• DVDVideoSoft’s Free Screen Video Recorder is one of the most popular and lightweight screen recorder which you can have on your Windows 10 computer. The best thing about DVDVideoSoft’s Free Screen Video Recorder is that its capable enough to record Skype conversation. Not just that, the tool also offers an image editor which is of great use.
  • In this article, we have compiled 15 best free video editor tools for beginners, carefully examining their versatility, ease of use, and functionalities such as video effects, audio effects, and file formats supported. We understand that each user has unique needs. As a result, we’ve prepared a comprehensive overview plus a list of key features of each software to help you find a solution.

Whether it's for work, your social media page or your business, video editing is an increasingly important skill for the digital era. With an abundance of video editing apps and other software available totally for free online, there is no longer any need for expensive video editing suites.

Best Free Video Editing Software for Desktop. The following list of the best video editing software is desktop-based, and contains free apps. Desktop applications typically have more editing power than mobile apps. Use these video editors when you need to produce longer-form content for YouTube or your website. If you are looking for a free Windows 10 video editor, you can try Microsoft Photos, Windows MovieMaker or other video editing software. The best free video editor for Windows, MiniTool MovieMaker developed by MiniTool, is recommended here. You can easily create fun, Hollywood-style movies without watermark with it.

In this article, we review 15 best free video editing tools in 2020 on the Internet:

Read along to get the ins and outs of most popular online video editor as well as their pros and cons.

Follow this step-by-step guide on how to edit video on Windows and macOS or check out the three most powerful Windows video editor to help you get started.

1. Davinci Resolve

One of the most professional and advanced video editors on this list, Davinci Resolve is optimized for high-end video editing, graphics manipulation, and color correction. User’s looking to get the most out of Davinci Resolve should have a powerful computer with an equally powerful graphics card to boot.

What’s more, Davinci Resolve has features for audio mixing, special effects, and motion graphics. More than just a simple video editor, Davinci Resolve is the real thing.

While those looking for basic editing or a program optimized for creating quick social media content will probably be put off by Davinci’s many features, as an entirely free program, Davinci is one of the best editors available.

Finally, you might be surprised to learn that Davinci Resolve is even used by professional video producers in Hollywood, advertising, and television!

👆 SPECS:

Runs on:Windows, macOS, and Linux
Input formats:ARI, MTS, MXF, AVI, CIN, DNG, DPX, CDX, MP4, MXF, EXR, MOV
Output formats:ARI, MTS, MXF, AVI, CIN, DNG, DPX, CDX, MP4, MXF, EXR, MOV

✅ PROS:

  • Entirely Free
  • Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux
  • Versatile With a Huge Array of Video Editing Tools

⛔️ CONS:

  • Steep Learning Curve
  • Optimized for Powerful Computers With High-end Graphics Capabilities

2. Lightworks

Lightworks is an excellent solution for users who start to handle video professionally. The video editor is packed with a number of useful features, including high precision video trimming; a wide range of video formats and export to 720p for Youtube are supported.

Lightworks superbly designed timeline helps you to resize a video or combine several short segments of footage; with color correction and GPU-accelerated real-time effects, you could achieve the perfect look. The great news is that complex rendering and encoding processes take place in the background so you can continue working while they complete.

Lightworks is free, however, if you want to access advanced features, a paid version is available.

👆 SPECS:

Runs on: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Input formats:latest audio and video formats
Output formats:MP4, MXF, Quicktime, AVI, mts, mpg, m2t

✅ PROS:

  • Open-source
  • Almost Any Format Imported Natively
  • Outputs Directly to YouTube/Vimeo
  • Many Video Tutorials
  • Project Sharing for a Group

⛔️ CONS:

  • 4K Video Support Only in Paid Version
  • Confusing Interface Design for Beginners

3. OpenShot

Openshot is entirely open source offers basic video editing features like trimming and slicing. It may remind some Mac users a little iMovie with its easy to use drag and drop interface.

However, Openshot packs more features than iMovie, including unlimited layers, audio mixing and video tracks in the timeline. This free editor strikes a nice balance between advanced features and a simple interface.

Openshot includes tile templates and video effects, so if you want to have more touches on your video, this free video program can also help you. You can import a variety of file formats from audio files, still photos and multiple types of video codecs, including 4K, and have access to an impressive number of transitions and 14 effects.

👆 SPECS:

Runs on: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Input formats:QuickTime, AVI, WMV, MPEG, etc
Output formats: MPEG, AVI, MP4, MOV, etc

✅ PROS:

  • Free
  • Open Source
  • Easy-to-use Interface

⛔️ CONS:

  • The Application Has Multiple Layers of Setup
  • Incredibly Slow When Effects are Applied

4. Filmora9

Film making buffs and novices alike love Filmora9. The software is a standout because, throughout many changes and upgrades, it has remained true to its purpose, film editing. Some competitors keep adding features that nobody uses. Filmora9 keeps things simple.

It has a user-friendly interface, and even beginners can easily figure out how to use the software. That being said, it is packed full of powerful video editing tools like special effects, layers, green-screen effects, key-framing, background noise removal, creative filters, professional 3D LUTs, and 4K support.

Another reason to shout it from the rooftops is Filmora9 has security baked into the program to keep your uploads safe. They have a free version so you can try it out before buying. Filmora9 works on Windows and Mac platforms. The only downside is that you need to purchase the full version for all the fun bells and whistles, and it is not cheap.

👆 SPECS:
Runs on: Windows and macOS
Input formats: MOV, GIF, MP4, WAV, PPT and many more
Output formats: MP4, GIF, MOV

✅ PROS:

  • Free trial.
  • 4K support.
  • Multiple media layers for complex editing.
  • Windows and Mac compatible.
  • Money-back guarantee.
  • Free updates.
  • Excellent customer service.

⛔️ CONS:

  • Subscription-based pricing.
  • Expensive full version.

5. Blender

Available for most popular operating systems, Blender is an open source video editor and 3D animation suite that is totally free. Offering a complex suite of animation and video editing tools, Blender is one of the darlings of the free video editor community.

For many first time editors, Blender’s scope and versatility come as a bit of a shock with many surprised to find that such a robust editor is available entirely for free!

In this sense, Blender may be too complicated for some. With a steep learning curve, first-time video editors may find themselves overwhelmed by the many options.

Keep in mind that Blender was designed for 3D animation. While its video editing support is extremely robust, for those simply interested in basic editing, Blender might be unnecessarily complicated. But for those with time on their hands and the drive to advance their video editing skill set, Blender is a natural choice.

👆 SPECS:

Runs on: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Input formats: latest audio and video formats
Output formats: MOV, MPEG4, MP4, AVI, WMV, MPEGPS, FLV, 3GPP, WebM

✅ PROS:

  • Free
  • Versatile Video Editing Features
  • 3D Animation

⛔️ CONS:

  • Steep Learning Curve
  • Complicated User Interface

6. Camtasia

A free mobile app for iOS and Android allows you to record a video with just your phone and easily transfer it then from your device to the Camtasia app on your computer for further processing. A great option to underline is the opportunity to upload the ready-to-consume video to YouTube, Vimeo, or any other platform of your choice.

Camtasia is an all-in-one place tool: a powerful video editing program, and an easy-to-use screen recorder for creating professional-looking how-to and explaining videos, video lessons, webinar recordings, etc. on both macOS and Windows.

There is no free plan, but you can try out the solution within the free 30-day period: all features are at your disposal, but any video you render will be watermarked.

👆 SPECS:

Runs on: Windows and macOS
Input formats: MOV, GIF, MP4, WAV, PPT and many more
Output formats: MP4, GIF, MOV

✅ PROS:

  • Easy to use
  • Excellent tutorial videos
  • Has a mobile companion app
  • Support 4K video

⛔️ CONS:

  • Lacks the auto-record feature
  • A bit pricey
  • Audio editing is not the best

7. FlexClip

FlexClip is another contender looking to be the best video editor out there, and it does a pretty good job. The simplified user interface makes it easy to get started on your first project. Using the built-in templates and stock imagery, along with audio resources, you can quickly put together a video worthy of praise.

If you get stuck, FlexClip has ample online documentation and tutorials to teach you everything you need to know. Some of the most powerful features baked right in include text, music, adding watermarks, overlays, widgets, logos, fonts, color, rotation, duplicating and slicing slides, and more.

The program works right in your browser, so there is nothing for you to install. It works best on Google Chrome. FlexClip aims to be the most sought after professional and personal free video editor. We give it high marks for aspiring to be that good, and it comes close. Our only complaint is the shortage of templates to choose from and some unresponsiveness during testing.

👆 SPECS:
Runs on: Google Chrome
Input formats: MP4, MOV, WEBM, and M4V
Output formats: 480P, 720P, and 1080P MP4

✅ PROS:

  • Web-based, Nothing to Install
  • Easy to Use
  • The Free Version is Feature-rich (unlimited)
  • Everything Saved and Backed up in the Cloud Automatically
  • Template-based
  • Free Stock Imagery, Music, and Videos
  • Export Video in 1080p

⛔️ CONS:

  • It Requires a Strong Internet Connection to Run
  • A Bit Slow and Glitchy at Times
  • Too Few Templates

8. VideoProc

Unlike some of the other video editors, VideoProc is software that needs to be installed on your computer. It does come with built-in GPU hardware acceleration. Actually, it can accelerate video processing and bring highest possible quality on all main-stream computers, even low-end computers. Therefore, it is a good choice to smoothly process and edit 4K, HD and large-sized videos in any formats on all computers. Meanwhile, it can lower CPU usage to 40% (averagely).

VideoProc sells itself as a lightweight video editor capable of producing high quality edited 4K videos. Using the simple interface, you can quickly cut, merge, crop, and edit your 4K videos using sound, text, subtitles, music, and effects like Grayscale, Mirror, Edge, Painting and Sharpen to improve your final cut.

VideoProc also has powerful features to stabilize your video, remove fisheye, and noise. Some other perks are a built-in GIF maker, video enhancements, MKV, and M3U8 encoding, and more! VideoProc runs on macOS 10.6 or later and Windows 7 or later. They offer both a free download version and three paid license plans to choose from.

👆 SPECS:
Runs on: macOS 10.6 or later and Windows 7 or later
Input formats: AVI, MOV, MP4, MOV, MPEG, and more
Output formats: MP4, MOV, WebM, AVI, FLV, and more

✅ PROS:

  • Reasonably Priced
  • Lightweight and Flexible
  • It Can Easily Edit Large 4K Videos
  • Powerful Video Editing Capabilities

⛔️ CONS:

  • No Web-based Version

9. iMovie

iMovie from Apple is one of the most consumer-orientated video editors out there. It’s already installed on all new Macs, and users can use it as a playground for learning the basics of video editing. iMovie features a drag and drop interface, allows you to edit and import 4K video clips from smartphones and GoPro cameras; provides you with the ability to start editing on iPhone or iPad and finish it on your Mac.

Aside from video, images and audio can also be incorporated into your project by just dragging your multimedia into the project area and arranging them in timeline-like fashion.

The resulting video can be previewed in real time, as well as any effects — themes, text, music, voice-overs — before exporting the file directly to YouTube, Facebook, or any other platform.

👆 SPECS:

Runs on: macOS and iOS
Input formats: DV, HDV, AVCHD, AIC, AAC, Motion JPEG/A, iFrame, h.264, MP4, MOV
Output formats: DV, HDV, AIC, AAC, MP4, MOV

✅ PROS:

  • 4K Resolution Support
  • Good for Basic Video Editing
  • Already on Your Mac
  • Ability to Start Editing on iPhone or iPad and Finish on a Mac
  • Elegant Interface
  • Easy to Navigate

⛔️ CONS:

  • macOS Only

10. Shotcut

Shotcut is a free open-source, cross-platform video editor. It is great for those, who have outgrown Movie Maker and want to go to the next level but don’t need complex solutions.

Although the interface may appear quite advanced for some users, multiple PRO features are usually not found in a free version. The Shotcut video editor doesn’t require you to import your video into the editor. So, it can be a real time saver if you are dealing with large video files.

Shotcut supports a range of video formats and up to 4K resolutions, and offers a native timeline editing. The video editor includes three-point editing, keyframes for filter parameters and video compositing across tracks.

👆 SPECS:

Runs on: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Input formats: latest audio and video formats
Output formats: latest audio and video formats

✅ PROS:

  • Wide Range of Formats are Supported
  • Native Timeline Editing
  • 4K Resolution Support
  • Comprehensive Video and Audio Editing
  • Good for Basic Video Editing
  • Open-source
  • Lots of Filters and Effects

⛔️ CONS:

  • Not Good for Advanced Projects

11. VideoPad Video Editor

VideoPad Video Editor is a cross-platform video editor that works great with Windows and MacOS. One of the simplest editors available, VideoPad offers few tools but is easy to learn. Without the steep learning curve of other editors, VideoPad represents a minimal time investment that can still result in stunning films.

VideoPad’s free version is great for new editors. For those looking for more features, VideoPad’s paid version has many more complicated features to augment any editing toolbox. If anything, VideoPad is great for making social media ready videos. Its simple pull-down menu makes it easy to upload your creations anywhere on the web.

👆 SPECS:

Runs on: Windows and macOS
Input formats: WMV, AVI, MPV, DIVX and many more
Output formats: WMV, AVI

✅ PROS:

  • Free
  • Friendly User Interface
  • Easy to Learn
  • Optimized for Social Media

⛔️ CONS:

  • Few Special Features or Effects

12. VSDC Video Editor

If you’re making a presentation and want to add text, lines, charts and other special effects to it, VSDC might be the best choice. It provides a free non-linear video editing tool which allows users to scene in any position on the timeline.

VSDC offers multiple audio and visual effects that can be applied from different categories such as, object transformation, color correction, transition effects, filters, and special FX. It includes Instagram-style filters, special effects including color correction and blurring, and there’s a mask tool as well so you can apply effects to part of the video (for obscuring faces, for example).

VSDC is also bundled with an easy 4K and HD editing feature and allows you to export files to social network sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

👆 SPECS:

Runs on: Windows
Input formats: AVI, QuickTime (MP4/M4V, 3GP/2G2, MOV, QT), HDVideo/AVCHD (MTS, M2TS, TS, MOD, TOD), WindowsMedia (WMV, ASF, DVR-MS), DVD/VOB, VCD/SVCD, etc
Output formats: AVI, DVD, VCD/SVCD, MPEG, MP4, M4V, MOV, 3GP/3G2, WMV, MKV, RM/RMVB, FLV, SWF, AMV, MTV

✅ PROS:

  • Large Range of Output Formats
  • Friendly for Beginners
  • Plenty of Special Effects

⛔️ CONS:

  • Technical Support is Not Free
  • Windows Only

13. Hitfilm Express

Best Free Lightweight Video Editor Apps

Another great professional-level video editor, Hitfilm Express is on the best general video editors around. Hitfilm Express is great for advanced editors and professionals and its user-friendly interface also lends well to new users of all backgrounds. While Hitfilm Express is free, prospective users must first offer a shout out to the software maker on social media to download.

With basic tools like splicing, trimming, and audio editing enabled, Hitfilm also offers a huge suite of free special effects. Hitfilm Express is a great tool to start learning the video editing process, and those looking for additional features can access expansion packs for as little as $9.99.

👆 SPECS:

Runs on: Windows and macOS
Input formats: AVCHD, AVI, DV, MP4, MPEG, MOV, MMV
Output formats: AVI, MP4

✅ PROS:

  • Free
  • Intuitive Linear Editor
  • Results are Easily Exportable

⛔️ CONS:

  • Some Advanced Features Require Paid Add-ons

14. Windows Movie Maker

If it's not already obvious in the name, Windows Movie Maker is a free video editing software for Windows 10 that also works great with older versions of Windows such as Windows 7.

While previously known for its extreme simplicity, Movie Maker has come a long way since its earliest inception as a basic editor. With a slew of basic but indispensable features such as anti-shake and voiceover recording, Movie Maker is more than capable of handling most beginner projects.

For beginners, Movie Maker is perhaps one of the most intuitive applications. Presenting a linear thumbnail editor timeline, users can easily trim and split video while using the three-button play/pause, forward, and back controls.

👆 SPECS:

Runs on: Windows 7 and Windows 10
Input formats: ASF, AVI, DVR-MS, M1V, MP2, MP2V, MPE, MPEG, MPG, MPV2, WM, WMV
Output formats: Windows Media Video (WMV) or DV AVI

✅ PROS:

  • Free
  • Simple User Interface

⛔️ CONS:

  • Limited Features
  • Available for Windows Only
  • No support for Modern File Formats
  • Service Discontinued

15. Clipchamp

Clipchamp is really a mixed bag in terms of being the best free video editing software. On the one hand, the free version is limited, and some people report that it is glitchy and slow. However, the paid versions are feature-rich and loved by users.

Everyone agrees that Clipchamp is easy to use, intuitive and you can create a new or edited video within minutes. Combine that with their extensive library of customizable templates and stock images, audio, and video clips, and you have a powerful tool capable of compressing, converting, collecting, recording, and creating high definition videos quickly and easily.

Clipchamp works right in your browser, so there is nothing to install. It works best with Google Chrome. The free version, however, is stripped down and does not include the fancy features that the other plans have. Only the two top-tier plans allow you to export in 1080p format.

👆 SPECS:
Runs on: Mac, Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS
Input formats: MP4, MOV, WEBM, AVI, DIVX, FLV, 3GP, WMV, VOB, DCM, and MKV
Output formats: MP4, WebM, ASF/WMV, Flash video (FLV) or (animated) GIF

✅ PROS:

  • Free
  • Super Easy to Learn and Use
  • No Watermark
  • No Software to Install
  • Works in-browser
  • Affordable Pricing Plans

⛔️ CONS:

  • Glitchy
  • Slow Uploads
  • The Free Version Lacks Features
  • Upsells but not Over the Top
  • You are Limited to 480p Exports With the Free Version

How to Choose the Best Free Video Editing Software

The first guide to navigating anything new is experience. Always try before you buy. With many free apps available in your browser or as a download, you can have the luxury of trying out a few before making a choice. Even if you think the free stuff can’t handle your project; give it a try, you may be pleasantly surprised!

More than just money, investing in a professional video editor also takes a significant amount of your time and energy. If you’re in it for the long haul, then go for it. But if you're just looking to make a few edits or experiment, there’s no need to spend thousands of dollars on programs like Final Cut Pro and Adobe. Even if your planning on going pro, it doesn’t hurt to start free while working your way towards more professional video editors as you build up your client base and revenue.

There are several important factors to evaluate when choosing a free video editor. The user interface is one important feature, however, as a beginner, it can be difficult to know what an efficient video editor user interface looks like as the process will be foreign, to begin with. In this sense, unless you are a professional, there’s no sense placing too much emphasis on interface just yet.

Next, depending on your needs, your free editor should be able to offer basic transitions such as crossfading, fade to black, dissolving, and of course, cutting. Another area to consider here is special effects. While many editors may try to entice you with special effects, chances are most of these will not be relevant. Audio control and audio editing are also important features that can streamline the editing process by saving from using another program.

Perhaps the most important factor to evaluate is stability. Stability depends solely on your computer’s specs and hardware. The most important rule here is to never buy without testing it on your computer first. Hand in hand with stability is compatibility. Always check to make sure your editor is compatible with your file types and supports your desired output type.

Finally, when choosing a video editor, try and get a handle on the popular community and technical support. Editors with the largest user bases tend to have engaged communities that are always willing to help new users learn the ropes. But if you do decide to buy a program or start a subscription, make sure your program comes with technical support, just in case calamity strikes!

For those free programs, user forums and popular blog content are great sources of information. Often, if you do run into a problem, sharing it online will not only lead to a quick resolution but will also help others with the same issue.

Create Stunning Video Content for Free

With so many video editing apps out there to choose from, we hope that we’ve helped you narrow down your options. All the video editors we’ve focused on here are reputable and each one has its own advantages. Choosing the right editor to begin learning the ropes of video editing can be intimidating at first, but hopefully, by now you’ve come to the right decision. Take your editing to the next level with any of these amazing free video editors!

If these 15 solutions are not enough for you, read more video editing apps reviews here.

Launchberg editors pick and review products independently. We may earn affiliate commissions when you purchase an item via our links—it helps support our testing.

  • Award-Winning Open-Source Video Editing Software
    CREATE STUNNING VIDEOS!
  • Get started making beautiful videos today!

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We designed OpenShot Video Editor to be an easy to use, quick to learn, and surprisingly powerful video editor. Take a quick look at some of our most popular features and capabilities.

Cross-Platform

OpenShot is a cross-platform video editor, with support for Linux, Mac, and Windows. Get started and download our installer today.

Trim & Slice

Quickly trim down your videos, and find those perfect moments. OpenShot has many easy ways to cut your video.

Animation & Keyframes

Best Free Lightweight Video Editor Download

Using our powerful animation framework, you can fade, slide, bounce, and animate anything in your video project.

Unlimited Tracks

Add as many layers as you need for watermarks, background videos, audio tracks, and more.

Video Effects

Using our video effects engine, remove the background from your video, invert the colors, adjust brightness, and more.

Audio Waveforms

Visualize your audio files as waveforms, and even output the waveforms as part of your video.

Title Editor

Adding titles to your video has never been easier. Use one of our templates, or make your own.

3D Animations

Render beautiful 3D animated titles and effects, such as snow, lens flares, or flying text.

Slow Motion & Time Effects

Control the power of time, reversing, slowing down, and speeding up video. Use a preset or animate the playback speed and direction.

Edit Video

Drag and drop video, audio, or images from your file manager into OpenShot. It's that easy to get started video editing.

70+ Languages

OpenShot is available in many different languages, and can be translated online with LaunchPad.

Simple User Interface

Best free lightweight video editor software

We have designed OpenShot to be the easiest and friendliest video editing software ever! Give it a try and see for yourself.

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