In need of inexpensive video editing? With these cost-free Mac video editors, you can carry out necessary video editing tasks.
Apple laptops have always been popular among creative workers, especially for processing photos and videos. Unfortunately, expensive software is required to use industry-standard programs like Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and Apple's own Final Cut Pro.
But there is still hope. You may choose from a variety of powerful, free video editing programs for Mac. Some are designed with novices in mind, while others, with their amazing feature sets, will delight experienced video editors.
These are some of our favorite free Mac video editors.
The 12 Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac in 2023
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1. iMovie
For Mac computers, a consumer-level video editor that is free. It works well with Apple hardware and is appropriate for the majority of DIY projects.
Anyone with a Mac may use iMovie at no cost. Additionally, iOS users who possess an iPhone or iPad can get it for free. Customers who wish to rapidly make videos using footage from their Photos library are the intended audience for the app. To make this possible, iMovie has a streamlined timeline editor that disallows multi-track editing.
iMovie is a highly efficient tool that can handle 4K video and green screen compositing despite the linear editing and simple user interface. It enables you to create titles, add motion graphics like 3D globes or road maps, and drag-and-drop transitions. Picture-in-picture video and slow-motion/fast-forward visual effects are also supported.
The program comes with ready-to-use music and sound effects built in. Using the video you provide, it may create trailers in the Hollywood manner. Additionally, users may instantly export content from the app at a 4K resolution to YouTube and Vimeo. So, if you were seeking for a straightforward, free, all-in-one video editor for your Mac, this is it.
2. DaVinci Resolve
A strong, professional-grade video editor that regrettably lacks the color grading features for which its creators are renowned.
DaVinci Resolve's Studio edition costs $295, however the free, entry-level version has the same excellent image-processing features as the more expensive version. A potent video editor, some of the greatest color correction tools available, and even support for additional hardware panels to speed up editing are all included.
There are, of course, restrictions. The primary drawback is that Resolve can only export in SD, HD, or Ultra HD, but most users probably won't need anything more. Additionally, the app has restrictions on several sophisticated tracking and grading functions. However, the major purpose of these limitations is to persuade business users to upgrade.
DaVinci Resolve is one of the most potent video editing suites on the globe, and you get a lot for free. However, the tool may have a somewhat high learning curve. For additional information on how it compares to HitFilm Express and DaVinci Resolve.
3. OpenShot
An amazing feature set is offered by this Mac open-source video editor. However, the archaic UI can turn off some people.
A cross-platform, open-source program called OpenShot has been around since 2008. It was designed to offer a reliable, cost-free, and usable video editor. The project receives a number of significant changes per year, as would be expected of an open-source project with a small workforce.
Over time, OpenShot's feature set has expanded to include excellent support for a wide range of codecs, animation keyframes, and an infinite number of video or audio tracks. Additionally, it has titles, support for transitions and compositing, and a ton of other things you'd anticipate from a contemporary video editor.
Despite past dependability complaints, OpenShot is still worth a free trial.
4. Shotcut
Summary: a strong open-source editor with a better user interface than OpenShot.
Here is another open-source, free, and cross-platform video editor. Shotcut has a UI that is more attractive than OpenShot, although both programs have equally amazing feature lists. It resembles a premium application more than a free one.
The program is compatible with a large number of video file types, including 4K, ProRes, and DNxHD. A customizable user interface, a vast array of video effects (including compositing and transitions), and excellent audio capabilities are also included in Shotcut.
The availability of cutting-edge features like 5.1 surround sound, three-way color correction, and an enormous selection of video and audio filters is noteworthy. You can even view a full set of official video tutorials on the Shotcut website to get familiar with the editor.
5. Blender
Despite not being a specifically designed video editor, this is a strong, free tool.
Free 3D modeling and compositing software called Blender is employed in a number of well-known productions. However, many people are unaware that Blender can also be an effective non-linear video editor if they are prepared to invest the effort in learning how to use it.
Blender may be used to apply adjustment layers, transitions, and filters, mix and sync audio, and cut and splice video. Although you probably won't be able to edit a full movie in Blender, it could be enough for little editing jobs.
Although Blender isn't the simplest program to use, it has a potent non-linear video editor built in. For additional information, see Daniel Pocock's brief tutorial on using Blender to edit films.
6. Lightworks
The powerful editor has a ton of capabilities, but the free version's output options are so severely limited that it almost feels like a trial.
One of the most potent applications on this list is Lightworks. If it weren't for the fact that it was so limiting for free users, we'd gladly suggest it over all the other options. Video effects, multi-cam editing, titling, and the customary multi-layered timeline approach you'd anticipate from a thorough editor are all included in the free edition.
Unfortunately, Vimeo and YouTube only support 720p output when rendering (exporting your project). You may render to Lightworks Archives as well, but you'll lose the ability to export to H.264, MP4, and even DVD.
Lightworks isn't a particularly enticing free editor for Mac users unless you want to properly test it out for free and upgrade afterwards, despite having a large toolbox.
7. Avidemux
An adequate freeware with some missing features and polish.
We also included Avidemux on our list of the top Linux video editors. Even though it's a simple tool, it excels at straightforward editing tasks. A wide range of input and output formats are supported by the application. The project also receives a number of updates each year, and development moves along steadily.
Fortunately, the team maintains uniformity throughout all three major versions, so if you choose the Mac package, you won't be missing out on any features.
For straightforward activities like resizing videos, adding video or audio filters, and transcoding, Avidemux is best used. If you look a bit harder, you can discover a competent script editor that can automate many of these routine activities.
For learning resources, be sure to check out the Avidemux Wiki; if you run into trouble, the Avidemux forum can offer assistance.
8. InVideo
A free online video editor that can compete with any offline program.
The Canva of video editing is InVideo. Canva is a free online graphic design tool for those who are not familiar. In essence, this means you may edit films directly from your browser and forego the hassle and mess that comes with offline tools.
This powerful free Mac video editing program has more than 5,000 film templates and more than 3 million pictures in the default media library. Did we mention that the videos won't have watermarks?
With InVideo, you can make a variety of things, including Facebook templates, YouTube intros, memes, slideshows, and more. You may benefit from features like automatic text-to-speech, 1GB of free cloud storage, and more with the free edition.
InVideo is the best option if the cloud is your thing. To get started, all you have to do is register on the official website.
9. Final Cut Pro
A simple-to-use tool for amateurs and experts in video editing.
For iMovie users, or at least those in the Apple ecosystem, Final Cut Pro is considered as the logical next step. Despite being a premium product, Apple provides a lengthy 90-day free trial period. To be exact, that is three months.
The Final Cut Pro free trial can be your best choice if you're just starting out in the field of video editing or only have a few projects to complete.
A straightforward drag-and-drop area, several editing effects, and a potent media management tool with Smart Collections and Auto-Analysis are all present. Additionally, it supports 360-degree multimedia and features the greatest VR headset capability.
Final Cut Pro is an all-around stunning Apple product that honors creators and their talents.
10. Cyberlink PowerDirector
A powerful tool for all your Mac video production requirements.
As its name indicates, Cyberlink PowerDirector is a potent Mac video editing program.
When we initially came across it, what drew our attention was the plethora of reliable features crammed into this program, the most of which were free.
More than 3,000 effects, themes, and around 6.4 million stock films and photographs are available in this Mac moviemaker.
Numerous more characteristics also need particular note, such as:
- Support for 4K video resolution
- Audio Denoising
- Monitor Tracking
- Compatibility with a massive list of video formats
- Video Collage Designer
- PiP Designer
- Speed Designer