The Mac is hugely popular among creative professionals, so it’s no great surprise that there are lots of video editing tools available for it. Whether you just want to add titles, transitions and a soundtrack, or you want to add Hollywood-style effects and access to professional color correction there’s a Mac application that will do the job.
The really great news is that many of these programs are free. You might expect that free video editing software would have fewer features or produce less professional results than expensive software, but many of the free tools featured here are more than good enough to produce professional-looking movies. The only downside is that they tend to have a steep learning curve and they don’t walk you through the process of editing. However, there are plenty of video on YouTube to help you get started. Here are the best free and paid-for video editing applications for the Mac.
Jul 12, 2018 The best video editing software for Mac is, ultimately, the one that does what you need to do in a way that you enjoy working. There’s lots of Mac video editing software, and much of it is free. Take time, try out as many applications as you can and choose the best one for you. Jun 28, 2020 This is Apple’s free video editing software, and it runs on both Mac OS and iOS platforms, so you can do you video editing just about wherever you go. For hobbyist and amateur filmmakers, Apple iMovie will have approachable tools to help you easily take your footage and edit a video.
Best free video editing software for Mac
1. iMovie
Apple’s consumer focused video editing tool used to only be free if you bought a new Mac. But now everyone can download it free from the Mac App Store. It’s a brilliantly easy to use application. One of its best features are the movie trailer themes that allow you to create amazing cinema-style trailers in a few minutes.
If you want to create your own movies, there are tons of effects, transitions, sound effects and title styles to help you. And it’s easy to import your own audio tracks and photos and add them to your production. If you’re looking for a free video editor for Mac, iMovie could be the only tool you’ll ever need.
2. DaVinci Resolve
If iMovie isn’t for you, give DaVinci Resolve a try. It’s the free version of DaVinci Resolve Studio, but being free doesn’t mean there aren’t many features. It’s loaded with professional tools like some of the best color correction and image stabilization there is. In the free version, you can work at frame rates up to 60fps and export your movie in SD, HD and Ultra HD.
It has a full digital audio workstation for sound editing, meaning you won’t have to leave the app to get the audio just the way you want it. It’s available on the Mac App Store, but if you want the full features of the free version, download it from the Blackmagic website.
3. Lightworks
While DaVinci Resolve gives away lots of its high end features in the free version, the same can’t be said of Lightworks. There’s still plenty here though, including: effects, multicam editing, titling, and a timeline with multiple layers.
There’s also access to royalty-free video and audio content for you to include in your projects. However, output in the free version is restricted to 1080p on Vimeo and 720p on YouTube. And there are no detailed export options for H.264 or MP4. Also, if you want to use the free version for more than seven days, you’ll have to register.
4. OpenShot
OpenShot is an open source video editor with a user interface that’s much simpler than most. That doesn’t mean it’s short of features, though. It has templates for creating titles, effects, the ability to remove the background from your video, and slow motion and time effects. You can also create 3D animated titles and effects, there’s support for unlimited tracks, and for more than 70 languages. The interface isn’t the slickest you’ll ever use, and there have been question marks over its reliability in the past, but it’s definitely worth trying if you want a free video editor for the Mac.
5. Video Editor MovieMator
Video Editor MovieMator allows you to trim, split, move, and merge clips from a variety of different sources. It handles every consumer file format you’re likely to need and can import directly from your iPhone or GoPro. There are lots of built-in effects and transitions, and, of course, you can add titles too.
The interface is simple enough for most people to get to grips with quickly and the real-time preview makes it easy to see exactly how your video is coming along. There is a significant limitation on the free version of the app — exports are listed to videos that are up to five minutes long. Also, there is only one transition and a handful of effects in the free version.
Best paid-for video editors for Mac
1. Final Cut Pro X
Final Cut Pro has come a long way since it was overhauled a few years ago and lost several features that caused lots of criticism to be directed at Apple. The fact that it’s designed by Apple means that it takes full advantage of hardware on the Mac, particularly the Mac Pro and iMac Pro. It pushes their multi-core CPU and GPUs to the maximum.
Features like the Magnetic Timeline 2 and Enhanced Timeline Index may be beyond the needs of most of us, but if you edit videos for a living, you’ll appreciate them. Support for up to 64 camera angles with automatic audio syncing is another feature that makes video professionals lives much easier. And of course, it supports the formats you would expect of a serious video editor including ProRes, RED, and XAVC, as well as H.264 from digital SLR cameras. When it comes to Mac video editing, Final Cut Pro X has all the bases covered.
2. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Like all of Adobe’s professional products, Premiere Pro is only available as a subscription package and subscribing for a year will cost you almost as much as buying Final Cut Pro X outright. However, if you prefer your video organisation tools and especially the timeline to look and work like a traditional non-linear video editor, you may prefer Premiere Pro over Final Cut’s Magnetic Timeline.
In other respects, Premiere Pro is very similar to its Apple rival, offering a full range of audio editing and color correction tools, as well as effects, support for multiple formats (including Apple’s ProRes) and all the output options you’re likely to need.
One area where Mac users will notice a difference is in rendering performance, particularly on a high-end Mac like a Mac Pro or iMac Pro. Adobe’s application is designed for Mac and PC and so optimized or for the Mac’s multi-core CPU and GPU the way that Final Cut Pro is.
3. Adobe Premiere Elements 2018
The simplest way to describe Premiere Elements is that it is to Premiere Pro what iMovie is to Final Cut Pro. But Elements and iMovie are two very different apps. For a start, while iMovie is free, Elements costs $100. The other main difference is that Elements is set up to automate much of the process of creating your movie masterpieces. So, for example, Quick mode takes the clips and other media you’ve imported and throws them together on the timeline, you can then re-order them, trim them and add transitions and other effects. Even here, however, the emphasis is on letting Elements do the hard work for you. So, press the Fix button and it will apply image stabilization and other ‘fixes.’ If you want to be more involved, a guided mode prompts you with onscreen tips. Of course, if you’d rather work completely manually, you can. Elements doesn’t make it as easy to import media as iMovie does, and you’ll have to download much of its additional content, like music scores, individually.
4. Filmora
FIlmora allows you to import clips from your Mac’s hard drive, a camera, and even from social media accounts. It has a somewhat quirky interface, that may take some getting used to if you’ve used other video editors. But it has plenty to commend it including lots of effects, titling options, and audio controls. It’s neatest feature could be the lighting preset options that allows you to emulate the look of Game of Thrones, Star Wars, or House of Cards at the click of a button.
How to make space for video on your Mac
Working with video editing software means you need lots of free space on your Mac’s main drive — video clips use several gigabytes of space for every hour of content, and that’s before you export the final version. You should also make sure your Mac is running at its optimal speed, you’ll need every ounce of power to render video.
One quick and easy way to both improve your Mac’s performance and clear space on its hard drive is to use CleanMyMac X. CleanMyMac identifies “junk” files that sit on your Mac’s drive, taking up space and slowing it down. It makes removing the files very easy and could claw back tens of gigabytes of space. You can download it free here.
The best video editing software for Mac is, ultimately, the one that does what you need to do in a way that you enjoy working. There’s lots of Mac video editing software, and much of it is free. Take time, try out as many applications as you can and choose the best one for you.
These might also interest you:
On this page, you will find 14 YouTube video editing software for beginners, amateurs, and professionals on both Windows and Mac operating systems. Check and find the best software to create fascinating videos for your followers on YouTube and other platforms now.
What Is The Best YouTube Video Editing Software
Most people who are looking for the best YouTube video editing software are beginners and amateurs. Some of them may also need to find the most professional video editing software for their jobs. Here are 14 top video editing software that you may refer to and find the best one to expand your business and fans on YouTube:
For All Users
For Professionals
For Beginners
For Amateurs
EaseUS Video Editor
Adobe Premiere Pro
Apple Final Cut Pro X
Windows Movie Maker
iMovie
Shotcut
HitFilm Express
Adobe Premiere Pro 2020
Sony Vegas Pro
Corel Video Studio Ultimate
Hitfilm Pro
Blender
CyberLink PowerDirector 365
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate
You may also interested in YouTube video editing software for other platforms:
From the brief list, you cannot directly decide which software is the best and the most suitable one for your current case. Read on and learn more features, pros, and cons of the listed software. You will find the best one immediately.
Easiest & Advanced YouTube Video Editing Software for All Levels of Users
Applies to: all levels of users, including beginners, amateurs, and even professionals.
If you are the one who prefers an easy-to-use video editing software with some advanced features including various visual and audio effects. Here, we would like to recommend you to try EaseUS Video Editor.
Features:
EaseUS Video Editor is an all-in-one software that requires a pinch of effort to trim, cut, split, merge, rotate, videos, crop image size, mix video clips, add video effects including transitions, and color grading, etc. It works on all Windows operating systems and even supports users to edit and export videos for free.
It applies to create videos for teaching, business or product presentation, training material, films, marketing, etc., for all levels of people in any field. You may apply this software to edit video, convert video to MP4, convert to MP4, etc. on your own.
Pros:
Support Windows 10/8.1/8/7.
Support to import all formats of media files.
Support color grading with 40+ filters, 50+ transitions, and 30+ overlays.
Support 40+ text templates with aminations and stylish fonts.
Support 100+ music backgrounds, sound effects, and 60+ elements to beautify videos.
Support voice recording and narration for videos, converting text to speech or vice versa.
Support multi-track editing, up to editing three tracks of videos or images with PIP effect.
Support free editing and exporting (with watermark).
Support to upload or publish videos to YouTube and other platforms directly.
Cons:
It charges for exporting videos with no watermark.
It doesn't support Mac OS.
Best YouTube Video Editing Software for Professionals
Applies to: Experienced users like amateurs, or professionals like directors or video editors who make a living on creating and editing videos.
Among hundreds and even thousands of video editing software around the world, we picked up two fascinating and best YouTube video editing software for professionals. One is Adobe Premiere Pro, and the other one is Apple Final Cut Pro X.
Features: Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the most powerful and the latest program for video editing. It's a smart tool that allows you to be a better storyteller with creative tools, integrated workflows, powerful compatibility with all formats, and platforms. It also integrates with all other Adobe products, including Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Adobe Audition, and Adobe Stock, etc. Getting started guides, tutorials and user guides are available online.
Pros:
Support any file formats
Support VR video, HDR and 8K footage
Support dozens of transition effects, multi-cam editing
Support an unlimited number of video tracks
Support professional color grading with Illuma tree color panel
Support to work on both Windows and Mac computers
Corel Video Editing Software For Mac Free
Cons:
Steep learning curve
Subscription-based pricing for per month (US$20.99/mo)
Features: Apple Final Cut Pro X is regarded as 'iMovie Pro' which provides advanced features for complex projects. It's a second to none choice for non-linear and non-destructive video editing with a large number of videos, audio, and image files. Pros:
Support multi-cam editing
Support HDR with advanced color grading
Support editing, audio, motion graphics, and delivery
Support 360-degree video editing for VR and real-time VR headset playback
Support 8K resolution
Support to work with third-party extensions
Support 30-day free trial
Cons:
Support macOS only.
Doesn't need a subscription but cost $ 299.99 for the full version
YouTube Video Editing Software for Beginners
Applies to: All levels of video editing lovers, YouTube beginners, or users who need a free yet powerful tool to create videos and share to YouTube.
As for beginners who know little about video editing, two of the most concerned features are free or cheap and versatility. Here are four free and featured video editing software for you to apply and produce exceptional visual content to upload to YouTube.
Windows Movie Maker
Note: Windows Movie Maker is no longer available for download. Websites that offer free downloads of Movie Maker are not offering the real thing. Be careful and check if you are downloading the right one.
Features: Windows Movie Maker provides a quick and straightforward way for Windows 7 and older OS users to edit videos. Users can add titles, trim, and cut videos in this software. It doesn't require any professional skills.
Pros:
100% Free
Support multiple video and image formats
Support simple video editing using clips, images with simple audio tracks
Support making photo slideshow
Support Windows OS below Windows 7
Cons:
No longer supported by Microsoft (but manually download is still available)
Limited Functionality: No transitions, filters or effects
Features: iMovie enables users you crop, trim, and arrange video clips in multiple ways. It also allows users to browse the video library and share beautiful moments, creating videos cross-platform (between iPhone, iPad, and Mac).
Pros:
100% Free
Support to browse and share video instantly
Support 29 trailer templates, customize video logs, names, etc.
Support creates and edits 4K and HD videos taken on the iPhone, a camera like GoPro, Ultra HD cameras, and Mac computers.
Support background music
Also available on iPhone
Cons:
Only for Mac OS
Importing formats limited
Lack of professional effects
Shotcut
Download link: https://shotcut.org/
Features:
Shotcut is a free, open-source, and cross-platform video editing software for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Although a simple video editing software for YouTube, Shotcut is an ideal alternative software for Windows Movie Maker with its powerful features.
Pros:
Support the latest audio and video format, including 4K resolution. Suppor multiple types of image formats, such as BMP, GIF, PNG, etc. Customizable audio features, such as audio volume control, audio filters, JACK transport sync, Tone generator, etc. Support plenty of types of video effects and 50+ video filters.
Cons:
Doesn't support the latest Windows 10/8 and latest macOS.
HitFilm Express
Download link: https://fxhome.com/hitfilm-express
HitFilm Express is a free video editing software with VFX tools to support beginners or YouTubers to create content, films or videos. Both Windows and Mac users can use it.
Pros:
Free
Support both Windows and Mac operating systems.
It offers free templates.
Cons:
It doesn't support 32bit Windows system and older version below Windows 7 and macOS below 10.12.
Steep learning curve.
YouTube Video Editing Software for Amateur
Applies to: Enthusiastic video editing lovers, experienced business marketers who need to create YouTube videos for sharing vlogs, fancy moments of their daily life, fascinating product presentation videos, films, and even movies.
As for amateurs who need to create professional videos to share with their friends, followers, clients, and target users on YouTube or other platforms, advanced YouTube video editing software is what they need. Here, we've collected 7 video editing software with advanced video editing features to assist you in creating amazing visual content.
As the latest version of Adobe Premiere, Adobe Premiere Pro 2020 has inherited its professional traits. Besides, you can create a better story-telling film, movie, or video with its new excellent new features. The official website includes tutorials for helping beginners to get started with stey-by-stey guides.
Pros:
Real-time video editing and mounting.
New expression search technology, detecting any point in a sequence with high speed.
Compatible with a wide range of video formats, video, and audio effects.
Support real-time correction, apply effects to multiple sections simultaneously.
Support import work from Apple Final Cut Pro and Avid Media Composer, maintaining the effects and transitions used in the project.
Integrate with all Adobe families, like After Effect, Photoshop, Media Encoder, Audition, Character Animator, Premiere Clop, etc.
Support online synchronization via Creative Cloud from iPhone, Mac, or Android devices.
7 days of free trial
Cons:
It doesn't support the latest Windows 10 OS 1909 or newer versions, old macOS versions before 10.13.
Vegas Pro is a powerful video editing software for non-linear editing and producing high-quality HD videos. It supports scripting technology, assisting users with task automation, simplified workflow, greater efficiency, and productivity.
Pros:
It covers all professional needs, including visual special effects,3D editing, etc.
Support to composite with balance and chroma key.
Support tons of audio and video effects, filters, and formats, including HD, 4K, and even 8K resolutions.
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate supports multi-cam editing, multipoint motion tracking, time remapping, video masking, audio ducking, and 4K support. It's an excellent choice for beginners and amateurs to start with full and in-depth video effects and a reasonable price.
Pros:
Support a wide selection of video-creation tools with a clear and brief interface.
Support 360-degree VR, 4K Ultra HD, and 3D media.
Support multipoint motion tracking.
Support multi-cam editing with HTML5 video page creation.
Support stop-motion tool with more than 2000 filters and effects.
Cons:
Only support Windows OS (Windows 7 and newer versions).
Costs US $69.99
HitFilm Pro
Download Link: https://fxhome.com/hitfilm-pro
Features:
HitFilm Pro is a widely used product for filmmakers, VFX artists, and YouTubers. With its all-in-one features, HitFilm Pro combines video editing, visual effects with 3D compositing in one product.
Pros:
Support 800+ effects for audio editing, color grading, and animations.
Support custom 3D models with custom lighting and shadows.
Support both Windows (10/8 with 64 bit) and macOS (10.12-10.14) operating system.
Support free version - HitFilm Express.
Cons:
It doesn't support 32bit Windows OS.
Outdated interface.
High requirement for hardware and computer to make full use of its features.
Costs US $349
Blender
Download Link: https://www.blender.org/
Features:
Blender is more like a 3D computer graphics software used for creating animated films, visual effects, 3D printed models and motion graphics, etc.
Pros:
100% free
Support multiple visual effects including rendering, modeling, sculpting, animation & rigging, grease pencil, simulation, VFX, etc.
Support all Windows OS (32bit and 64 bit), Mac OS (10.12), and Linux (Ubuntu 19.04).
Cons:
Requires to install Microsoft Visual C++, VC2008, VC2020, and VC2013 on Windows OS.
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate supports users to directly create and update videos to YouTube, Facebook, etc. With enhanced color grading and new video masks, users are allowed to create fancy videos with 2000+ filters and effects.
Pros:
It contains screen recorder.
Support 4K, HD, and 360-degree video editing across unlimited tracks.
Support 2000+ filters and effects, including motion tracking, multi-cam editing, video masks, and video overlays.
Support Windows 10/8.1/7 (64 bit) only.
Cons:
It doesn't support Mac OS and 32-bit Windows OS.
Costs $99.95 for the full version.
YouTube Video Editing Software for Windows and Mac Users
Besides offering a brief introduction of the above 14 YouTube video editing software for professionals, beginners, and amateurs, some of you may still don't know which one fits you the most. Here we'll list and classify this software again via the operating system, for you to choose the most suitable one to create visual content:
Windows
Mac
Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Adobe Premiere Pro 2020
Sony Vegas Pro
Corel Video Studio Ultimate
HitFilm Pro
Blender
CyberLink PowerDirector 365
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate
Windows Movie Maker
Shotcut
HitFilm Express
EaseUS Video Editor
Apple Final Cut Pro X
Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Adobe Premiere Pro 2020
iMovie
Blender
HitFilm Pro
Shotcut
Tutorial: Create YouTube Video and Upload to YouTube with EaseUS Video Editor
As a simple but the best choice for YouTube video editing, EaseUS Video Editor, with its powerful features, enables you to create a video in only a few simple clicks simply.
Here is a brief tutorial for you to follow and learn how to create, edit, and upload YouTube video to your channel with ease:
# 1. Create A YouTube Video
Install EaseUS Video Editor on your PC and prepare the video elements - shots, images, music files, etc. Now, let's start.
Step 1. Import Target Files
Launch EaseUS Video Editor, select a desired aspect ratio on the main screen: 9:16, 16:9, or 4:3.
Import target files like GoPro shots, game screenshots, photos, music, etc. by clicking 'Import' or dragging it into EaseUS Video Editor.
Step 2. Add Files to Projects
Right-click on the imported files one by one and select 'Add to project'.
Step 3. Add Effects and Edit Video
EaseUS Video Editor contains many visual effects, such as Text templets, Filters, Overlays, Transitions, Animation Elements, and Background Music, etc. to help you create a magic video.
To add them, you need to download these effects in advance. Then select video project, right-click downloaded effects and select 'Add to Project'.
Text: You can input and add words to your video as Opener, Title, Subtitle.
Filter: Beautify your videos with up to 49 filters.
Overlay: Personalize your video with over 30 frames.
Transitions: Add visual effect to your video between clips, transiting naturally.
Elements: Add animated elements to video, making it more interesting.
Music: Over 100 background music templates, satisfy your diversified needs.
You may use the timeline and drag them to re-place them to the desired position. Timeline with the tool menu can help you edit, split, delete, crop, zoom, freeze frame, set duration, record voice over, convert speech to text or vice versa in a video.
Step 4. Export Video
When you finish editing the video, click 'Export' on the top menu bar, select the desired format for your video, rename it, browse a safe location and click 'Export' to save it on your PC.
# 2. Upload Video to YouTube
After creating the video, you may continue with the following steps to upload the video to YouTube:
Step 1. Export Video to Video Platform
On the exporting window of EaseUS Video Editor, select 'Video platform' and choose the desired platform you would like to export and upload the video to. Browse a location on your computer to save the exported video.
Step 2. Adjust Quality, Video, and Audio
Click the Settings icon and you can adjust the video quality, video and audio specifications to improve the video quality, click 'OK' to confirm.
Step 3. Export and Upload Video to Video Platform
Click 'Export' and wait for the process to finish.
Video Editing Software Reviews
An upload window will pop up in your browser, click 'SELECT FILE' or 'UPLOAD' to upload the video to your video platform immediately.
Conclusion
If you are an experienced video editor or filmmaker, Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro X are your best choice.
Corel Video Editor For Mac
For beginners, Windows Movie Maker, iMovie, Shotcut are ideal choices. For amateurs who need powerful video editing features at a reasonable price, Corel VideoStudio Ultimate is a great choice.
Corel Video Editing Free Download
If you prefer to share personal happy moments to YouTube with a simple filter and transition effects, EaseUS Video Editor is your best choice.