Best Video Editing Software

Most people don’t really realize that video editing is an art. Contrary to popular belief, video editors do not just cut scenes and piece them together. They are the faceless storytellers behind the scenes who convey stories visually. They create a story's pace, tone, feeling, and narrative flow. Not only is video editing an art, but it is also tough to learn. It exacts an immense amount of practice and experience to master. We hope this article will serve as a guide to simplify it.

What is Video Editing?

In the larger scheme of things, video editors are the ones who construct the films we see. With the help of professional video editing software, they piece together disjointed and separate elements to create something cohesive and compelling.

The process of video editing involves rearranging different shots and scenes to create a whole new, meaningful output. It could involve using video editing software to string together different shots and scenes using simple video transitions. It could also be as complex as adding CGI and special effects. It may also involve adding audio and generally tying together various such elements. It can take hours, days, months, and even years to accomplish. It may be achieved over a shoestring budget or may even cost millions.

Simply put, a video editor uses footage, sound, and graphics to tell a story convincingly. A typical day in the video editor's life may involve developing treatments and storyboards, working on scripts, producing and editing videos, and photos editing software for multiple platforms. The video editor could work on short-form daily content that is generally used for social media platforms and long-form series. While doing so, a video editor may have to source or create graphics, animations, special effects, music, sound effects, and bites.

You may think that all a video editor needs to do is know how to work with professional video editing software. However, there is more to it. Video editors must also use their expertise to make decisions that will best optimize the content for the distribution platform. A video editor may also be responsible for audience development, working alongside the editorial team and other departments to ensure a steady stream of content designed to meet business objectives.

Modern video editing involves three stages- pre-production, production, and post-production.

Pre-production: You may say that this is the compositional stage. The outline of the video is created in this stage.

Production: This is when the filming takes place based on the outline.

Post-production: This is the most important stage in video editing. The recorded footage is taken to the editing room. A video editing software is used extensively to organize and stitch all the footage together to help realize the vision that was determined in the pre-production stage.

Each stage is built upon the work that is done in the previous stages. A common misconception is that video editing comes into the picture only in the post-production stage. A good video editor will not just be technically proficient but will have a deep understanding of the different stages of video editing and at which stage the various techniques must be applied. In doing so, the video editor eliminates the need to work on footage that will never make it to the final edit.

The video editor can enjoy much control in shaping the final video. In other words, a good video editor can play an integral role in ensuring that the footage that reaches the editing room in the post-production stage needs minimal editing.

What Do You Need to Know Before You Become a Professional Video Editor?

Learning video editing may seem overwhelming. It is very complex and very technical. However, becoming a professional video editor is not an unachievable proposition. Aspiring professional video editors must consider the following -

What type of videos are you editing?

Think about what kind of videos you want to edit. There are various genres of videos, such as short films, vlogs, feature films, documentaries, and even home movies. Each genre requires a different style and approach to editing.

What kind of video editing software must I use?

The video editing software may also vary based on the genre of the video. Depending on the task, decide whether you want to opt for a basic video editing software with drag-and-drop features or a more professional video editing software that can create high-quality visual effects. Sometimes, you need a simple online video editing tool to get the job done. In contrast, on some occasions, you may need to use video effects software, the best video mixing software out there or even video cropping software. For some genres, you may need full-featured video maker software.

Does my computer enable video editing?

Your computer may not necessarily have the specifications needed to perform video editing. The memory, processor, graphics card, and storage are all important considerations. For example, your computer must have at least 8 GB of RAM. It’s best to have as much memory as possible. You must also choose a powerful processor. The Intel Core (i5 or higher) and the AMD FX series are great options. Ensure you have a processor with a speed of at least 2.6 gigahertz. Storage capacity is also crucial. While 1 TB of storage is recommended, do not go any lower than 500 GB.

In general, personal computers that are designed for gaming will have all the required specifications. Mac computers, especially the Mac Pro series, are widely regarded as the topmost choice for video editing.

Once you have your equipment in place, keep the following points in mind when you begin to edit videos -

• Choose the correct clips by watching the footage multiple times.
• Organize your footage well. Make folders and subfolders so that you can identify and retrieve content easily.
• Be present on the sets during the shooting. If possible, obtain multiple takes of a scene so that you have many options to choose from to bring out the best results.
• Less is more. Do not go overboard with effects.
• Ensure that you take a break every now and then to obtain fresh eyes’ and perspective to determine what is or isn’t working.
• Choose background music with care. Do not opt for anything distracting viewers from concentrating on the scene.

Professional video editing is a serious business and can determine the success or failure of the content. It requires instinct and experience. Much of all these come from consistent learning and practice. It is a very creative process and an ever-evolving field of work. 

Types of Video Editing Software

The following are the four main types of video editing. You can choose the best video editing software solution for you based on the type of video editing you plan to undertake:

1. Film Splicing: A splicing machine lines up the film footage while cutting or slicing it.

2. Tape-To-Tape/Linear: A very outdated method, it is still used on rare occasions. Video is copied from one tape to another.

3. Digital/Computer/Non-Linear: Specialized video editing software is used to edit video footage on a computer. The finished product is then recorded on an optical disk or tape.

4. Live Editing: Commonly used for live television coverage, multiple cameras are routed through a central console. The footage is mixed and edited in real time.

What are the Key Features of Video Editing Software?

With so many video and audio editing software options available, knowing what features you need in the software can help you get closer to selecting an ideal solution. Here are some key features that are usually available in the best video editing software that you may not want to miss:

1. Automate Titles to Sequence: With this feature, you can create a series of markers for titles to land if you need to lay down several titles in a sequence.

2. Import Clips: You can use a standard media browser tool to import clips and navigate your operating system to find files.

3. Move-Insert Edit: This feature enables you to move a clip in a sequence without creating any gaps.

4. Conform Audio Levels: This feature allows you to select multiple audio clips with different sound levels and thereby conform the audio levels.

5. Top and Tail Editing: This feature lets you cut the in or out point of a clip, which has a ripple effect on all the adjacent clips in the timeline after the edit is done.

How to Choose a Video Editing Software?

The best way to begin looking for video and audio editing software is by visiting the websites of popular video editing software providers and signing up for a free trial or demo of the program. Use reviews and rankings on various websites, forums, and blogs to shortlist the best contenders for this activity. The free trial will help you get to know and experience the product first-hand. You can test the application’s features free of cost, compare them with each other, and determine the most suitable video editing tool for your needs.

When you select a professional video editing software solution, try and choose one that offers you the following benefits:

1. No Need for Plug-Ins: You must opt for a video editing tool that does not require installing any plug-ins. It should enable you to record the video on your smartphone or a small camera and edit the footage on your computer.

2. Cost-Saving: Top video editing software solutions will largely equip even amateurs and novices to edit videos easily so that you do not have to spend too much on professional fees for highly-skilled video editing professionals.

3. Video Quality Improvement: Select professional video editing software that converts poor-quality footage into high-definition and high-resolution videos.

4. Music: A thrilling background score can entirely take a video to another level. Choose a solution that allows you to do that well.

5. Superior Effects: Effects can make videos more engaging and compelling. You must choose a solution that enables the addition of various effects.

Top Video Editing Software for Windows and Mac

The market is flooded with professional video editing software solutions, and it is difficult to select one out of so many. Here are some of the best video editing software solutions for Mac and PC:

1. Windows Movie Maker (PC): One of the easiest software to use for video editing, Movie Maker can give budding video editors the perfect introduction to video editing. Older Windows computers had this software preloaded. A free download is also available on its website. 

2. iMovie (Mac): As far as free video and audio editing software goes, iMovie is a solid option. It comes with more features than Movie Maker. It allows users to add text and animation effects. The iMovie is also very easy to use and great for beginners.

3. Final Cut Pro X (Mac): The Final Cut Pro X is designed for professionals. However, this would be a worthy contender if you are looking for a professional video editing tool that does not overwhelm you with a complex interface or too many features.

4. AVID Media Composer (Mac/PC): AVID Media Composer is a little more complex than the Final Cut Pro X because AVID is quite a complex program. If you are serious about kickstarting a career in video editing, this is a highly capable and professional video editing tool.

5. Adobe Premiere Pro (Mac/PC): Not as complex as the AVID Media Composer and a little more so than the Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere Pro is also a great professional video editing software. It is reasonably priced and fairly easy to use once you get used to the interface.

6. Lightworks Free (Mac/PC): Lightworks Free has all the capabilities of professional video editing software with the user-friendliness of other video editing software designed for beginners. Being a highly feature-rich application, it is one of the top video editing software available and would be our pick from this list.

Conclusion

Video editing is a craft, an art form, that takes many years to master and get perfect. However, it only takes a few months to learn enough about the process in order to start editing videos. Becoming a skilled video editor requires unrelenting determination and endless will to learn new things and even unlearn what you already know. You will find yourself constantly discovering new ways of assembling video clips into compelling narratives and grabbing the viewer's attention. If you have the right tools in your arsenal, editing a video is not as difficult as it may seem.

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