Best Video Editing Software for 2024

Video editing software comparison chart for 2024

Video editing software explained

Video editing software has become much more affordable than it used to be. And with cameras and smartphones that can shoot such high-quality video becoming ever more accessible, it's now easier to create high-quality video productions without fancy or expensive equipment.

Many of the features and tools used to edit movies and TV shows have trickled down into video editing packages. This means video editing software enables you to access similar technology to that which has been used commercially for years. You can:

• Create slick home movies. Give a professional sheen to your home movies. Cut out the dull bits, add titles and sounds – and then save to a DVD so you can play it back easily.
• Produce online video. Many websites include video clips - video editing software lets you create your own and save as a file that’s small enough to upload to your own site or a service like YouTube.
• Remix existing videos. If you don’t have your own camera, you can use video clips from other sources such as the internet (with permission). Like a DJ remixing songs, it allows you to create something new.

Editing video yourself is also great alternative to using a professional bureau or employing a freelance video editor.

Getting started with video editing

If you're new to video editing software, it's smart to choose a package with video tutorials and guides to help you navigate the various features. Basic edits like trimming clips or adding titles should be easy enough to tackle, but mastering all the available editing tools may take some time and practice.

Editing video can be demanding on your computer's resources. While most modern computers can handle the task, using the fastest and most powerful computer is always recommended. Additionally, having a large hard drive is crucial for saving larger video files without running out of space.

What to look for in video editing software

Are you currently researching video editing software? With so many options available, choosing the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. That's why we've put together this buyer's guide to help you navigate the world of video editing software.

Capturing

Effective video editing software should allow the capturing of video from multiple sources such as DV / AVCHD / mini DV camcorders, analog camcorders, VCR and TV.

Transitions

Transitions are a crucial element of video production. They can convey a particular mood or tone, such as a fade to black indicating the end of a scene or a cross dissolving, revealing a dream sequence.

Playback

In order to ensure that your video playback is seamless, it's important that the chosen solution makes use of proxy files. This will help to optimize the performance and provide a smoother playback experience.

Motion tracking

Motion tracking has become an essential feature in video editing software. It allows editors to track and follow the movement of objects or people in a video clip, which can be very useful for various reasons. For example, if you want to add special effects or text to a moving object, motion tracking can help you do this accurately and seamlessly. It can also help you stabilize unstable or unsteady footage, a common problem when shooting video.

Importing & exporting

If you want to upload your video to YouTube, it's a good idea to choose video editing software that allows the export of FLV file formats.

Stock libraries

In recent years, the addition of access to quality stock video has become a significant game-changer for video editing software developers. It's a huge selling point because it allows individuals and businesses to choose from various high-quality images and clips that perfectly capture the essence of their brand and message.

AI capabilities

Artificial Intelligence

Jargon explained

Audio ducking

Audio ducking is a technique that automatically decreases the volume of one audio origin when another source becomes louder. This technique is commonly used in broadcasting and podcasting to ensure that background music or sound effects do not overpower dialogue or commentary. By using audio ducking, the levels of different audio sources can be balanced in real-time, resulting in a more professional sound.

Aspect ratio

Aspect ratio is a crucial concept in video editing that refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of a visual video frame. It's essential to get this right, as it can significantly affect your video project's final look and feel. Video clips typically come in one of two aspect ratios 4:3 or 16:9. 4:3 is full video quality, while 16:9 is widescreen or HDTV quality. Over time, the proportional relationship between the width and height of video frames can change due to technological advancements, shifts in distribution platforms, and evolving artistic preferences.

Video effects

Video effects allow you to add interest, depth, and emotion to your creation. They can convey certain moods, illustrate concepts, and even improve the storytelling aspect of a video. For instance, effects like slow motion and time-lapse can create dramatic impact and emphasize critical moments in a video. Color grading and filters can be used to establish a particular mood or atmosphere. Without video effects, videos may appear dull, flat, and uninteresting. Therefore, it is crucial to consider using video effects when creating video content.

Examples: Slow motion, Colour grading.

Green screen

Green screen is a technique used in video production where a solid colored background, usually green, is replaced with a different image or footage. This is achieved by filming the subject in front of the green screen and then using software to replace the green background with the selected footage.

Proxify files

Having lower-resolution copies of the original files can be helpful when working with videos. These copies are called Proxify files, which can speed up video editing. Once all the edits are complete, the total resolution files can be used again for the final render.

Stabilization

It can smooth out all the jitters and blurriness of capturing fast-moving video action. It gets rid of all the shaky and blurry parts of a video and makes it look smooth. The result is a much cleaner and smoother video that's a pleasure to watch.

Stickers

Transitions

Cutting from one scene to another works well, but sometimes you'll want to add something extra to make the transition smoother. That's where transitions come in handy. They can help connect two scenes seamlessly and make your video flow more smoothly.

Examples: Wipe, Dissolve.

VFX artist

Visual effects (VFX) artist. A VFX artist specializes in creating visual effects for movies, TV shows, and video games. They use video editing programs to create stunning and realistic special effects, such as explosions, fire, and other natural phenomena. VFX artists are highly skilled and creative professionals who work closely with directors, producers, and other production team members to ensure that the visual effects enhance the overall story and create an immersive experience for the audience.