Best MacOS Apps / Software
Top 10 Free Editing Software for Mac: Unleash Your Creativity Without Breaking the Bank
The Shotcut App for Mac is a free, open-source, cross-platform video editing software. It supports a wide range of video formats and boasts a collection of comprehensive features. Users can cut, copy, paste, delete, or append clips, add various video filters, adjust colors and audio, and much more with an intuitive interface. The app also offers frame-accurate seeking for many formats, webcam capture, audio capture, and network stream playback.
🥳 Pros
- It has a multi-format timeline that boosts efficiency.
- Offers comprehensive audio features.
🥺 Cons
- Quite complex for beginners.
- Advanced features have steep learning curves.
Apple iMovie for Mac is a user-friendly video editing software that allows users to create and edit high-quality HD videos. It features a variety of editing tools and effects, including the ability to add music, voice overs, and special effects. Users can also create Hollywood-style trailers and stunning 4K-resolution movies. It features a streamlined design and is compatible with various video file formats.
🥳 Pros
- Extremely user-friendly, ideal for beginners.
- It has a broad selection of built-in effects and templates.
🥺 Cons
- Limited advanced editing options.
- The software is exclusive to Apple devices.
Content Blender for Mac is a productivity tool designed to seamlessly amalgamate data from different sources. This sophisticated app allows for easy content management, editing, and reformatting. Key features include text to speech, grammar checker, support for multiple languages, and cloud storage compatibility. It is built to help writers, content creators, and professionals streamline their content creation process.
🥳 Pros
- A myriad of options beyond just video editing.
- Used by many prestigious global companies.
🥺 Cons
- The software can be overwhelming for new users.
- Has a steep learning curve.
Lightworks is a professional, non-linear video editing software for Mac users. It offers a range of features for high-quality video editing, from basic trimming to complex audio and video FX. Supported video formats include 4K, 2K, and even HD. With its intuitive interface, Lightworks ensures efficient workflow whether you’re a beginner or an experienced editor. It also supports export for platforms like Vimeo, YouTube, and direct export for SD/HD.
🥳 Pros
- Provides professional-grade editing tools used in Hollywood.
- Guarantees high performance and quality.
🥺 Cons
- Limited features in the free version.
- The interface might be intimidating for beginners.
Avidemux is a free, open-source video editing software designed for Mac users. It facilitates easy cutting, filtering, and encoding tasks, supporting several file types including AVI, DVD, MP4, and ASF. The app’s lightweight design allows for smooth user experience and minimal system resource usage. Notable features include scripting capabilities, automatic project creation, and customizable video filters. Avidemux is a non-linear editing system, making it versatile for advanced and beginner users alike.
🥳 Pros
- Simple and easy to use.
- Ideal for simple editing tasks.
🥺 Cons
- Limited functions beyond basic editing tasks.
- Not suitable for complex projects.
HitFilm Express is a free video editing and visual effects software for Mac users. It offers a range of professional-grade tools and features such as 2D and 3D compositing, color correction and grading, particle simulation, and hundreds of visual effects. The software also supports unlimited tracks and transitions. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, providing a comprehensive solution for creating feature films, music videos, and YouTube content.
🥳 Pros
- Seamless mix of video editing and visual effects.
- Offers over 400 effects and presets.
🥺 Cons
- Requires system resources for optimum performance.
- The interface might be complex for new users.
OpenShot for Mac is a robust, open-source video editing software ideal for both beginners and professionals. Provided with a simple drag-and-drop interface, it offers a variety of features including unlimited tracks/layers, 3D animation, video effects, and key-frame animation. It supports a wide range of codecs and formats. In addition to standard video editing features, it also enables users to apply transitional effects, adjust audio levels, and add titles or captions.
🥳 Pros
- Simple and very easy to use.
- Ideal for basic video editing tasks.
🥺 Cons
- Lacks advanced editing tools.
- May be too basic for professional use.
DaVinci Resolve for Mac is a robust video editing software that offers advanced color correction and grading, visual effects, and motion graphics capabilities. This app supports up to 8K editing and includes a built-in Fairlight digital audio workstation for seamless audio post-production. With multi-user collaboration features, it enables teams to work efficiently on the same project. Known for its powerful performance and precision tools, DaVinci Resolve is a renowned choice among professionals.
🥳 Pros
- All-in-one editing, color grading, effects, and audio post-production.
- Preferred by professionals.
🥺 Cons
- Requires a high-performance machine.
- Not suitable for beginners.
ZS4 Video Editor for Mac is a powerful video editing tool that allows users to combine photos, videos, and audio files into one. Its notable features include over 150 built-in effects and transitions, multi-track editing, key-frame animation and more. This editor is well-suited for professionals and amateurs, offering advanced editing capabilities like chroma keying and masking. It supports numerous file formats, ensuring broad compatibility.
🥳 Pros
- Very user-friendly, ideal for beginners.
- Can handle both video and audio editing.
🥺 Cons
- Has limited features.
- May not be suitable for professional editing.
The Jahshaka app for Mac is a robust open-source media editing software. It allows users to create, edit, and animate digital content, including videos and audios. The platform supports real-time image processing, 2D and 3D animation, compositing, and various effects. It also offers color correction and grading features. Jahshaka is ideal for graphical artists, filmmakers, and digital content creators.
🥳 Pros
- Open-source and free.
- Supports digital compositing.
🥺 Cons
- Lacks frequent updates.
- The tool is less intuitive compared to others.
🏁🏁 Conclusion 🏁🏁
In conclusion, there are various free editing software options available for Mac users. It all comes down to the complexity of your project and your level of expertise. So, go ahead, give these software a spin and let your creativity soar!🚀
FAQ
Is editing software for Mac expensive?
Typically, professional editing software can be expensive, however, the article recommends top 10 free editing software for Mac.
Do I have to pay for updates for these free editing software?
Most free editing software offers updates without any extra charge.
Can I use these editing software for commercial purposes?
Yes, many free editing software allow you to use them for commercial purposes but it varies per software so it’s recommended to check the license agreement.
What types of files can I edit with these software?
The options vary per software but generally, you can edit photos, videos, audio files, and documents.
Do free editing software lack features in comparison to paid ones?
Although paid software may have more advanced features, you can accomplish a great deal with the recommended free software.
Can I use these software on other platforms besides Mac?
Some of the recommended software are cross-platform, meaning you can use them on other platforms besides Mac. However, it’s best to check the specifications of each software.
Will using free software increase the possibility of getting viruses on my Mac?
As long as you download the software from a credible source, such as the official website, there shouldn’t be any virus concerns.
Do these recommendations require a lot of storage space on my Mac?
The storage needs depend on each software. However, most of the recommended free software are designed to be lightweight and not necessarily occupy large storage space.
Can I edit 4K videos with these free software?
Some of the recommended software should support 4K video editing but it’s advisable to check with each specific software.
Are these software user-friendly for beginners?
Indeed, most of the software recommended in the article are known for their user-friendly interfaces.
Why should I consider free editing software?
Free editing software is a great way to start learning and practicing without making a financial investment. They also come handy for users having a limited budget.
Can I work on large, complex projects using these free software?
While commercial-grade software may be better suited for larger projects, many of the recommended free software can handle a variety of projects quite efficiently.
Do these software provide customer support?
While some free applications do offer customer support, it’s not always guaranteed.
Are tutorial resources available for these software?
Many of these software have community forums, online tutorials and resources to help you get started.
Can the software handle multiple editing layers?
Yes, many of them do support multi-layer editing, but you should check the specific software for confirmation.
Is there a chance of these software becoming paid in the future?
While it’s not often the case, there is a possibility of a free software switching to a paid model in the future.
Do these software support file conversion?
Many of the recommended software do support file conversion, but it’s best to confirm with the specific software.
Does these software come with pre-set filters and effects?
Most of these editing software do come with a variety of pre-set filters and effects to optimize your creativity.
Would these software slow down my Mac?
Most of the recommended software are optimized to be efficient and lightweight and should not cause significant slow down of your Mac.
Are there in-app purchases within these software?
Some free software might offer additional features or enhancements via in-app purchases, but many of them provide a fully-functional software without any hidden costs.
What are some examples of the best free editing software available for Mac users?
There is a variety of free editing software that Mac users can utilize; some prominent examples include iMovie, Blender, Shotcut, HitFilm Express, and DaVinci Resolve. These applications offer robust capabilities and are ideal for both beginners and professional video editors.
Could you briefly describe the features of iMovie for Mac?
iMovie is an excellent option for Mac users seeking free video editing software. It’s user-friendly and boasts features like high-fidelity filters, built-in music and sound effects, control over speed, the ability to add text, and the choice to create Hollywood-style trailers. Additionally, it allows users to share their finished projects directly on social media platforms.
What capabilities does Blender have as a free editing software for Mac?
Blender is a highly versatile free editing software available for Mac users. More than just a video editor, Blender is a 3D creation tool that offers capabilities such as modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, and motion tracking. In terms of video editing, Blender provides a robust set of tools for both basic actions, like cutting and splicing, and more complex tasks, such as video masking.
Can you provide details about the functionalities of Shotcut for Mac?
Providing versatility and broad editing capabilities, Shotcut is another free editing software worthy of consideration by Mac users. It is open-source, supports a wide range of formats, and offers a considerable degree of customization. Key features include audio and video effects, speed control, and filters for color grading. Additionally, Shotcut does not require importation, which means native timeline editing and multi-format timelines are achievable.
What are some of the standout features of HitFilm Express and DaVinci Resolve as free editing software for Mac?
HitFilm Express provides a range of professional-grade tools and features, such as a powerful video editor, numerous visual effects, free video tutorials, and ongoing updates. Meanwhile, DaVinci Resolve offers superior color correction and audio post-production features that make it a preferred choice by professionals. Furthermore, it includes a comprehensive set of editing tools, making it a complete post-production solution.