Unlock Wax’s Potential: A Beginner’s Guide to Video Editing

Wax - How to Use Free Video Editor Wax to Edit Videos

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Wax is a light weight but high performance and flexible video editing, composition and special effects software. And above all, it’s a free video editor for both commercial and personal use. Wax can create 2D & 3D special effects and can work in two modes - as a standalone application and as a “plug-in” to video editors/NLEs like VirtualDub, Sony Vegas, Adobe Premiere, etc.

This is the getting-started tutorial for Wax. In this Wax tutorial, we are going to show you how to zoom, crop and pan video and image, how to make project settings and how to render AVI videos.

---

Note: If you think Wax is something complicated, you can turn to Wondershare Filmora , which enables you to edit videos with separate tracks and add transitions to your videos, finally, convert your video to any video format you like.Download the free trial version of Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor) (Windows/Mac) below.

Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

---

1. Zoom, crop and pan image for video

Download Wax and install it first. Run the software and Load Media Files by right-clicking on MediaPool panel. But this doesn’t finish. To edit video, you need to drag-n-drop desired media files to the timeline. Then switch to Video Plugins to drag-n-drop Quick 3d plugin to the just added track.

As shown above, click the triangle next to Quick 3d, you would see many options such as Posx, Posz, Cropleft, Cropbottom, etc. Please see detailed instructions to make editing in Wax:

Zoom Video: Click the Posz clock icon to set Keyframming mode to Linear, and then change the value by hanging over mouse to ZEROs and drag to left/right.

Crop Video: Click the Cropleft/Croptop/Cropright/Cropbottom clock icon to set Keyframming mode to Linear, and then change the value by hanging over mouse to ZEROs and drag to left/right.

Pan Video: Click the Posx clock icon to set Keyframming mode to Linear, and then change the value by hanging over mouse to ZEROs and drag to left/right.

Note that you could preview the video while making settings in the top preview windows.

2. Make project settings

Press F3 or click the Project Settings button in the tool bar to bring up the dialog. There, specify the file name, save path and video options, including video dimensions, frame rate, and click OK.

3. Render AVI video

Click the green arrow button on the tool bar to start saving video to specified path in the project settings. A few minutes later, you will get the edited video.

To be concluded, this is just the beginning Wax tutorial. You will find more features while using it. Just download Wax and have a try.

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Wax is a light weight but high performance and flexible video editing, composition and special effects software. And above all, it’s a free video editor for both commercial and personal use. Wax can create 2D & 3D special effects and can work in two modes - as a standalone application and as a “plug-in” to video editors/NLEs like VirtualDub, Sony Vegas, Adobe Premiere, etc.

This is the getting-started tutorial for Wax. In this Wax tutorial, we are going to show you how to zoom, crop and pan video and image, how to make project settings and how to render AVI videos.

---

Note: If you think Wax is something complicated, you can turn to Wondershare Filmora , which enables you to edit videos with separate tracks and add transitions to your videos, finally, convert your video to any video format you like.Download the free trial version of Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor) (Windows/Mac) below.

Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

---

1. Zoom, crop and pan image for video

Download Wax and install it first. Run the software and Load Media Files by right-clicking on MediaPool panel. But this doesn’t finish. To edit video, you need to drag-n-drop desired media files to the timeline. Then switch to Video Plugins to drag-n-drop Quick 3d plugin to the just added track.

As shown above, click the triangle next to Quick 3d, you would see many options such as Posx, Posz, Cropleft, Cropbottom, etc. Please see detailed instructions to make editing in Wax:

Zoom Video: Click the Posz clock icon to set Keyframming mode to Linear, and then change the value by hanging over mouse to ZEROs and drag to left/right.

Crop Video: Click the Cropleft/Croptop/Cropright/Cropbottom clock icon to set Keyframming mode to Linear, and then change the value by hanging over mouse to ZEROs and drag to left/right.

Pan Video: Click the Posx clock icon to set Keyframming mode to Linear, and then change the value by hanging over mouse to ZEROs and drag to left/right.

Note that you could preview the video while making settings in the top preview windows.

2. Make project settings

Press F3 or click the Project Settings button in the tool bar to bring up the dialog. There, specify the file name, save path and video options, including video dimensions, frame rate, and click OK.

3. Render AVI video

Click the green arrow button on the tool bar to start saving video to specified path in the project settings. A few minutes later, you will get the edited video.

To be concluded, this is just the beginning Wax tutorial. You will find more features while using it. Just download Wax and have a try.

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Wax is a light weight but high performance and flexible video editing, composition and special effects software. And above all, it’s a free video editor for both commercial and personal use. Wax can create 2D & 3D special effects and can work in two modes - as a standalone application and as a “plug-in” to video editors/NLEs like VirtualDub, Sony Vegas, Adobe Premiere, etc.

This is the getting-started tutorial for Wax. In this Wax tutorial, we are going to show you how to zoom, crop and pan video and image, how to make project settings and how to render AVI videos.

---

Note: If you think Wax is something complicated, you can turn to Wondershare Filmora , which enables you to edit videos with separate tracks and add transitions to your videos, finally, convert your video to any video format you like.Download the free trial version of Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor) (Windows/Mac) below.

Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

---

1. Zoom, crop and pan image for video

Download Wax and install it first. Run the software and Load Media Files by right-clicking on MediaPool panel. But this doesn’t finish. To edit video, you need to drag-n-drop desired media files to the timeline. Then switch to Video Plugins to drag-n-drop Quick 3d plugin to the just added track.

As shown above, click the triangle next to Quick 3d, you would see many options such as Posx, Posz, Cropleft, Cropbottom, etc. Please see detailed instructions to make editing in Wax:

Zoom Video: Click the Posz clock icon to set Keyframming mode to Linear, and then change the value by hanging over mouse to ZEROs and drag to left/right.

Crop Video: Click the Cropleft/Croptop/Cropright/Cropbottom clock icon to set Keyframming mode to Linear, and then change the value by hanging over mouse to ZEROs and drag to left/right.

Pan Video: Click the Posx clock icon to set Keyframming mode to Linear, and then change the value by hanging over mouse to ZEROs and drag to left/right.

Note that you could preview the video while making settings in the top preview windows.

2. Make project settings

Press F3 or click the Project Settings button in the tool bar to bring up the dialog. There, specify the file name, save path and video options, including video dimensions, frame rate, and click OK.

3. Render AVI video

Click the green arrow button on the tool bar to start saving video to specified path in the project settings. A few minutes later, you will get the edited video.

To be concluded, this is just the beginning Wax tutorial. You will find more features while using it. Just download Wax and have a try.

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Wax is a light weight but high performance and flexible video editing, composition and special effects software. And above all, it’s a free video editor for both commercial and personal use. Wax can create 2D & 3D special effects and can work in two modes - as a standalone application and as a “plug-in” to video editors/NLEs like VirtualDub, Sony Vegas, Adobe Premiere, etc.

This is the getting-started tutorial for Wax. In this Wax tutorial, we are going to show you how to zoom, crop and pan video and image, how to make project settings and how to render AVI videos.

---

Note: If you think Wax is something complicated, you can turn to Wondershare Filmora , which enables you to edit videos with separate tracks and add transitions to your videos, finally, convert your video to any video format you like.Download the free trial version of Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor) (Windows/Mac) below.

Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

---

1. Zoom, crop and pan image for video

Download Wax and install it first. Run the software and Load Media Files by right-clicking on MediaPool panel. But this doesn’t finish. To edit video, you need to drag-n-drop desired media files to the timeline. Then switch to Video Plugins to drag-n-drop Quick 3d plugin to the just added track.

As shown above, click the triangle next to Quick 3d, you would see many options such as Posx, Posz, Cropleft, Cropbottom, etc. Please see detailed instructions to make editing in Wax:

Zoom Video: Click the Posz clock icon to set Keyframming mode to Linear, and then change the value by hanging over mouse to ZEROs and drag to left/right.

Crop Video: Click the Cropleft/Croptop/Cropright/Cropbottom clock icon to set Keyframming mode to Linear, and then change the value by hanging over mouse to ZEROs and drag to left/right.

Pan Video: Click the Posx clock icon to set Keyframming mode to Linear, and then change the value by hanging over mouse to ZEROs and drag to left/right.

Note that you could preview the video while making settings in the top preview windows.

2. Make project settings

Press F3 or click the Project Settings button in the tool bar to bring up the dialog. There, specify the file name, save path and video options, including video dimensions, frame rate, and click OK.

3. Render AVI video

Click the green arrow button on the tool bar to start saving video to specified path in the project settings. A few minutes later, you will get the edited video.

To be concluded, this is just the beginning Wax tutorial. You will find more features while using it. Just download Wax and have a try.

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

The Natural Look: How to Smooth Skin in FCPX without Plugins

Full Guide: How to Add a Skin Smoother Effect with Final Cut Pro

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

It’s quite common for vloggers to try to show the best of their states. However, makeup, weather, and the shooting equipment may disagree. So, how to tackle this problem?

Fortunately, we have the best solutions to fix the skin tone issue by using FCPX’s built-in tools or smooth skin plugins. You will learn how to strategically adjust your footage’s look for stylistic purposes and impress your audience with your video-editing skills. Now, let’s understand what a skin smoother effect is before learning how to add it in FCPX.

• Part 1: How to Add a Skin Smoother Effect without Plugins in Final Cut Pro?
• Part 2: Where to Find Good Skin Smoother Plugins?
• Part 3: How to adopt Skin Smoothing Plugins into FCPX?
• Part 4: How to Smooth Skin in Filmora?
• Part 5: How to smooth skin in Adobe Pro?

Part 1: How to Add a Skin Smoother Effect without Plugins in Final Cut Pro?

Smoothening the skin in Final Cut Pro is very simple. Simply select the video, choose Video effects to be applied, and adjust the percentages from the Inspector pane. You will get wrinkle-free skin with an astonishing look. While multiple plugins are also available to apply a skin smoother effect, you can use the built-in features of Final Cut Pro to smoothen the skin and decrease the amount of contrast.

Here’s how you can do this:

step1Choose the starting image and edit the clip into the timeline. Press Option and make a connected copy of the clip by dragging it up. The start and end points should match for syncing. In the Effects Browser, drag Blur > Gaussian Blur to apply the blur effect on the upper clip.

step2Open the Inspector pan and select Compositing from its bottom. Switch the Blend Mode to Lighten and adjust the Opacity slider as per your desired glow. Usually, 40 to 45% is ideal.

step3Now, go to the top of the Inspector and turn on the blue checkbox next to Gaussian. Adjust the blurring effect until you achieve your desired level of skin softening. It is highly recommended to blur using the horizontal setting to soften the skin while keeping the eyes sharp. Here, the glow is controlled by Opacity while skin softening is controlled by the Blue Amount.

For better results, add a Vignette by selecting and combining the two clips into a Compound Clip. From the Effects Browser, select Stylize > Vignette and adjust drag the vignette. Now, customize the compound clip settings in the Inspector pane until you achieve your desired look. Compare the results between two images before and after editing

Part 2: Where to Find Good Skin Smoother Plugins?

Plugins make it easy for beginners and users with limited expertise to add a skin smoother effect in Final Cut Pro X. You can find both free and paid skin smoother plugins for FCPX online. Given below are some popular skin smoothening plugins for Final Cut Pro X.

1. Skin Smoother 2

Skin Smoother 2 is a powerful and easy-to-use plugin that allows you to smooth out unwanted skin details and enhance your facial appearance.

Price: $19.99 (One-time Charges)

Software Requirements: FCP 10.2 or later

Features:

• Enhanced control over facial adjustments with fine-tuning giving more natural results;
• Precise color sampling without a need to match up with present skin tones; and
• 3 to 5 times faster rendering.

1. Color Finale

Color Finale is a user-friendly, fine-tuned, and fully-featured professional skin smoother plugin purpose bit for FCP.

Price: $152

Software Requirements: FCP 10.4.8 - 10.5.1

Features:

• Color wheels, curves, and LUT utilities;
• A complete professional color toolset for videographers, colorists, and editors; and
• Allows personal preference on the interface.

1. Universe

A comprehensive FCP tool with 89 individual plugins to apply the next-generation skin smoothening and facial improvement effects.

Price: $199/year

Software Requirements: FCPX 10.5 or later

Features:

• Advanced transitions and effects and motion graphics tools;
• A variety of cool presents and text generators; and
• Number counters, chromatic aberration, VHS looks, camera shake, glitch effects.

Part 3: How to adopt Skin Smoothing Plugins into FCPX?

Follow these steps to use the Skin Smooth 2 Plugin for Final Cut Pro X:

1. Purchase and download the Skin Smoother 2 plugin. Go to downloads, unzip the folder containing the plugin and install it on your computer.
2. Open the FCPX, go to Effects, and click on Skin Smoother 2. A list of options will appear. Import the image or video you want to edit.
3. To apply the skin-smoothing effect, click on Add Color Mask, and select the areas of the face where the color mask has to be added.
4. Adjust the Skin Smoothing, Smoothing Mix, and the Softness of the color mask as per your requirements.
5. Finally, click on Add Shape Mask, two circles will appear on the image. Adjust the covering area of both circles for Shape Mask 1 to add a smiling face.

Part 4: How to Smooth Skin in Filmora?

Wondershare Filmora features advanced tuning tools and a variety of video filters and overlays. Learn how to smooth skin or beautify your face in the video with this advanced video-editing software.

1. Open Filmora, open New Project and click Import to load your videos to the timeline.
2. Double click on the video to open the editing window. Open the Color panel and adjust parameters according to your preference such as white balance, tone, and 3D LUT, etc.
3. Open the toolbar, click the Advanced Color Tuning icon, go to the advanced color tuning window, and adjust the white balance, color tint and temperature, HSL, 3D LUT, Vignette, and Light. If you are a beginner, try applying the present templates.
4. To set a specific tone or beautify your video, open the Tools tab and click the Color Correction option to change the color tones.
5. Open Effects and Transitions and select the skin smooth filter. Hover the cursor over the filter and click the plus icon in the middle to add that effect. You can also apply the effect to the whole clip by dragging and dropping it directly onto the video clip.

Part 5: How to smooth skin in Adobe Pro?

Given below are simple steps to create a face matter, control the skin smoothing, adjust color correction, and correct the skin glow in Adobe Pro by using the Beauty Studio Effect:

1. Applying the Beauty Studio effect smoothens all parts of the image including the background. However, it will make your footage look artificial, which is not desired. Hence, turn on the Pixel Chooser, pick two colors with the eye dropper tool. Color A for the darker area and Color B for the lighter area.
2. Underneath the Mocha Matte, use the eyedropper tool to select colors on the skin of the subject in your footage.
3. Now, click on View Matte/Mask to visualize the image areas where you are applying the skin smoothing effect. The Beauty Studio will affect the smoothing effect in the white area while the black area will remain unsmoothed.
4. Adjust the Saturation, Hue, and Luma softness to enhance the appearance of the skin, eyes, and mouth.
5. To prevent the rest of the image from getting affected, create a Mocha mask around the face by clicking on the Mocha logo and drawing a mask with the X-Spline tool. Make sure the mask moves as the subject is moved after your track forward and back.
6. Beauty Studio offers four levels of skin smoothing. You can adjust these levels as per your situation by lowering the smoothing amount for each level. For better results, adjust the levels at 70 or below.
7. For the final touch, adjust the sharpening between 10-20 points, add saturation between 3 to 8 points for color correction, and add 5 to 10 points of glow. Your image is ready, compare the results before and after applying the effect.

Conclusion

Smooth skin with clear facial expressions attracts everyone. You can apply a skin smooth effect in your video by using advanced video editing tools like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premium, and Wondershare Filmora.

There are two methods to add a skin smooth effect with FCPX: By using in-built software settings, or by using plugins like Skin Smoother 2, Color Finale, and Universe. Use Beauty Studio Effect in Adobe Pro to smooth skin and improve facial appearance. Finally, you can beautify the face in your video by adding transitions, making color adjustments, and applying different effects with Wondershare Filmora.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

It’s quite common for vloggers to try to show the best of their states. However, makeup, weather, and the shooting equipment may disagree. So, how to tackle this problem?

Fortunately, we have the best solutions to fix the skin tone issue by using FCPX’s built-in tools or smooth skin plugins. You will learn how to strategically adjust your footage’s look for stylistic purposes and impress your audience with your video-editing skills. Now, let’s understand what a skin smoother effect is before learning how to add it in FCPX.

• Part 1: How to Add a Skin Smoother Effect without Plugins in Final Cut Pro?
• Part 2: Where to Find Good Skin Smoother Plugins?
• Part 3: How to adopt Skin Smoothing Plugins into FCPX?
• Part 4: How to Smooth Skin in Filmora?
• Part 5: How to smooth skin in Adobe Pro?

Part 1: How to Add a Skin Smoother Effect without Plugins in Final Cut Pro?

Smoothening the skin in Final Cut Pro is very simple. Simply select the video, choose Video effects to be applied, and adjust the percentages from the Inspector pane. You will get wrinkle-free skin with an astonishing look. While multiple plugins are also available to apply a skin smoother effect, you can use the built-in features of Final Cut Pro to smoothen the skin and decrease the amount of contrast.

Here’s how you can do this:

step1Choose the starting image and edit the clip into the timeline. Press Option and make a connected copy of the clip by dragging it up. The start and end points should match for syncing. In the Effects Browser, drag Blur > Gaussian Blur to apply the blur effect on the upper clip.

step2Open the Inspector pan and select Compositing from its bottom. Switch the Blend Mode to Lighten and adjust the Opacity slider as per your desired glow. Usually, 40 to 45% is ideal.

step3Now, go to the top of the Inspector and turn on the blue checkbox next to Gaussian. Adjust the blurring effect until you achieve your desired level of skin softening. It is highly recommended to blur using the horizontal setting to soften the skin while keeping the eyes sharp. Here, the glow is controlled by Opacity while skin softening is controlled by the Blue Amount.

For better results, add a Vignette by selecting and combining the two clips into a Compound Clip. From the Effects Browser, select Stylize > Vignette and adjust drag the vignette. Now, customize the compound clip settings in the Inspector pane until you achieve your desired look. Compare the results between two images before and after editing

Part 2: Where to Find Good Skin Smoother Plugins?

Plugins make it easy for beginners and users with limited expertise to add a skin smoother effect in Final Cut Pro X. You can find both free and paid skin smoother plugins for FCPX online. Given below are some popular skin smoothening plugins for Final Cut Pro X.

1. Skin Smoother 2

Skin Smoother 2 is a powerful and easy-to-use plugin that allows you to smooth out unwanted skin details and enhance your facial appearance.

Price: $19.99 (One-time Charges)

Software Requirements: FCP 10.2 or later

Features:

• Enhanced control over facial adjustments with fine-tuning giving more natural results;
• Precise color sampling without a need to match up with present skin tones; and
• 3 to 5 times faster rendering.

1. Color Finale

Color Finale is a user-friendly, fine-tuned, and fully-featured professional skin smoother plugin purpose bit for FCP.

Price: $152

Software Requirements: FCP 10.4.8 - 10.5.1

Features:

• Color wheels, curves, and LUT utilities;
• A complete professional color toolset for videographers, colorists, and editors; and
• Allows personal preference on the interface.

1. Universe

A comprehensive FCP tool with 89 individual plugins to apply the next-generation skin smoothening and facial improvement effects.

Price: $199/year

Software Requirements: FCPX 10.5 or later

Features:

• Advanced transitions and effects and motion graphics tools;
• A variety of cool presents and text generators; and
• Number counters, chromatic aberration, VHS looks, camera shake, glitch effects.

Part 3: How to adopt Skin Smoothing Plugins into FCPX?

Follow these steps to use the Skin Smooth 2 Plugin for Final Cut Pro X:

1. Purchase and download the Skin Smoother 2 plugin. Go to downloads, unzip the folder containing the plugin and install it on your computer.
2. Open the FCPX, go to Effects, and click on Skin Smoother 2. A list of options will appear. Import the image or video you want to edit.
3. To apply the skin-smoothing effect, click on Add Color Mask, and select the areas of the face where the color mask has to be added.
4. Adjust the Skin Smoothing, Smoothing Mix, and the Softness of the color mask as per your requirements.
5. Finally, click on Add Shape Mask, two circles will appear on the image. Adjust the covering area of both circles for Shape Mask 1 to add a smiling face.

Part 4: How to Smooth Skin in Filmora?

Wondershare Filmora features advanced tuning tools and a variety of video filters and overlays. Learn how to smooth skin or beautify your face in the video with this advanced video-editing software.

1. Open Filmora, open New Project and click Import to load your videos to the timeline.
2. Double click on the video to open the editing window. Open the Color panel and adjust parameters according to your preference such as white balance, tone, and 3D LUT, etc.
3. Open the toolbar, click the Advanced Color Tuning icon, go to the advanced color tuning window, and adjust the white balance, color tint and temperature, HSL, 3D LUT, Vignette, and Light. If you are a beginner, try applying the present templates.
4. To set a specific tone or beautify your video, open the Tools tab and click the Color Correction option to change the color tones.
5. Open Effects and Transitions and select the skin smooth filter. Hover the cursor over the filter and click the plus icon in the middle to add that effect. You can also apply the effect to the whole clip by dragging and dropping it directly onto the video clip.

Part 5: How to smooth skin in Adobe Pro?

Given below are simple steps to create a face matter, control the skin smoothing, adjust color correction, and correct the skin glow in Adobe Pro by using the Beauty Studio Effect:

1. Applying the Beauty Studio effect smoothens all parts of the image including the background. However, it will make your footage look artificial, which is not desired. Hence, turn on the Pixel Chooser, pick two colors with the eye dropper tool. Color A for the darker area and Color B for the lighter area.
2. Underneath the Mocha Matte, use the eyedropper tool to select colors on the skin of the subject in your footage.
3. Now, click on View Matte/Mask to visualize the image areas where you are applying the skin smoothing effect. The Beauty Studio will affect the smoothing effect in the white area while the black area will remain unsmoothed.
4. Adjust the Saturation, Hue, and Luma softness to enhance the appearance of the skin, eyes, and mouth.
5. To prevent the rest of the image from getting affected, create a Mocha mask around the face by clicking on the Mocha logo and drawing a mask with the X-Spline tool. Make sure the mask moves as the subject is moved after your track forward and back.
6. Beauty Studio offers four levels of skin smoothing. You can adjust these levels as per your situation by lowering the smoothing amount for each level. For better results, adjust the levels at 70 or below.
7. For the final touch, adjust the sharpening between 10-20 points, add saturation between 3 to 8 points for color correction, and add 5 to 10 points of glow. Your image is ready, compare the results before and after applying the effect.

Conclusion

Smooth skin with clear facial expressions attracts everyone. You can apply a skin smooth effect in your video by using advanced video editing tools like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premium, and Wondershare Filmora.

There are two methods to add a skin smooth effect with FCPX: By using in-built software settings, or by using plugins like Skin Smoother 2, Color Finale, and Universe. Use Beauty Studio Effect in Adobe Pro to smooth skin and improve facial appearance. Finally, you can beautify the face in your video by adding transitions, making color adjustments, and applying different effects with Wondershare Filmora.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

It’s quite common for vloggers to try to show the best of their states. However, makeup, weather, and the shooting equipment may disagree. So, how to tackle this problem?

Fortunately, we have the best solutions to fix the skin tone issue by using FCPX’s built-in tools or smooth skin plugins. You will learn how to strategically adjust your footage’s look for stylistic purposes and impress your audience with your video-editing skills. Now, let’s understand what a skin smoother effect is before learning how to add it in FCPX.

• Part 1: How to Add a Skin Smoother Effect without Plugins in Final Cut Pro?
• Part 2: Where to Find Good Skin Smoother Plugins?
• Part 3: How to adopt Skin Smoothing Plugins into FCPX?
• Part 4: How to Smooth Skin in Filmora?
• Part 5: How to smooth skin in Adobe Pro?

Part 1: How to Add a Skin Smoother Effect without Plugins in Final Cut Pro?

Smoothening the skin in Final Cut Pro is very simple. Simply select the video, choose Video effects to be applied, and adjust the percentages from the Inspector pane. You will get wrinkle-free skin with an astonishing look. While multiple plugins are also available to apply a skin smoother effect, you can use the built-in features of Final Cut Pro to smoothen the skin and decrease the amount of contrast.

Here’s how you can do this:

step1Choose the starting image and edit the clip into the timeline. Press Option and make a connected copy of the clip by dragging it up. The start and end points should match for syncing. In the Effects Browser, drag Blur > Gaussian Blur to apply the blur effect on the upper clip.

step2Open the Inspector pan and select Compositing from its bottom. Switch the Blend Mode to Lighten and adjust the Opacity slider as per your desired glow. Usually, 40 to 45% is ideal.

step3Now, go to the top of the Inspector and turn on the blue checkbox next to Gaussian. Adjust the blurring effect until you achieve your desired level of skin softening. It is highly recommended to blur using the horizontal setting to soften the skin while keeping the eyes sharp. Here, the glow is controlled by Opacity while skin softening is controlled by the Blue Amount.

For better results, add a Vignette by selecting and combining the two clips into a Compound Clip. From the Effects Browser, select Stylize > Vignette and adjust drag the vignette. Now, customize the compound clip settings in the Inspector pane until you achieve your desired look. Compare the results between two images before and after editing

Part 2: Where to Find Good Skin Smoother Plugins?

Plugins make it easy for beginners and users with limited expertise to add a skin smoother effect in Final Cut Pro X. You can find both free and paid skin smoother plugins for FCPX online. Given below are some popular skin smoothening plugins for Final Cut Pro X.

1. Skin Smoother 2

Skin Smoother 2 is a powerful and easy-to-use plugin that allows you to smooth out unwanted skin details and enhance your facial appearance.

Price: $19.99 (One-time Charges)

Software Requirements: FCP 10.2 or later

Features:

• Enhanced control over facial adjustments with fine-tuning giving more natural results;
• Precise color sampling without a need to match up with present skin tones; and
• 3 to 5 times faster rendering.

1. Color Finale

Color Finale is a user-friendly, fine-tuned, and fully-featured professional skin smoother plugin purpose bit for FCP.

Price: $152

Software Requirements: FCP 10.4.8 - 10.5.1

Features:

• Color wheels, curves, and LUT utilities;
• A complete professional color toolset for videographers, colorists, and editors; and
• Allows personal preference on the interface.

1. Universe

A comprehensive FCP tool with 89 individual plugins to apply the next-generation skin smoothening and facial improvement effects.

Price: $199/year

Software Requirements: FCPX 10.5 or later

Features:

• Advanced transitions and effects and motion graphics tools;
• A variety of cool presents and text generators; and
• Number counters, chromatic aberration, VHS looks, camera shake, glitch effects.

Part 3: How to adopt Skin Smoothing Plugins into FCPX?

Follow these steps to use the Skin Smooth 2 Plugin for Final Cut Pro X:

1. Purchase and download the Skin Smoother 2 plugin. Go to downloads, unzip the folder containing the plugin and install it on your computer.
2. Open the FCPX, go to Effects, and click on Skin Smoother 2. A list of options will appear. Import the image or video you want to edit.
3. To apply the skin-smoothing effect, click on Add Color Mask, and select the areas of the face where the color mask has to be added.
4. Adjust the Skin Smoothing, Smoothing Mix, and the Softness of the color mask as per your requirements.
5. Finally, click on Add Shape Mask, two circles will appear on the image. Adjust the covering area of both circles for Shape Mask 1 to add a smiling face.

Part 4: How to Smooth Skin in Filmora?

Wondershare Filmora features advanced tuning tools and a variety of video filters and overlays. Learn how to smooth skin or beautify your face in the video with this advanced video-editing software.

1. Open Filmora, open New Project and click Import to load your videos to the timeline.
2. Double click on the video to open the editing window. Open the Color panel and adjust parameters according to your preference such as white balance, tone, and 3D LUT, etc.
3. Open the toolbar, click the Advanced Color Tuning icon, go to the advanced color tuning window, and adjust the white balance, color tint and temperature, HSL, 3D LUT, Vignette, and Light. If you are a beginner, try applying the present templates.
4. To set a specific tone or beautify your video, open the Tools tab and click the Color Correction option to change the color tones.
5. Open Effects and Transitions and select the skin smooth filter. Hover the cursor over the filter and click the plus icon in the middle to add that effect. You can also apply the effect to the whole clip by dragging and dropping it directly onto the video clip.

Part 5: How to smooth skin in Adobe Pro?

Given below are simple steps to create a face matter, control the skin smoothing, adjust color correction, and correct the skin glow in Adobe Pro by using the Beauty Studio Effect:

1. Applying the Beauty Studio effect smoothens all parts of the image including the background. However, it will make your footage look artificial, which is not desired. Hence, turn on the Pixel Chooser, pick two colors with the eye dropper tool. Color A for the darker area and Color B for the lighter area.
2. Underneath the Mocha Matte, use the eyedropper tool to select colors on the skin of the subject in your footage.
3. Now, click on View Matte/Mask to visualize the image areas where you are applying the skin smoothing effect. The Beauty Studio will affect the smoothing effect in the white area while the black area will remain unsmoothed.
4. Adjust the Saturation, Hue, and Luma softness to enhance the appearance of the skin, eyes, and mouth.
5. To prevent the rest of the image from getting affected, create a Mocha mask around the face by clicking on the Mocha logo and drawing a mask with the X-Spline tool. Make sure the mask moves as the subject is moved after your track forward and back.
6. Beauty Studio offers four levels of skin smoothing. You can adjust these levels as per your situation by lowering the smoothing amount for each level. For better results, adjust the levels at 70 or below.
7. For the final touch, adjust the sharpening between 10-20 points, add saturation between 3 to 8 points for color correction, and add 5 to 10 points of glow. Your image is ready, compare the results before and after applying the effect.

Conclusion

Smooth skin with clear facial expressions attracts everyone. You can apply a skin smooth effect in your video by using advanced video editing tools like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premium, and Wondershare Filmora.

There are two methods to add a skin smooth effect with FCPX: By using in-built software settings, or by using plugins like Skin Smoother 2, Color Finale, and Universe. Use Beauty Studio Effect in Adobe Pro to smooth skin and improve facial appearance. Finally, you can beautify the face in your video by adding transitions, making color adjustments, and applying different effects with Wondershare Filmora.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

It’s quite common for vloggers to try to show the best of their states. However, makeup, weather, and the shooting equipment may disagree. So, how to tackle this problem?

Fortunately, we have the best solutions to fix the skin tone issue by using FCPX’s built-in tools or smooth skin plugins. You will learn how to strategically adjust your footage’s look for stylistic purposes and impress your audience with your video-editing skills. Now, let’s understand what a skin smoother effect is before learning how to add it in FCPX.

• Part 1: How to Add a Skin Smoother Effect without Plugins in Final Cut Pro?
• Part 2: Where to Find Good Skin Smoother Plugins?
• Part 3: How to adopt Skin Smoothing Plugins into FCPX?
• Part 4: How to Smooth Skin in Filmora?
• Part 5: How to smooth skin in Adobe Pro?

Part 1: How to Add a Skin Smoother Effect without Plugins in Final Cut Pro?

Smoothening the skin in Final Cut Pro is very simple. Simply select the video, choose Video effects to be applied, and adjust the percentages from the Inspector pane. You will get wrinkle-free skin with an astonishing look. While multiple plugins are also available to apply a skin smoother effect, you can use the built-in features of Final Cut Pro to smoothen the skin and decrease the amount of contrast.

Here’s how you can do this:

step1Choose the starting image and edit the clip into the timeline. Press Option and make a connected copy of the clip by dragging it up. The start and end points should match for syncing. In the Effects Browser, drag Blur > Gaussian Blur to apply the blur effect on the upper clip.

step2Open the Inspector pan and select Compositing from its bottom. Switch the Blend Mode to Lighten and adjust the Opacity slider as per your desired glow. Usually, 40 to 45% is ideal.

step3Now, go to the top of the Inspector and turn on the blue checkbox next to Gaussian. Adjust the blurring effect until you achieve your desired level of skin softening. It is highly recommended to blur using the horizontal setting to soften the skin while keeping the eyes sharp. Here, the glow is controlled by Opacity while skin softening is controlled by the Blue Amount.

For better results, add a Vignette by selecting and combining the two clips into a Compound Clip. From the Effects Browser, select Stylize > Vignette and adjust drag the vignette. Now, customize the compound clip settings in the Inspector pane until you achieve your desired look. Compare the results between two images before and after editing

Part 2: Where to Find Good Skin Smoother Plugins?

Plugins make it easy for beginners and users with limited expertise to add a skin smoother effect in Final Cut Pro X. You can find both free and paid skin smoother plugins for FCPX online. Given below are some popular skin smoothening plugins for Final Cut Pro X.

1. Skin Smoother 2

Skin Smoother 2 is a powerful and easy-to-use plugin that allows you to smooth out unwanted skin details and enhance your facial appearance.

Price: $19.99 (One-time Charges)

Software Requirements: FCP 10.2 or later

Features:

• Enhanced control over facial adjustments with fine-tuning giving more natural results;
• Precise color sampling without a need to match up with present skin tones; and
• 3 to 5 times faster rendering.

1. Color Finale

Color Finale is a user-friendly, fine-tuned, and fully-featured professional skin smoother plugin purpose bit for FCP.

Price: $152

Software Requirements: FCP 10.4.8 - 10.5.1

Features:

• Color wheels, curves, and LUT utilities;
• A complete professional color toolset for videographers, colorists, and editors; and
• Allows personal preference on the interface.

1. Universe

A comprehensive FCP tool with 89 individual plugins to apply the next-generation skin smoothening and facial improvement effects.

Price: $199/year

Software Requirements: FCPX 10.5 or later

Features:

• Advanced transitions and effects and motion graphics tools;
• A variety of cool presents and text generators; and
• Number counters, chromatic aberration, VHS looks, camera shake, glitch effects.

Part 3: How to adopt Skin Smoothing Plugins into FCPX?

Follow these steps to use the Skin Smooth 2 Plugin for Final Cut Pro X:

1. Purchase and download the Skin Smoother 2 plugin. Go to downloads, unzip the folder containing the plugin and install it on your computer.
2. Open the FCPX, go to Effects, and click on Skin Smoother 2. A list of options will appear. Import the image or video you want to edit.
3. To apply the skin-smoothing effect, click on Add Color Mask, and select the areas of the face where the color mask has to be added.
4. Adjust the Skin Smoothing, Smoothing Mix, and the Softness of the color mask as per your requirements.
5. Finally, click on Add Shape Mask, two circles will appear on the image. Adjust the covering area of both circles for Shape Mask 1 to add a smiling face.

Part 4: How to Smooth Skin in Filmora?

Wondershare Filmora features advanced tuning tools and a variety of video filters and overlays. Learn how to smooth skin or beautify your face in the video with this advanced video-editing software.

1. Open Filmora, open New Project and click Import to load your videos to the timeline.
2. Double click on the video to open the editing window. Open the Color panel and adjust parameters according to your preference such as white balance, tone, and 3D LUT, etc.
3. Open the toolbar, click the Advanced Color Tuning icon, go to the advanced color tuning window, and adjust the white balance, color tint and temperature, HSL, 3D LUT, Vignette, and Light. If you are a beginner, try applying the present templates.
4. To set a specific tone or beautify your video, open the Tools tab and click the Color Correction option to change the color tones.
5. Open Effects and Transitions and select the skin smooth filter. Hover the cursor over the filter and click the plus icon in the middle to add that effect. You can also apply the effect to the whole clip by dragging and dropping it directly onto the video clip.

Part 5: How to smooth skin in Adobe Pro?

Given below are simple steps to create a face matter, control the skin smoothing, adjust color correction, and correct the skin glow in Adobe Pro by using the Beauty Studio Effect:

1. Applying the Beauty Studio effect smoothens all parts of the image including the background. However, it will make your footage look artificial, which is not desired. Hence, turn on the Pixel Chooser, pick two colors with the eye dropper tool. Color A for the darker area and Color B for the lighter area.
2. Underneath the Mocha Matte, use the eyedropper tool to select colors on the skin of the subject in your footage.
3. Now, click on View Matte/Mask to visualize the image areas where you are applying the skin smoothing effect. The Beauty Studio will affect the smoothing effect in the white area while the black area will remain unsmoothed.
4. Adjust the Saturation, Hue, and Luma softness to enhance the appearance of the skin, eyes, and mouth.
5. To prevent the rest of the image from getting affected, create a Mocha mask around the face by clicking on the Mocha logo and drawing a mask with the X-Spline tool. Make sure the mask moves as the subject is moved after your track forward and back.
6. Beauty Studio offers four levels of skin smoothing. You can adjust these levels as per your situation by lowering the smoothing amount for each level. For better results, adjust the levels at 70 or below.
7. For the final touch, adjust the sharpening between 10-20 points, add saturation between 3 to 8 points for color correction, and add 5 to 10 points of glow. Your image is ready, compare the results before and after applying the effect.

Conclusion

Smooth skin with clear facial expressions attracts everyone. You can apply a skin smooth effect in your video by using advanced video editing tools like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premium, and Wondershare Filmora.

There are two methods to add a skin smooth effect with FCPX: By using in-built software settings, or by using plugins like Skin Smoother 2, Color Finale, and Universe. Use Beauty Studio Effect in Adobe Pro to smooth skin and improve facial appearance. Finally, you can beautify the face in your video by adding transitions, making color adjustments, and applying different effects with Wondershare Filmora.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Unleash Your Creativity: 10+ Alternatives to Windows Movie Maker

Windows Movie Maker has been a cornerstone tool for video editors for quite a while. There are a lot of amateurs who’ve made use of the free program and have done wonders with it. As it is discontinued, many Windows Movie Maker alternatives claim to offer ‘just the right video editing tool for you,’ few can live up to their promises—and most are very expensive.

We have ten other programs that can be used to create videos that include everything from Apple iMovie to other basic alternatives.

So whether you’re a beginner who wants to learn how to make a movie, a pro looking for an excellent alternative to Windows Movie Maker, or someone who wants to make a simple slide presentation or online video, you’re bound to find a video creation program here.

1. Wondershare Filmora
2. Avidemux Video Editor
3. VirtualDub
4. Sony Vegas Movie Studio
5. WeVideo
6. Lightworks
7. ShotCut
8. OpenShot
9. Movavi Video Editor Plus
10. VSDC Free Video Editor
11. VideoPad Video Editor
12. HitFilm
13. Magix Movie Studio

• How To Edit a Video With a Windows Movie Maker Alternative
• Hot FAQs on Windows Movie Maker Alternatives

Free Download

Free Download

Part 1: Top 3 Picks for Windows Movie Maker Alternatives

The world’s best video editing software is about to change. We look at three of the most popular and valuable alternatives to Windows Movie Maker.

You will need to consider these alternatives to ensure they meet your expectations and needs.

1. Wondershare Filmora - Best Overall

Filmora is the best Windows Movie Maker Alternative designed according to your convenience.

Download now on Windows Mac

Ratings: 4.4 Stars out 5

Starting from $49.99

2. Magix Movie Studio - Best for Collages

This alternative offers a variety of tools and plugins for anyone who wants to create professional-level videos in under a minute.

Download on Windows

Ratings: 4 stars out of 5

30-day free trials, then starts from $69.99 all the way to $129

3. Avidemux Video Editor - Best Open-Source Editor

An open-source editor that supports a wide range of formats is free! Avidemux has an interface similar to Windows Movie Maker, which makes it a perfect alternative.

Download on Windows

Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5

Free Trial

Part 2: Ultimate Overview on 13 Best Alternatives to Windows Movie Maker

We live in visual culture, and we constantly see, capture, upload, and share videos on our smartphones, tablets, and laptops. So, it is only natural that more people seek ways to edit their videos. Windows Movie Maker was one of the most popular video editing apps. So it’s time to dig into the best Windows Movie Maker alternatives, which are arguably better and feature-rich.

Software	OS	Media Resources	AI editing	Easy to Use	Free Trial
Wondershare Filmora	WindowsMacMobile	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Avidemux	WindowsOS XLinuxBSD	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Virtual Dub	Windows	No	No	Yes	Yes
Vegas Movie Studio	Windows	Yes	Yes	No	No
WeVideo	Online	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Lightworks	LinuxOS X Windows	Yes	Yes	No	No
ShotCut	WindowsMacLinuxBSD	Yes	No	No	Yes
OpenShot	WindowsMacLinuxChrome OS	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Movavi Plus	WindowsMac	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
VSDC	Windows	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
VideoPad	WindowsMaciPad/iPhone	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
HitFilm	WindowsMac	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Magix Movie Studio	Windows	Yes	Yes	No	Yes

Part 3: 13 Best Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Windows

As we all know, Windows Movie Maker is the most used and trusted tool for creating videos in Windows. With its unique features and user-friendly interface, people often use this software to develop short and entertaining videos.

However, the fact is that Windows Movie Maker is not the current best video editing software for creating complex video projects. For this reason, we compiled a list of the 12 best alternatives to offer you a better option for Windows Movie Maker.

1. Wondershare Filmora

Filmora 11 is a powerful, easy-to-use video editor specially designed to streamline your workflow and save you hours weekly. It supports everything from Windows, Mac, and IOS to Android. The latest update to the flagship app includes several key enhancements that result in a much more efficient video creation workflow and one that’s easier to use than its rivals.

Key features

• Preset Templates
• Instant Mode
• Motion Tracking
• AI Editing Effects
• Auto Synchronization
• Plug-ins

Price

• Annual Plan: $49.99
• Perpetual Plan: $79.99

Pros

• Seamless interface for beginners
• Great customer support
• Plenty of effects and preset templates
• 4K video output options

Cons

• Rendering requires too much time
• The mobile app requires separate subscription

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , iOS , Android , iPad

G2 Ratings: 4.4 stars out of 5

Summary

Filmora’s intuitive interface allows experienced and brand-new users to create incredible videos with flawless special effects. Its high ratings and multiple supported formats make it quite popular among users.

2. Avidemux Video Editor

If you are a beginner and want to use a free, open-source software program for basic video editing, then Avidemux is a good choice. The interface is not as fancy as it could be, but there are some presets that’ll save you a lot of time. Avidemux is a cross-platform video editor that allows you to create custom videos, but it doesn’t feature the ability to share the edited footage to social media directly,

Key features

• Video and Audio Filters
• Support Popular Formats
• Convert Video For Archiving or Publishing

Price: Free

Pros

• It can convert Video To A Smaller Size
• Easy cut, trim, split video

Cons

• Out-dated UI
• Lacks sharing option

Supported OS: Windows , OS X , Linux , BSD

Uptodown Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5

Summary

An open-source video editor that supports most formats. Due to its obsolete UI and lack of sharing features, Avidemux has average ratings.

3. VirtualDub

This open-source software is user-friendly and allows users with little experience to navigate the software without much trouble. It supports 3rd party apps and also offers batch-processing, which means working on multiple videos simultaneously makes it possible.

Key features

• Integrated volume and histogram meter
• Optimized disk
• Noise reduction
• Fractional frame rates

Price: Free

Pros

• Clean interface, easy to use
• Keyboard and mouse shortcuts for faster operation
• Free to use

Cons

• Not suitable for 4K editing
• Lack learning material
• Obsolete Interface

Supported OS: Windows

Compare Camp Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5

Summary

Virtual Dub supports multitasking, and its features are pretty helpful. However, it lacks 4k editing and a friendly interface. Overall Virtual Dub is a good choice.

4. Sony Vegas Movie Studio

This video editing software makes it easy to create professional-looking videos in minimum time and effort. Vegas Movie Studio software is best for video editing professionals who have been doing it for some time and are looking for something a little more sophisticated than free alternatives. Not only does it has a high retail price, but its internal elements can be too complex for those just beginning.

Key features

• Color correction
• HDV and AVCHD-editing
• DV batch capture
• Wide variety of file formats and codecs

Price: Starting from $7.99 USD per month

Pros

• Customizable interface
• Multicam editing
• Lots of effects and transitions, with plug-in capability
• Good slow motion and warp flow transition tools

Cons

• Less intuitive interface than competitors
• Import from camcorder not ideal
• Some tools are complex

Supported OS: Windows

G2 Ratings: 4.4 out of 5

Summary

Vegas Movie Studio is the choice of professionals. It does all the work without taking up a lot of resources, and like most programs, there is a learning curve. It’s not always intuitive for beginners, but its professional and powerful features score decent in most reviews.

5. WeVideo

This cloud-based application is a simple-to-use video editing and sharing suite. WeVideo is a full-featured video editing application that uses JumpStart technology to create amazing videos. It’s an innovative app that offers a seamless editing experience as it supports multiple formats of video, images, audio, and graphics.

Key features

• WeVideo JumpStart
• Cloud storage
• Built-in graphics
• Customizable environment
• Advanced text editing
• Multi-track editing and storyboard

Price

• Free trial
• Power Plan: $9.99/month
• Unlimited Plan: $15.99/month
• Professional Plan: $39.99/month
• Business Plan: $73.99/month

Pros

• Constantly improving features
• Ease of use
• Storage is cloud-based

Cons

• Old fashion transition
• Leaves a watermark on free trial

Supported OS: Online

Trustpilot Ratings: 4 stars out of 5

Summary

WeVideo is a straightforward yet robust video editor. It offers a variety of features and supports multiple formats, plus its comprehensive pricing plan makes it useful for everyone.

6. Lightworks

Lightworks is the most powerful video editor in its class and an excellent tool for professionals who want to make amazing videos quickly. Lightworks is very fast and straightforward to use, and it has some great features you won’t find in any other video editor. It is available on all popular OS.

Key features

• Audio and Video Effect Plugin Support
• Cloud Connected
• Motion Graphics
• Advanced Metadata
• Proxy Workflows
• Apple ProRes decoding

Price

• Monthly Plan: $9.99/user
• Yearly Plan: $9.99/user
• Perpetual: $154.99

Pros

• High-resolution timeline rendering
• It has social media export templates
• Interfaces for multiple OS are consistent
• Instant autosave

Cons

• Commands are not always intuitive
• A bit pricey as compared to its competitors

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

Techradar Pro Ratings: 4 stars out of 5

Summary

Lightworks is not any other video editing tool available on the market of video editing tools. This video editing tool provides amateurs with the most sophisticated features in an optimized platform. Its scores are the highest on almost every review site.

7. ShotCut

Shotcut is a multiplatform video editor that lets you work with various formats for audio, video, image files, etc. This video editor makes it easy to mix and match the resolution and frame rates in a video file. All the changes you make in the editor can be undone and redone often. Shotcut is the best choice for video editing, without question.

Key features

• Webcam capture
• Audio scopes and filters
• Deinterlacing
• Eyedropper tool
• Video wipe transitions
• Keyframes for filter parameters

Price: Free

Pros

• Support for 4K resolutions
• Free

Cons

• Less intuitive than commercial apps
• Lacks built-in sharing to popular sites

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

GetApp Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Summary

Shotcut is an open-source video editor for creative professionals and is available on mac, Windows, and Linux. The free version of Shotcut has many excellent features, but it doesn’t have the slick interface or advanced techniques of the top paid editors.

8. OpenShot

An award-winning open-source video editor that creates stunning videos. OpenShot is a fast, easy-to-use, and surprisingly powerful video editor. OpenShot Video Editor allows you to work with many different types of tracks so that your edits will seem natural. OpenShot Video Editor allows you to add your custom animations or titles. The options are endless, so it all depends on your time and interest. It is available in more than 70 languages, making it ideal for all types of users.

Key features

• 3D animations
• Animation and keyframes
• Multiple languages and formats
• Cross-platform
• Video-effects

Price: Free

Pros

• It is a non-linear editor with infinite tracks
• 100% free without watermark
• Frequent updates

Cons

• Obsolete interface
• Unstable performance
• Lacks some editing features

Supported OS: Window , Mac , Linux , Chrome OS

Getapp Ratings: 4.2 stars out of 5

Summary

Another open-source video-editor in the list is named OpenShot. It’s a multi-lingual and multi-supported app with unique features. Despite its unstable performance, OpenShot is still an ideal choice for many users.

9. Movavi Video Editor Plus

Movavi Video Editor Plus is the perfect tool to bring your creative ideas to life. It has special effects, ready-made intros, and keyframe animation. Using chroma keying, you can change the background of your video clips to any color or pattern that suits your need. Movavi has now redesigned its user interface to make it easy to use.

Key features

• Effects and transitions
• Built-in media pack
• Fast processing of 4K videos
• Keyframe animation
• Automatic video creation
• Cutting, trimming, joining

Price

• Free version: 7 days
• Video Editor Plus 1 year /1 PC: $49.95
• Video Editor Plus Lifetime /1 PC: $69.95
• Video Suite Lifetime /1 PC: $89.95

Pros

• Easy-to-understand user interface
• Transitions with sound
• Motion tracking and picture-in-picture tools
• Chroma-key capability
• Quick movie-creation tool

Cons

• Lacks advanced trim modes
• Slow rendering

Supported OS: Window , Mac

PCMag Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5

Summary

If you want to edit your videos with a minimal learning curve, try Movavi. You get PiP, chroma-keying, titling, basic keying, and motion tracking. The program is simple to use but doesn’t have all the features and stands four stars.

10. VSDC Free Video Editor

VSDC Free Video Editor is an online tool that lets you edit audio and video files to make your creations like movies, YouTube tutorial videos, and more. The audio and video files supported are extensive, and the software includes a codec manager. The Pro version isn’t necessary if you’re using the free edition of the software; it’s more than enough to get the job done.

Key features

• Dark theme
• Subpixel Accuracy
• Powerful Chroma Key tool
• Trendy video effects, filters, and transitions
• Color Blending And Filters
• Built-In DVD Burning Tool

Price: Free

Pros

• Non-linear
• Video effects library
• Video stabilization
• Masking

Cons

• Outdated interface
• Lack keyboard shortcuts
• Only available on Windows

Supported OS: Windows

Capterra Ratings: 4.5 stars out 5

Summary

VSDC is a non-linear editor with extensive format support. It includes all the essential features an editor requires but with an obsolete UI. It is also ideal for many who need a powerful yet free video editor.

11. VideoPad Video Editor

VideoPad is a free video editor that can create stunning videos and perform basic editing tasks. A good video editor can help you to create videos for different social media platforms. You can make your videos look professional and polished with a few clicks and some simple editing skills. There’s nothing particularly exciting or advanced about this app; it’s simple enough for anyone new to video editing or even for seasoned editors. But the simple and easy-to-use interface makes the entire process very exciting.

Key features

• Text snippets
• Range of transitional effects
• Plug-ins Library
• Burn finished videos to Blu-Ray, DVD, etc.
• Color correction and light balance.

Price: Free

Pros

• Simple and clean interface
• Supports multiple file formats
• Includes video effects
• Lightweight on system resources

Cons

• Lack of advanced features

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , iPad/iPhone

Tom’s guide Ratings: 3.5 stars out of 5

Summary

Video pad is a free video editor designed for beginners that is lightweight and simple. VideoPad is also great for creating quick videos for social media purposes like Youtube and Facebook. The software has a high rating, as shown above, and it’s available on Windows.

12. HitFilm

HitFilm is a helpful video editing software that makes editing easier for users. In addition to basic features, the program also provides advanced-level functions that make edited videos pop. Hitfilm Express Download has more than 400 features to help casual video editors save time. Features like: visual effects, cinematic elements, and compositing tools preset help unleash your creativity.

Key features

• Color Grading and correction
• Smart search
• Commentator recorder
• Lightning and lens flares
• 3D camera tracker

Price

• Free trial
• Creator: $7.50
• Pro: $12.50
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Pros

• Intuitive interface
• It offers free tutorials and masterclasses
• Works on both Windows and Mac

Cons

• It requires heavy system requirements

Supported OS: Windows , Mac

TechRadar Ratings: 4.5 stars out of 5

Summary

HitFilm Express 15 is a powerful free video editing program that enables you to create high-quality videos in minutes with an intuitive interface. It offers advanced editing features such as advanced video trimming, 3D editing, and more.

13. Magix Movie Studio

Magix is the world’s leading professional audiovisual media software, with Sequoia being its industry-standard audio editing software. This movie editor is an enthusiast-level video editing software that competes with software from Adobe and CyberLink, and it even boasts support for 4K content and 360 degrees. There are many reasons to upgrade. This year’s update includes stabilization, 8K editing, motion tracking, and an in-app plug-in store.

Key features

• NewBlue effects
• Fly-in animation
• New filter view
• Stabilization
• Motion tracking
• 8k support

Price

• Movie Studio 2024: $69.99 (30-day free trial)
• Movie Studio 2024 Platinum: $99.99 (30-day free trial)
• Movie Studio 2024 Suite: $129.00 (30-day free trial)

Pros

• Lots of video effects
• Responsive editing interface
• Multicam
• Trailer-like movie templates
• Solid audio editing

Cons

• Slower project rendering than others
• Lacks import and organization tools

Supported OS: Windows

PCMag Ratings: 3 stars out of 5

Summary

Magix movie studio is a powerful all-around video editing tool with many features that professional users have come to expect. It’s also relatively simple to use. But usability and performance are poor compared to other software programs like Filmora .

Part 4: How To Edit a Video With a Windows Movie Maker Alternative

Windows Movie Maker was great for editing a video, but it’s no match for some of the best video editing software. We’re talking about software capable of creating a cinematic experience in seconds, all on your computer.

When you need to edit a video with simple, quick edits, like adding a special effect or changing the background, try Filmora . Filmora is an easy-to-use application that allows you to create a movie using simple tools that don’t require additional training. You can’t beat this option if you want to create a professional-quality video for your blog or website.

Let’s dive into a quick tutorial on editing videos in Filmora:

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Step1 Open Wondershare Filmora on your PC or Mac

You can start a new project by clicking on ‘New Project’. And you can also change the ‘Aspect Ratio’ according to your project demand.

Step2 Import Videos

You can import your file by clicking the import tab on the upper-left side or clicking the import icon on the main window.

Step3 Drag and drop your footage to the timeline

After importing all the files, click and hold each individual video and drag and drop it to the timeline area according to your ideal sequence.

Step4 Add Audio

Go to the ‘Audio’ tab and select the audio file from the audio library. Once selected, drag and drop the audio file into the music timeline.

Step5 Add Titles

In your video intro, you can insert some title text. Go to the ‘Titles’ tab and select the one you like, and drag and drop it on top of the timeline. Double-click and edit the text and state your ideal statements. You can customize your text fonts and color too.

Step6 Add Transitions

You can add transition effects to ensure a smooth transition from one scene to another. The overall will get more professional look.

Step7 Add Effects

Next; you can get special effects to your video to make them more attractive and engaging to watch. Simple drag down the effect to your video and watch the effect take place in your selective scene.

Step8 Export your work

Once all the changes have been made, hit ‘export’ from the top tab. A window will appear where you can change the settings, resolution, frame rate, bit rate, etc. Next, click the ‘export’ button down on that window, and then you can save the file in your drive.

Part 5: Hot FAQs on Windows Movie Maker Alternatives

1. Why is Windows Movie Maker discontinued?

Microsoft’s video editing program, Windows Movie Maker, did not become a big hit with the public because it failed to do well on the market. Microsoft couldn’t get the support they were looking for from the program’s users. As a result, Microsoft had to cease its support of the program.

2. Is there a free version of Windows Movie Maker?

Microsoft Windows Movie maker was always accessible and pre-installed every windows product. Microsoft has discontinued support for Movie Maker and warns about free downloads of Movie Maker provided by third parties that might contain malware, viruses, or other issues.

3. What are the best free Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Mac?

After switching to a Mac, you’ll find that the Windows Movie Maker alternatives offer much more than just a simple video editor. They provide advanced features, easy transitions, and less technical know-how to create pro-quality results. You should try using these platforms on your Mac if you have a video to edit.

• Wondershare Filmora
• Movavi
• OpenShot

Final Words

Windows Movie Maker is an excellent Windows video editor application for Windows users. But in recent years, it has become outdated due to the continuous development of new technologies. There are many alternatives for Windows Movie Maker, and here we listed some of the best ones. Most of them are free and featured packs. Each program has its unique set of features and capabilities, and each one excels in different areas. Check them out and see what you think.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Free Download

Free Download

Part 1: Top 3 Picks for Windows Movie Maker Alternatives

The world’s best video editing software is about to change. We look at three of the most popular and valuable alternatives to Windows Movie Maker.

You will need to consider these alternatives to ensure they meet your expectations and needs.

1. Wondershare Filmora - Best Overall

Filmora is the best Windows Movie Maker Alternative designed according to your convenience.

Download now on Windows Mac

Ratings: 4.4 Stars out 5

Starting from $49.99

2. Magix Movie Studio - Best for Collages

This alternative offers a variety of tools and plugins for anyone who wants to create professional-level videos in under a minute.

Download on Windows

Ratings: 4 stars out of 5

30-day free trials, then starts from $69.99 all the way to $129

3. Avidemux Video Editor - Best Open-Source Editor

An open-source editor that supports a wide range of formats is free! Avidemux has an interface similar to Windows Movie Maker, which makes it a perfect alternative.

Download on Windows

Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5

Free Trial

Part 2: Ultimate Overview on 13 Best Alternatives to Windows Movie Maker

We live in visual culture, and we constantly see, capture, upload, and share videos on our smartphones, tablets, and laptops. So, it is only natural that more people seek ways to edit their videos. Windows Movie Maker was one of the most popular video editing apps. So it’s time to dig into the best Windows Movie Maker alternatives, which are arguably better and feature-rich.

Software	OS	Media Resources	AI editing	Easy to Use	Free Trial
Wondershare Filmora	WindowsMacMobile	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Avidemux	WindowsOS XLinuxBSD	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Virtual Dub	Windows	No	No	Yes	Yes
Vegas Movie Studio	Windows	Yes	Yes	No	No
WeVideo	Online	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Lightworks	LinuxOS X Windows	Yes	Yes	No	No
ShotCut	WindowsMacLinuxBSD	Yes	No	No	Yes
OpenShot	WindowsMacLinuxChrome OS	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Movavi Plus	WindowsMac	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
VSDC	Windows	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
VideoPad	WindowsMaciPad/iPhone	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
HitFilm	WindowsMac	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Magix Movie Studio	Windows	Yes	Yes	No	Yes

Part 3: 13 Best Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Windows

As we all know, Windows Movie Maker is the most used and trusted tool for creating videos in Windows. With its unique features and user-friendly interface, people often use this software to develop short and entertaining videos.

However, the fact is that Windows Movie Maker is not the current best video editing software for creating complex video projects. For this reason, we compiled a list of the 12 best alternatives to offer you a better option for Windows Movie Maker.

1. Wondershare Filmora

Filmora 11 is a powerful, easy-to-use video editor specially designed to streamline your workflow and save you hours weekly. It supports everything from Windows, Mac, and IOS to Android. The latest update to the flagship app includes several key enhancements that result in a much more efficient video creation workflow and one that’s easier to use than its rivals.

Key features

• Preset Templates
• Instant Mode
• Motion Tracking
• AI Editing Effects
• Auto Synchronization
• Plug-ins

Price

• Annual Plan: $49.99
• Perpetual Plan: $79.99

Pros

• Seamless interface for beginners
• Great customer support
• Plenty of effects and preset templates
• 4K video output options

Cons

• Rendering requires too much time
• The mobile app requires separate subscription

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , iOS , Android , iPad

G2 Ratings: 4.4 stars out of 5

Summary

Filmora’s intuitive interface allows experienced and brand-new users to create incredible videos with flawless special effects. Its high ratings and multiple supported formats make it quite popular among users.

2. Avidemux Video Editor

If you are a beginner and want to use a free, open-source software program for basic video editing, then Avidemux is a good choice. The interface is not as fancy as it could be, but there are some presets that’ll save you a lot of time. Avidemux is a cross-platform video editor that allows you to create custom videos, but it doesn’t feature the ability to share the edited footage to social media directly,

Key features

• Video and Audio Filters
• Support Popular Formats
• Convert Video For Archiving or Publishing

Price: Free

Pros

• It can convert Video To A Smaller Size
• Easy cut, trim, split video

Cons

• Out-dated UI
• Lacks sharing option

Supported OS: Windows , OS X , Linux , BSD

Uptodown Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5

Summary

An open-source video editor that supports most formats. Due to its obsolete UI and lack of sharing features, Avidemux has average ratings.

3. VirtualDub

This open-source software is user-friendly and allows users with little experience to navigate the software without much trouble. It supports 3rd party apps and also offers batch-processing, which means working on multiple videos simultaneously makes it possible.

Key features

• Integrated volume and histogram meter
• Optimized disk
• Noise reduction
• Fractional frame rates

Price: Free

Pros

• Clean interface, easy to use
• Keyboard and mouse shortcuts for faster operation
• Free to use

Cons

• Not suitable for 4K editing
• Lack learning material
• Obsolete Interface

Supported OS: Windows

Compare Camp Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5

Summary

Virtual Dub supports multitasking, and its features are pretty helpful. However, it lacks 4k editing and a friendly interface. Overall Virtual Dub is a good choice.

4. Sony Vegas Movie Studio

This video editing software makes it easy to create professional-looking videos in minimum time and effort. Vegas Movie Studio software is best for video editing professionals who have been doing it for some time and are looking for something a little more sophisticated than free alternatives. Not only does it has a high retail price, but its internal elements can be too complex for those just beginning.

Key features

• Color correction
• HDV and AVCHD-editing
• DV batch capture
• Wide variety of file formats and codecs

Price: Starting from $7.99 USD per month

Pros

• Customizable interface
• Multicam editing
• Lots of effects and transitions, with plug-in capability
• Good slow motion and warp flow transition tools

Cons

• Less intuitive interface than competitors
• Import from camcorder not ideal
• Some tools are complex

Supported OS: Windows

G2 Ratings: 4.4 out of 5

Summary

Vegas Movie Studio is the choice of professionals. It does all the work without taking up a lot of resources, and like most programs, there is a learning curve. It’s not always intuitive for beginners, but its professional and powerful features score decent in most reviews.

5. WeVideo

This cloud-based application is a simple-to-use video editing and sharing suite. WeVideo is a full-featured video editing application that uses JumpStart technology to create amazing videos. It’s an innovative app that offers a seamless editing experience as it supports multiple formats of video, images, audio, and graphics.

Key features

• WeVideo JumpStart
• Cloud storage
• Built-in graphics
• Customizable environment
• Advanced text editing
• Multi-track editing and storyboard

Price

• Free trial
• Power Plan: $9.99/month
• Unlimited Plan: $15.99/month
• Professional Plan: $39.99/month
• Business Plan: $73.99/month

Pros

• Constantly improving features
• Ease of use
• Storage is cloud-based

Cons

• Old fashion transition
• Leaves a watermark on free trial

Supported OS: Online

Trustpilot Ratings: 4 stars out of 5

Summary

WeVideo is a straightforward yet robust video editor. It offers a variety of features and supports multiple formats, plus its comprehensive pricing plan makes it useful for everyone.

6. Lightworks

Lightworks is the most powerful video editor in its class and an excellent tool for professionals who want to make amazing videos quickly. Lightworks is very fast and straightforward to use, and it has some great features you won’t find in any other video editor. It is available on all popular OS.

Key features

• Audio and Video Effect Plugin Support
• Cloud Connected
• Motion Graphics
• Advanced Metadata
• Proxy Workflows
• Apple ProRes decoding

Price

• Monthly Plan: $9.99/user
• Yearly Plan: $9.99/user
• Perpetual: $154.99

Pros

• High-resolution timeline rendering
• It has social media export templates
• Interfaces for multiple OS are consistent
• Instant autosave

Cons

• Commands are not always intuitive
• A bit pricey as compared to its competitors

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

Techradar Pro Ratings: 4 stars out of 5

Summary

Lightworks is not any other video editing tool available on the market of video editing tools. This video editing tool provides amateurs with the most sophisticated features in an optimized platform. Its scores are the highest on almost every review site.

7. ShotCut

Shotcut is a multiplatform video editor that lets you work with various formats for audio, video, image files, etc. This video editor makes it easy to mix and match the resolution and frame rates in a video file. All the changes you make in the editor can be undone and redone often. Shotcut is the best choice for video editing, without question.

Key features

• Webcam capture
• Audio scopes and filters
• Deinterlacing
• Eyedropper tool
• Video wipe transitions
• Keyframes for filter parameters

Price: Free

Pros

• Support for 4K resolutions
• Free

Cons

• Less intuitive than commercial apps
• Lacks built-in sharing to popular sites

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

GetApp Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Summary

Shotcut is an open-source video editor for creative professionals and is available on mac, Windows, and Linux. The free version of Shotcut has many excellent features, but it doesn’t have the slick interface or advanced techniques of the top paid editors.

8. OpenShot

An award-winning open-source video editor that creates stunning videos. OpenShot is a fast, easy-to-use, and surprisingly powerful video editor. OpenShot Video Editor allows you to work with many different types of tracks so that your edits will seem natural. OpenShot Video Editor allows you to add your custom animations or titles. The options are endless, so it all depends on your time and interest. It is available in more than 70 languages, making it ideal for all types of users.

Key features

• 3D animations
• Animation and keyframes
• Multiple languages and formats
• Cross-platform
• Video-effects

Price: Free

Pros

• It is a non-linear editor with infinite tracks
• 100% free without watermark
• Frequent updates

Cons

• Obsolete interface
• Unstable performance
• Lacks some editing features

Supported OS: Window , Mac , Linux , Chrome OS

Getapp Ratings: 4.2 stars out of 5

Summary

Another open-source video-editor in the list is named OpenShot. It’s a multi-lingual and multi-supported app with unique features. Despite its unstable performance, OpenShot is still an ideal choice for many users.

9. Movavi Video Editor Plus

Movavi Video Editor Plus is the perfect tool to bring your creative ideas to life. It has special effects, ready-made intros, and keyframe animation. Using chroma keying, you can change the background of your video clips to any color or pattern that suits your need. Movavi has now redesigned its user interface to make it easy to use.

Key features

• Effects and transitions
• Built-in media pack
• Fast processing of 4K videos
• Keyframe animation
• Automatic video creation
• Cutting, trimming, joining

Price

• Free version: 7 days
• Video Editor Plus 1 year /1 PC: $49.95
• Video Editor Plus Lifetime /1 PC: $69.95
• Video Suite Lifetime /1 PC: $89.95

Pros

• Easy-to-understand user interface
• Transitions with sound
• Motion tracking and picture-in-picture tools
• Chroma-key capability
• Quick movie-creation tool

Cons

• Lacks advanced trim modes
• Slow rendering

Supported OS: Window , Mac

PCMag Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5

Summary

If you want to edit your videos with a minimal learning curve, try Movavi. You get PiP, chroma-keying, titling, basic keying, and motion tracking. The program is simple to use but doesn’t have all the features and stands four stars.

10. VSDC Free Video Editor

VSDC Free Video Editor is an online tool that lets you edit audio and video files to make your creations like movies, YouTube tutorial videos, and more. The audio and video files supported are extensive, and the software includes a codec manager. The Pro version isn’t necessary if you’re using the free edition of the software; it’s more than enough to get the job done.

Key features

• Dark theme
• Subpixel Accuracy
• Powerful Chroma Key tool
• Trendy video effects, filters, and transitions
• Color Blending And Filters
• Built-In DVD Burning Tool

Price: Free

Pros

• Non-linear
• Video effects library
• Video stabilization
• Masking

Cons

• Outdated interface
• Lack keyboard shortcuts
• Only available on Windows

Supported OS: Windows

Capterra Ratings: 4.5 stars out 5

Summary

VSDC is a non-linear editor with extensive format support. It includes all the essential features an editor requires but with an obsolete UI. It is also ideal for many who need a powerful yet free video editor.

11. VideoPad Video Editor

VideoPad is a free video editor that can create stunning videos and perform basic editing tasks. A good video editor can help you to create videos for different social media platforms. You can make your videos look professional and polished with a few clicks and some simple editing skills. There’s nothing particularly exciting or advanced about this app; it’s simple enough for anyone new to video editing or even for seasoned editors. But the simple and easy-to-use interface makes the entire process very exciting.

Key features

• Text snippets
• Range of transitional effects
• Plug-ins Library
• Burn finished videos to Blu-Ray, DVD, etc.
• Color correction and light balance.

Price: Free

Pros

• Simple and clean interface
• Supports multiple file formats
• Includes video effects
• Lightweight on system resources

Cons

• Lack of advanced features

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , iPad/iPhone

Tom’s guide Ratings: 3.5 stars out of 5

Summary

Video pad is a free video editor designed for beginners that is lightweight and simple. VideoPad is also great for creating quick videos for social media purposes like Youtube and Facebook. The software has a high rating, as shown above, and it’s available on Windows.

12. HitFilm

HitFilm is a helpful video editing software that makes editing easier for users. In addition to basic features, the program also provides advanced-level functions that make edited videos pop. Hitfilm Express Download has more than 400 features to help casual video editors save time. Features like: visual effects, cinematic elements, and compositing tools preset help unleash your creativity.

Key features

• Color Grading and correction
• Smart search
• Commentator recorder
• Lightning and lens flares
• 3D camera tracker

Price

• Free trial
• Creator: $7.50
• Pro: $12.50
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Pros

• Intuitive interface
• It offers free tutorials and masterclasses
• Works on both Windows and Mac

Cons

• It requires heavy system requirements

Supported OS: Windows , Mac

TechRadar Ratings: 4.5 stars out of 5

Summary

HitFilm Express 15 is a powerful free video editing program that enables you to create high-quality videos in minutes with an intuitive interface. It offers advanced editing features such as advanced video trimming, 3D editing, and more.

13. Magix Movie Studio

Magix is the world’s leading professional audiovisual media software, with Sequoia being its industry-standard audio editing software. This movie editor is an enthusiast-level video editing software that competes with software from Adobe and CyberLink, and it even boasts support for 4K content and 360 degrees. There are many reasons to upgrade. This year’s update includes stabilization, 8K editing, motion tracking, and an in-app plug-in store.

Key features

• NewBlue effects
• Fly-in animation
• New filter view
• Stabilization
• Motion tracking
• 8k support

Price

• Movie Studio 2024: $69.99 (30-day free trial)
• Movie Studio 2024 Platinum: $99.99 (30-day free trial)
• Movie Studio 2024 Suite: $129.00 (30-day free trial)

Pros

• Lots of video effects
• Responsive editing interface
• Multicam
• Trailer-like movie templates
• Solid audio editing

Cons

• Slower project rendering than others
• Lacks import and organization tools

Supported OS: Windows

PCMag Ratings: 3 stars out of 5

Summary

Magix movie studio is a powerful all-around video editing tool with many features that professional users have come to expect. It’s also relatively simple to use. But usability and performance are poor compared to other software programs like Filmora .

Part 4: How To Edit a Video With a Windows Movie Maker Alternative

Windows Movie Maker was great for editing a video, but it’s no match for some of the best video editing software. We’re talking about software capable of creating a cinematic experience in seconds, all on your computer.

When you need to edit a video with simple, quick edits, like adding a special effect or changing the background, try Filmora . Filmora is an easy-to-use application that allows you to create a movie using simple tools that don’t require additional training. You can’t beat this option if you want to create a professional-quality video for your blog or website.

Let’s dive into a quick tutorial on editing videos in Filmora:

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Step1 Open Wondershare Filmora on your PC or Mac

You can start a new project by clicking on ‘New Project’. And you can also change the ‘Aspect Ratio’ according to your project demand.

Step2 Import Videos

You can import your file by clicking the import tab on the upper-left side or clicking the import icon on the main window.

Step3 Drag and drop your footage to the timeline

After importing all the files, click and hold each individual video and drag and drop it to the timeline area according to your ideal sequence.

Step4 Add Audio

Go to the ‘Audio’ tab and select the audio file from the audio library. Once selected, drag and drop the audio file into the music timeline.

Step5 Add Titles

In your video intro, you can insert some title text. Go to the ‘Titles’ tab and select the one you like, and drag and drop it on top of the timeline. Double-click and edit the text and state your ideal statements. You can customize your text fonts and color too.

Step6 Add Transitions

You can add transition effects to ensure a smooth transition from one scene to another. The overall will get more professional look.

Step7 Add Effects

Next; you can get special effects to your video to make them more attractive and engaging to watch. Simple drag down the effect to your video and watch the effect take place in your selective scene.

Step8 Export your work

Once all the changes have been made, hit ‘export’ from the top tab. A window will appear where you can change the settings, resolution, frame rate, bit rate, etc. Next, click the ‘export’ button down on that window, and then you can save the file in your drive.

Part 5: Hot FAQs on Windows Movie Maker Alternatives

1. Why is Windows Movie Maker discontinued?

Microsoft’s video editing program, Windows Movie Maker, did not become a big hit with the public because it failed to do well on the market. Microsoft couldn’t get the support they were looking for from the program’s users. As a result, Microsoft had to cease its support of the program.

2. Is there a free version of Windows Movie Maker?

Microsoft Windows Movie maker was always accessible and pre-installed every windows product. Microsoft has discontinued support for Movie Maker and warns about free downloads of Movie Maker provided by third parties that might contain malware, viruses, or other issues.

3. What are the best free Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Mac?

After switching to a Mac, you’ll find that the Windows Movie Maker alternatives offer much more than just a simple video editor. They provide advanced features, easy transitions, and less technical know-how to create pro-quality results. You should try using these platforms on your Mac if you have a video to edit.

• Wondershare Filmora
• Movavi
• OpenShot

Final Words

Windows Movie Maker is an excellent Windows video editor application for Windows users. But in recent years, it has become outdated due to the continuous development of new technologies. There are many alternatives for Windows Movie Maker, and here we listed some of the best ones. Most of them are free and featured packs. Each program has its unique set of features and capabilities, and each one excels in different areas. Check them out and see what you think.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Instagram Stop Motion Tutorial: Bring Your Posts to Life

How to Make a Stop Motion Video on Instagram

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Instagram’s announcement that the stop motion feature will become available in the Stories section created quite a buzz on the Internet, a while ago. In 2020, the feature remains relatively unknown to social media users, even though on paper it seemed promising.

Stop motion videos, are simply sequentially taken photos that create an illusion of movement once they are played one after the other. These types of videos are growing more popular on social media, as they can make Instagram stories or any other social media feed more interesting. You are at the right place if you would like to join video content creators who already produce stop motion videos because in this article we are going to show you how to make a stop motion video on Instagram.

Part 1: How to Make a Stop Motion Video on Instagram?

The technical side of making a stop motion video on Instagram is rather simple since you can enable this feature in just a few taps. After you launch the app, you should tap on the Camera icon in the upper left corner of the screen. The new window will open where you can choose the type of Instagram story you want to create, so you can pick to go live , record a video normally or use the app’s Boomerang feature.

You will find the Stop Motion option at the end of this menu, and after you tap on it you just have to press the white button in the middle of the toolbar that is located near the bottom of the screen in order to start taking pictures.

Currently, Instagram limits the number of photos you can take with the stop motion feature to ten. Tap on the Done button that is located at the top of the screen once you completed the process of making a stop motion video and then proceed to choose stickers you would like to include in the story you created. Press the Send To button and decide if you want to share the stop motion video to your Instagram or Facebook story or with some of your Instagram followers. ;

Check the ultimate guide about how to use Instagram Stories

Cons of Making Stop Motion Videos with Instagram

Even though Instagram’s new stop motion feature offers an easy way to make your stories more interesting, it still has a few downsides. Adding sound or music to stop motion videos you create with Instagram isn’t possible at the moment, and you can’t do much more other than downloading the video to your device.

Like all other Instagram stories, stop motion videos created with this app are only available for 24 hours if you don’t save them on your phone. Moreover, downloading the stories you create with Instagram ’s stop motion tool will enable you to edit them with video editing apps for iPhone and Android devices and post them to any social media platform you choose.

In addition, the maximum number of frames a stop motion video created with Instagram can have is limited to just ten.

Frequently Asked Questions: Why Can’t I See the Stop Motion Feature in Instagram Stories?

Instagram’s stop motion feature is still in its beta stage, which means that it isn’t available on all versions of the app. So, if you can’t see this option you must go to Google Play or Apps Store and install the version of Instagram that has this feature. If the issue persists, you should opt for some other stop motion app you can use free of charge. ;

Part 2: 3 Best Stop Motion Apps you can Use to Create Animated Videos for Instagram

You shouldn’t worry if the stop motion feature isn’t available on the version of Instagram you’re using, because there are so many apps that are equipped with this tool. With so many different options on the market, finding the app that provides you with all features you need to create stop motion videos can be a difficult task. That’s why we shortlisted the three best apps for iPhones and Android devices that enable you to make animated stop motion videos for Instagram.

1. Over

Price: Free, offers in-app purchase

Compatibility: iOS, Android

Over allows you to do much more than just create stop motion videos you can post on Instagram since it is equipped with a versatile set of tools that can help you improve the brand awareness on social media. There are more than 700 templates to choose from and each of them enables you to adjust your photos and videos to the social network’s demands. However, the free version of the app offers only limited capabilities, and you must upgrade to the Pro version if you want to have access to all photo and video editing tools Over have to offer.

2. Mojo

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

Creating content for social media with Mojo is a simple process that can be completed in just three easy steps. You don’t even need a Mojo account to start creating stories with this app. All you have to do is select an animated template, import videos or photos and edit it before tapping on the share button. There are more than a hundred animated templates to choose from, so after you pick one, you just have to add text overlays , but you must purchase Mojo Pro if you want to change aspect ratios , duplicate stories or have access to all text styles and templates.

3. Life Lapse

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

The fact that more than a million video content creators and brands are using Life Lapse to make stop motion videos says a lot about the app’s capabilities. Unlike Over and Mojo, Life Lapse lets you set the exposure and focus locks, switch on a grid or use the ghosted image overlay. Besides capturing photos and videos, the app also allows you to import photos you want to include in the stop motion animation. Furthermore, even the free version of Life Lapse offers a variety of video editing tools that allow you to crop images or adjust saturation, brightness or white balance values in each frame.

Check more video editing apps for Instagram

Part 3: How to Create a Stop Motion Videos with Life Lapse

You don’t have to be a skilled cinematographer to make a stop motion video using the Life Lapse app. Once you’ve installed and launched Life Lapse you should create a new project by tapping on the + icon. As soon as the camera loads you’ll be asked to choose if you would like to create a photo or a video project. Tap on the photo option and start taking photos of the objects or people you want to include in your stop motion video.

The app also grants you access to a broad range of tools that will make composing the shots easier or reduce the flickering effect. Even though Life Lapse doesn’t limit the maximum duration of the stop motion videos you can create with it, an Instagram story cannot be longer than 15 seconds. Furthermore, changing a video’s aspect ratio to 9:16 is recommended, as it will enable you to know exactly how your stop motion video is going to look like after you upload it to Instagram.

Part 4: Tips for Creating Stop Motion Videos for Instagram

The process of making a stop motion animation is not technically complicated since you just need to place your phone on a tripod and take a photo each time you move an object in the shot. Even so, working on a stop motion project requires previous preparations. Here are a few tips that will help you make a better stop motion animation video.

1. Develop a concept

What is your stop motion video about? This is the first and the most important question you will have to answer before you start making a stop motion video. Developing a concept will enable you to know which props you are going to need or how many actors you have to find before you can actually start shooting. Stop motion videos can be virtually about anything, and you should choose a story that will keep the audience interested from start to finish.

2. Shoot in studio conditions

Although it is not impossible to make a stop motion video in outdoor conditions, having control over sudden light changes is. That is why it is much better to shoot stop motion videos in studio-like conditions where you can easily adjust all the parameters in accordance with the demands of the project you’re working on. In addition, it is paramount to keep your phone perfectly steady, which is why it is better to mount it on a tripod than to shoot handheld.

Conclusion

Instagram’s stop motion feature is still under development and it may be some time before you can use it to create professional-looking videos. Apps like Over or Life Lapse are a much better option for all video content creators who would like to impress their audience with stop motion videos. Which app are you using to create stop motion videos? Leave a comment and let us know.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Instagram’s announcement that the stop motion feature will become available in the Stories section created quite a buzz on the Internet, a while ago. In 2020, the feature remains relatively unknown to social media users, even though on paper it seemed promising.

Stop motion videos, are simply sequentially taken photos that create an illusion of movement once they are played one after the other. These types of videos are growing more popular on social media, as they can make Instagram stories or any other social media feed more interesting. You are at the right place if you would like to join video content creators who already produce stop motion videos because in this article we are going to show you how to make a stop motion video on Instagram.

Part 1: How to Make a Stop Motion Video on Instagram?

The technical side of making a stop motion video on Instagram is rather simple since you can enable this feature in just a few taps. After you launch the app, you should tap on the Camera icon in the upper left corner of the screen. The new window will open where you can choose the type of Instagram story you want to create, so you can pick to go live , record a video normally or use the app’s Boomerang feature.

You will find the Stop Motion option at the end of this menu, and after you tap on it you just have to press the white button in the middle of the toolbar that is located near the bottom of the screen in order to start taking pictures.

Currently, Instagram limits the number of photos you can take with the stop motion feature to ten. Tap on the Done button that is located at the top of the screen once you completed the process of making a stop motion video and then proceed to choose stickers you would like to include in the story you created. Press the Send To button and decide if you want to share the stop motion video to your Instagram or Facebook story or with some of your Instagram followers. ;

Check the ultimate guide about how to use Instagram Stories

Cons of Making Stop Motion Videos with Instagram

Even though Instagram’s new stop motion feature offers an easy way to make your stories more interesting, it still has a few downsides. Adding sound or music to stop motion videos you create with Instagram isn’t possible at the moment, and you can’t do much more other than downloading the video to your device.

Like all other Instagram stories, stop motion videos created with this app are only available for 24 hours if you don’t save them on your phone. Moreover, downloading the stories you create with Instagram ’s stop motion tool will enable you to edit them with video editing apps for iPhone and Android devices and post them to any social media platform you choose.

In addition, the maximum number of frames a stop motion video created with Instagram can have is limited to just ten.

Frequently Asked Questions: Why Can’t I See the Stop Motion Feature in Instagram Stories?

Instagram’s stop motion feature is still in its beta stage, which means that it isn’t available on all versions of the app. So, if you can’t see this option you must go to Google Play or Apps Store and install the version of Instagram that has this feature. If the issue persists, you should opt for some other stop motion app you can use free of charge. ;

Part 2: 3 Best Stop Motion Apps you can Use to Create Animated Videos for Instagram

You shouldn’t worry if the stop motion feature isn’t available on the version of Instagram you’re using, because there are so many apps that are equipped with this tool. With so many different options on the market, finding the app that provides you with all features you need to create stop motion videos can be a difficult task. That’s why we shortlisted the three best apps for iPhones and Android devices that enable you to make animated stop motion videos for Instagram.

1. Over

Price: Free, offers in-app purchase

Compatibility: iOS, Android

Over allows you to do much more than just create stop motion videos you can post on Instagram since it is equipped with a versatile set of tools that can help you improve the brand awareness on social media. There are more than 700 templates to choose from and each of them enables you to adjust your photos and videos to the social network’s demands. However, the free version of the app offers only limited capabilities, and you must upgrade to the Pro version if you want to have access to all photo and video editing tools Over have to offer.

2. Mojo

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

Creating content for social media with Mojo is a simple process that can be completed in just three easy steps. You don’t even need a Mojo account to start creating stories with this app. All you have to do is select an animated template, import videos or photos and edit it before tapping on the share button. There are more than a hundred animated templates to choose from, so after you pick one, you just have to add text overlays , but you must purchase Mojo Pro if you want to change aspect ratios , duplicate stories or have access to all text styles and templates.

3. Life Lapse

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

The fact that more than a million video content creators and brands are using Life Lapse to make stop motion videos says a lot about the app’s capabilities. Unlike Over and Mojo, Life Lapse lets you set the exposure and focus locks, switch on a grid or use the ghosted image overlay. Besides capturing photos and videos, the app also allows you to import photos you want to include in the stop motion animation. Furthermore, even the free version of Life Lapse offers a variety of video editing tools that allow you to crop images or adjust saturation, brightness or white balance values in each frame.

Check more video editing apps for Instagram

Part 3: How to Create a Stop Motion Videos with Life Lapse

You don’t have to be a skilled cinematographer to make a stop motion video using the Life Lapse app. Once you’ve installed and launched Life Lapse you should create a new project by tapping on the + icon. As soon as the camera loads you’ll be asked to choose if you would like to create a photo or a video project. Tap on the photo option and start taking photos of the objects or people you want to include in your stop motion video.

The app also grants you access to a broad range of tools that will make composing the shots easier or reduce the flickering effect. Even though Life Lapse doesn’t limit the maximum duration of the stop motion videos you can create with it, an Instagram story cannot be longer than 15 seconds. Furthermore, changing a video’s aspect ratio to 9:16 is recommended, as it will enable you to know exactly how your stop motion video is going to look like after you upload it to Instagram.

Part 4: Tips for Creating Stop Motion Videos for Instagram

The process of making a stop motion animation is not technically complicated since you just need to place your phone on a tripod and take a photo each time you move an object in the shot. Even so, working on a stop motion project requires previous preparations. Here are a few tips that will help you make a better stop motion animation video.

1. Develop a concept

What is your stop motion video about? This is the first and the most important question you will have to answer before you start making a stop motion video. Developing a concept will enable you to know which props you are going to need or how many actors you have to find before you can actually start shooting. Stop motion videos can be virtually about anything, and you should choose a story that will keep the audience interested from start to finish.

2. Shoot in studio conditions

Although it is not impossible to make a stop motion video in outdoor conditions, having control over sudden light changes is. That is why it is much better to shoot stop motion videos in studio-like conditions where you can easily adjust all the parameters in accordance with the demands of the project you’re working on. In addition, it is paramount to keep your phone perfectly steady, which is why it is better to mount it on a tripod than to shoot handheld.

Conclusion

Instagram’s stop motion feature is still under development and it may be some time before you can use it to create professional-looking videos. Apps like Over or Life Lapse are a much better option for all video content creators who would like to impress their audience with stop motion videos. Which app are you using to create stop motion videos? Leave a comment and let us know.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Instagram’s announcement that the stop motion feature will become available in the Stories section created quite a buzz on the Internet, a while ago. In 2020, the feature remains relatively unknown to social media users, even though on paper it seemed promising.

Stop motion videos, are simply sequentially taken photos that create an illusion of movement once they are played one after the other. These types of videos are growing more popular on social media, as they can make Instagram stories or any other social media feed more interesting. You are at the right place if you would like to join video content creators who already produce stop motion videos because in this article we are going to show you how to make a stop motion video on Instagram.

Part 1: How to Make a Stop Motion Video on Instagram?

The technical side of making a stop motion video on Instagram is rather simple since you can enable this feature in just a few taps. After you launch the app, you should tap on the Camera icon in the upper left corner of the screen. The new window will open where you can choose the type of Instagram story you want to create, so you can pick to go live , record a video normally or use the app’s Boomerang feature.

You will find the Stop Motion option at the end of this menu, and after you tap on it you just have to press the white button in the middle of the toolbar that is located near the bottom of the screen in order to start taking pictures.

Currently, Instagram limits the number of photos you can take with the stop motion feature to ten. Tap on the Done button that is located at the top of the screen once you completed the process of making a stop motion video and then proceed to choose stickers you would like to include in the story you created. Press the Send To button and decide if you want to share the stop motion video to your Instagram or Facebook story or with some of your Instagram followers. ;

Check the ultimate guide about how to use Instagram Stories

Cons of Making Stop Motion Videos with Instagram

Even though Instagram’s new stop motion feature offers an easy way to make your stories more interesting, it still has a few downsides. Adding sound or music to stop motion videos you create with Instagram isn’t possible at the moment, and you can’t do much more other than downloading the video to your device.

Like all other Instagram stories, stop motion videos created with this app are only available for 24 hours if you don’t save them on your phone. Moreover, downloading the stories you create with Instagram ’s stop motion tool will enable you to edit them with video editing apps for iPhone and Android devices and post them to any social media platform you choose.

In addition, the maximum number of frames a stop motion video created with Instagram can have is limited to just ten.

Frequently Asked Questions: Why Can’t I See the Stop Motion Feature in Instagram Stories?

Instagram’s stop motion feature is still in its beta stage, which means that it isn’t available on all versions of the app. So, if you can’t see this option you must go to Google Play or Apps Store and install the version of Instagram that has this feature. If the issue persists, you should opt for some other stop motion app you can use free of charge. ;

Part 2: 3 Best Stop Motion Apps you can Use to Create Animated Videos for Instagram

You shouldn’t worry if the stop motion feature isn’t available on the version of Instagram you’re using, because there are so many apps that are equipped with this tool. With so many different options on the market, finding the app that provides you with all features you need to create stop motion videos can be a difficult task. That’s why we shortlisted the three best apps for iPhones and Android devices that enable you to make animated stop motion videos for Instagram.

1. Over

Price: Free, offers in-app purchase

Compatibility: iOS, Android

Over allows you to do much more than just create stop motion videos you can post on Instagram since it is equipped with a versatile set of tools that can help you improve the brand awareness on social media. There are more than 700 templates to choose from and each of them enables you to adjust your photos and videos to the social network’s demands. However, the free version of the app offers only limited capabilities, and you must upgrade to the Pro version if you want to have access to all photo and video editing tools Over have to offer.

2. Mojo

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

Creating content for social media with Mojo is a simple process that can be completed in just three easy steps. You don’t even need a Mojo account to start creating stories with this app. All you have to do is select an animated template, import videos or photos and edit it before tapping on the share button. There are more than a hundred animated templates to choose from, so after you pick one, you just have to add text overlays , but you must purchase Mojo Pro if you want to change aspect ratios , duplicate stories or have access to all text styles and templates.

3. Life Lapse

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

The fact that more than a million video content creators and brands are using Life Lapse to make stop motion videos says a lot about the app’s capabilities. Unlike Over and Mojo, Life Lapse lets you set the exposure and focus locks, switch on a grid or use the ghosted image overlay. Besides capturing photos and videos, the app also allows you to import photos you want to include in the stop motion animation. Furthermore, even the free version of Life Lapse offers a variety of video editing tools that allow you to crop images or adjust saturation, brightness or white balance values in each frame.

Check more video editing apps for Instagram

Part 3: How to Create a Stop Motion Videos with Life Lapse

You don’t have to be a skilled cinematographer to make a stop motion video using the Life Lapse app. Once you’ve installed and launched Life Lapse you should create a new project by tapping on the + icon. As soon as the camera loads you’ll be asked to choose if you would like to create a photo or a video project. Tap on the photo option and start taking photos of the objects or people you want to include in your stop motion video.

The app also grants you access to a broad range of tools that will make composing the shots easier or reduce the flickering effect. Even though Life Lapse doesn’t limit the maximum duration of the stop motion videos you can create with it, an Instagram story cannot be longer than 15 seconds. Furthermore, changing a video’s aspect ratio to 9:16 is recommended, as it will enable you to know exactly how your stop motion video is going to look like after you upload it to Instagram.

Part 4: Tips for Creating Stop Motion Videos for Instagram

The process of making a stop motion animation is not technically complicated since you just need to place your phone on a tripod and take a photo each time you move an object in the shot. Even so, working on a stop motion project requires previous preparations. Here are a few tips that will help you make a better stop motion animation video.

1. Develop a concept

What is your stop motion video about? This is the first and the most important question you will have to answer before you start making a stop motion video. Developing a concept will enable you to know which props you are going to need or how many actors you have to find before you can actually start shooting. Stop motion videos can be virtually about anything, and you should choose a story that will keep the audience interested from start to finish.

2. Shoot in studio conditions

Although it is not impossible to make a stop motion video in outdoor conditions, having control over sudden light changes is. That is why it is much better to shoot stop motion videos in studio-like conditions where you can easily adjust all the parameters in accordance with the demands of the project you’re working on. In addition, it is paramount to keep your phone perfectly steady, which is why it is better to mount it on a tripod than to shoot handheld.

Conclusion

Instagram’s stop motion feature is still under development and it may be some time before you can use it to create professional-looking videos. Apps like Over or Life Lapse are a much better option for all video content creators who would like to impress their audience with stop motion videos. Which app are you using to create stop motion videos? Leave a comment and let us know.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Instagram’s announcement that the stop motion feature will become available in the Stories section created quite a buzz on the Internet, a while ago. In 2020, the feature remains relatively unknown to social media users, even though on paper it seemed promising.

Stop motion videos, are simply sequentially taken photos that create an illusion of movement once they are played one after the other. These types of videos are growing more popular on social media, as they can make Instagram stories or any other social media feed more interesting. You are at the right place if you would like to join video content creators who already produce stop motion videos because in this article we are going to show you how to make a stop motion video on Instagram.

Part 1: How to Make a Stop Motion Video on Instagram?

The technical side of making a stop motion video on Instagram is rather simple since you can enable this feature in just a few taps. After you launch the app, you should tap on the Camera icon in the upper left corner of the screen. The new window will open where you can choose the type of Instagram story you want to create, so you can pick to go live , record a video normally or use the app’s Boomerang feature.

You will find the Stop Motion option at the end of this menu, and after you tap on it you just have to press the white button in the middle of the toolbar that is located near the bottom of the screen in order to start taking pictures.

Currently, Instagram limits the number of photos you can take with the stop motion feature to ten. Tap on the Done button that is located at the top of the screen once you completed the process of making a stop motion video and then proceed to choose stickers you would like to include in the story you created. Press the Send To button and decide if you want to share the stop motion video to your Instagram or Facebook story or with some of your Instagram followers. ;

Check the ultimate guide about how to use Instagram Stories

Cons of Making Stop Motion Videos with Instagram

Even though Instagram’s new stop motion feature offers an easy way to make your stories more interesting, it still has a few downsides. Adding sound or music to stop motion videos you create with Instagram isn’t possible at the moment, and you can’t do much more other than downloading the video to your device.

Like all other Instagram stories, stop motion videos created with this app are only available for 24 hours if you don’t save them on your phone. Moreover, downloading the stories you create with Instagram ’s stop motion tool will enable you to edit them with video editing apps for iPhone and Android devices and post them to any social media platform you choose.

In addition, the maximum number of frames a stop motion video created with Instagram can have is limited to just ten.

Frequently Asked Questions: Why Can’t I See the Stop Motion Feature in Instagram Stories?

Instagram’s stop motion feature is still in its beta stage, which means that it isn’t available on all versions of the app. So, if you can’t see this option you must go to Google Play or Apps Store and install the version of Instagram that has this feature. If the issue persists, you should opt for some other stop motion app you can use free of charge. ;

Part 2: 3 Best Stop Motion Apps you can Use to Create Animated Videos for Instagram

You shouldn’t worry if the stop motion feature isn’t available on the version of Instagram you’re using, because there are so many apps that are equipped with this tool. With so many different options on the market, finding the app that provides you with all features you need to create stop motion videos can be a difficult task. That’s why we shortlisted the three best apps for iPhones and Android devices that enable you to make animated stop motion videos for Instagram.

1. Over

Price: Free, offers in-app purchase

Compatibility: iOS, Android

Over allows you to do much more than just create stop motion videos you can post on Instagram since it is equipped with a versatile set of tools that can help you improve the brand awareness on social media. There are more than 700 templates to choose from and each of them enables you to adjust your photos and videos to the social network’s demands. However, the free version of the app offers only limited capabilities, and you must upgrade to the Pro version if you want to have access to all photo and video editing tools Over have to offer.

2. Mojo

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

Creating content for social media with Mojo is a simple process that can be completed in just three easy steps. You don’t even need a Mojo account to start creating stories with this app. All you have to do is select an animated template, import videos or photos and edit it before tapping on the share button. There are more than a hundred animated templates to choose from, so after you pick one, you just have to add text overlays , but you must purchase Mojo Pro if you want to change aspect ratios , duplicate stories or have access to all text styles and templates.

3. Life Lapse

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS , Android

The fact that more than a million video content creators and brands are using Life Lapse to make stop motion videos says a lot about the app’s capabilities. Unlike Over and Mojo, Life Lapse lets you set the exposure and focus locks, switch on a grid or use the ghosted image overlay. Besides capturing photos and videos, the app also allows you to import photos you want to include in the stop motion animation. Furthermore, even the free version of Life Lapse offers a variety of video editing tools that allow you to crop images or adjust saturation, brightness or white balance values in each frame.

Check more video editing apps for Instagram

Part 3: How to Create a Stop Motion Videos with Life Lapse

You don’t have to be a skilled cinematographer to make a stop motion video using the Life Lapse app. Once you’ve installed and launched Life Lapse you should create a new project by tapping on the + icon. As soon as the camera loads you’ll be asked to choose if you would like to create a photo or a video project. Tap on the photo option and start taking photos of the objects or people you want to include in your stop motion video.

The app also grants you access to a broad range of tools that will make composing the shots easier or reduce the flickering effect. Even though Life Lapse doesn’t limit the maximum duration of the stop motion videos you can create with it, an Instagram story cannot be longer than 15 seconds. Furthermore, changing a video’s aspect ratio to 9:16 is recommended, as it will enable you to know exactly how your stop motion video is going to look like after you upload it to Instagram.

Part 4: Tips for Creating Stop Motion Videos for Instagram

The process of making a stop motion animation is not technically complicated since you just need to place your phone on a tripod and take a photo each time you move an object in the shot. Even so, working on a stop motion project requires previous preparations. Here are a few tips that will help you make a better stop motion animation video.

1. Develop a concept

What is your stop motion video about? This is the first and the most important question you will have to answer before you start making a stop motion video. Developing a concept will enable you to know which props you are going to need or how many actors you have to find before you can actually start shooting. Stop motion videos can be virtually about anything, and you should choose a story that will keep the audience interested from start to finish.

2. Shoot in studio conditions

Although it is not impossible to make a stop motion video in outdoor conditions, having control over sudden light changes is. That is why it is much better to shoot stop motion videos in studio-like conditions where you can easily adjust all the parameters in accordance with the demands of the project you’re working on. In addition, it is paramount to keep your phone perfectly steady, which is why it is better to mount it on a tripod than to shoot handheld.

Conclusion

Instagram’s stop motion feature is still under development and it may be some time before you can use it to create professional-looking videos. Apps like Over or Life Lapse are a much better option for all video content creators who would like to impress their audience with stop motion videos. Which app are you using to create stop motion videos? Leave a comment and let us know.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

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