Best Free Video Editing Software

1. Blender

If you want to edit video for free on your desktop or laptop, Blender is the ideal way to do so. This open source free video editing software does everything you need it to, from cuts and splicing to video masking. It’s available for Windows, Mac and Linux and is well suited to beginners.

Blender is also a great piece of software for those with more advanced needs. It provides speed control, keyframes, filters, adjustment layers, transitions, audio mixing, syncing, a live preview option, histogram displays, chroma vectorscope, luma waveform and waveform visualisation. It also offers up to 32 slots for video, audio, images and effects. This is a comprehensive piece of software for those who take their work seriously. 

2.VideoPad

If all those features have left you feeling a little lost, don’t fret! If you’re new to video editing or just want to do a basic video edit, software free of fancy features is also available. Take Video Pad, for instance. The free version for Mac and PC users allows you to do basic editing, then export your video as a WMV or AVI file. It’s straightforward to use and should meet the needs of those just trying their hand at video editing to get a feel for the process. 

3. Story Remix

If you have a Windows 10 device, you’ll already have Story Remix, as it comes pre-loaded. This is another great option for beginners, allowing you to build videos as you learn (the multiple ‘undo’ feature really comes into its own here!). The software is pretty basic but, like VideoPad, it’s a good starting point if you’re just trying to discover the video editing craft. 

4. HitFilm Express

If you’re after features that allow you to do more than the basics, with an intuitive interface that’s a joy to use, it’s definitely worth checking out HitFilm Express. This free video editing software is one of the best options. Features include enhanced preview options, animation keyframing, 3D video support, advanced cutting tools, motion blur, advanced composite shot masking, keying for green screen effects, a range of workspaces and several export features – enough to keep even seriously ambitious video editors happy. 

One other notable feature of HitFilm Express is its website. It’s well worth checking out the engaging videos in order to learn new techniques and see how the professionals do things. This is an excellent resource for those looking to hone their video editing talents. 

5. Lightworks 

Another option for those looking for an advanced piece of free video editing software is Lightworks. If you need high precision video trimming and multicam support, look no further! Lightworks supports a decent range of file formats and also allows you to export to 720p for YouTube, should you need to. 

6. iMovie

If you’re an Apple fan, then iMovie could be the free video editing tool for you. An integral part of Mac OS, it features a wonderfully intuitive interface, just as you would expect from an Apple product. It has some good basic features, including 4K resolution support, video trimming, audio editing and split screen and it’s a doddle to learn. If you’re looking to undertake more complex video editing tasks, this might not be the right choice for you, but if you’re after something solid and easy to use while you master the basics, then iMovie has a lot going for it. 

7. Openshot 

If you’ve already used iMovie, then Openshot is a good next step, with a drag and drop interface that should feel a little familiar. Available for Windows, Mac and Linux, it’s a feature-packed piece of software that will allow you to edit videos for free to your heart’s content. Well, almost. 

Notable features include unlimited layers, image overlays, compositing, watermarks, a host of titling and subtitling features (particularly useful if you’re undertaking video translation tasks), clip resizing, trimming, rotation, snapping and much more. Openshot’s live preview functionality is also particularly good. 

8. Shotcut 

Another free video editor for Windows, Mac and Linus, Shotcut is fully open source and packed with handy features. Want to edit 4K video? No problem! In need of native timeline editing? Shotcut has you covered. 

It doesn’t have the most intuitive of interfaces, but if you’re prepared to learn the ropes then there are plenty of rewards in store for you when you use Shotcut, as well as some excellent demo videos to help you learn. A serious contender for those looking for a powerful video editor at no cost.