Best FREE Video Editing Softwares for 2023 | No watermarks!

Film & Animation

Best FREE Video Editing Softwares for 2023 | No watermarks!

In this article, we'll dive into the best free video editing software available for you to use in 2023. Let's get started!

HitFilm Express

Interface & Usability: HitFilm Express offers a simple and clutter-free interface that is very beginner-friendly. Its layout closely resembles Premiere Pro, making future transitions to professional software seamless.

Performance: HitFilm Express is known for its speed and reliability, consuming less RAM and storage than other editing software. It includes features like proxies, auto-caching, and low-resolution previews to accelerate workflow.

Features: The free version of HitFilm is packed with advanced features like masking, chroma key, motion tracking, light flares, text animations, and 3D compositing. However, its color correction capabilities are limited to basic adjustments.

Drawbacks:

  • Performance drops with 4K videos.
  • Export resolution is capped at 1080p.
  • Poor audio editing capabilities.

Olive

Interface & Usability: Olive sports a node-based composition interface, which can initially seem intimidating but proves to be faster and more reliable than layer-based editing once you get the hang of it.

Performance: Olive excels in speed and reliability, handling 4K videos smoothly and launching instantly. It requires minimal system resources, making it suitable for older machines.

Features: Key features include masking, rotoscoping, time remapping, text effects, 3D, and basic color grading with OSIO color grading node.

Drawbacks:

  • Limited features compared to HitFilm.
  • Very slow updates.
  • Poor audio editing capabilities.

Kdenlive

Interface & Usability: Kdenlive offers a more advanced and complicated interface, which may take some time to master. It has dedicated sections for different workflows and custom themes.

Performance: Kdenlive performs well, even with 4K videos, and includes features like auto-caching, proxies, and low-resolution previews.

Features: It supports advanced features like speech editor, insert mode, online resources, video stabilization, and an effects shop. Kdenlive is strong in both color grading and audio editing.

Drawbacks:

  • Outdated and unnecessarily complicated interface.

Shotcut

Interface & Usability: Shotcut has a complicated and confusing interface similar to Kdenlive, with separate windows for different workflows.

Performance: Shotcut is notably fast, thanks to auto-caching, proxies, and low-resolution previews. It is highly reliable with a strong performance history.

Features: Unique features include Ripple Delete and audio visualization effects. It offers robust tools for color grading and audio editing, providing more control than Kdenlive.

Drawbacks:

  • Slightly less polished than professional software.

DaVinci Resolve

Interface & Usability: DaVinci Resolve boasts the best interface among free software, designed for speed with a node-based video editing system.

Performance: Although it demands more RAM and a more powerful machine, its playback is smooth, and the software is incredibly reliable with a Live Safe feature.

Features: DaVinci Resolve offers the most features, including magnetic timelines, smart bins, dynamic zoom, and unparalleled color grading tools. Its audio editing features are top-notch.

Drawbacks:

  • Requires a powerful machine to run efficiently.
  • The interface is not beginner-friendly.

Conclusion

Each of these software has its strengths and weaknesses. HitFilm Express is user-friendly but has limitations in audio and 4K support. Olive is lightweight but lacks frequent updates. Kdenlive is feature-rich but has an outdated interface. Shotcut offers advanced tools but can be confusing. DaVinci Resolve stands out for its comprehensive feature set but requires a powerful machine and can be overwhelming for beginners.

Keywords

  • Video Editing
  • HitFilm Express
  • Olive
  • Kdenlive
  • Shotcut
  • DaVinci Resolve
  • Free Software
  • 4K Video
  • Color Grading
  • Audio Editing

FAQ

Q1: Which free video editing software is best for beginners? A1: HitFilm Express is best suited for beginners due to its user-friendly and clutter-free interface.

Q2: Can I edit 4K videos with free software? A2: Yes, Kdenlive, Olive, Shotcut, and DaVinci Resolve can handle 4K videos efficiently.

Q3: What is the best free software for advanced color grading? A3: DaVinci Resolve is the industry standard for color grading and offers the most advanced tools in this area.

Q4: Which software requires the least amount of system resources? A4: Olive consumes the least system resources and can run smoothly even on older machines.

Q5: Are there any free software options with good audio editing features? A5: Both Kdenlive and DaVinci Resolve offer robust audio editing capabilities.

Q6: What are the limitations of the free version of HitFilm Express? A6: The free version of HitFilm Express limits export resolution to 1080p and has poor audio editing features.

Q7: Does DaVinci Resolve have a steep learning curve? A7: Yes, DaVinci Resolve's interface is not beginner-friendly and may take time to master.