1492
Arlington, VA
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Joined: 04/08/2005
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Bottom-line, you don't have to pay for video editing software. There are editors available for no cost, with no time restrictions or watermarks with their use. And can offer more power and features than paid software. You just need to take the time to learn how to use them, and there tends to be a number of YouTube instructional vids available.
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/XYegStO.jpgpx)
One video editor I recently looked at is the free, open source ShotCut. It's available on multiple platforms, and may be better suited for advance beginners or intermediates with working understanding of timeline editing. It actually has some features not supported on more advanced editors, and can import a wide range of video/audio formats. You can even edit DVD VOB (unencrypted) files directly, which are actually MPEG2, or import FLAC audio which some pro editors won't read natively. It can also edit formats such as Apple ProRes or HEVC MP5 formats. IMO, more powerful than either paid versions of Vegas Movie Studio or Premiere Elements.
It didn't take me long to get up and running using ShotCut, though for more advanced users the workflow is not as efficient as pro editors. Meaning, there were more steps and time required to achieve the same results. An example being adjusting a video clips volume, which requires adding a 'gain/volume' filter and adjusting levels in properties. Or changing the speed of a clip, such as slow motion, by going into its' properties.
Both of which can more easily be achieved in pro editors such as Davinci Resolve by using keyboard shortcuts, or doing so directly in the timeline.
One handy feature is that ShotCut is able to do a final export using the GPU, similar to Handbrake options, as long as you have a sufficiently equipped system. This software won't replace my pro editors, though will resort to using it specifically for legacy formats such as old DVD files or otherwise unsupported formats in my preferred editor.
My recommendations is still Davinci Resolve as it basically combines Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition into one editor for free, with no time or render limitations. Though admittedly, as an advanced editor, tends to be intimidating and has a higher learning curve for new users. My work pays for full Adobe CC license, though still prefer Davinci Resolve. I'd advice to skip the 4,000 page manual, and just watch the many videos available online.
Aside, recently back from NAB 2023 where Dolby showed me how to edit/mix their Dolby Vision and Atmos tracks in Davinci Resolve. You can even encode and playback to Dolby Atmos home systems. Though not to movie theater cinema processors (Dolby CP850), as this requires it to be packaged only by licensed Dolby facilities.
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ZenMartian
Ohio
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Joined: 06/20/2022
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I personally use Movavi. It's not as intimidating as other editing software can be, with a pretty intuitive interface, and it didn't bust my budget. I've edited some old family videos on it with pleasing results. Plus, it's got a nice array of titling, transitions, and special effects, which can add a modern touch to digital conversions.
* This post was
edited 10/01/23 05:27am by ZenMartian *
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JimBollman
Lost State of Franklin
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Joined: 08/31/2006
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Another vote for iMovie on a Mac. Been using it for many years and it id free. Not real fancy but it is great for simple editing. Glad it worked for the OP and it is free if you have a Mac.
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deltabravo
Spokane, WA
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Joined: 09/08/2003
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Im soon going to switch to Davinci Resolve from Adobe Premiere. I'm tired of the monthly subscription model that Adobe places on all their creative software.
2009 Silverado 3500HD Dually, D/A, CCLB 4x4 (bought new 8/30/09)
2018 Arctic Fox 992 with an Onan 2500i "quiet" model generator
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