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The best free video editing software for Mac lets you create pro-level videos without breaking the bank. Show
Maybe this is your first time editing a video, and you’re not ready to invest in expensive software. Or perhaps you want to create professional-looking videos without paying for pricey programs like Premiere Pro. Video editing can be a casual hobby or a full-time career. With so many different needs and reasons to edit, there are many free video editing software for Mac to choose from. But beware, many free choices can be hit-or-miss; some only offer the most basic of features, while others provide the same or better tools than expensive programs. With that in mind, we have crafted a list of the best free video editing software for Mac. Learn the pros and cons of each to help you determine which option is best for your video editing needs.
Top 3 Free Video Editing Software for Mac Snapshot
1. PowerDirector Essential - Best OverallPowerDirector Essential is the best free video editing software for Mac because it offers the functionality and features of an advanced, paid program without the hefty price tag. You can get most of its features for free, or subscribe to PowerDirector 365 if you want to take advantage of its creative design packs and a full range of export formats. Its intuitive interface and design make PowerDirector an easy-to-use free Mac video editor. Detailed Review > Click the link below to download PowerDirector Essential for free today, and enjoy all of the advanced features in PowerDirector 365 for 30 days.
2. VideoPad - Best Export OptionsVideoPad is a free Mac video editor with some advanced tools. It is beginner-friendly with a capable free version. Detailed Review >
3. iMovie - Best for the BasicsiMovie is a free Mac video editor available on Mac and iOS devices. It is easy to use because it sticks to only basic editing tools for creating quality videos. Detailed Review > How to Choose the Best Free Video Editing Software for MacHow can you find the best free video editing software for Mac for your needs? Here are a few essential things to look for: Compatibility - Does your free Mac video editor support your operating system? Does it export in the video, image, and audio formats you need to use? The best free video editing software for Mac should at least support the most common formats like MP4, MP3, and WAV. Skill Level - Is the free video editing software for Mac appropriate for your skill level? Getting a professional-level free Mac video editor when you have never used video editing software can cause you a lot of trouble. Instead, look for software that caters to your level so you don’t waste time trying to learn free Mac video editing with a difficult product. Features - Does the free Mac video editor include the effects you want to use in your videos? For example, a chroma key tool if you use green screen effects, or a video stabilizer if you film lots of action footage. Also, does your free video editing software for Mac include templates and AI tools to make editing easier? As you read through our list of best free video editing software for Mac, keep these things in mind to help you find your ideal choice. 13 Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac in 2023 [Inc. M1/M2 Macs]1. PowerDirector Essential - Best OverallCompatibility: Mac, Windows PCMag Rating: 4.5/5 Beginner-Friendly Tools: 5/5 Price: Free Key Features:
Who It’s For No matter your experience level, you won't have any issues using the best free video editing software for Mac, PowerDirector. It's designed to be simple enough for beginners yet powerful enough for professionals. If you're new to the video editing world, you will appreciate PowerDirector Essential's comprehensive free features. It introduces you to the program's mechanics and lets you dive into fundamental free Mac video editing tools. Why We Picked It If you want to add effects or transitions to videos without paying for hundreds of advanced features, you will find that PowerDirector suits all your free Mac video editing needs. Its wide range of editing tools includes a video collage designer, speed controls, chroma key, and a title designer. Bottom Line PowerDirector offers the most features in its free version, a 30-day free trial of its premium version, and a very affordable paid version, so the software can grow with you as your editing skills and budget grow too. It has advanced features for advanced users while staying beginner-friendly for new editors. For these reasons, we think PowerDirector is the best free video editing software for Mac. Pros
Download PC Mag Editor's Choice PowerDirector for free by clicking the link below. 2. VideoPad - Best Export OptionsCompatibility: Mac, Windows Capterra Rating: 4.3/5 Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4.5/5 Price: Free Key Features:
Who It’s For VideoPad is one of the best free video editing software for Mac because of its wide range of export options. It offers direct uploads to YouTube in any resolution, plus you can fill in your video’s metadata from the software. Use this free video editing software for Mac to post directly to all the popular social media and video sites, or share with friends. Why We Picked It This free video editing software for Mac offers some pro-level tools that are easy to use. It has advanced Pure Digital tools for audio editing, 360-degree and 3D editing, video stabilization, and green screen effects. You’ll also find over 60 supported video formats. Bottom Line VideoPad is one of the best free video editing software for Mac, because like our top choice PowerDirector, it offers some advanced tools in a beginner-friendly package. However, unlike our top free Mac video editor, its free version contains annoying ads and is not available for commercial use. VidePad is in the middle of our top 3 free Mac video editors, offering fewer features than PowerDirector, but more than iMovie. Pros
3. iMovie - Best for the BasicsCompatibility: Mac G2 Rating: 4.3/5 Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4/5 Price: Free Key Features:
Who It’s For iMovie is a free Mac video editor that comes pre-installed on your Mac and makes it a convenient choice if you need to make basic edits. It includes a set of audio and editing tools that can produce polished videos for free. This is one of the best free video editing software for Mac for absolute beginners. Why We Picked It iMovie includes effects, transitions, and title options. It also has a set of movie trailer templates and a background music/soundtrack library. This free Mac video editor also supports adjusting the focus on videos taken in Cinematic mode on iPhones, a unique feature only found in iMovie and Apple’s paid software, Final Cut Pro. Bottom Line If you have never edited before, you won't have any issues using this for free Mac video editing. However, the one big downside to iMovie is the lack of advanced features and tools you can find in other free video editing software for Mac, such as PowerDirector. Pros
4. VideoProc Vlogger - Best for Action Cam FootageImage from ghacks.net Compatibility: Mac, Windows KommandoTech Rating: 4/5 Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4/5 Price: Free Key Features:
Who It’s For VideoProc Vlogger is the best free video editing software for Mac if you often shoot with an action camera or drone. It has fisheye removal to correct the lens aberrations that are a side effect of using a wide-angle lens. It also comes with video stabilization, advanced speed adjustment tools, and motion simulation. Basically, this free Mac video editor has everything you need to make amazing action videos. Why We Picked It We chose VideoProc Vlogger as one of the best free video editing software for Mac because it is beginner-friendly, yet filled with advanced motion and color correction tools. Like our top choice, PowerDirector, it also has good customer service and user supports, such as a learning center with blogs and tutorials. Bottom Line This free Mac video editor is an excellent choice for anyone with a travel vlog since it has amazing tools for GoPro, drone, and other action-style footage. However, VideoProc Vlogger lacks general editing tools and effects, so if you make any other types of videos, we would recommend you choose a different free Mac video editor from our list. Pros
5. Shotcut - Best for Intermediate EditorsCompatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux TechRadar Rating: 4/5 Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4/5 Price: Free Key Features:
Who It’s For Shotcut is one of the best free video editing software for Mac for editors who have moved on from base-level editing software like iMovie. Shotcut offers advanced effects and filters that will help you produce a high-quality video for free. Why We Picked It The program is open source, so once you download it, you will have access to all its features and you can customize the interface to your liking. In addition, this free Mac video editor has unlimited undo and redo for edits, including a history view. This makes it easy to step back to any part of your editing process, even if it has been hours since you started making changes. Bottom Line Shotcut is the best free video editing software for Mac for intermediate editors who want professional features without the professional price tag. However, the program can lag and freeze when dealing with large files. It also has a slight learning curve, so those new to free Mac video editing should stick with one of our top 4 options. Pros
6. Animoto - Best for TemplatesCompatibility: Web Browser Capterra Rating: 4.3/5 Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3.5/5 Price: Free Key Features:
Who It’s For Animoto is a cloud-based free Mac video editor with free and paid versions. This program is for busy influencers who need to churn out a lot of content quickly. Animoto has hundreds of time-saving templates that adhere to social media best practices. With this free video editing software for Mac, you can quickly add your own video clips, or use one from the media stock library. Why We Picked It We chose Animoto as one of the best free video editing software for Mac because it is quick and easy to use for beginners, busy creators, or those with little creative or design know-how. You can customize any template with over 40 professional fonts and add music or voice-over. Bottom Line Choose Animoto as your free Mac video editor if you don’t have the time and/or skills to make creative decisions on your social media videos. It is not the right free video editing software for Mac for long-form or narrative videos. In our research, we found the templates were very restrictive and allowed little creativity or control (a sentiment echoed in most of the online reviews). If you prefer more control over your edits, try PowerDirector. It has automated effects and templates but offers manual adjustments as well. Pros
7. HitFilm - Best for Visual EffectsCompatibility: Mac, Windows TechRadar Rating: 4/5 Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3.5/5 Price: Free Key Features:
Who It’s For HitFilm is the best video editing software for Mac for beginner to intermediate editors interested in visual effects. Future VFX artists and hobbyists will love trying out over 180 editing effects, including compositing and 3D tools. Why We Picked It If you enjoy editing with effects, but also need a free Mac video editor with basic editing tools, HitFilm is your one-stop-shop. It comes with everything you need to complete a video from start to finish, such as transitions, stock music, audio tools, and presets for social media. Bottom Line If you are interested in learning visual effects as a profession, HitFilm makes a great starting software. It does have a slight learning curve, however, so if you are a beginner who doesn’t need VFX-heavy software, try one of the top 3 options on our list of free Mac video editors. If you are an advanced editor, we recommend a more professional VFX program such as Blender or DaVinci Resolve. Pros
8. Avidemux - Best Video ConverterCompatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux Capterra Rating: 4.1/5 Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3/5 Price: Free Key Features:
Who It’s For Avidemux is an open-source program for beginners to try out free Mac video editing software. We think it is one of the best free video editing software for Mac because it can convert and save video or audio in almost any format. It can also encode and decode a wide range of video, (including multi-threaded videos), and audio (including TrueHD). Why We Picked It This free Mac video editor has all the basic tools you need to edit video clips, like rotate, flip, join, cut, copy, and delete. It also has a wide array of export options. Bottom Line This free Mac video editor is strong, capable, and beloved by long-time users. However, even though Avidemux is a pretty bare-bones software, we found it can still take time to get used to. Avidemux is also pretty outdated and doesn’t come with many trending tools like stickers, filters, or AI-powered tools. If you are looking for free, bare-bones software with creative tools, we recommend iMovie. Pros
9. Lightworks - Best for Aspiring ProfessionalsCompatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux G2 Rating: 3.5/5 Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3.5/5 Price: Free Key Features:
Who It’s For Lightworks is the best free video editing software for Mac if you’re looking for a free program that professionals use. It has been around for years, and the professional edition was used to edit box office hits like Pulp Fiction, 28 Days Later, and Congo. So if you’re willing to put in the work to learn a free Mac video editing software, it’s a great choice. Why We Picked It With this free Mac video editor, you can import just about any common type of media file. It has increased performance with optimized proxy files from HD, 4K, and 8K media. Plus, you can edit directly from your cloud storage. Bottom Line We think Lightworks is one of the best free video editing software for Mac for intermediate to advanced users. It is easier to use than our next option, DaVinci Resolve, but much harder than the previous 8 free Mac video editing software. It’s also a good choice for anyone with dreams of being a professional editor, as you can learn advanced software at no cost, but upgrade when you are ready. Pros
10. DaVinci Resolve - Best for Industry ProfessionalsCompatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux Creative Bloq Rating: 4.5/5 Beginner-Friendly Tools: 2/5 Price: Free Key Features:
Who It’s For While we think Lightworks is great for anyone hoping to become a professional editor, DaVinci Resolve is a free Mac video editor for anyone who is already a professional. It is a clean, intuitive program that you would never guess is free. It offers a wide range of advanced features, including intelligent color correction, motion graphics, and visual effects. Why We Picked It DaVinci Resolve is one of the best free video editing software for Mac because of its high-quality, pro-level tools and features. Professionals will love the software’s organization and timeline management tools. This free Mac video editing program also features tools to help you work faster, such as keyboard shortcuts, automatic trimming tools, and drag-and-drop editing. Bottom Line This free Mac video editor is not for beginners as it is designed for industry professionals. If you are thinking of buying Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for professional jobs, you should give DaVinci Resolve a try first. It could save you hundreds of dollars and potentially better fit your editing style. Pros
11. Avid Media Composer First - Best for Learning Avid Media ComposerCompatibility: Mac, Windows Tom’s Guide Rating: 3.5/5 Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3/5 Price: Free Key Features:
Who It’s For Avid Media Composer First is the free version of Avid Media Composer - Hollywood’s favorite video editor for the past 2 decades. Professional and advanced editors who want to learn Avid to further their careers would do well to start with Avid Media Composer First - a slightly pared-back and slightly easier free Mac video editing program that won’t cost you a dime. Why We Picked It This free Mac video editor offers more professional tools than many paid options. With Media Composer First, you can use green-screen effects, stabilize footage, add transitions, adjust speed, mix audio, and much more. It even has direct uploads to social media, although using this free Mac video editing software for a Facebook post seems like overkill. Bottom Line We know there are advanced editors out there who are stuck working on independent and low-budget films. Hollywood films and TV shows keep passing them by, simply because they want an editor proficient on Avid. Avid Media Composer First makes learning the Avid system a much easier prospect. However, this free Mac video editing software still has a steep learning curve, even for advanced editors used to other software. For this reason, it is behind Lightworks and DaVinci Resolve on our list since they are easier for advanced editors to use. Pros
12. OpenShot - Best for BeginnersCompatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux Creative Bloq Rating: 3/5 Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3.5/5 Price: Free Key Features:
Who It’s For OpenShot is free video editing software that simplifies advanced features you would see in more expensive programs. Beginners will find the built-in templates, real-time previews, and advanced timeline features helpful to learn the ropes of editing, while intermediate users will appreciate the unlimited layering options this free Mac video editing program has to offer. Why We Picked It This free video editing software for Mac is open-source, so anyone can use and adapt it to meet their needs. Quickly trim down your videos, add animation to any element, and create video effects. OpenShot has slow-motion and time effects and is offered in over 70 languages. Bottom Line OpenShot is lightweight, easy to use, and has some advanced features. However, this free Mac video editing software does not have the professional quality of other programs with advanced features such as PowerDirector, DaVinci Resolve, and HitFilm. Also, it is prone to freezing and some effects don’t work properly. Pros
13. Blender - Best for AnimationCompatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux G2 Rating: 4.5/5 Beginner-Friendly Tools: 2/5 Price: Free Key Features:
Who It’s For Blender is another open-source software for free Mac video editing. It is the best free video editing software for Mac for animators or editors interested in animation. Blender has advanced tools like 3D painting, modeling, sculpting, onion skinning, and more at no cost. Why We Picked It This free Mac video editor is a great alternative to expensive software such as After Effects. It has pro-level masking tools and advanced motion graphics for visual effects artists. Blender also has some basic editing tools, so you don’t have to switch to another program to finish your video. Bottom Line Blender offers complex animation and VFX tools and is not for the faint of heart. Beginners who are interested in animation as a career should put in the hours to learn, but those interested solely in VFX may do better with HitFilm. Blender’s abundance of professional features is what put it on our list of best free video editing software for Mac, but its high learning curve and narrow focus keep it at the bottom of that list. Pros
Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac Comparison Chart
Show More PowerDirector Essential vs VideoPad iMovie VideoProc Vlogger Shotcut Animoto HitFilm Avidemux Lightworks DaVinci Resolve Avid Media Composer First OpenShot Blender OS Windows, Mac - Beginner-Friendly Yes - Editing Interfaces Storyboard, Timeline & Slideshow Interfaces - Direct Uploads to Social Media Yes - Mask Designer Yes - How to Edit Videos for Free on MacTo learn how to use the best free video editing software for Mac, download PowerDirector by clicking the link below and then follow along.
Now that you know how to set up a video project, we will dive into some free Mac video editing basics. How to Trim a Clip
How to Split a Clip
How to Add Transitions Between Clips
How to Add Text
Here you can change the text’s color, add shadows, bold, italicize, and more. How to Add Music
How to Produce Your Video
For more information on free Mac video editing with PowerDirector, click here. Download the Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac for FreeDozens of free Mac video editors exist on the market today, but not all of them offer the same features and high-quality results. We think PowerDirector is the best free video editing software for Mac because it not only has advanced, pro-quality features, but it is easy to use, intuitive, and has an affordable paid version alongside its free Mac video editing software. PowerDirector is always up-to-date with the latest technology and trendy design packs that are added monthly. This free video editing software for Mac appeals to every skill level. Click the link below to try out PowerDirector today and begin editing incredible videos. Free Video Editing Software for Mac FAQ1. What Is Video Editing Software?Video editing software is a program that allows you to cut and trim videos and combine them into a longer video. It can be used to modify and manipulate footage in a wide variety of ways. You can use it to add text, images, special effects, sound design, and color grade your videos. 2. Which Video Editing Software Is Best for Beginners?There are several options on our list of the best free video editing software for Mac that are beginner-friendly. Our top choice is PowerDirector, which is built on an easy-to-use platform that users can learn quickly. This free Mac video editing program is highly intuitive and offers dozens of tutorials to help beginners learn the ropes. 3. Does Mac Have a Free Video Editor?Yes, Macs come with iMovie, a basic video editor that allows you to trim video clips, and add text, music, and simple effects. Look in your Applications folder to find it. 4. When Is the Best Time to Buy Video Editing Software?Typically, around the end of the year, specifically during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, you can find great deals year-round. For example, PowerDirector is on sale many times throughout the year. It is always good to check a product’s website before purchasing to see if you are getting the best price. If you’re interested in PowerDirector 365, definitely check out CyberLink.com’s home page before purchasing to look for great deals. 5. What Is the Best Free Video Editor for MacBook Pro?PowerDirector is the best free video editing software for Mac, including M1 and M2 Macs, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. PowerDirector is easy to use, offers free and affordable paid versions, and is full of advanced features. 6. Is iMovie Free for MacBook?Yes, iMovie is free video editing software for Mac and iOS devices, including MacBook and MacBook Air. 7. What Is an Easy Video Editing Software to Use for Mac?PowerDirector is the easiest free Mac video editing software. Its interface is highly intuitive, so tools are easy to find and use. This free video editing software for Mac also offers fully-automated features that work with one-click, and easily adjustable sliders to tweak edits after the fact. And if you are ever stuck on the best way to use a tool, you’ll find tons of user supports at the CyberLink Support Center. 8. Is iMovie a Good Video Editor?The answer is sometimes. iMovie only undergoes a major update every few years, so sometimes it feels on the cutting edge, and other times it feels outdated. This free video editing software for Mac was created with beginners in mind, and therefore has only 2 editing tracks and lacks some advanced tools you can find in other beginner-friendly free Mac video editing software. 9. What Is the Replacement for iMovie?PowerDirector is a good replacement for iMovie. It remains beginner-friendly, yet offers more editing tracks and all the advanced features that the other free Mac video editing program lacks. 10. Where Do I Start Editing Videos?Start your free Mac video editing journey by downloading PowerDirector Essential. It is completely free video editing software for Mac and Windows, yet offers a 30-day trial of all the advanced features found in PowerDirector 365. PowerDirector is also very beginner-friendly, even for first-time editors. The best way to learn free Mac video editing is to jump in and start practicing. 11. What is Basic Video Editing?Basic video editing refers to the editing functions needed to edit any type of video. They are the bare minimum and should be included in the free Mac video editor you choose. These tools include:
For a free video editing software for Mac with all of these features and many more, we recommend PowerDirector. 12. Which Video Editor Do YouTubers Use?YouTubers love to use PowerDirector as their free Mac video editing software for many reasons. Busy creators can quickly create and share content with YouTube presets, intro/outro templates, and direct uploads to YouTube. You can complete your film’s metadata while still in the program, and use trending stickers, filters, animated titles, and graphics to make videos stand out. |