Video Editing Software Guide
Video editing software is a tool used to arrange and edit video clips. It can be used for a variety of tasks, including creating professional-looking videos, adding special effects, and compressing large files. With the right software, you can create engaging videos that look great no matter what platform they're viewed on.
At its simplest level, video editing software lets you compile footage from multiple sources into one file. You can trim sections out of existing clips or combine them with other assets. Most programs also include features such as fading transitions between clips, voiceover recording capabilities, color correction tools, sound mixing options, and text overlays for titles or credits screens.
Advanced users have access to more complex features such as Multicam editing (editing footage from different angles at the same time), chroma-key (also known as green screen) techniques for compositing backgrounds with foreground subjects in real-time during capture, and advanced audio controls for perfecting your mix. More sophisticated applications also offer time remapping and slow-motion effects.
While some users may prefer to use basic editing programs like iMovie or Windows Movie Maker to quickly assemble edited content without having to learn how to use complicated tools, those who want amazing results should consider using a professional-grade application like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro X if they’re serious about the craft—both of which offer powerful feature sets that can give you total control over your project’s end result.
In addition to the vast selection of available programs on the market today—ranging from free apps designed for amateur producers all the way up to high-end paid solutions made specifically for professionals—there are plenty of online tutorials that make learning how to use these pieces of specialized software much easier than it used to be just a few years ago. There’s no better time than now to get started making videos in a fun and creative way!
Features Offered by Video Editing Software
- Cutting: Video editing software allows users to cut out sections of video. This feature enables them to remove unwanted footage and rearrange the timeline.
- Cropping: Cropping allows users to adjust the size of the frame, cutting off any parts of the image they don’t want, such as a person walking in front of the scene.
- Adding Titles, Text, and Graphics: Users can add titles, text and graphics over their videos in order to provide context or create an aesthetic effect.
- Color Correction/Grading: Color correction/grading helps balance colors in a frame as well as give it an overall look and feel that is pleasing to the eye.
- Audio Mixing: Audio mixing offers users tools for controlling their audio levels and making adjustments so their sound will fit with the visuals perfectly.
- Animation Effects & Transitions: Animation effects are available for creating more interesting transitions between scenes or adding visual effects such as explosions or smoke trails into a video clip.
- Speed Control: Speed control allows users to slow down or speed up any section of their video clip depending on what they need it for.
- Time Remapping: Time remapping lets you change the length of your clips without changing the playback speed. This lets you quickly change how long a scene stays on screen without resorting to cutting out parts or speeding it up too much where you lose details in fast-moving scenes.
- Green Screen/Chroma Key: Chroma keying enables you to remove your background entirely and replace it with any other image or video. This feature is most commonly used for putting someone in a new environment.
Different Types of Video Editing Software
- Non-linear Editing Software: These types of programs are designed for users to quickly assemble footage and edit video. They typically include powerful features such as the ability to add text, special effects, music, and other elements. This type of software is used by professional editors and filmmakers.
- Online Video Editors: These web-based tools allow users to upload and edit their videos from anywhere with an internet connection. They generally offer basic editing options such as trimming, adding titles or captions, adjusting audio levels, or cropping a video frame.
- Motion Graphics Software: This type of software is used to create motion graphics and animated sequences for videos. It includes tools for creating 3D animations as well as more complex visual effects (VFX).
- Audio Editing Software: Used primarily by sound engineers, this type of program enables users to adjust the audio level and mix multiple tracks together in order to create a final soundtrack. It also includes noise removal tools that can help reduce background noise in a recording.
- Color Grading Software: This type of software allows directors and cinematographers to adjust the color palette within their footage in order to enhance its visual appeal or create certain moods and themes within a project. It also includes advanced techniques such as chroma keying (green/blue screen effect) which enables users to place objects within a scene that appears onscreen against an otherwise blank backdrop.
- AI Video Editing Software: This type of software uses artificial intelligence to improve and speed up the video editing process.
Benefits of Using Video Editing Software
- Capture Quality Footage: Video editing software enables you to capture high-quality footage from a variety of sources, including cameras, computers, and mobile devices. This allows you to create professional-looking videos without having to invest in expensive equipment.
- Edit Easily: Video editing software makes it easy to edit video files quickly and intuitively. With the right software, you can easily make cuts, add transitions, and adjust the speed or color saturation of your videos. You can also add music or voiceover narration for added impact.
- Create Special Effects: Most video editing software packages come with an array of special effects you can use to enhance your projects. From motion graphics to 3D animations and everything in between, these tools enable you to take your creativity even further than ever before.
- Share Your Projects: Using video editing software, you can save your projects in various formats and then share them online or via physical media. This makes it easier than ever for aspiring filmmakers to get their work out there for the world to see!
Who Uses Video Editing Software?
- Amateur videographers: Individuals who are just starting out in video editing and don't have much experience.
- Professional videographers: People who have been editing videos for a long time and specialize in creating high quality videos.
- YouTubers: Content creators that use video editing software to create engaging videos for YouTube.
- Teachers and Students: Educators and students who use video editing software to create educational content, such as tutorials or lectures.
- Motion graphic designers: Creative professionals that create motion graphics with the help of video editing software.
- Film directors: Professionals responsible for creating feature length films by piecing together various scenes with the help of video editing software.
- Corporate Video Editors: Companies that require executives or marketers to produce promotional videos often employ professional editors with specialized knowledge of how to edit the footage properly.
- Commercial Videographers: Professionals hired by brands or organizations to produce commercials, documentaries, or other types of media projects using video editing software tools.
- Video game creators: Developers building video games often rely on video editing software to create animated sequences or scenes for their titles.
How Much Does Video Editing Software Cost?
The cost of video editing software varies greatly depending on which program you choose and the features it offers. There are a few free options out there, such as Windows 10’s built-in Photos app, but these generally have limited functionality. More fully-featured programs can range anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the editing capabilities they provide and the tools offered. Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro X come with extensive feature sets that allow for more professional results, but also come at far higher price points than many basic video editors. Additionally, some of these programs may require an ongoing subscription to access their full feature set, while others may offer a one-time purchase option with periodic updates included in the cost. Ultimately, choosing the right video editing software for your needs is largely dependent on your budget and what type of projects you plan to create.
Types of Software that Video Editing Software Integrates With
Software that integrates with video editing software includes photo editors and graphic design software, digital asset management software, special effects packages, captioning tools, audio production software and color grading software. Photo and image editors are used to enhance photos or graphics that are going to be added to a video project. Media management programs help organize the video clips in a project so they can be easily found. Special effects packages can be used to add exciting visuals such as 3D robot animations or laser-light shows within the video. Captioning tools allow text to be added for subtitles or credits either at the beginning or end of a movie. Audio production software gives users access to sound libraries designed for particular scenes as well as allows for editing of audio tracks. Lastly, color grading software enables users to change the overall look of a scene by adjusting colors in particular segments of the footage. AI video generators also sometimes offer video editing features.
What are the Trends Relating to Video Editing Software?
- Increased Focus on Professional-Grade Features: Video editing software in recent years has seen an increased focus on professional-grade features, including support for higher resolution cameras, improved audio/video sync capabilities, and expanded color grading tools. This allows video editors to create more polished and professional-looking projects.
- Integration with Mobile Platforms: Many video editing software packages now offer mobile integration, allowing users to edit their videos from any device, no matter where they are. This makes it easier for users to create projects on the go and share them quickly.
- Support for Virtual Reality Content: As virtual reality becomes more popular, video editing software has also begun to support this format. This allows users to create immersive experiences with 360° videos and other VR content.
- Automation Tools: Automation tools have become increasingly popular in recent years as they make it easier for editors to apply effects and transitions quickly and accurately. This can save a lot of time when working on larger projects.
- Cloud Storage Options: Many video editing software packages now offer cloud storage options, allowing users to store their projects online rather than on a local drive. This gives users access to their files from any device with an internet connection, as well as providing a layer of security in case of hardware failure or data loss.
How to Find the Right Video Editing Software
Selecting the right video editing software can be difficult. A few key factors to consider when choosing what type of software to use are: budget, skillset, and features desired.
- Budget: How much money do you have to spend on video editing software? There are a variety of free or low-cost options available, as well as more expensive professional versions that may be better suited for higher-end projects. Knowing your limitations ahead of time will help narrow down your choices.
- Skillset: Do you have existing experience with video editing? If so, it’s important to select a program that is compatible with your current workflow and skill level. If you’re just starting out, there are many beginner-friendly programs available that provide an easy way to get up and running quickly without having to learn complex tools and techniques.
- Features: What types of features are most important for your project? Some programs come with robust color correction and audio editing options, while others offer basic cutting tools only. Review the feature list for each program before making a decision so you know exactly what types of edits can be performed within the program.
By considering these three factors before purchasing any video editing software, you can ensure that you select the right product for your needs and maximize its potential when creating videos.
Use the comparison engine on this page to help you compare video editing software by their features, prices, user reviews, and more.