Creating professional-quality videos doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many free video editors for Mac users that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced editor looking for a new program, there’s something for you.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top free video editors for Mac and highlight what makes each one unique.
From basic trimming and cutting to advanced color correction and special effects, these apps offer everything you need to turn your footage into a polished, share-worthy masterpiece. So, whether you want to make a video for social media or for your business, you can do it without spending a dime!
Free Video Editors for Mac
1. iMovie
iMovie is a powerful video editing software that Mac users can utilize to create professional-looking videos with ease. One of its best features is its intuitive and user-friendly interface. Even if you have no prior experience with video editing, you’ll be able to pick up the basics quickly.
The app also has a wide range of editing tools. You can trim, split and merge clips, adjust the speed and volume, add text and captions, and apply various filters and effects to your videos. iMovie also allows you to add background music and sound effects.
iMovie has a built-in library of royalty-free music and sound effects that you can use, and you can also import your own music from iTunes or other sources.
It has video stabilization, a feature that can help smooth out shaky footage. This is especially useful for videos shot with a handheld camera or smartphone.
One thing that makes iMovie stand out is the ability to share your videos directly to social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Vimeo. You can also export your videos in various formats, such as 1080p HD, 4K, and even 360-degree VR.
2. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is free video editing software that is widely used by professional editors and colorists around the world.
One of the outstanding features of DaVinci Resolve is its color correction tools. The software includes a wide range of color correction and grading options, allowing editors to fine-tune the look of their footage with precision.
DaVinci Resolve has standard flexible editing options. It offers audio editing that allows editors to fine-tune their footage to perfection.
Additionally, DaVinci Resolve’s audio editing capabilities are top-notch. The software includes a wide range of audio tools, such as EQ, compression, and reverb, that allow editors to fine-tune the sound for their projects. It also supports a wide variety of audio file formats, making it easy to work with audio from any source.
3. Blender
Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation software that can be used for making animations, models, artwork, and more. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, so Mac users can easily download and use it on their systems.
Blender stands out from the rest due to its versatility. It can be used for a wide range of tasks, from creating simple 3D models to making complex animations and visual effects. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced 3D artist, Blender has something to offer you.
The user interface of Blender is quite intuitive and easy to navigate. It’s divided into several panels, each with its own specific function. The 3D Viewport is where you can view and manipulate your 3D scenes, while the Properties panel is where you can change the properties of the selected object.
There’s also a Timeline panel for animating your scenes and a Node Editor for creating complex materials. Blender also comes with a wide range of tools and features that can help you create professional-looking 3D content.
For example, it has a powerful modeling toolset that can be used for sculpting, retopology, and more. It also has a proprietary particle system, allowing you to create realistic effects like fire, smoke, and hair. Additionally, Blender has a robust renderer that can be used to create high-quality images and animations.
4. Lightworks
Lightworks is an intuitive video editing tool. It is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for users of all skill levels to navigate and use the software. This makes it a great choice for both professional editors and hobbyists.
Another great feature of Lightworks is its support for a wide range of file formats. It can handle a variety of video and audio formats, as well as still images, so you can work with footage from any camera or device. Additionally, it offers a wide range of effects and filters that you can apply to your videos to enhance their quality and make them look more professional.
In terms of performance, Lightworks is a very fast and efficient software. It can handle large, high-resolution videos with ease, and it is optimized to take advantage of the latest hardware and technology. This ensures you can work on your videos quickly and smoothly, without lag or interruption.
Lightworks also offers a range of collaboration and sharing features. You can share your projects with other users, or collaborate on them in real time. This is particularly useful for teams working on a project together or for remote editing.
5. OpenShot
Openshot is an open-source video editing software for Mac, Linux, and Windows. It’s designed to be an easy-to-use, yet powerful tool for creating videos. With its user-friendly interface, it makes video editing accessible to users of all skill levels.
One of the key features of Openshot is its support for a wide range of video formats. You can import and export videos in almost any format, including popular ones like MP4, AVI, and MOV. This means you can work with videos from a variety of sources, such as your camera, phone, or computer.
Openshot also provides a variety of tools for editing your videos. You can trim and slice your footage, add transitions and effects, and adjust the color and audio. It also supports 3D animations and keyframe animation, which allows you to create more complex and professional-looking videos.
Additionally, Openshot also has a feature called “Timeline” where you can easily arrange your video clips, audio tracks, and images on a timeline to create a polished video. You can also add text and title overlays to your videos and customize them with different fonts, colors, and animations.
Openshot also has a feature called “Video Preview” where you can play back your video and see the changes you made in real time. This can save a lot of time, especially if you are working on a large or complex project.
The app is also available in many languages and it is continuously updated for the latest version of MacOS. It also has a strong community of users who share tips and tricks, answer questions, and provide feedback to the developers.
6. Shotcut
Shotcut is a free, open-source, and cross-platform video editor for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It offers a wide range of features for editing and processing video, audio, and images.
It supports a wide range of video and audio formats, advanced color correction and audio mixing, and support for various video effects and transitions.
There are no hidden costs or subscription fees for using this app, and you can download and use it without any restrictions. This makes Shortcut a great option for independent filmmakers, video creators, and anyone looking to edit their own videos without spending a lot of money.
Shotcut is also highly customizable, with a wide range of tools and settings that allow you to tailor the software to your specific needs. You can work with multiple tracks, adjust the speed of your clips, and use a wide range of filters and effects to enhance your videos.
When it comes to support, Shotcut has an active community of users who are always willing to help out with any questions or issues you may have. There is also a wealth of documentation and tutorials available online that can help you get started or learn more advanced techniques.
7. Avidemux
Avidemux is a versatile tool that allows users to perform a wide range of tasks, such as cutting and joining video clips, applying various video and audio filters, and converting video files to different formats. It is a great option for those who are looking for a simple, yet powerful video editor that won’t break the bank.
One of the best things about Avidemux is that it is completely free to use. This means that users can download, install, and use it without having to pay a single dime. This makes it an excellent option for those who are on a tight budget but still want to create professional-looking videos.
Additionally, being open-source means that it’s being constantly updated and improved by a community of developers, so you can be sure that you are getting a product that is always evolving and getting better.
When it comes to features, Avidemux offers a wide range of options for editing videos. You can easily cut, copy, and paste video segments, as well as join multiple video clips together to create a single video.
It also has a wide range of video and audio filters that you can apply to your videos, such as brightness and contrast adjustments, color correction, and noise reduction. I must also mention that It has a built-in converter that allows you to save your videos in different formats, like AVI, MP4, and MKV.
In terms of usability, Avidemux is easy to use, even for those who are new to video editing. The interface is clean and straightforward, making it easy to navigate and find the tools you need. Additionally, the software is lightweight and doesn’t require a lot of system resources, so it won’t slow down your Mac.
If you’re looking for a powerful and budget-friendly video editor, Avidemux is definitely worth checking out.
8. HitFilm Express
HitFilm Express is a free video editing software for Mac that is packed with features and is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. It offers a wide range of tools for editing, compositing, and visual effects that can help you create professional-looking videos.
One of the best features of HitFilm Express is its ability to handle multiple video and audio tracks. This means you can easily edit footage from various cameras or add multiple audio tracks to your video. Additionally, the software supports a wide variety of file formats, including popular ones like MP4, AVI, and MOV.
The software also comes with a wide range of visual effects, including color correction, keying, and compositing tools. These tools can help you create stunning visual effects, such as explosions, laser beams, and other special effects. Additionally, the software also includes a large library of pre-made visual effects that you can use in your videos.
When it comes to pricing, HitFilm Express is completely free to download and use. However, there is also a paid version of the software called HitFilm Pro, which includes additional features and tools for professional users.
HitFilm Express is a great choice for anyone looking for powerful and feature-rich video editing software for Mac. It’s free to download and use, and it’s packed with a wide range of tools and visual effects that can help you create professional-looking videos.
9. VSDC Free Video Editor
VSDC Free Video Editor is a powerful video editing software available for Mac users to download and use for free. The software offers a wide range of features that allow users to create professional-looking videos with ease.
One of the most notable aspects of VSDC is its support for a variety of video formats, making it versatile for many users. It also offers a variety of effects and filters to enhance the final product. Additionally, the software has a timeline-based interface which makes it simple for users to organize and edit their videos. Users can add, remove, and rearrange video clips and audio tracks on the timeline with ease.
In summary, VSDC Free Video Editor is a great option for Mac users looking for powerful and easy-to-use video editing software. Its support for various video formats, effects and filters, and timeline-based interface make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced video editors. Plus, the fact that it is free to use is a big plus.
10. VideoPad Video Editor
VideoPad Video Editor is a powerful and easy-to-use video editing software that allows you to create professional-looking videos in minutes. It is designed for both professional and novice video editors and is available for Windows and Mac.
One of the best things about VideoPad Video Editor is its user-friendly interface. It has a simple and intuitive layout that makes it easy to navigate and find the tools you need. The software also includes a wide range of video editing tools, such as trimming, cutting, and merging videos, adding effects, and more.
Another great feature of VideoPad Video Editor is its ability to work with a variety of video formats, including popular formats like AVI, WMV, MP4, and many others. This makes it easy to import and edit videos from a variety of sources, such as your camera, smartphone, or computer.
VideoPad Video Editor also includes a wide range of effects and transitions that you can use to enhance your videos. From simple fades and wipes to more advanced effects like green screen and chroma key, the software has everything you need to make your videos look professional. Additionally, you can also add text, images, and audio to your videos to create custom captions, subtitles, and soundtracks.
When it comes to pricing, VideoPad Video Editor is available in two versions. The free version is a great way to get started and includes many of the basic features of the software.
However, the paid version includes additional features such as support for more video formats, more effects, and transitions, and the ability to export high-quality videos. The paid version is available for around $40 for a single-user license.
Wrap up
Overall, there are several options available for users looking to edit videos on their Mac computers without spending any money. Each of the free video editors discussed in this article has its own unique features and capabilities, making them suitable for different types of projects and skill levels.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced video editor, there is likely a free option that will meet your needs. Some popular options include iMovie, OpenShot, and Lightworks, but there are many others to choose from as well. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific requirements and preferences.
