Popular video editing software
Today even beginners can create videos people actually watch, spending very little time on it. Video editing software is evolving fast. Once you find the one that's most comfortable to work with, you can assemble anything from clips to full films. With a bit of learning, you can create content on par with trained professionals. But you can't always tell with one click whether a program suits you. What's more, you may not even know that there are video editing programs out there that could help you bring that very creative idea to life.
So today we'll look at top video software — simple interfaces, yet powerful features.
DaVinci Resolve video editor
DaVinci Resolve holds a prominent place on the list. Although the basic version is free, it's no worse than more expensive programs.
Its biggest strength is functionality. You can work with the footage (edit, process frame by frame) and adjust the audio track. Exporting is easy.
Let's look at the features in more detail. With DaVinci Resolve, you get:
-
A very simple interface.
-
A multilingual interface.
-
Filters, titles, transitions.
-
A large number of presets.
-
Support for multiple formats.
-
A good converter. Render straight for YouTube.
-
Audio recording tools.
-
Optimisation for different screens, even phones.
-
A trial period during which you don't pay.
Video is also edited in Adobe Premiere Pro. Almost everyone has heard of it. Premiere isn't for beginners who just want to stitch together a one-minute clip. It's used even in Hollywood.
What you get:
-
Real-time editing.
-
Localised versions.
-
Regular updates from the developer if you have a licensed version.
-
Control over contrast, colour and many other parameters.
-
High quality.
-
Non-linear editing.
-
Built-in filters and effects, plus the option to install extra ones.
-
Support for various formats.
-
Animation tools.
-
A free one-month trial.
Popular video editing programs are great. But your computer's or laptop's specs matter more. To not only install Premiere but use all its features, you need powerful hardware.
Sony Vegas Pro
Sony Vegas is also considered one of the best. TV series are often made in it. It's also suitable for short films and similar projects. When you first open Vegas, you may want to uninstall it right away, because it looks very complicated. But that's only at first glance. With a little practice, you'll be doing everything with your eyes closed. The position of every button (you realise this later) is carefully thought out, so it's very convenient.
You can practise first before diving in. The developers offer a simplified version — VEGAS Movie Studio.
The full version offers:
-
A wide choice of effects, audio track settings, filters and templates.
-
Non-linear editing.
-
A feature that removes background noise.
-
Colour grading.
-
Preserved source quality.
-
Picture-in-picture.
-
Real-time editing.
-
A multilingual interface, making it easier to learn. If you're not sure VEGAS is right for you, at least try the free version. But one notable drawback must be mentioned: saving takes annoyingly long.
-
Finally, simple video editors for beginners. There are more advanced video programs, but with these you can still create professional content. Despite the simple design, you get plenty of effects and features.
-
Key features:
-
Over 30 formats to save your project in.
-
Non-linear editing.
-
You can save the footage, images and audio track.
-
Beautiful titles and animation.
-
You can also add text.
-
You can render straight to the web.
The interface is intuitive — you won't have to hunt for the right slider. You can test it during a free trial. But you won't be able to evaluate everything, as some features are only available in the full version. You can check prices online. Don't buy from unverified sources, or all your creative work could go down the drain.
Use these programs if you don't plan to work at a professional level. The features will be more than enough at first. Once you've mastered these tools, you can move on to more complex software. But nothing stops you from starting with advanced tools right away: use trial versions to see whether an option suits you or you should keep looking. Convenient software is the key to quality results and strong nerves.
