Basic video editing software compared

Trying to find out which video editing software is best? We've put together a list of the best basic video editing software, including a quick look at how each one is different from the next. Brace yourself: you'll soon see that all easy video editing software is not created equal.
January 14, 2019

Venturing into the world of video editing? Before you press the record button, you need to know which video editing software is best. There so many options - it can seem like a minefield to navigate reviews, tutorials and all the other online literature out there.

When it comes to finding easy-to-use tools to edit video, there are a few core options that you should consider; once you grasp the basics, you can graduate onto other platforms. That's why we've put together this quick-start to editing your video.

This is your guide to finding the basic video editing software that's right for you

Don't be put off by the word 'basic.' The core of any craft starts off with the fundamentals, and every beginning starting out in video production needs to have a strong foundation to create their work.

What does it actually mean for software to be 'basic'? It means it's primed with the tools beginners need to edit their first video projects. This is great for beginners, as basic versions of software provide you with everything you need to create a professional-looking video without the extra bells and whistles of more advanced software.

The good news? Basic video editing software is usually free, and once you're more comfortable with video editing you can add useful plugins to take your transitions, animations, audio and much more to the next level. 

What are the best options for basic video editing software?

 

Premiere Elements Logo

Adobe' Premiere' Elements

 We've all heard of Adobe' Premiere' Pro, which is probably the most popular software for editing video available on the market and is a great tool for advanced and professional video editors. But if you just need the basics to get started, Adobe' Premiere' Elements is the pared-down version of Pro that gives you everything you need to produce a basic video. With intelligent editing options and the ability to benefit from really useful extensions, Premiere' Elements will take your video editing to greater heights with just enough tools to do the job well.

Use Trint's extension for Adobe' Premiere' Pro CC to level up your captions

 


Filmora Logo

Wondershare Filmora

 Pegged by many as one of the simplest options on the market, Filmora has a huge selection of tools that are designed to make it easy for beginners. You can even get Filmora for your smartphone of you want to create video on-the-go, right from your mobile. It comes jam-packed with the ability to help you remove background noise, create seamless transitions, balance out any dodgy camerawork and create cinematic clips with pan and zoom features.

 

 

Final Cut Pro X Logo

Final Cut Pro X

Don't be fooled by the 'Pro' in the name. Final Cut Pro X is well equipped to guide any novice video editor to finish their first project. It comes built in with everything you need to take your clips from raw footage to professional video. As with most Apple products, its simplicity means that Final Cut Pro X is a great option for anyone struggling to get to know the jargon of video editing. The simple interface means beginner editors will feel comfortable putting together videos in no time.

 

 

iMovie Logo

iMovie

Video editing basics can be easily accessed from your fingertips with iMovie. Apple's video editing software is designed to be used in the palm of your hand and lets you create cinematic-style videos with your amateur, handheld mobile footage. It's easy to use and completely free for iOS devices, making it a great option for beginners who like shooting and editing on-the-go.


 

iMovie is also extra convenient because it's cloud based. Access and edit your projects across the whole Apple suite of devices: start editing on your MacBook, then hop to your iPad to do the audio tuning and finish things off.

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Your video editing process can be time intensive if you're not optimizing your workflow. With Trint you can quickly look for the best quotes and moments in an interview, then use the timecodes to cut those parts of your video into your final piece. Or, even better, export the Highlights of your Trint as an EDL and let Trint automatically cut your long files into clips for you, then import captions. Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, Trint creates transcripts of your video audio in no time at all, allowing you to focus your time and energy on fine tuning all those transitions and effects.

 

Ready to save time? Start your free trial of Trint today.

 

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