Video editing software can be divided into two main categories – closed source and open source. Closed source is a common video editor that offers all the basic features like cropping, rendering speed, adding an audio track, etc. An open source video editor usually has a bit more professional approach than what you find. in a closed source one.
Open source video editing software contains source code that allows you to customize the program according to your needs. As such, anyone with a bit of coding knowledge and video editing experience is likely to prefer using an open source video editor.
Video editing is an industry that has undergone significant evolution over the past few years. The ability to perform simple tasks like trimming a video or adding a background audio track is much easier than before. We no longer need to run to video editing workshops or seek help from professional editors to get what we want. We can do everything ourselves without leaving home.
When it comes to video editing software, there are many options to choose from. The real hurdle is finding the right software for your needs. Downloading a substandard version will only lead to disappointment and a poor finished product. It only emphasizes the need to choose the right one the first time.
Best Open Source Video Editing Apps
So which is the best option? This answer depends on what kind of video editing you are trying to do. Do you need a green screen or picture-in-picture feature? If you are YouTube, this is most likely a resounding yes!
What about the ability to share the finished product directly on social media after it’s finished? What about some smart features like various editing modes or smart cut?
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This is what you need to ask yourself when you decide to use a video editing program. The entries in this list below try to cover all the basics you will need in most situations to simplify the tasks required to create a more professional product.
Lightworks
Lightworks is arguably the oldest film editing tool on the market. It is an Emmy award winning open source video editor. It supports resolutions up to 4000 in both SD and HD formats and is compatible with all major operating systems such as Windows, Mac OSX and Linux.
It’s an awesome tool that lets you create professionally edited high quality videos for free. Lightworks is incredibly fast, offering editors Hollywood-level detail for their video projects that you can share with other contributors using the app.
The interface is slightly different from most free editors, but it is customizable and allows you to rearrange the various controls and windows according to what works best for you.
There is a paid version of Lightworks, Lightworks Pro, which is offered for easier video editing. The free version gives you all the rudimentary stuff you could want, and there is a Red Hat Package Manager (RPM) or Linux Debian (.deb) file to download.
The Pro version provides the ability to export to non-MPEG formats, publish 4K videos directly to YouTube, and export 3D videos. In truth, you can find everything you need in the free version. If, after trying the free version, you want to update it, it’s always at hand.
Overall, Lightworks is easy to use, enables real real-time collaboration through project sharing for groups, and amazingly optimized speed so you can create Hollywood blockbusters in no time.
Mixer
Blender is one of the best free video editing software currently available. It is a 3D graphics tool for creating animated films, 3D applications, video games, and visual effects. The program offers features such as 3D modeling, rigging, texturing, smoke, fluid modeling, animation, rendering, skinning, and video editing.
Blender is an open source program that offers more than what regular video editors do. It is a complete 3D animation tool that enables rendering, modeling and motion tracking, among other things. The video editing side offers many features like transitions, filters, speed control, adjustment layers, and more.
32 slots designed to add sound clips, video clips, effects and images to help you create incredibly complex video.
For the aspiring video editor, all of the available features that seem overwhelming at first glance may become familiar. It will take some time to learn all the intricacies of Blender. As a beginner, it’s best to find some guides on YouTube to speed things up and help you become a serious video editor.
All in all, if you want to create professional quality videos and avoid using watermarks, consider using Blender as it is one of the best video creation and editing solutions out there.
DaVinci Resolve 16
DaVinci Resolve 16
DaVinci Resolve 16 is a professional-grade video editing application that is incredibly powerful and free for anyone who wants to try it out. All the standard basic features like creating a project, merging clips, trimming, adding a soundtrack, and even using color effects for mood and tone are pretty easy to use.
This is true even for beginners to edit video because of the classic interface of the application. Anything beyond the basics, though, and you should consult the manual.
Editors who fall somewhere between amateurs and professionals will find DaVinci Resolve offers many rewards for those looking to take the time to learn how it works. However, you will need a fairly powerful setup if you are going to use one. Powerful applications need a machine that can handle what something like DaVinci Resolve 16 has to offer.
If your ambitions are moderate and all you really need video editing software for is some kind of casual video editing to share with family and friends on Facebook or YouTube, you might be better off with a more consumer-oriented app. But if you are planning to prove yourself as a potential artist and filmmaker, you will not be in the least disappointed with this product.
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