With an intuitive and easy UI, Lightworks is the best free GoPro editing software for Windows users that can edit videos apart from timeline editing capability. It can edit 4K videos too and comes with multiple editing tools as well as various export formats. Read More: 12 Best Photo Editing Apps & Software For Mac in 2020. Part 1: Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac Quick Comparison Table. We’ve summarized the features, pros, and cons of these best video editing software for Mac users in the comparison table below. You can choose the best suitable one based on your editing skills and needs at the current stage. Free Video Editor for Mac is one of the easiest video editing software for Mac OS X. It supports almost all video/audio files, help you crop, rotate, cut, add watermark, merge video clips into one.
- Best Movie Editing Software Mac
- Free Mac Video Editing
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by Kayla Morrison • 2020-10-28 17:50:26 • Proven solutions
Mac is an excellent computer for both novice and pro users. With it, you can do basic tasks like editing videos and watching movies. But although you can edit videos using the native iMovie, you might still need to install a professional video editor on Mac for the best results. So, if you don’t know where to begin your search for the best free video editor for Mac, check out these eleven options.
Part 1. Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac
Wondershare UniConverter is the most straightforward cross-platform video file editor you can find currently. With this lightweight but powerful program, your video editing tasks will be a cakewalk. You can get started on the drag-and-drop platform that offers advanced features to crop, rotate, cut, flip, apply watermarks, add effects, add captions, and many more. Also, Wondershare UniConverter allows you to choose an output format before saving your edited clip. Overall, it’s the best video editing software for Mac in many aspects.
Wondershare UniConverter - All-in-One Video Converter
- It supports all standard video file formats like MP4, MOV, MKV, VOB, etc.
- Best free video editor for Mac to crop, rotate, cut, convert, add subtitles, and more.
- Download videos from popular sites like YouTube, Dailymotion, Vevo, etc.
- 30X faster conversion speed than any conventional converters.
- Edit, enhance & personalize your videos file.
- Download/record videos from YouTube and other 10,000 video sharing sites.
- Versatile toolbox combines video metadata, GIF maker, video compressor, and screen recorder.
- Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7, Mac OS 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6.
Below are the steps to edit videos on Mac with Wondershare UniConverter:
Step 1 Run Wondershare UniConverter.
First of all, install and run Wondershare Video Editor on your Mac and then click the Video Editor tab on the left pane. Now click one of the editing tools. In this case, I chose the Crop function. Note that after clicking an edit function, you’ll need to import a video file firstly to continue.
Step 2 Edit your video.
On the cropping window, you can now rotate your video and flip it either vertically or horizontally. On the same window, click the tabs at the top to apply effects, add captions, apply watermarks, and adjust audio volume. If you’re satisfied, click the OK.
Step 3 Save your video.
Now choose a new file format for your video on the Output Format menu below the screen. From the format window, click the Video and then select a new file format. You can also click the Device tab and choose a device-optimized format. Finally, hit the Start All button to save your new video.
Part 2. Top 9 Free Video Editing Software for Mac You Should Know
If you’re looking to have multiple options, below are nine other free video editing software for Mac to try out:
1. iMovie
URL: https://www.apple.com/imovie/
Apple iMovie is the most accessible video editing software for Mac users primarily because it comes bundled in your computer OS. If you like editing on the go with your iOS device, this free video editing app should also come in handy. However, I recommend this tool for amateur users because it has limited editing capabilities. But that aside, Apple iMovie can edit your videos by merging, applying effects/filters, and converting.
Pros:
- Free video editor.
- Support 4K video editing.
- Straightforward UI.
Cons:
- Not for pros.
- Useless Share to YouTube feature.
2. Avidemux
If you’re running Mac OS X 10.9 or newer, you can download this powerful tool to edit videos for free. Its design is simple enough to allow hassle-free non-linear editing tasks such as applying filters, adding effects, and so on. Also, Avidemux is compatible with most standard video file types like MP4, FLV, MKV, AVI, XviD, DV, TS, etc. But despite all the merits, it lacks support for batch processing.
Pros:
- Simple UI.
- Supports multiple video formats.
- Cross-platform app.
Cons:
- No batch processing.
- Confusing cut features.
3. OpenShot
OpenShot is a beautiful alternative to the Wondershare UniConverter because of its quick editing options. This software is free and open-source and runs smoothly on Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems. With OpenShot, users can easily trim videos, add filters, apply effects, and even add title templates to their videos. Even better, OpenShot exports videos with no watermark whatsoever.
Pros:
- Free and open-source.
- No watermarks.
- Supports 3D animations.
Best Movie Editing Software Mac
Cons:
- Frequent lagging and freezing.
- Limited editing features.
4. Kdenlive
Kdenlive is another free, open-source non-linear video editing app for Mac. Users, whether experts or not, can create and edit beautiful videos on the intuitive UI. It supports all types of video and audio formats on its multitrack platform. Also, Kdenlive has a customizable interface with simple keyboard shortcuts. Other features that you’ll enjoy include an audiometer, waveform, histogram, 2D title maker, and more.
Pros:
- Automatic backup.
- Timeline preview.
- 2D title maker.
Cons:
- Limited output options.
- Unstable on Windows.
5. Blender
Blender is one of the most popular and open-source 3D modeling software. This toolset is tailor-made for visual effect technicians, animators, video game designers, and graphic designers. On top of 3D modeling, this program can also edit raster image and unwrap UV. Also, Blender has quality skinning, smoke simulation, soft body simulation, and particle simulation features. Not to forget the frequent software updates.
Pros:
- A free, open-source software.
- Multiple editing options.
- Best for pro editors.
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for beginners.
- Cluttered menus.
6. Davinci Resolve 16
Do you know Davinci Resolve? Well, I don’t blame you because this video editing program plays in another league. Davinci Resolve offers professional 8K editing and audio post-production in its intuitive UI. This revolutionary software has a dual timeline for navigating the edit and trim controls effortlessly. After editing your videos, Davinci Resolve allows you to preview clips quickly with a variable speed timeline. Plus, you can retime, stabilize, add background music, and more.
Pros:
- Perfect for commercial use.
- 3D sound effects.
- Fast processing.
Cons:
- Confusing interface.
- Unreliable Windows version.
7. Lightworks
Lightworks has been editing videos in the cinema industry for more than two decades now. With this kind of experience, it’s normal to expect a lot from Lightworks. But don’t be intimidated by the hype because Lightworks comes with a simple and intuitive UI. The simple timeline offers easy editing and trimming tools with real-time productivity. Also, you can directly export videos to Vimeo or YouTube and download royalty-free video and audio content.
Pros:
- Intuitive UI.
- Easy editing and trimming timeline.
- Real-time processing.
Cons:
Free Mac Video Editing
- 720p resolution for the free version.
- No Mac menu options support.
8. HitFilm Express
HitFilm Express is a free Oscar-level video editing program with unique VFX tools to help you make top-quality films and gaming videos. However, what makes HitFilm Express stand out is its 500+ video effects that you can use to make flashes, explosions, etc. These effects are a rare reserve for advanced but costly programs like Adobe Photoshop. However, you might find the learning curve here a little steep. But once you master the software, it’s one of the best.
Pros:
- 500+ video effects.
- Free to use.
- Powerful video editing functions.
Cons:
- Lengthy initial load time.
- Not for green hands.
9. Shortcut
Finally, you can use Shortcut to edit videos professionally on your Mac. This free, open-source app supports multiple video file formats and codecs, thanks to FFmpeg. That aside, the multi-format timeline means that you don’t need to convert your videos firstly before editing on Shortcut. It boasts of impressive features like multiple video effects, neatly arranged UI, multiple format support, and more. And lastly, the multi-format timeline allows you to mix resolutions and frames quickly.
Pros:
- Excellent format support.
- Multi-format platform.
- Multiple video effects.
Cons:
- Confusing UI for beginners.
- A bit costly.
Conclusion
Did I leave out anything? Hope not! With iMovie, all Mac users can edit videos for free. However, I recommend a third-party option like Wondershare UniConverter because iMovie lacks many essential video editing features. With the UniConverter, you'll enjoy an open and straightforward platform with a ton of features.
Are you looking for the best free video editing software for Mac? You want it to help you create great videos for fun, entertainment, invitation, advertising or education? Well apart from the cool video footage, the selection of a correct tool is key to the success of a video. We’ve listed both the best free and premium video editing software programs for Mac users in this guide. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you will find one that works for you.
Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac
iMovie
iMovie is what most people will think to use when they want a free video editing software for Mac. You don’t need to pay a penny for it. It is completely free to use with almost all of the features that we need for processing our video. There are tons of effects, transitions, sound effects, and text styles to help you make your own stylish videos. One of the best features is that its movie trailer themes offers you a lot of options to create amazing cinema-like trailers in just several minutes. The interface is really easy to use and intuitive. So you can start editing your video and quickly get the hang of the program.
ShotCut
ShotCut is a great video editing software for Mac, which can be used on Windows or Linux as well. Its interface isn’t really super intuitive but it is not hard to pick up where all of the tools are located. So you should be a little patient if you want to get great results with this program. It contains all the tools you know from Windows Movie Maker, plus a lot of extras. ShotCut’s biggest advantage is its video and audio filters, which can be fully customized, layered, and combined in all kinds of interesting ways. However, you cannot preview the effects before applying them. And although there are excellent export file formats, it has no profiles for different devices.
HitFilm Express
HitFilm Express is another free video editing software for Mac, which has professional tools but without the high price tag. Due to its unique set of features, you need to spend some time before you get the hang of it. There are various tutorials to help you master it using this program. HitFilm Express is not a tool to be used just to help you just cut off unwanted footages, adding color effects, or exporting to a new format, but one that has a full editing suite, such as audio and video filters, compositing tools, layers and masking, green screen effects, and 3D support. Its website puts emphasis on creating Hollywood-style movies, so it is also one of the best tools for YouTubers and vloggers.
Best Mac Photo Editing Software
Lightworks
Lightworks is another one of the best video editing software for Mac which is packed with pro-level tools. Its interface is a little different from other video editors you may have tried. So don’t expect to master it overnight but it worth the time and effort once you get used to it. Lightworks is very suitable for home users who want an advanced tool for post-production. It has advanced real-time effects, a color correction tool, a precise trimming tool, blurs and masks, which all help to make your video shine.
Best Full-featured Video Editing Software for Mac
Picture Editing Software Free Mac
If you are looking for a video editing software for Mac that has professional-quality tools but is beginner-friendly, BeeCut is a reliable option to try. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows. If you are going to be jumping between different systems, you can learn one piece of editing software and move around, back and forth. The interface is fairly intuitive and easy to use, but there are also a number of text tutorials on its website, as well as video tutorials on YouTube. So you can really get up to speed quickly. The only downside is the free version will leave a watermark on the video.
Main features:
- Supports multiple video aspect ratios – 16:9, 4:3, 9:16, 1:1, and 3:4.
- Supports almost all kinds of video formats, audio formats, and image formats.
- Includes a complete classic video editing toolkit like trim, cut, split, and more.
- Advanced video editing tools like Mosaic, Freeze frame, zoom, PIP, etc.
- Double tracks for PIPs, Texts, Music, Filters and Overlays.
- Provides hundreds of cool filters, texts, transitions, borders, overlays and animated elements.
- Export video in popular formats or for different devices in HD quality.