iMovie is one of the best free video editing software for Mac users that is easy to use. But, you know, there are other options for Mac users to edit videos easily and quickly like a pro. So, if you're looking for a free width="900" alternative to video editing software for Mac, you're in the right place. No need to search the web, here you can find the top 15Free Video Editing Programs for MacThe ones listed below are sure to satisfy all your video editing needs. Edit various video file formats, add effects, subtitles/text, images, music, animations... whatever you want. We've collected and categorized these top free video editing software based on their overall key features, compatibility with Mac OS versions, ideal uses, and some of their pros and cons.
- Part 1: 15 Free Video Editing Software for Mac
- 1. Filmora Mac Video Editor
- 2. Apple Final Cut Pro
- 3. Apple iMovie
- 4. CyberLink PowerDirector
- 5. Elements of Adobe Premiere
- 6. Attention Studio
- 7. Hit Movie Express
- 8. Lamp
- 9. Shooting
- 10. Camtasia
- 11. Five other options
- Part 2: Conclusion
#1. Wondershare Filmora
Wondershare Filmora is usually the video editing software of choice for users who are getting used to the skill for the first time. The intuitive user interface makes basic tasks easier and allows users to find more precise controls. We'd say Filmora is also the best video editing software for Mac.
free trial For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
free trial For macOS 10.12 or later
Unlike Adobe Premiere Pro and CyberLink PowerDirector, Filmora presents you with a layout that you can instantly adapt to. This layout makes it a great choice for video editing software for both beginners and experts.
compatibility:
Mac OS 10.14 through Mac OS 12. Supports Apple M1 chip
Main features:
- Simple video editing tools including cutting, trimming and merging videos
- Easily add transitions/images/audio/transitions/overlays/elements
- Advanced video and audio editing features, including speed boosting, motion tracking, color matching, keyframing, masking, audio muting, auto-sync, and more.
- Easy to use drag and drop interface.
- Fast video processing and sharing directly on social media
- Tons of free stock media from Giphy, Unsplash, and Pixabay
Most suitable:
Beginners, Hobbyists and Experts
Reasons to buy:
- Easy motion tracking, speed boosting, color matching, keyframing, masking, automatic beat sync tools
- User friendly drag and drop UI.
- Quick Processing and Preview
Reasons to avoid:
- no multicam option
- No 3D video editing
- No 360 degree editing
How to Edit Videos with Filmora for Mac
1.Split, rotate, flip and merge videos
After importing media files, you can start editing, including arranging clips in the timeline, organizing footage, editing unwanted parts, and more.
2.add text to video
To add text or title to your video, click the "Title" button above the "Media Library" and choose a cute text or title. Drag and drop it onto the timeline. By double-clicking, you can preview each effect in the preview window. After opening the Text Settings window, you can adjust text properties (such as font, spacing, size, etc.) in the text editing window.
3.Trim Videos on Mac
You can also crop video image size very easily. Click the video to select it, then click the trim tool above the timeline. A new work pane opens where you can drag the highlighted edges of the image to select an area of interest. When finished, click OK. Parts of the video will now zoom in based on the focus of the selected image frame.
For simpler video editing needs, otherlighter software. Some of them provide simplified ways to create certain types of videos.
free trial For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
free trial For macOS 10.12 or later
#2. Apple Final Cut Pro
Final Cut ProIt is the official and professional standard video editing software for Apple Mac users. Due to its simplicity and great performance on Mac systems, it is very popular with consumers and prosumers alike and is considered one of the best video editing software for Mac.
Like other next-generation video editing software for Mac, Final Cut Pro gives users in-depth control to make satisfying edits to their videos.
compatibility:
Mac OS 11.5.1 or later
Main features:
- Apple's official professional-grade video editing software for Mac users
- Good support for third-party extensions
- Support for multi-camera video editing
- Compatible with Apple iMovie
- Supports 4K video editing
- Price: Free trial ($299.99 one-time charge for full version)
Most suitable:
Professional Video and Film Maker
Reasons to buy:
- Supports 360-degree video editing
- Multiple camera options
- fast video processing
Reasons to avoid:
- No video stabilization
- No 3D video editing
- no motion tracking
#3. Apple iMovie
Apple's iMovie is another video editing software for the Mac, but it's aimed more at consumers than professionals. This means that iMovie has fewer features than Final Cut Pro.
Nonetheless, the software is completely free and very easy to use. This makes it a very attractive proposition, especially for beginners.
compatibility:
Mac OS 10.15.6 or later
main features
- Apple's official consumer-grade video editing software for Mac users
- Preinstalled on Mac systems
- Surface-Level Video Editing
- suitable for beginners
- Simple UI Design
- Price: free
Most suitable:
Beginners and users who just want to use basic video editing options
- iOS 14.0 or later
Reasons to buy:
- A good collection of basic transitions, effects and filters
- Nice sound adjustment options
- Include chroma key
Reasons to avoid:
- No 360-degree video editing
- You can only add two video tracks
- No multiple cameras and motion tracking
#4. CyberLink PowerDirector
In the CyberLink series, PowerDirector is on par with Adobe Premiere Pro, but closer to what consumers want. This means that PowerDirector is another powerful video editor that can create high-quality videos.
It has a simpler layout and features than Adobe Premiere Pro, which makes CyberLink PowerDirector more user-friendly on a consumer level.
compatibility:
Mac OS 10.14 or later
main features
- Balanced Video Editing Software for Consumers and Professionals
- Full-featured editing tools
- Support screen recording input
- Multicam Editing
- Support sports tracking
- Price: Free ($19.99/month for full version, $69.99/year)
Most suitable:
Consumers and prosumers who want to improve their video editing skills
Reasons to buy:
- Provides the fastest video rendering possible
- A good set of advanced editing tools
- clear user interface
Reasons to avoid:
- no multimedia tagged keywords
- The Windows version has some features that the Mac version lacks
- Limited text animation settings
#5. Elements of Adobe Premiere
Adobe Premiere Elements is to Adobe Premiere Pro what iMovie is to Final Cut Pro. It is a more consumer-oriented, lightweight video editing software from Adobe. It comes with the most used and basic video editing options.
Adobe Premiere Elements makes up for the lack of functionality, providing a beautiful, clear user interface. It is also very easy to use for beginners.
compatibility:
Mac OS 10.15 or later
main features
- Adobe video editing software with fewer features
- for consumers
- Using Adobe Sensei AI technology
- It supports cross-platform
- user friendly
- 4K video editing
- Price: Free trial ($99.99 one-time charge for full version)
Most suitable:
Beginner and Intermediate
Reasons to buy:
- Good range of video effects
- Support sports tracking
- Support for media tag keywords
Reasons to avoid:
- Video rendering is not fast enough
- no screen recording
- No 360-degree VR and 3D video editing
#6. Follow the studio
OBS Studio is one of the most popular open source video editing software for Mac in 2022. Unlike other programs on this list, OBS Studio gives you the same level of video recording and editing capabilities.
Therefore, OBS Studio is not the most advanced video editing software, but when it comes to video recording, it is one of the best programs available. That's why OBS Studio is the video editor and recorder of choice for the gaming community.
compatibility:
Mac OS 10.13 or later
main features
- Live video recording, editing and streaming suite
- High-performance video capture, ideal for recording gaming sessions
- Ability to add an unlimited number of scenes or songs
- Audio mixer with noise suppression tools
- Fully flexible user interface
- Assign hotkeys to each function
- Price: Completely free to download, use and distribute
Most suitable:
player
- new video editing user
- Users who want to use open source video editing software for Mac
Reasons to buy:
- Capable of streaming high-quality video smoothly
- Modular, dock-based user interface that is fully reconfigurable
- powerful broadcasting system
Reasons to avoid:
- User layout looks a bit dated
- Audio input through the microphone is not stable enough
- The screen recorder is sometimes glitchy
#7. Hot Movie Express
HitFilm Express is another well-known video editing software for Mac. The software appeals more to seasoned video editing professionals because of its versatility.
HitFilm Express uses a width="900" UI which, while very flexible, doesn't give beginners much confidence. This is an unconventional layout that will take some getting used to.
compatibility:
Mac OS 10.14 or later
main features
- Professional Grade Free Video Editor
- Good online software support
- It supports multiple input and output file formats
- affordable price
- Video masking function
- Price: Free ($349 for HitFilm Pro, one-time fee)
Most suitable:
Professional Video Recorder and Editor
Reasons to buy:
- Flexible User Interface
- Easily share on social media and YouTube
- Support 3D video editing
Reasons to avoid:
- The user interface is flexible but challenging, especially for beginners
- Video output processing is slow
- More add-ons are not free
#8. lamp factory
LightWorks is another free video editor for video editing veterans. The software is also used to edit videos of some Hollywood movies.
However, the free version of the software cannot export videos in very good quality. Otherwise, it has good enough freeware.
compatibility:
Mac OS 10.9 or later
main features
- Professional Video Editing Software
- many tutorials
- Deep Video Trimming
- Support for multi-camera editing
- Screenshot options
- Price: Free ($9.99/mo for Lightworks Create, $23.99/mo for LightWorks Pro)
Most suitable:
Professional and Industrial Users
Reasons to buy:
- Unlimited number of video and audio tracks
- Multiple camera options
- 3D video editing
Reasons to avoid:
- No 4K video editing
- The interface is not very user-friendly
- You will be charged for additional features and file format support
#9. camera clip
ShotCut is one of those video editing programs that really falls in the middle. It will appeal to both beginners and experts. It is an open-source video editing software with a customizable interface.
However, the interface is quite different from the industry standard and will require some learning. ShotCut has been known to have issues with large video projects.
compatibility:
Mac OS 10.10 or later
main features
- Free and Open Source Video Editing Software
- Ability to run on multiple platforms
- Very customizable user interface
- Support editing 4K video
- Offers common video and audio editing options
- Price: free
Most suitable:
prosumers and professionals
Reasons to buy:
- Supports 4K video quality
- Supports most file formats
- Powerful Color Correction Tools
Reasons to avoid:
- Not well suited for large video projects
- Difficulty learning and performing advanced tasks
- unconventional layout
#10. Katasia
If you want to create video presentations and slideshows, Camtasia is a very powerful Mac video editing software. It also has very reasonable system requirements and offers many editing effects.
It's a quick program that does what it claims to do efficiently. However, don't expect to perform other more advanced tasks in Camtasia.
compatibility:
Mac OS 10.14 or later
main features
- Screen Recorder and Video Editor
- Ability to edit multiple tracks at once
- Tons of effects, filters and transitions
- Editing made easy
- Support green screen effect
- Price: Free trial ($299.99 one-time fee for paid version)
Most suitable:
Create presentations and slideshows
Reasons to buy:
- Camtasia is very easy to learn and use
- Built-in powerful screenshot tool
- Cool cursor effect, best for explainer videos
Reasons to avoid:
- The price is really high-end
- Advanced options are not available
- Users report software crash issues
#11. Movavi Video Editor
Movavi Video Editor is a very well-known name among Windows and Mac users. It is a solid and reliable video editor with all the basic functions.
Movavi Video Editor offers a simple layout, if you are a beginner, you will love it. However, as it develops as a video editor, it won't be able to keep up with more demanding video editing.
compatibility:
Mac OS 11.5.1 or later
main features
- One of the easiest professional video editing programs
- Clear and intuitive learning interface
- Tons of free presets and templates
- Additional features can be purchased from the official store
- Includes several common advanced options
- Price: Free trial ($34.95 per year for Windows license, $29.95 per year for Mac license)
Most suitable:
Video editing beginners and enthusiasts
Reasons to buy:
- Video rendering is very fast
- YouTube integration for quick sharing
- 4K video rendering
Reasons to avoid:
- Surface Level Color Grading Tools
- Editing effects cannot be copied and pasted
- not suitable for industrial applications
#12. Video Processing Converter
VideoProc is a digital video editing software for Mac that creates high-quality 4K and HDR videos. It has powerful screen capture tools that make this software a popular choice among gamers.
It enables you to record, edit, download and share videos in one software. However, this freeware has some notable flaws.
compatibility:
Mac OS 10.6.8 or later
main features
- Her specialty is fast video editing and processing of 4K and HDR movies
- The software has a wide range of applications
- GPU accelerated video processing
- Video editor, recorder, downloader and DVD burner all in one
- It supports various file formats
- Price: Free ($29.95/year for full version)
Most suitable:
Professional Video and Film Maker
Reasons to buy:
- Many codecs and video filters
- Comparison of front and rear window panels
- Videos can be exported in high quality
Reasons to avoid:
- The free version of the software has some limitations
- In the free version you can only export videos up to 5 minutes long
- The video download function is not very strong
#13. mixer
Blender is one of the best 3D video editing software for Mac. This software is designed for users who want to have access to 3D video editing controls. Therefore, most of Blender's functionality is focused on 3D animation.
It allows users to use functions such as 3D modeling and sculpting. However, it doesn't offer much when it comes to other, more typical video editing options.
compatibility:
Mac OS 10.13 or later
main features
- One of the most popular 3D animation design and video editing programs
- Download and use for free
- Advanced 3D modeling and sculpting capabilities
- Packed with great visuals
- Open Source Video Editing Software
- Price: free
Most suitable:
3D video creator, cartoon and game designer
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful 3D rendering and video editing capabilities
- Runs without installation or internet connection
- Lots of options for built-in visual effects
Reasons to avoid:
- When it comes to video editing, Blender is still relatively shallow
- Most features are too focused on 3D animation
- Difficult for new users to understand
#14. open shot
OpenShot is another free open source video editing software for Mac on our list. As open source software, it is very flexible and allows users to perform a range of tasks. Therefore, it comes with editing options.
The user interface is also relatively friendly, making OpenShot a popular choice worldwide. It lacks some advanced editing options and sometimes has stability issues.
compatibility:
Mac OS 10.15 or later
main features
- Free and Open Source Video Editing Software for Beginners
- User layout that looks very familiar
- You can add an unlimited number of layers
- Compatible with Apple iMovie
- Supports 4K video editing
- Price: free
Most suitable:
Beginners and users who don't want to spend money on video editing software
Reasons to buy:
- Supports 360-degree video editing
- You can add cool 3D titles to your videos
- Exported video without watermark
Reasons to avoid:
- The help system is not perfect, and there are few video tutorials
- Misses some detailed video editing controls
- Sometimes the software has stability issues
＃15。 Adobe PremierPro
Adobe's Adobe Premiere Pro is widely regarded as one of the best video editing programs available today. On the Mac, the software remains popular due to the wide range of functions it can perform.
The software's strong online support and extensive nature have made it increasingly popular in the video editing community.
compatibility:
Mac OS 10.15 or later
main features
- Adobe's flagship video editing software
- Powerful system with advanced features
- It supports almost all video file formats
- It supports various third-party extensions
- Supports 8K video editing
- Price: Free trial ($20.99/month for full version)
Most suitable:
Professional and Studio Filmmakers
Reasons to buy:
- It comes with almost all advanced video editing features
- Video stabilization is available
- Detailed multicam editing options
Reasons to avoid:
- Surprising lack of motion tracking
- Keyword tags are not supported
- no motion tracking
Part 2. Conclusion
All these and many more video editing software for Mac are available in the market as each offers a specific solution.
If you're wondering which one to try, you need to know
- what do you want to do?
- What is your goal?
- How proficient are you with video editing?
Based on your own needs, you will make better decisions.
free trial For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
free trial For macOS 10.12 or later
Have a question about a product? Contact our support team for a quick solution >