videos
- Wide format support, including 3D and 360-degree videos
- Integration with various video and audio libraries.
MAGIX Movie Edit Pro Free Edition provides a comprehensive set of features for video editing, making it a popular choice for beginner and advanced video editors looking for a free video editing solution.
