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- Each operating system has own free and best video editing software, but If you would like to make a movie with advanced video editing functions, you should find video editor alternatives for Windows and Mac.
- The 5 Best Video Editing Software for Mac OS X. A huge number of video editing software available in industry both paid and free, it will be probably a tough task for you to choose one editing tool from the list and then to accomplish your editing task!
The Rundown
This is Apple’s free video editing software, and it runs on both Mac OS and iOS platforms, so you can do you video editing just about wherever you go. For hobbyist and amateur filmmakers, Apple iMovie will have approachable tools to help you easily take your footage and edit a video with a clear flow. A great place for anyone to begin dabbling in video editing is Apple's own iMovie. Originally making its debut way back in 1999 with the iconic iMac DV, iMovie has been the entry level for many.
- Best From Hobbyist to Pro:Final Cut Pro X at Apple.com, “A video editing software that you can use even if you don’t have much experience.”
- Most Accessible Apple Editor: Apple iMovie at Apple.com, “If you haven’t done video editing before, this is a good place to get started before moving on to more serious software.”
- Best for Pros:Adobe Premiere Pro CC at Amazon, “A powerful video editor for professionals putting out movies, short films, and the like.”
- Easiest-to-Use Cross-Platform Editor:Adobe Premiere Elements 2018 at Amazon, “An easily approachable video editing software for those just getting started.”
- Best Open-Source Software:Shotcut at Shortcut.org, “A multi-track editing software like any other serious software, and you can readily rearrange the workspace to suit your editing needs.”
- Best Starter Freeware:Lightworks at Lwks.com, “Whether or not you need the free or paid versions is a question you can answer for yourself.”
- Best Freeware:DaVinci Resolve 15 at Blackmagicdesign.com, “Plenty of functionality to take your footage, organize it with data to help you find what you need, and edit it all together.”
- Best for Tutorial and Presentation Videos:Camtasia at Techsmith.com, “It’s a screen recorder and video editor built into one product.”
Our Top Picks
Here are 15 best video editing software in 2018: 15 Best Video Editing Software 2018 Because there are so many good options out there, to make it easier for you, in this article, we have divided the video editing software into several categories. This is Apple’s free video editing software, and it runs on both Mac OS and iOS platforms, so you can do you video editing just about wherever you go. For hobbyist and amateur filmmakers, Apple iMovie will have approachable tools to help you easily take your footage and edit a video with a clear flow.
Best From Hobbyist to Pro: Final Cut Pro X
If you want a video editing software that you can use even if you don’t have much experience (and you plan on growing as a video editor while using it), then Final Cut Pro X is well worth your consideration. It may take a few tutorial videos to really get yourself ready to start doing much, but once you get your feet wet, you can do basic editing and learn more and more advanced tricks over time.
While Final Cut Pro X is a professional video editing tool, it’s approachable enough for hobbyist videographers to get on board with. And it has a bit more reasonable price than some of the other serious pro video editing software. As a pro software, it comes packed with handy features to help you realize your vision.
The latest version of Final Cut Pro X has the multi-track timeline needed for editing but brings in the future of video and pro features. It supports 360-degree video, graphics, and effects. You can edit together video from multi-cam recording setups and easily switching between multiple angles. And, you can create HDR content. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Apple offers a free trial so you can see if this one is up your alley before you dive all the way in.
Most Accessible Apple editor: Apple iMovie
If you really just want to get started editing videos on your Mac, or even on your iPhone or iPad, then the easiest way is to get Apple iMovie. This is Apple’s free video editing software, and it runs on both Mac OS and iOS platforms, so you can do you video editing just about wherever you go.
For hobbyist and amateur filmmakers, Apple iMovie will have approachable tools to help you easily take your footage and edit a video with a clear flow. You’ll be able to combine multiple video files, layer different video and audio tracks, and add title screens to your video without much fuss. It even includes video filters and some special effects, including picture-in-picture.
The latest version of Apple iMovie keeps up with the trends in video, supporting 4K video editing. So, all that 4K video you capture on your iPhone can be turned into a movie in iMovie. If you haven’t done video editing before, this is a good place to get started before moving on to more serious software.
Best for Pros: Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Adobe’s Premiere Pro CC (Creative Cloud) software is a powerful video editor for professionals putting out movies, short films, and the like. Of course, it’s also a viable option for hobbyists looking to sharpen their teeth on a video editor that gets used in professional positions. If you’re not trying to go professional with your editing quite yet, you may want to check out the next pick.
Adobe Premiere Pro CC is a constantly evolving video editing software, as Adobe rolls out updates over time. Rather than buying a single edition of the software, you pay for a subscription as long as you’re using it. An added perk is that the software isn’t exclusive to Mac, so you can switch between different computers with different operating systems if you need to.
That subscription gives you access to Premiere Pro for editing all sorts of video, from 3D and even 8K. You’ll also be able to handle audio tracks, add graphics, manage light and color, and effectively put together whatever video you can imagine. If you use Adobe’s other software, like Photoshop or Illustrator, then Premiere Pro will be a great option for easily integrating different workflows.
Easiest-to-Use Cross-Platform Editor: Adobe Premiere Elements 2018
Adobe Premiere Elements 2018 is almost exactly what it sounds like. It’s a stripped down version of the pro Premiere software. This does make it a little less capable, and new features aren’t constantly rolling out to it, but it works as an easily approachable video editing software for those just getting started. And, without a subscription model, you can pay for the software once and you’re set.
If you’re an amateur just getting started with video editing, and especially if you’re not planning on going pro, then Premiere Elements 2018 will be an excellent pick for you. While Premiere Elements does give you plenty of tools for putting together multiple video, image, and audio files into one complete video, it also has some tools to help you make a better video if you’re not a savvy editor already. Plus, the software is available on both Mac and PC.
Premier Elements 2018 helps you organize the files you’ll be using in your video, and it can guide you through the editing process from beginning to end. It will also let you add in some fun little effects to spice up your video. And, in keeping with the times, it supports 4K video.
Best Open-Source Software: Shotcut
Shotcut is highly versatile free video editing software available on Mac and PC. Once you get past the somewhat steep learning curve, you’ll find you can do quite a lot with Shotcut. And, since it’s a free software, you have the option of seeing whether or not you like it without having to pay a cent.
Shotcut is a multi-track editing software like any other serious software, and you can readily rearrange the workspace to suit your editing needs. Shotcut supports a wide variety of file types for both input and output, including 4K video. Plus, you can edit audio, color, and lighting effects in Shotcut.
Though Shotcut isn’t the easiest software to just pick up and start editing videos with, the nature of being a free software means plenty of people are using it and making incredibly helpful tutorial videos or guides on how to use it. And, if you want a readily portable option, Shotcut is it, since you can run it directly off an external storage drive.
Best Starter Freeware: Lightworks
Lightworks blends the offerings of a free editing software with a paid one. Compared to Shotcut, it has an easier learning curve, but some of the features that you’ll want may be part of the paid Lightworks Pro version, such as the ability to export your final product in more video formats and higher resolutions.
Whether or not you need the free or paid versions is a question you can answer for yourself later on though, as either will let you import a wide range of file formats, easily edit together multiple files, manage your audio, add titles, and tweak your visuals.
The free version of Lightworks will be a fine option for anyone who isn’t concerned much about video resolution, as you’ll still be able to output web-ready 720p videos. But, if you try out Lightworks, like how it works, and want to stick with it as your video editor of choice, you can upgrade to the Pro software and start putting out high-quality video. Plus, Lightworks is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, so you’ll be able to stick with Lightworks even if you stop using a Mac later on.
Best Freeware: DaVinci Resolve 15
If you’re ready to get started editing all kinds of videos and putting out the final product in a high-quality, 4K format without having to pay a cent to do so, then DaVinci Resolve 15 is a great option. While there is a paid Studio version, you’ll really only need to go with that if you’re planning to do some collaboration or want access to a few of the software’s more advanced tools and effects.
For the most part, DaVinci Resolve 15 is going to give you plenty of functionality to take your footage, organize it with data to help you find what you need, and edit it all together. Once you’re done, you can output in just about any format you need, whether you want the highest quality or something that’s ready to upload quickly to YouTube.
If you want a video editing software you can get serious with, then DaVinci Resolve 15 fits the bill. It’s just a bonus that the free version is so capable because it’ll give you a chance to try it for yourself and see if it feels like something you can really use.
Best for Tutorial and Presentation Videos: Camtasia
Camtasia is particularly handy if you’re planning to make videos that will use footage captured from your computer screen. That’s because it’s a screen recorder and video editor built into one product.
With Camtasia, you’ll be able to record the screen and audio of your computer or even your iOS device. If you’re putting together tutorial videos, this capability will be incredibly useful. Plus, you have the option of adding webcam footage on top of the screen-captured video.
Beyond screen-capture, Camtasia also gives you multi-track timeline editing and tools for transitions, animations, audio and video effects, and annotations. If you want to make a presentation video, you can also add in a PowerPoint. So, whether you’re an educator, business professional, or just trying to put some tutorials up on YouTube, Camtasia offers tools you can use to capture and edit the video you need. A free trial will give you a chance to see if its tool and features a good fit for you.
What to Look for in Video Editing Software for a Mac
Free vs. paid - If you’re a beginner just dipping your toes into the world of video editing, a free software program is probably your best bet. If you have more advanced needs, you’ll likely need to pay to access the features you’ll need. However, most software programs have free trials that let you try them before you buy them.
Simple Video Editor Mac Os
File compatibility - Before you commit to a new program, make sure it’s compatible with the type of video you’ll be shooting. While some programs support 4K video, others don’t, and yet others will support 3D and 4K. Be sure to consider both the input and output formats you’ll need.
Extra features - Most video editing programs can handle the basics—merging clips, adding transitions, and laying down audio—but the extra features are what will take your video from amateur to expert. Look for handy features like multi-track timelines, filters, special effects, and more.
Why you need to have video editor softwares
We all have a lot of movies and videos stored in our MacBook devices. We might need do some changes to the video and movie files. We often need to perform tasks like compressing videos to reduce file size, merging videos to create a collage, chopping and cutting movies to delete unwanted parts, syncing over audio tracks etc. For these purposes, the in-built QuickTime Video interface isn’t always adequate. In addition, a good video editor offers many more features. That’s why, help from third party softwares becomes essential. Here are the best of the best video editing softwares for Mac OS X El Capitan (10.13 High Sierra included).
#1. Filmora Video Editor
Filmora Video Editor is the flagship video editing software for Mac 10.11 EL Capitan (10.13 High Sierra included). It's a simple, elegant and highly powerful video editor. All the basic options like cropping, cutting, overlapping, merging and compressing are available even in the free trial version of the software. The paid version has even better features. You get access to over 300 movie edit styles that are just shy of being full-throttle movie making. You get some cool graphic editing tools like sepia, blue tint and ocean effects that will certainly elevate your home movies and phone movies to a whole new level of sophistication!Pric: $44.99 for a licence of one year. $59.99 for a lifetime licence.
Rating: 9.0/10
#2. Pinnacle Studio 18.5
Pinnacle Studio 18.5 for Mac OS X El Capitan is a dream editor for all the professional video tinkerers out there. Pinnacle Studio 18.5 offers a host of features that aren't found in most other video editors. To begin with, it can be said that the interface is quite unique and there is a choice of over 100 skins to customise the interface to your liking. The video editing itself is easy as you like. There are in-built tutorials present to make sure you get it right in the first go. Pinnacle Studio 18.5 allows users to post the edited videos directly to top video hosting websites like YouTube, Vimeo and Vevo.
Price: No free trial. Lifetime license for a standard edition is available at $59.95.
Rating: 8.0/10
#3. Movavi Editor for Mac
Movavi is a popular movie editor for Mac. It is a fairly small sized applications that packs a good punch. All the standard video editing tools are available right on the front panel of Movavi. You can also customise this front panel to suit your needs.
Movavi Editor for Mac OS X El Capitan comes equipped with a complete online and cloud integration from Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, iCloud and Amazon Cloud. This means that you can import videos directly from your cloud accounts and edit them without actually downloading them!
Movavi is one of the most downloaded softwares in the Mac OS Universe.
Price: Free trial for 7 days. You can use a licenced copy available for $39.99 for up to 3 MacBook devices.
Rating: 8.0/10
#4. Final Cut Pro X
Our final entry in the top 5 video editor softwares for Mac OS X El Capitan is Final Cut Pro X. It must be understood that Final Cut Pro X is not meant for the use by beginners. It is more of a high-end of video editing tools available. Final Cut Pro is from the Apply Family of softwares and hence it can be relied upon for the highest quality and efficiency.
Final Cut Pro X offers the users over 200 various video cutting and splitting options that can help to make movies to a professionally sophisticated standard. You can even create 3D titles using Final Cut Pro X. Major media houses including Disney use Final Cut Pro X for the production of most of their commercials!
The number of features available with Final Cut Pro X may discourage an average user because of their difficulty levels. However, there are many tutorials available on YouTube to help you learn your way around Final Cut Pro and within no time you will be a video editor expert!
Price: Free trial for ten day. Lifetime licence for $299.99 (available on iTunes).
Best Video Editor For Mac
Rating: 6.5/10
Comparison
Free Video Editing On Mac
Filmora Video Editor
| Beginner friendly | $19.95 (one year) | Yes Dropbox, Box, iCloud | None | |
Pinnacle Studio 18.5 | Intermediate | $59.95 | No | YouTube, Vimeo, Vevo |
Movavi Video Editor | Intermediate | $39.99 | Yes Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, iCloud | YouTube |
Final Cut Pro X | Expert | $299.99 | Yes Dropbox and iCloud | iTunes, YouTube |