Free Video Rendering Software

1. Free Video Rendering Software
2. Free Video Editing And Rendering Software
3. Best Free Video Rendering Software
4. Free Video Rendering Software

It's our top pick among the best free video editing software because of its robust interface and comprehensive tools. Plus, it works with Macs and PCs. If you want to pay a measly $9, you the. Movavi also has a desktop video editing software, Movavi Video Editor, starting at $39.95. VidLab is a free multi-track video editing app, which allows you to easily add and adjust text, images, music, and audio recording. It costs only $1.99 to remove the watermark and $5.99 to unlock all its features (extra video effects, sound.

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.

1. Kdenlive is an open source video editing software, built on MLT Framework. It provides all essential feature that you need in any video production workflow – custom title editing, waveform displays on clips with audio, blue screen, blurring, distortion and rotoscoping tools.
2. Summary: Best Free Video Editing Software. Use the free video editing software in this list to start creating stunning videos today. Boost your ROI and maximize your ad spend by creating product videos and ads that present your brand in a visually appealing way.

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 free video editing software for Windows 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. Free quality video editing software.

👆 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, keyframing, 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!

Free Video Rendering Software

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

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.

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.

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

Free Video Editing And Rendering Software

⛔️ 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: Can a 2012 macbook pro be upgraded to catalina.

• Technical Support is Not Free
• Windows Only

13. Hitfilm Express

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.

With the right free video editing software, you can create picture-perfect clips that are ready to share to YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or anywhere else, with no unsightly watermarks or frustrating time limits.

There are free video editors out there that not only come with the most basic yet necessary tools, but also boast powerful features and even a few bells and whistles.

Finding the best free options may seem like a daunting task, but we are here to help. We've collated the best of the best out there so you won't have to test every single video editor yourself. Each of the software packages below will let you perform important post-production tasks like trimming clips, applying green screen filters, and adjusting the playback speed. And, if you've never edited a video before, you'll find these programs to be accessible and easy to get to grips with.

The best video editing software overall

1. Adobe Premiere Pro | PC & Mac | $20 per month

For a small monthly sub, Premiere Pro offers outstanding value for money. It's the industry-standard video editing program, used by the pros. It's also really easy to use and get the hang of. If you're serious about your videos, you should seriously consider biting the bullet and going for Premiere Pro.

2 Adobe Premiere Elements | PC & Mac | $99

If you're open to spending some money on your video editing software you'll find the quality of your videos improving massively. With more features, filters and wizards available to you, you'll be able to do things with your video that are well beyond what you get from any free options.

3. Apple Final Cut Pro X | Mac only | $299.99

Final Cut Pro is still one of the most popular video editing options on Mac. It's not cheap so if the $300 asking price is too much, consider Premiere Elements above which at $99 offers all the same features for a third of the price.

The best free video editing software

1. Lightworks

Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux

Lightworks is the best free option for anyone who wants to create professional-quality movies and videos without paying a penny. While it still can't be considered a match for a program like Adobe Premiere Elements, it supports multitrack video and is a non-linear editor, so the quality of your footage won't be reduced while being processed.

With Lightworks, you'll find all sorts of high-end features that are normally only available with expensive packages such as Final Cut Pro. These include the ability to import and render footage in the background, and to preview video effects in real-time.

The one downside is that learning how to use Lightworks can take some time as the interface is fairly complex. You can drag various editing windows around to create an almost infinite number of layout variations and set custom keyboard shortcuts to speed up your editing jobs.

You can download and install Lightworks for free on Windows, Mac, and Linux devices. If at a later date, you decide you want to invest in an improved experience, you can upgrade to Lightworks Pro. With this upgraded version, you'll be able to export your projects in different formats, create 3D masterpieces and upload straight to YoutTube.

Read our full Lightworks review

2. Hitfilm Express

Free software for amateurs and experts alike

Operating system: Windows, macOS

Like Lightworks, Hitfilm Express is free-to-use video editing sofware that aims to make a professional editing experience available to everyone. With this software package, it's easy to adjust color balance, trim clips, and export your projects in different video formats.

But the Hitfilm Express feature set goes way beyond that. You can also use this free video editor to set green screen chroma keys, create custom video masks, and take your footage to the next level with a range of 3D compositional tools. Although first-time users may find it a little confusing, the HitFilm Express user-interface will be familiar to anyone who's worked with an advanced video editor before.

There are only two small downsides to this video editor. The first is that it's technically demanding, so you'll need a PC or Mac with a powerful processor to run it. And, secondly, the installation process is unnecessarily complex. To get access to the Hitfilm Express software, you'll need to share a link to its developer, FXhome, on social media.

Read our full Hitfilm Express review

Video: iOS 13.5 - Noise Cancelling Podcast Highlight (TechRadar)

3. Shotcut

Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux

Shotcut started life as a free video editor on Linux and was ported over to Windows and Mac machines after it had already been around for a few years. This development journey has resulted in a slightly odd-looking user interface, but Shotcut is still one of the best free video editors you can download now.

Some aspects of the Shotcut system are easy and intuitive, such as the process of dragging media files to import them into your project. However, there's no doubt that there's a steeper learning curve with this video editor than most. For example, you'll have to configure your display by adding the modules you need.

But once you get the hang of Shotcut, you'll discover why this free video editor has amassed such a large following. The best Shotcut feature is a large selection of filters that can be applied to audio and video content. Once added, you can layer and customize filters to achieve the precise effect you're looking for.

Read our full Shotcut review

4. Movie Maker Online

An online video editing tool that you can use anywhere

Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux (in browser)

Movie Maker Online is a video editor that runs in your browser. To edit a video, you simply need to upload it to an unusual vertical project timeline where you can crop clips and add filters or transition effects.

Other free video editors listed here are software packages that can be installed and run locally. However, these aren't the only types of free video editor available. There are also many great browser-based tools too, and Movie Maker Online is one of these.

The big advantage of an online editor is that you can access it from any desktop device, and there's no need to worry about content storage. Another big bonus is that your computer specs don't matter as much, the age of your hardware doesn't matter when using an online video editor as everything happens in the cloud.

If you want to enhance your video or movie with music or still images, Movie Maker Online gives you access to a large archive of royalty-free images that can be inserted into your project timeline with a single click.

Read our full Movie Maker Online review

5. VSDC Video Editor

Free software with multi-monitor support

Operating system: Windows

VSDC Video Editor used to be known as one of the clunkier free video editing programs. Thankfully, the latest edition of the software has a dramatically improved interface with a fresh-looking dark theme and the ability to detach individual windows, ideal for editing with more than one monitor.

Like Lightworks, VSDC is a non-linear video editor that's able to compete with more expensive video editing packages. It comes in both free and premium editions, and there are pleasingly few prompts for free users to subscribe. The only serious annoyance is that the free variant lacks multiple color chroma key tools and can't be used for resolutions above 1080p.

VSDC supports plenty of useful video editing functions including animations, sprites, transitions, watermarking, blending, overlaying, and masking. Another awesome feature is a free video stabilization tool, which is excellent if you need to improve the quality of shaky clips captured on smartphones.

Read our full VSDC Video Editor review

Other free options to try:

Adobe Spark If you need to trim a video and don't mind the watermark, Adobe Spark can get the job done quickly and easily online. The basic version is free to use, but you'll need a premium account to remove the watermark and perform more advanced editing tasks.

Best Free Video Rendering Software

When you need to crop a video to a specific aspect ratio, this simple online tool could be just what you need. It's not suitable for very large files, but you can set the dimensions, select from a list of presets, and position the crop area yourself.

Why should I care about free software?

Video is the new rock'n'roll: where children used to dream of being rock stars, now they dream of being YouTube vloggers. Meanwhile video has become the lingua franca of the internet, from viral clips and video responses to indie films and glossy corporate presentations.

The one thing they almost all have in common is editing. That could be simple trimming to cut a clip at the appropriate place, or it could involve mixing multiple clips together, changing the soundtrack and adding a whole bunch of special effects. To do these things you'll need a video editing app.

Which programs do most YouTubers use?

Generally speaking YouTubers tend to go for simple, effective and affordable apps. One of the best free apps is Lightworks, which you can get for Windows, Mac and Linux devices. It has integrated YouTube exporting and a bunch of really impressive real-time effects. It looks absolutely terrifying compared to something like Microsoft Photos but it doesn't take long to learn and it's a really good editing app.

There are lots of other good options too. HitFilm Pro has a free version but also offers a powerful professional version. The free app DaVinci Resolve is very good, especially on colour correction, and while the VSDC Free Video Editor lacks the hardware acceleration of paid-for editing apps that's not really an issue if you're not in a busy working environment.

Free Video Rendering Software

Which programs do professionals use?

That depends on your definition of 'professionals' and the industry or sector you're thinking of. Go to Hollywood or a major TV studio and the editing's almost certainly being done in Avid Media Composer Ultimate.

In ad agencies, indie film studios and businesses making YouTube films you're more likely to see Adobe Premiere Pro CC or Apple Final Cut Pro X and associated apps such as Adobe's After Effects, a motion graphics and visual effects app - see above for how well we rate those. These are very, very good tools designed to run on very, very good computers.

Should I pay for a premium option?

To state the blindingly obvious, premium video editors tend to have advantages that free ones don't. Those advantages tend to come in the form of resources: resources to develop apps that squeeze the most performance out of high-end hardware, resources to develop better effects, resources to fix show-stopping bugs, resources to make sure the app works on the latest hardware, resources to polish the interface and create help files and how-tos and all the other things you'd expect from professional software. But of course, that comes at a price – $300ish for Final Cut Pro X, for example.

Free software to create 3d models for printing. If you're a pro, time is money so you spend money to save time, whether that's the time it takes to render your footage or the time you can't afford to spend shouting 'WHY GOD, WHY?' when the app doesn't do exactly what you want or crashes mid-edit.

Free apps are aimed at a more forgiving and less demanding kind of user. That's not to say they can't do great things. They can. But they often take a hand-holding approach that focuses on the basics and doesn't give you access to the fine detail. They might take a good-enough approach to performance rather than a 'Steven Spielberg needs this NOW!' no-compromise approach, and their effects may be simpler than the pro ones.

It can be. Movies made in Apple's iMovie have wowed crowds at film festivals over the years, and some people have made perfectly good movies using just it and an iPhone.

There are many decent free video apps out there, but there are a few things to consider. Performance, especially encoding and exporting, isn't always up there with the big hitters, and you'll often find that features are only available if you buy in-app purchases or just aren't there at all. Some stick an enormous watermark over everything you output; few offer any kind of technical support. Pro-level features are rarely offered because these apps aren't designed for video pros.

It's worth being a bit pedantic here and differentiating between free commercial software and free open source software. The former is often a cut-down version of a full product offered for free in the hope you'll buy its big brother. The latter is usually a full product made available by individuals or teams of volunteers with no expectation of any financial reward. While open source acts can sometimes lack the polish and/or user-friendliness of commercial software they may well deliver all the features you need without requiring you to spend any money.