Updated Fast Forward to Success Creating Stunning Time Lapses in Final Cut Pro

Updated Fast Forward to Success Creating Stunning Time Lapses in Final Cut Pro

Amelia Lv12

Fast Forward to Success: Creating Stunning Time Lapses in Final Cut Pro

How to Make a Time Lapse Video in Final Cut Pro

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

It will be more interesting to change the speed of a video to give your project a totally different feeling, for example, by speeding up a video of a city’s traffic or the flow of clouds. Final Cut Pro offers users multiple options to adjust video speed easily, including time-lapse.

In this article, we are going to show you how you can easily increase the speed of your video from 2X up to 20X with Final Cut Pro. Also, you can choose manual custom speed as you like.

You May Also Like: How to Make Freeze-Frames and Slow Motion >>


This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, a professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac (Originally Wondershare Video Editor for Mac). This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below to try it right now. And here’s a video tutorial on how to make a time-lapse video with Filmora for your reference:

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


How to Make a Time-Lapse Video in Final Cut Pro

Step 1 Import Clips

Choose File > New > Event. Name it and click OK. Label the project Timelapse. Then go to File > Import Media. Browse to source clips folder. Click Import Selected. Drop the clips onto the timeline.

Step 2 Apply Time-lapse Effect

Click the Retime pop-up menu below the viewer and choose Fast (or you can access Modify > Retime > Fast). There are 4 preset options you can choose: 2x, 4x, 8x, 20x. Or you can customize the speed by selecting Custom.

 Apply Timelapse effect -1

You can set any speed by adjusting the Rate. Reset the speed by clicking on the little arrow on the right side of the window.

 Apply Timelapse effect -2

You can also drag the retiming handle to adjust the speed: dragging to the left increases the speed, and dragging to the right decreases it.

Note: To set speed separately for different parts of one clip, you can choose Blade Speed first, and then blade the clip where you want to set different speeds.

 Apply Timelapse effect -3

That’s it. You may also want to learn this: how to add a countdown-timer in fcpx

If you have any questions about making time-lapse videos, feel free to drop a line below.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

It will be more interesting to change the speed of a video to give your project a totally different feeling, for example, by speeding up a video of a city’s traffic or the flow of clouds. Final Cut Pro offers users multiple options to adjust video speed easily, including time-lapse.

In this article, we are going to show you how you can easily increase the speed of your video from 2X up to 20X with Final Cut Pro. Also, you can choose manual custom speed as you like.

You May Also Like: How to Make Freeze-Frames and Slow Motion >>


This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, a professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac (Originally Wondershare Video Editor for Mac). This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below to try it right now. And here’s a video tutorial on how to make a time-lapse video with Filmora for your reference:

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


How to Make a Time-Lapse Video in Final Cut Pro

Step 1 Import Clips

Choose File > New > Event. Name it and click OK. Label the project Timelapse. Then go to File > Import Media. Browse to source clips folder. Click Import Selected. Drop the clips onto the timeline.

Step 2 Apply Time-lapse Effect

Click the Retime pop-up menu below the viewer and choose Fast (or you can access Modify > Retime > Fast). There are 4 preset options you can choose: 2x, 4x, 8x, 20x. Or you can customize the speed by selecting Custom.

 Apply Timelapse effect -1

You can set any speed by adjusting the Rate. Reset the speed by clicking on the little arrow on the right side of the window.

 Apply Timelapse effect -2

You can also drag the retiming handle to adjust the speed: dragging to the left increases the speed, and dragging to the right decreases it.

Note: To set speed separately for different parts of one clip, you can choose Blade Speed first, and then blade the clip where you want to set different speeds.

 Apply Timelapse effect -3

That’s it. You may also want to learn this: how to add a countdown-timer in fcpx

If you have any questions about making time-lapse videos, feel free to drop a line below.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

It will be more interesting to change the speed of a video to give your project a totally different feeling, for example, by speeding up a video of a city’s traffic or the flow of clouds. Final Cut Pro offers users multiple options to adjust video speed easily, including time-lapse.

In this article, we are going to show you how you can easily increase the speed of your video from 2X up to 20X with Final Cut Pro. Also, you can choose manual custom speed as you like.

You May Also Like: How to Make Freeze-Frames and Slow Motion >>


This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, a professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac (Originally Wondershare Video Editor for Mac). This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below to try it right now. And here’s a video tutorial on how to make a time-lapse video with Filmora for your reference:

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


How to Make a Time-Lapse Video in Final Cut Pro

Step 1 Import Clips

Choose File > New > Event. Name it and click OK. Label the project Timelapse. Then go to File > Import Media. Browse to source clips folder. Click Import Selected. Drop the clips onto the timeline.

Step 2 Apply Time-lapse Effect

Click the Retime pop-up menu below the viewer and choose Fast (or you can access Modify > Retime > Fast). There are 4 preset options you can choose: 2x, 4x, 8x, 20x. Or you can customize the speed by selecting Custom.

 Apply Timelapse effect -1

You can set any speed by adjusting the Rate. Reset the speed by clicking on the little arrow on the right side of the window.

 Apply Timelapse effect -2

You can also drag the retiming handle to adjust the speed: dragging to the left increases the speed, and dragging to the right decreases it.

Note: To set speed separately for different parts of one clip, you can choose Blade Speed first, and then blade the clip where you want to set different speeds.

 Apply Timelapse effect -3

That’s it. You may also want to learn this: how to add a countdown-timer in fcpx

If you have any questions about making time-lapse videos, feel free to drop a line below.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

It will be more interesting to change the speed of a video to give your project a totally different feeling, for example, by speeding up a video of a city’s traffic or the flow of clouds. Final Cut Pro offers users multiple options to adjust video speed easily, including time-lapse.

In this article, we are going to show you how you can easily increase the speed of your video from 2X up to 20X with Final Cut Pro. Also, you can choose manual custom speed as you like.

You May Also Like: How to Make Freeze-Frames and Slow Motion >>


This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, a professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac (Originally Wondershare Video Editor for Mac). This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below to try it right now. And here’s a video tutorial on how to make a time-lapse video with Filmora for your reference:

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


How to Make a Time-Lapse Video in Final Cut Pro

Step 1 Import Clips

Choose File > New > Event. Name it and click OK. Label the project Timelapse. Then go to File > Import Media. Browse to source clips folder. Click Import Selected. Drop the clips onto the timeline.

Step 2 Apply Time-lapse Effect

Click the Retime pop-up menu below the viewer and choose Fast (or you can access Modify > Retime > Fast). There are 4 preset options you can choose: 2x, 4x, 8x, 20x. Or you can customize the speed by selecting Custom.

 Apply Timelapse effect -1

You can set any speed by adjusting the Rate. Reset the speed by clicking on the little arrow on the right side of the window.

 Apply Timelapse effect -2

You can also drag the retiming handle to adjust the speed: dragging to the left increases the speed, and dragging to the right decreases it.

Note: To set speed separately for different parts of one clip, you can choose Blade Speed first, and then blade the clip where you want to set different speeds.

 Apply Timelapse effect -3

That’s it. You may also want to learn this: how to add a countdown-timer in fcpx

If you have any questions about making time-lapse videos, feel free to drop a line below.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

There Are Two Different Ways to Install Linux on a Chromebook, You Can Either Do It Using Gallium OS or ChrUbuntu or in a Chroot Environment Using Crouton. Let’s Check How

How to Install Linux on Chromebook

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Chromebooks are an excellent choice for educational institutions or businesses that require their employees to have constant access to the Internet. Even though these devices are a perfect tool that can accompany you on business trips and enable you to answer important emails or have access to crucial information stored on the cloud, performing more demanding tasks, like video editing, is still a challenge. However, it is far from impossible, although you may have to take a few extra steps before running a video editing software on your Chromebook.

Chrome OS is a Linux based environment and for that reason, Chromebook owners who would like to use professional editing software on their Chromebooks can install a Linux OS that will enable them to use programs such as Lightworks that are perfectly suited for high-end video editing. There are two different ways to install Linux on a Chromebook, you can either do it using Gallium OS or ChrUbuntu or in a Chroot environment using Crouton. Each of these methods is relatively easy and we will take you through the process step by step. Here’s how you can install Linux on your Chromebook.

Part 1: Preparing before installing Linux OS on Chromebook

The first step of the process of installing the Linux OS is the decision itself, and you need to have all the necessary information before you decide to install a Linux OS on your Chromebook.

  • Make sure that the version of Chromebook you have is capable of supporting a Linux OS. Your device must be equipped with an ARM or Intel chip in order to be able to run the version of Linux OS you want to install. Although both chips will allow you to go through the process, running closed source software such the Steam is only possible with Intel chips.
  • Regardless of which method of installing Linux OS you choose, you will have to switch to the Developer Mode, a special built-in function that allows you to install the unapproved operating system, among other things.
  • Now that you are aware of the requirements and risks, you will have to backup all the files you have on your Chromebook because once you switch to the Developer Mode all the information stored locally will be erased. You can save the files on another computer or on the cloud depending on how much data you need to move and which one is more convenient for you.

Part 2: How to Install Linux as a Chroot Using Crouton on Chromebook

After you have stored all your data safely, your Chromebook is ready for the beginning of the installation process of the secondary operating system. You will have to perform a series of actions that will allow you to start the installation, starting from accessing the Developer Mode.

1. Acessing the developer mode

The first step of the process is to reboot your system, while your Chromebook is on. In order to do so hold Escape and Refresh keys on your keyboard and then hit the power button. Once your device is back online you will find yourself in the recovery mode, and you will see a message telling you to insert a recovery disc. Instead of inserting the disc, hold Ctrl+D and wait for OS verification menu to appear on the screen. At this point, if you are still having second thoughts about this process, you can hit the spacebar to return to recovery mode, or press Enter to proceed. Hitting Enter will delete all the data stored on your device and take you into the Developer Mode. Once your Chromebook lets you know that you are now in the Developer Mode, reboot the system and install a fresh version of the Chrome OS. Insert your login information and follow the instructions until you are looking at the Chrome OS desktop.

Install Linux on Chromebook

2. Installing Chroot

At this stage of the process, your Chromebook is ready for the installation of the Crouton environment. Crouton is a series of scripts that makes running a Linux OS much easier, especially for inexperienced users. In order to download Crouton, go to GitHub and find the download link, detailed instructions or extensions that can add more functionality to your OS. Once the installation file or files are in the Download folder, your next step is to access the Chromebook’s terminal a feature called ‘Crosh’. The fastest way to do this is to hold CTRL + ALT keys and then hit the T key. This action will cause the Chrome window to appear on the screen, and you will need to type the ‘shell’ command without using quotation marks. Afterwards, enter the following command: ‘sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t xfce’ and if you want to install extensions you will have to add ‘xfce,extension’ command at the end.

Install Linux on Chromebook

Press the Enter key and wait for the system to start setting up the Chroot. This process may take a while, so it is important to be patient, but more importantly, do not interfere with it in any way. Installation of your secondary OS is now on the way, and you may be asked to insert your login data, like your Gmail username and password. Wait patiently until the process is over and then return to shell and enter this command: ‘sudo enter-chroot startxfce4’. Your screen will go black for a while, but after the black screen is gone your Chromebook will be in the freshly installed Linux OS.

3. Optimizing your new OS

You may have to optimize your new OS in order to improve the experience of using it. Enabling your keyboard’s brightness and volume keys inside the new OS can be done easily by holding CTRL+ALT+T and then typing shell once you’ve accessed Chrome OS’s shell and hit Enter. Issue the following command: ‘sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton-r precise-t keyboard–u’ and then press Enter again. Removing the screen saver or installing more extensions may also be a good way to enable more options in the new OS. Most importantly, you can now download and install the video editing software you want to use for editing your footage.

4. Remove Chroot from your Chromebook

If for some reason you want to uninstall Linux from your Chromebook, simply reboot the system and press the spacebar when the ‘OS verification is off’ message appears on the screen. In this manner, you will exit the Developer Mode and all locally stored data, including all installed environments, will be deleted.

Part 3: How to Dual-Boot a Chromebook Using ChrUbuntu

An alternative option is available for Chromebook users that have Intel based devices like recently released Haswell models. The ChrUbuntu can be installed on the USB stick or external hard-drive or directly to the local memory of your Chromebook. Even though ARM-based machines can also use ChrUbuntu it isn’t advisable because they may perform poorly due to slower processor speeds and less RAM power. Unlike Chroot, ChrUbuntu will not allow you to switch between operating systems without a reboot, and if the system is stored locally, you may need to go through the full system recovery.

1. Preparation for the installation

Like with the previous method you will have to go into the Developer Mode and make sure that you have access to a WiFi connection. When you are asked to provide your login details, instead of entering them press Ctrl+Alt+Forward and then type ‘chronos’ and press Enter. The next step will require you to issue the following command: ‘curl -L -O http://goo.gl/9sgchs ; sudo bash 9sgchs’ and then once more hit Enter. Again press Enter after the information about the installation is displayed on the screen and then you will be asked to decide how much space you want to allocate for Linux installation. Experts say that 9GB is the upper limit. After you’ve made your choice press Enter.

2. Installing ChrUbuntu

Once the partitioning of your hard-drive is completed, you will have to repeat the first several steps from typing ‘chronos’ to pressing enter when information about the installation is displayed on the screen. The installation process is now in progress and you will be occasionally asked to select a few settings, make sure you always click on default. At the end of the installation process, you will have to choose the location where GRUB should be installed, please select /dev/sda, because the failure to do so may interrupt the installation.

Once the installation is completed, restart your Chromebook to finalize the process, and when you see the ‘OS Verification is Off’ notification press Ctrl+L to access Linux or Ctrl+D boot into Chrome OS.

Install Linux on Chromebook

3. Uninstall ChrUbuntu

Removing ChrUbuntu is a relatively painless process that can be completed with just a few simple commands. If the OS is stored locally the only way to erase it is to perform a full system recovery. While all your data located on the cloud will re-sync with your Chromebook, the data stored locally will be deleted, which is why it is important to backup all the important files before starting a system recovery process. The fastest and easiest way to perform a system recovery is by creating a recovery disk from your device. Insert ‘chrome://imageburner’ in your browser’s address bar, and carefully read and follow the instructions.

This Linux removal method will also require you to have a USB stick with a minimum of 4GB of storage space. After you created the disk, you can go into the Recovery Mode, by holding Esc and Refresh buttons simultaneously and then pressing the Power button. In the Recovery Mode, you will be asked to insert the recovery disk and the process will be on the way.

Part 4: How to Dual-Boot a Chromebook Using Gallium OS

If neither Chroot nor ChrUbuntu work for you, using Gallium OS may be the right choice. The Gallium is Xbuntu-based OS that is equipped with touchpad mouse drivers among other advantages it offers over other operating systems. The installation process isn’t complicated, although it may require more effort than installing Crouton.

1. Preparation for the installation

In order to be aware of all the preparation steps, you need to take, you must first find out your device’s Hardware ID number and you can obtain this information by navigating to Chrome://System, Hardware Class within the Chrome OS. Hardware Compatibility page will provide the information regarding the CPU’s family, which can be crucial for the OS’ performance. You can run the installation either from an ISO image on an external USB drive or from the Chrome OS command line using Chrx. We will describe how to install Gallium OS from the Chrome OS command line because the other option doesn’t allow you to dual-boot your Chromebook.

2. Enabling the Legacy Mode

Like previously described, enter the Developer Mode and when the ‘ OS verification is OFF’ notification appears on the screen proceed to enable the Legacy Mode. You can do this by holding CTRL+D keys to enable the Chrome OS to boot in the Developer Mode. After you’ve successfully made this step, press CTRl+ALT+T to access the ‘Crosh’ terminal and then type ‘shell’. At the ‘chronos/localhost/$ issue the following command: ‘sudo crossystem dev_boot_legacy=1’. Update and install all the necessary firmware by running the Firmware Utility Script.

3. Installation process

If you choose to install Gallium OS through Chrome OS command line using Chrx that will enable you to dual-boot your Chromebook, you should start by booting the device into Chrome OS and configuring networking. The next step you’ll need to take is switching to a virtual terminal by holding Ctrl+Alt+F2, and then you should log in as user chronos without a password. Once you’ve completed this step issue the following command: ‘curl -O https://chrx.org/go && sh go’ and follow the on-screen instructions to repartition your hard-drive and install the Gallium OS. Once the installation is over reboot the device and press Ctrl+L when the ‘OS Verification is Off’ notification appears on the screen to boot Gallium OS or hold Ctrl+D to access Chrome OS. After the Gallium OS is successfully installed on your Chromebook you can start using programs such as Skype or Lightworks.

Which Method is the Best?

Each of the options to install a Linux OS on your Chromebook we described has its advantages and disadvantages. It is our opinion that the Crouton method is the easiest and the fastest. Furthermore, this method enables you to switch between your primary and secondary OS without the need to reboot the device and the Downloads folder makes working in both environments much easier.

On the other hand, other methods require more knowledge about the Linux OS installation process and switching between OS’ is not that simple. If you are looking for an easy way to dual-boot your Chromebook that best way to do it is to install Linux as a Chroot using Crouton.

Price: $24.99/month, although free versions of the software are also available.

What we like: A powerful video and audio editor perfectly suited for the production of professional video content.

What we don’t like: The software isn’t easy to use and inexperienced editors will find it difficult to use at first.

Lightworks Resolve may not be as popular as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, but that doesn’t mean that this video editing software isn’t as capable as its more popular counterparts.

The software is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux OS, which makes it a perfect choice for Chromebook users that have a Linux OS installed on their devices. Lightworks features literally every editing tool imaginable and for that reason, it is a perfect choice for editing videos you would like to upload to Vimeo or YouTube or high-end professional projects. This editing software offers plenty of transitions and visual effects that will help its users to create seamless jumps between shots and visually impressive videos.

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

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

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Chromebooks are an excellent choice for educational institutions or businesses that require their employees to have constant access to the Internet. Even though these devices are a perfect tool that can accompany you on business trips and enable you to answer important emails or have access to crucial information stored on the cloud, performing more demanding tasks, like video editing, is still a challenge. However, it is far from impossible, although you may have to take a few extra steps before running a video editing software on your Chromebook.

Chrome OS is a Linux based environment and for that reason, Chromebook owners who would like to use professional editing software on their Chromebooks can install a Linux OS that will enable them to use programs such as Lightworks that are perfectly suited for high-end video editing. There are two different ways to install Linux on a Chromebook, you can either do it using Gallium OS or ChrUbuntu or in a Chroot environment using Crouton. Each of these methods is relatively easy and we will take you through the process step by step. Here’s how you can install Linux on your Chromebook.

Part 1: Preparing before installing Linux OS on Chromebook

The first step of the process of installing the Linux OS is the decision itself, and you need to have all the necessary information before you decide to install a Linux OS on your Chromebook.

  • Make sure that the version of Chromebook you have is capable of supporting a Linux OS. Your device must be equipped with an ARM or Intel chip in order to be able to run the version of Linux OS you want to install. Although both chips will allow you to go through the process, running closed source software such the Steam is only possible with Intel chips.
  • Regardless of which method of installing Linux OS you choose, you will have to switch to the Developer Mode, a special built-in function that allows you to install the unapproved operating system, among other things.
  • Now that you are aware of the requirements and risks, you will have to backup all the files you have on your Chromebook because once you switch to the Developer Mode all the information stored locally will be erased. You can save the files on another computer or on the cloud depending on how much data you need to move and which one is more convenient for you.

Part 2: How to Install Linux as a Chroot Using Crouton on Chromebook

After you have stored all your data safely, your Chromebook is ready for the beginning of the installation process of the secondary operating system. You will have to perform a series of actions that will allow you to start the installation, starting from accessing the Developer Mode.

1. Acessing the developer mode

The first step of the process is to reboot your system, while your Chromebook is on. In order to do so hold Escape and Refresh keys on your keyboard and then hit the power button. Once your device is back online you will find yourself in the recovery mode, and you will see a message telling you to insert a recovery disc. Instead of inserting the disc, hold Ctrl+D and wait for OS verification menu to appear on the screen. At this point, if you are still having second thoughts about this process, you can hit the spacebar to return to recovery mode, or press Enter to proceed. Hitting Enter will delete all the data stored on your device and take you into the Developer Mode. Once your Chromebook lets you know that you are now in the Developer Mode, reboot the system and install a fresh version of the Chrome OS. Insert your login information and follow the instructions until you are looking at the Chrome OS desktop.

Install Linux on Chromebook

2. Installing Chroot

At this stage of the process, your Chromebook is ready for the installation of the Crouton environment. Crouton is a series of scripts that makes running a Linux OS much easier, especially for inexperienced users. In order to download Crouton, go to GitHub and find the download link, detailed instructions or extensions that can add more functionality to your OS. Once the installation file or files are in the Download folder, your next step is to access the Chromebook’s terminal a feature called ‘Crosh’. The fastest way to do this is to hold CTRL + ALT keys and then hit the T key. This action will cause the Chrome window to appear on the screen, and you will need to type the ‘shell’ command without using quotation marks. Afterwards, enter the following command: ‘sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t xfce’ and if you want to install extensions you will have to add ‘xfce,extension’ command at the end.

Install Linux on Chromebook

Press the Enter key and wait for the system to start setting up the Chroot. This process may take a while, so it is important to be patient, but more importantly, do not interfere with it in any way. Installation of your secondary OS is now on the way, and you may be asked to insert your login data, like your Gmail username and password. Wait patiently until the process is over and then return to shell and enter this command: ‘sudo enter-chroot startxfce4’. Your screen will go black for a while, but after the black screen is gone your Chromebook will be in the freshly installed Linux OS.

3. Optimizing your new OS

You may have to optimize your new OS in order to improve the experience of using it. Enabling your keyboard’s brightness and volume keys inside the new OS can be done easily by holding CTRL+ALT+T and then typing shell once you’ve accessed Chrome OS’s shell and hit Enter. Issue the following command: ‘sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton-r precise-t keyboard–u’ and then press Enter again. Removing the screen saver or installing more extensions may also be a good way to enable more options in the new OS. Most importantly, you can now download and install the video editing software you want to use for editing your footage.

4. Remove Chroot from your Chromebook

If for some reason you want to uninstall Linux from your Chromebook, simply reboot the system and press the spacebar when the ‘OS verification is off’ message appears on the screen. In this manner, you will exit the Developer Mode and all locally stored data, including all installed environments, will be deleted.

Part 3: How to Dual-Boot a Chromebook Using ChrUbuntu

An alternative option is available for Chromebook users that have Intel based devices like recently released Haswell models. The ChrUbuntu can be installed on the USB stick or external hard-drive or directly to the local memory of your Chromebook. Even though ARM-based machines can also use ChrUbuntu it isn’t advisable because they may perform poorly due to slower processor speeds and less RAM power. Unlike Chroot, ChrUbuntu will not allow you to switch between operating systems without a reboot, and if the system is stored locally, you may need to go through the full system recovery.

1. Preparation for the installation

Like with the previous method you will have to go into the Developer Mode and make sure that you have access to a WiFi connection. When you are asked to provide your login details, instead of entering them press Ctrl+Alt+Forward and then type ‘chronos’ and press Enter. The next step will require you to issue the following command: ‘curl -L -O http://goo.gl/9sgchs ; sudo bash 9sgchs’ and then once more hit Enter. Again press Enter after the information about the installation is displayed on the screen and then you will be asked to decide how much space you want to allocate for Linux installation. Experts say that 9GB is the upper limit. After you’ve made your choice press Enter.

2. Installing ChrUbuntu

Once the partitioning of your hard-drive is completed, you will have to repeat the first several steps from typing ‘chronos’ to pressing enter when information about the installation is displayed on the screen. The installation process is now in progress and you will be occasionally asked to select a few settings, make sure you always click on default. At the end of the installation process, you will have to choose the location where GRUB should be installed, please select /dev/sda, because the failure to do so may interrupt the installation.

Once the installation is completed, restart your Chromebook to finalize the process, and when you see the ‘OS Verification is Off’ notification press Ctrl+L to access Linux or Ctrl+D boot into Chrome OS.

Install Linux on Chromebook

3. Uninstall ChrUbuntu

Removing ChrUbuntu is a relatively painless process that can be completed with just a few simple commands. If the OS is stored locally the only way to erase it is to perform a full system recovery. While all your data located on the cloud will re-sync with your Chromebook, the data stored locally will be deleted, which is why it is important to backup all the important files before starting a system recovery process. The fastest and easiest way to perform a system recovery is by creating a recovery disk from your device. Insert ‘chrome://imageburner’ in your browser’s address bar, and carefully read and follow the instructions.

This Linux removal method will also require you to have a USB stick with a minimum of 4GB of storage space. After you created the disk, you can go into the Recovery Mode, by holding Esc and Refresh buttons simultaneously and then pressing the Power button. In the Recovery Mode, you will be asked to insert the recovery disk and the process will be on the way.

Part 4: How to Dual-Boot a Chromebook Using Gallium OS

If neither Chroot nor ChrUbuntu work for you, using Gallium OS may be the right choice. The Gallium is Xbuntu-based OS that is equipped with touchpad mouse drivers among other advantages it offers over other operating systems. The installation process isn’t complicated, although it may require more effort than installing Crouton.

1. Preparation for the installation

In order to be aware of all the preparation steps, you need to take, you must first find out your device’s Hardware ID number and you can obtain this information by navigating to Chrome://System, Hardware Class within the Chrome OS. Hardware Compatibility page will provide the information regarding the CPU’s family, which can be crucial for the OS’ performance. You can run the installation either from an ISO image on an external USB drive or from the Chrome OS command line using Chrx. We will describe how to install Gallium OS from the Chrome OS command line because the other option doesn’t allow you to dual-boot your Chromebook.

2. Enabling the Legacy Mode

Like previously described, enter the Developer Mode and when the ‘ OS verification is OFF’ notification appears on the screen proceed to enable the Legacy Mode. You can do this by holding CTRL+D keys to enable the Chrome OS to boot in the Developer Mode. After you’ve successfully made this step, press CTRl+ALT+T to access the ‘Crosh’ terminal and then type ‘shell’. At the ‘chronos/localhost/$ issue the following command: ‘sudo crossystem dev_boot_legacy=1’. Update and install all the necessary firmware by running the Firmware Utility Script.

3. Installation process

If you choose to install Gallium OS through Chrome OS command line using Chrx that will enable you to dual-boot your Chromebook, you should start by booting the device into Chrome OS and configuring networking. The next step you’ll need to take is switching to a virtual terminal by holding Ctrl+Alt+F2, and then you should log in as user chronos without a password. Once you’ve completed this step issue the following command: ‘curl -O https://chrx.org/go && sh go’ and follow the on-screen instructions to repartition your hard-drive and install the Gallium OS. Once the installation is over reboot the device and press Ctrl+L when the ‘OS Verification is Off’ notification appears on the screen to boot Gallium OS or hold Ctrl+D to access Chrome OS. After the Gallium OS is successfully installed on your Chromebook you can start using programs such as Skype or Lightworks.

Which Method is the Best?

Each of the options to install a Linux OS on your Chromebook we described has its advantages and disadvantages. It is our opinion that the Crouton method is the easiest and the fastest. Furthermore, this method enables you to switch between your primary and secondary OS without the need to reboot the device and the Downloads folder makes working in both environments much easier.

On the other hand, other methods require more knowledge about the Linux OS installation process and switching between OS’ is not that simple. If you are looking for an easy way to dual-boot your Chromebook that best way to do it is to install Linux as a Chroot using Crouton.

Price: $24.99/month, although free versions of the software are also available.

What we like: A powerful video and audio editor perfectly suited for the production of professional video content.

What we don’t like: The software isn’t easy to use and inexperienced editors will find it difficult to use at first.

Lightworks Resolve may not be as popular as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, but that doesn’t mean that this video editing software isn’t as capable as its more popular counterparts.

The software is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux OS, which makes it a perfect choice for Chromebook users that have a Linux OS installed on their devices. Lightworks features literally every editing tool imaginable and for that reason, it is a perfect choice for editing videos you would like to upload to Vimeo or YouTube or high-end professional projects. This editing software offers plenty of transitions and visual effects that will help its users to create seamless jumps between shots and visually impressive videos.

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

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

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Chromebooks are an excellent choice for educational institutions or businesses that require their employees to have constant access to the Internet. Even though these devices are a perfect tool that can accompany you on business trips and enable you to answer important emails or have access to crucial information stored on the cloud, performing more demanding tasks, like video editing, is still a challenge. However, it is far from impossible, although you may have to take a few extra steps before running a video editing software on your Chromebook.

Chrome OS is a Linux based environment and for that reason, Chromebook owners who would like to use professional editing software on their Chromebooks can install a Linux OS that will enable them to use programs such as Lightworks that are perfectly suited for high-end video editing. There are two different ways to install Linux on a Chromebook, you can either do it using Gallium OS or ChrUbuntu or in a Chroot environment using Crouton. Each of these methods is relatively easy and we will take you through the process step by step. Here’s how you can install Linux on your Chromebook.

Part 1: Preparing before installing Linux OS on Chromebook

The first step of the process of installing the Linux OS is the decision itself, and you need to have all the necessary information before you decide to install a Linux OS on your Chromebook.

  • Make sure that the version of Chromebook you have is capable of supporting a Linux OS. Your device must be equipped with an ARM or Intel chip in order to be able to run the version of Linux OS you want to install. Although both chips will allow you to go through the process, running closed source software such the Steam is only possible with Intel chips.
  • Regardless of which method of installing Linux OS you choose, you will have to switch to the Developer Mode, a special built-in function that allows you to install the unapproved operating system, among other things.
  • Now that you are aware of the requirements and risks, you will have to backup all the files you have on your Chromebook because once you switch to the Developer Mode all the information stored locally will be erased. You can save the files on another computer or on the cloud depending on how much data you need to move and which one is more convenient for you.

Part 2: How to Install Linux as a Chroot Using Crouton on Chromebook

After you have stored all your data safely, your Chromebook is ready for the beginning of the installation process of the secondary operating system. You will have to perform a series of actions that will allow you to start the installation, starting from accessing the Developer Mode.

1. Acessing the developer mode

The first step of the process is to reboot your system, while your Chromebook is on. In order to do so hold Escape and Refresh keys on your keyboard and then hit the power button. Once your device is back online you will find yourself in the recovery mode, and you will see a message telling you to insert a recovery disc. Instead of inserting the disc, hold Ctrl+D and wait for OS verification menu to appear on the screen. At this point, if you are still having second thoughts about this process, you can hit the spacebar to return to recovery mode, or press Enter to proceed. Hitting Enter will delete all the data stored on your device and take you into the Developer Mode. Once your Chromebook lets you know that you are now in the Developer Mode, reboot the system and install a fresh version of the Chrome OS. Insert your login information and follow the instructions until you are looking at the Chrome OS desktop.

Install Linux on Chromebook

2. Installing Chroot

At this stage of the process, your Chromebook is ready for the installation of the Crouton environment. Crouton is a series of scripts that makes running a Linux OS much easier, especially for inexperienced users. In order to download Crouton, go to GitHub and find the download link, detailed instructions or extensions that can add more functionality to your OS. Once the installation file or files are in the Download folder, your next step is to access the Chromebook’s terminal a feature called ‘Crosh’. The fastest way to do this is to hold CTRL + ALT keys and then hit the T key. This action will cause the Chrome window to appear on the screen, and you will need to type the ‘shell’ command without using quotation marks. Afterwards, enter the following command: ‘sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t xfce’ and if you want to install extensions you will have to add ‘xfce,extension’ command at the end.

Install Linux on Chromebook

Press the Enter key and wait for the system to start setting up the Chroot. This process may take a while, so it is important to be patient, but more importantly, do not interfere with it in any way. Installation of your secondary OS is now on the way, and you may be asked to insert your login data, like your Gmail username and password. Wait patiently until the process is over and then return to shell and enter this command: ‘sudo enter-chroot startxfce4’. Your screen will go black for a while, but after the black screen is gone your Chromebook will be in the freshly installed Linux OS.

3. Optimizing your new OS

You may have to optimize your new OS in order to improve the experience of using it. Enabling your keyboard’s brightness and volume keys inside the new OS can be done easily by holding CTRL+ALT+T and then typing shell once you’ve accessed Chrome OS’s shell and hit Enter. Issue the following command: ‘sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton-r precise-t keyboard–u’ and then press Enter again. Removing the screen saver or installing more extensions may also be a good way to enable more options in the new OS. Most importantly, you can now download and install the video editing software you want to use for editing your footage.

4. Remove Chroot from your Chromebook

If for some reason you want to uninstall Linux from your Chromebook, simply reboot the system and press the spacebar when the ‘OS verification is off’ message appears on the screen. In this manner, you will exit the Developer Mode and all locally stored data, including all installed environments, will be deleted.

Part 3: How to Dual-Boot a Chromebook Using ChrUbuntu

An alternative option is available for Chromebook users that have Intel based devices like recently released Haswell models. The ChrUbuntu can be installed on the USB stick or external hard-drive or directly to the local memory of your Chromebook. Even though ARM-based machines can also use ChrUbuntu it isn’t advisable because they may perform poorly due to slower processor speeds and less RAM power. Unlike Chroot, ChrUbuntu will not allow you to switch between operating systems without a reboot, and if the system is stored locally, you may need to go through the full system recovery.

1. Preparation for the installation

Like with the previous method you will have to go into the Developer Mode and make sure that you have access to a WiFi connection. When you are asked to provide your login details, instead of entering them press Ctrl+Alt+Forward and then type ‘chronos’ and press Enter. The next step will require you to issue the following command: ‘curl -L -O http://goo.gl/9sgchs ; sudo bash 9sgchs’ and then once more hit Enter. Again press Enter after the information about the installation is displayed on the screen and then you will be asked to decide how much space you want to allocate for Linux installation. Experts say that 9GB is the upper limit. After you’ve made your choice press Enter.

2. Installing ChrUbuntu

Once the partitioning of your hard-drive is completed, you will have to repeat the first several steps from typing ‘chronos’ to pressing enter when information about the installation is displayed on the screen. The installation process is now in progress and you will be occasionally asked to select a few settings, make sure you always click on default. At the end of the installation process, you will have to choose the location where GRUB should be installed, please select /dev/sda, because the failure to do so may interrupt the installation.

Once the installation is completed, restart your Chromebook to finalize the process, and when you see the ‘OS Verification is Off’ notification press Ctrl+L to access Linux or Ctrl+D boot into Chrome OS.

Install Linux on Chromebook

3. Uninstall ChrUbuntu

Removing ChrUbuntu is a relatively painless process that can be completed with just a few simple commands. If the OS is stored locally the only way to erase it is to perform a full system recovery. While all your data located on the cloud will re-sync with your Chromebook, the data stored locally will be deleted, which is why it is important to backup all the important files before starting a system recovery process. The fastest and easiest way to perform a system recovery is by creating a recovery disk from your device. Insert ‘chrome://imageburner’ in your browser’s address bar, and carefully read and follow the instructions.

This Linux removal method will also require you to have a USB stick with a minimum of 4GB of storage space. After you created the disk, you can go into the Recovery Mode, by holding Esc and Refresh buttons simultaneously and then pressing the Power button. In the Recovery Mode, you will be asked to insert the recovery disk and the process will be on the way.

Part 4: How to Dual-Boot a Chromebook Using Gallium OS

If neither Chroot nor ChrUbuntu work for you, using Gallium OS may be the right choice. The Gallium is Xbuntu-based OS that is equipped with touchpad mouse drivers among other advantages it offers over other operating systems. The installation process isn’t complicated, although it may require more effort than installing Crouton.

1. Preparation for the installation

In order to be aware of all the preparation steps, you need to take, you must first find out your device’s Hardware ID number and you can obtain this information by navigating to Chrome://System, Hardware Class within the Chrome OS. Hardware Compatibility page will provide the information regarding the CPU’s family, which can be crucial for the OS’ performance. You can run the installation either from an ISO image on an external USB drive or from the Chrome OS command line using Chrx. We will describe how to install Gallium OS from the Chrome OS command line because the other option doesn’t allow you to dual-boot your Chromebook.

2. Enabling the Legacy Mode

Like previously described, enter the Developer Mode and when the ‘ OS verification is OFF’ notification appears on the screen proceed to enable the Legacy Mode. You can do this by holding CTRL+D keys to enable the Chrome OS to boot in the Developer Mode. After you’ve successfully made this step, press CTRl+ALT+T to access the ‘Crosh’ terminal and then type ‘shell’. At the ‘chronos/localhost/$ issue the following command: ‘sudo crossystem dev_boot_legacy=1’. Update and install all the necessary firmware by running the Firmware Utility Script.

3. Installation process

If you choose to install Gallium OS through Chrome OS command line using Chrx that will enable you to dual-boot your Chromebook, you should start by booting the device into Chrome OS and configuring networking. The next step you’ll need to take is switching to a virtual terminal by holding Ctrl+Alt+F2, and then you should log in as user chronos without a password. Once you’ve completed this step issue the following command: ‘curl -O https://chrx.org/go && sh go’ and follow the on-screen instructions to repartition your hard-drive and install the Gallium OS. Once the installation is over reboot the device and press Ctrl+L when the ‘OS Verification is Off’ notification appears on the screen to boot Gallium OS or hold Ctrl+D to access Chrome OS. After the Gallium OS is successfully installed on your Chromebook you can start using programs such as Skype or Lightworks.

Which Method is the Best?

Each of the options to install a Linux OS on your Chromebook we described has its advantages and disadvantages. It is our opinion that the Crouton method is the easiest and the fastest. Furthermore, this method enables you to switch between your primary and secondary OS without the need to reboot the device and the Downloads folder makes working in both environments much easier.

On the other hand, other methods require more knowledge about the Linux OS installation process and switching between OS’ is not that simple. If you are looking for an easy way to dual-boot your Chromebook that best way to do it is to install Linux as a Chroot using Crouton.

Price: $24.99/month, although free versions of the software are also available.

What we like: A powerful video and audio editor perfectly suited for the production of professional video content.

What we don’t like: The software isn’t easy to use and inexperienced editors will find it difficult to use at first.

Lightworks Resolve may not be as popular as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, but that doesn’t mean that this video editing software isn’t as capable as its more popular counterparts.

The software is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux OS, which makes it a perfect choice for Chromebook users that have a Linux OS installed on their devices. Lightworks features literally every editing tool imaginable and for that reason, it is a perfect choice for editing videos you would like to upload to Vimeo or YouTube or high-end professional projects. This editing software offers plenty of transitions and visual effects that will help its users to create seamless jumps between shots and visually impressive videos.

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

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

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Chromebooks are an excellent choice for educational institutions or businesses that require their employees to have constant access to the Internet. Even though these devices are a perfect tool that can accompany you on business trips and enable you to answer important emails or have access to crucial information stored on the cloud, performing more demanding tasks, like video editing, is still a challenge. However, it is far from impossible, although you may have to take a few extra steps before running a video editing software on your Chromebook.

Chrome OS is a Linux based environment and for that reason, Chromebook owners who would like to use professional editing software on their Chromebooks can install a Linux OS that will enable them to use programs such as Lightworks that are perfectly suited for high-end video editing. There are two different ways to install Linux on a Chromebook, you can either do it using Gallium OS or ChrUbuntu or in a Chroot environment using Crouton. Each of these methods is relatively easy and we will take you through the process step by step. Here’s how you can install Linux on your Chromebook.

Part 1: Preparing before installing Linux OS on Chromebook

The first step of the process of installing the Linux OS is the decision itself, and you need to have all the necessary information before you decide to install a Linux OS on your Chromebook.

  • Make sure that the version of Chromebook you have is capable of supporting a Linux OS. Your device must be equipped with an ARM or Intel chip in order to be able to run the version of Linux OS you want to install. Although both chips will allow you to go through the process, running closed source software such the Steam is only possible with Intel chips.
  • Regardless of which method of installing Linux OS you choose, you will have to switch to the Developer Mode, a special built-in function that allows you to install the unapproved operating system, among other things.
  • Now that you are aware of the requirements and risks, you will have to backup all the files you have on your Chromebook because once you switch to the Developer Mode all the information stored locally will be erased. You can save the files on another computer or on the cloud depending on how much data you need to move and which one is more convenient for you.

Part 2: How to Install Linux as a Chroot Using Crouton on Chromebook

After you have stored all your data safely, your Chromebook is ready for the beginning of the installation process of the secondary operating system. You will have to perform a series of actions that will allow you to start the installation, starting from accessing the Developer Mode.

1. Acessing the developer mode

The first step of the process is to reboot your system, while your Chromebook is on. In order to do so hold Escape and Refresh keys on your keyboard and then hit the power button. Once your device is back online you will find yourself in the recovery mode, and you will see a message telling you to insert a recovery disc. Instead of inserting the disc, hold Ctrl+D and wait for OS verification menu to appear on the screen. At this point, if you are still having second thoughts about this process, you can hit the spacebar to return to recovery mode, or press Enter to proceed. Hitting Enter will delete all the data stored on your device and take you into the Developer Mode. Once your Chromebook lets you know that you are now in the Developer Mode, reboot the system and install a fresh version of the Chrome OS. Insert your login information and follow the instructions until you are looking at the Chrome OS desktop.

Install Linux on Chromebook

2. Installing Chroot

At this stage of the process, your Chromebook is ready for the installation of the Crouton environment. Crouton is a series of scripts that makes running a Linux OS much easier, especially for inexperienced users. In order to download Crouton, go to GitHub and find the download link, detailed instructions or extensions that can add more functionality to your OS. Once the installation file or files are in the Download folder, your next step is to access the Chromebook’s terminal a feature called ‘Crosh’. The fastest way to do this is to hold CTRL + ALT keys and then hit the T key. This action will cause the Chrome window to appear on the screen, and you will need to type the ‘shell’ command without using quotation marks. Afterwards, enter the following command: ‘sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t xfce’ and if you want to install extensions you will have to add ‘xfce,extension’ command at the end.

Install Linux on Chromebook

Press the Enter key and wait for the system to start setting up the Chroot. This process may take a while, so it is important to be patient, but more importantly, do not interfere with it in any way. Installation of your secondary OS is now on the way, and you may be asked to insert your login data, like your Gmail username and password. Wait patiently until the process is over and then return to shell and enter this command: ‘sudo enter-chroot startxfce4’. Your screen will go black for a while, but after the black screen is gone your Chromebook will be in the freshly installed Linux OS.

3. Optimizing your new OS

You may have to optimize your new OS in order to improve the experience of using it. Enabling your keyboard’s brightness and volume keys inside the new OS can be done easily by holding CTRL+ALT+T and then typing shell once you’ve accessed Chrome OS’s shell and hit Enter. Issue the following command: ‘sudo sh -e ~/Downloads/crouton-r precise-t keyboard–u’ and then press Enter again. Removing the screen saver or installing more extensions may also be a good way to enable more options in the new OS. Most importantly, you can now download and install the video editing software you want to use for editing your footage.

4. Remove Chroot from your Chromebook

If for some reason you want to uninstall Linux from your Chromebook, simply reboot the system and press the spacebar when the ‘OS verification is off’ message appears on the screen. In this manner, you will exit the Developer Mode and all locally stored data, including all installed environments, will be deleted.

Part 3: How to Dual-Boot a Chromebook Using ChrUbuntu

An alternative option is available for Chromebook users that have Intel based devices like recently released Haswell models. The ChrUbuntu can be installed on the USB stick or external hard-drive or directly to the local memory of your Chromebook. Even though ARM-based machines can also use ChrUbuntu it isn’t advisable because they may perform poorly due to slower processor speeds and less RAM power. Unlike Chroot, ChrUbuntu will not allow you to switch between operating systems without a reboot, and if the system is stored locally, you may need to go through the full system recovery.

1. Preparation for the installation

Like with the previous method you will have to go into the Developer Mode and make sure that you have access to a WiFi connection. When you are asked to provide your login details, instead of entering them press Ctrl+Alt+Forward and then type ‘chronos’ and press Enter. The next step will require you to issue the following command: ‘curl -L -O http://goo.gl/9sgchs ; sudo bash 9sgchs’ and then once more hit Enter. Again press Enter after the information about the installation is displayed on the screen and then you will be asked to decide how much space you want to allocate for Linux installation. Experts say that 9GB is the upper limit. After you’ve made your choice press Enter.

2. Installing ChrUbuntu

Once the partitioning of your hard-drive is completed, you will have to repeat the first several steps from typing ‘chronos’ to pressing enter when information about the installation is displayed on the screen. The installation process is now in progress and you will be occasionally asked to select a few settings, make sure you always click on default. At the end of the installation process, you will have to choose the location where GRUB should be installed, please select /dev/sda, because the failure to do so may interrupt the installation.

Once the installation is completed, restart your Chromebook to finalize the process, and when you see the ‘OS Verification is Off’ notification press Ctrl+L to access Linux or Ctrl+D boot into Chrome OS.

Install Linux on Chromebook

3. Uninstall ChrUbuntu

Removing ChrUbuntu is a relatively painless process that can be completed with just a few simple commands. If the OS is stored locally the only way to erase it is to perform a full system recovery. While all your data located on the cloud will re-sync with your Chromebook, the data stored locally will be deleted, which is why it is important to backup all the important files before starting a system recovery process. The fastest and easiest way to perform a system recovery is by creating a recovery disk from your device. Insert ‘chrome://imageburner’ in your browser’s address bar, and carefully read and follow the instructions.

This Linux removal method will also require you to have a USB stick with a minimum of 4GB of storage space. After you created the disk, you can go into the Recovery Mode, by holding Esc and Refresh buttons simultaneously and then pressing the Power button. In the Recovery Mode, you will be asked to insert the recovery disk and the process will be on the way.

Part 4: How to Dual-Boot a Chromebook Using Gallium OS

If neither Chroot nor ChrUbuntu work for you, using Gallium OS may be the right choice. The Gallium is Xbuntu-based OS that is equipped with touchpad mouse drivers among other advantages it offers over other operating systems. The installation process isn’t complicated, although it may require more effort than installing Crouton.

1. Preparation for the installation

In order to be aware of all the preparation steps, you need to take, you must first find out your device’s Hardware ID number and you can obtain this information by navigating to Chrome://System, Hardware Class within the Chrome OS. Hardware Compatibility page will provide the information regarding the CPU’s family, which can be crucial for the OS’ performance. You can run the installation either from an ISO image on an external USB drive or from the Chrome OS command line using Chrx. We will describe how to install Gallium OS from the Chrome OS command line because the other option doesn’t allow you to dual-boot your Chromebook.

2. Enabling the Legacy Mode

Like previously described, enter the Developer Mode and when the ‘ OS verification is OFF’ notification appears on the screen proceed to enable the Legacy Mode. You can do this by holding CTRL+D keys to enable the Chrome OS to boot in the Developer Mode. After you’ve successfully made this step, press CTRl+ALT+T to access the ‘Crosh’ terminal and then type ‘shell’. At the ‘chronos/localhost/$ issue the following command: ‘sudo crossystem dev_boot_legacy=1’. Update and install all the necessary firmware by running the Firmware Utility Script.

3. Installation process

If you choose to install Gallium OS through Chrome OS command line using Chrx that will enable you to dual-boot your Chromebook, you should start by booting the device into Chrome OS and configuring networking. The next step you’ll need to take is switching to a virtual terminal by holding Ctrl+Alt+F2, and then you should log in as user chronos without a password. Once you’ve completed this step issue the following command: ‘curl -O https://chrx.org/go && sh go’ and follow the on-screen instructions to repartition your hard-drive and install the Gallium OS. Once the installation is over reboot the device and press Ctrl+L when the ‘OS Verification is Off’ notification appears on the screen to boot Gallium OS or hold Ctrl+D to access Chrome OS. After the Gallium OS is successfully installed on your Chromebook you can start using programs such as Skype or Lightworks.

Which Method is the Best?

Each of the options to install a Linux OS on your Chromebook we described has its advantages and disadvantages. It is our opinion that the Crouton method is the easiest and the fastest. Furthermore, this method enables you to switch between your primary and secondary OS without the need to reboot the device and the Downloads folder makes working in both environments much easier.

On the other hand, other methods require more knowledge about the Linux OS installation process and switching between OS’ is not that simple. If you are looking for an easy way to dual-boot your Chromebook that best way to do it is to install Linux as a Chroot using Crouton.

Price: $24.99/month, although free versions of the software are also available.

What we like: A powerful video and audio editor perfectly suited for the production of professional video content.

What we don’t like: The software isn’t easy to use and inexperienced editors will find it difficult to use at first.

Lightworks Resolve may not be as popular as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, but that doesn’t mean that this video editing software isn’t as capable as its more popular counterparts.

The software is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux OS, which makes it a perfect choice for Chromebook users that have a Linux OS installed on their devices. Lightworks features literally every editing tool imaginable and for that reason, it is a perfect choice for editing videos you would like to upload to Vimeo or YouTube or high-end professional projects. This editing software offers plenty of transitions and visual effects that will help its users to create seamless jumps between shots and visually impressive videos.

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

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

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Here Are some of the Best Free and Paid Split-Screen Video Editors and Makers that You Can Use Online and Offline

Best Split Screen Video Editor [Online & Offline]

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

The effect that comes up after adding two or more screens in a single frame is called split screen, and the tool that enables the users to do this is a split screen video editor. These split screens have significant importance in post-production tasks. That said, the following sections discuss about the tools that enable you to create split screen videos, and explain the process of doing so.

As mentioned above, the split screen effect lets you add two or more screens in a single frame. When multiple activities occur at the same time but at different locations, they all can be shown on one screen by placing their corresponding footages side-by-side or in any other arrangement that the split screen video maker allows.

Best Split Screen Video Editing Software for Windows and Mac [Free & Paid]

After understanding what split screen is, it becomes both obvious and mandatory to know about some of the most used split screen video editor applications, and how they help you in adding the effect to your movies. Following is a list of a couple of such programs:

1. iMovie

A proprietary of Apple, iMovie is available for both iOS and macOS, and is absolutely free of cost. Even though the tool lacks some advanced options for fine editing, it still offers a good platform to those planning their career in post-production industry. With simple UI, it is easy to learn iMovie.

The step-by-step instructions given below explain how to use iMovie to add split screen effect to your videos:

Step 1: Add Footages to iMovie

After importing the footages to the Media Bin in iMovie, drag the first one to the Timeline, and then drag the second one above the first layer.

Step 2: Select the Split Screen Effect

Select the top video layer in the Timeline, and choose Split Screen from the screen type drop-down list at the top.

Step 3: Select Split Screen Preset

Choose a position for the selected layer from the Position drop-down list at the top, and use the Slide slider to adjust the speed of the appearance of the footage.

Pros

  • iMovie is free to download and use
  • The program is available for both macOS and iOS

Cons

  • Allows only up to two videos to be used in split screen

You can get iMovie from here: https://www.apple.com/in/imovie/

2. Wondershare Filmora Editor

Download Filmora Win Version Download Filmora Mac Version

One of the most robust apps that is compared with post-production applications like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro X, Wondershare Filmora is also a video editor that helps split screen easily. The software is available for Windows and Mac computers, and provides prompt technical support to its consumers. Although Filmora that packed with more advanced tools is also available, most of the times Filmora serves the purpose pretty well.

You can learn how to add split screen effect in Wondershare Filmora by following the steps given below:

Step 1: Import Footages to Filmora

Launch Wondershare Filmora, click anywhere inside the Media window in the upper-left section, and import all the videos you want to use to create the split screen effect.

Step 2: Choose a Split Screen Preset

Click Split Screen from the standard toolbar at the top, click and drag your preferred preset to the Timeline, and then extend the duration of the effect in the Timeline by dragging its handle.

Step 3: Add Videos to Split Screen

free video editing software for windows

Click ADVANCED from the bottom-right area of the Media pane, on the Advanced Split Screen Edit box, drag the first video from the left pane, and drop it on your preferred section in the right. Repeat the process to add all the other videos to their corresponding sections. Adjust their time of appearance by dragging their thumbnail in the Timeline of the box, and click OK.

Pros

  • Wondershare Filmora is lightweight and is less resource intensive
  • Allows as many as 6 videos to be added to create split screen effect
  • Has 30+ split screen presets

Cons

  • A couple of windows are required to be opened while working with split screen

3 . VSDC

VSDC is a free and efficient split screen video maker. In fact, the program is a full-fledged post-production application that can be used to edit the videos to prepare industry-standard clips for presentations, broadcasting, and commercial and private distribution. The best thing about VSDC is, it is absolutely free of cost, and doesn’t add any watermarks to the output files.

The instructions given below explain how to use the split screen feature in VSDC:

Step 1: Add Video Footages

Click Add object from the standard toolbar at the top, click Video, and select and add the first footage to the preview window. Repeat the process to add more video(s) as needed.

Step 2: Add Split Screen Effect

Grab any of the side handles of the video you added last, and drag it inward to reduce its size proportionally. Repeat the process to reduce the size of the other video(s) that is/are now revealed from beneath the one you just adjusted in order to create the split screen effect.

Pros

  • Absolutely free to use
  • Allows practically unlimited number of footages to be added to create the split screen videos

Cons

  • No presets for automatic video positioning are available for split screen effect

You can get VSDC free video editor from here: http://www.videosoftdev.com/

4. Shotcut

A free and opensource editing tool, Shotcut can also be used as a split screen video maker to produce industry-standard movies and documentaries. Shotcut is available for FreeBSD, Windows, Linux, and macOS, and comes in both x64 and x86 variants. Being a free program, Shotcut doesn’t require any activation or registration.

The procedure that follows explains how to use Shortcut as a free split screen video editor:

Step 1: Add Clips to the Timeline

Import the footages to the Shotcut’s media bin, drag one of the clips from the bin to the Timeline at the bottom, and then press Ctrl + I on your keyboard to add more video tracks. You can press this shortcut key for another couple of times depending on the number films you want to use for the split screen effect. Next, drag each film from the bin to their corresponding tracks. Note: Make sure NOT to place all the clips on the same track, and that each of them is on a different, its own, video layer.

Step 2: Adjust the First Video

Select the last video you added to the Timeline (it should be the topmost track), click Filters from above the Timeline, click the + button from the upper-left corner, click Size and Position from the list that appears next, and select the clip’s position from the Preset drop-down list.

Step 3: Adjust Other Videos

Select the second video in the Timeline and repeat the process to set its position, and do the same for all other footages that you added in order to create the split screen effect.

Pros

  • Available for FreeBSD, Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms
  • If using presets, as many as 4 videos can be added for split screen effect

Cons

  • Working with split screen manually may require practice and some calculations to position the clips on the screen correctly

You can get Shotcut from here: https://shotcut.org/

5. Lightworks

Used by the professionals to edit and prepare movies like Pulp Fiction, The Cure, L.A. Confidential, Bruce Almighty, The Wolf of Wall Street, etc., Lightworks is, in true means, a complete and full-fledged post-production application to create industry-standard outputs. The main reason for the app’s wide userbase is that it is a cross-platform software that is available for Linux, Mac, and Windows computers.

To use Lightworks as split screen video maker, you can follow the instructions given below:

Step 1: Add Tracks in Timeline

After importing the clips to Lightworks, leave them in the Media Bin for now, right-click anywhere in the Timeline at the bottom, go to Tracks, click Add multiple, and from the Number to add drop-down list, choose the number of tracks you want to add to the Timeline. Click Add to confirm the changes.

Step 2: Disable Auto Sync

Right-click anywhere in the Timeline, and click to deselect Auto track sync.

Step 3: Add Clips to Timeline

Drag the clips from the Media Bin to the Timeline. Make sure to place each footage on a different track, and that all the tracks are on top of each other. Optionally, right-click the audio that was added along with the clips, and click Remove from the context menu. Use this method to remove all the audios or leave the one you want to have. Note: Removing the audio tracks ensures that they do not overlap during the playback.

Step 4: Enable Split Screen

Click VFX from above the preview window, click the + (Add new effects) icon from the top of the left pane, select the DVE category from the upper-right corner of the left pane, scroll down the left pane to the Split-screen Presets section, and double-click your preferred split screen preset to add the effect to the participating clips.

Pros

  • Even the free variant has split screen feature
  • A complete post-production tool that doesn’t require any other program for finalizing the things

Cons

  • Not many split screen presets are available

Download Lightworks free version from here: https://www.lwks.com/

6. Adobe Premiere Pro

One of the most appreciated and widely used post-production applications for Windows and Mac computers, Adobe Premiere Pro has been professionals’ first choice when it comes to video editing, irrespective of the fact that it has a steep learning curve, and is also a resource intensive software to work with.

The steps below explain how to use Adobe Premiere Pro as a split screen video maker:

Step 1: Add Videos to Timeline

After importing the clips to the Project window, drag each of them to the Timeline, and place them in their separate tracks one above the other.

Step 2: Position and Crop

Select the topmost video track in the Timeline, go to Effect Controls panel from the top of the upper-left pane, and use the Position slider to position the video to your preferred area of the screen. Repeat this process for all the clips in the Timeline you want to add to split screen.

Step 3: Crop the Clips

Search for the Crop effect in the Effects pane present at the lower-left corner, drag and drop the effect on each of the clips in the timeline, and use the Crop slider in the Effect Controls pane to crop the videos as needed. Optionally use the keyframes to add sliding animations to give more professional look to the split screen effect.

Pros

  • Most robust and efficient video editing tool
  • Allows practically unlimited number of videos to be used for split screen

Cons

  • Requires subscription that needs to be renewed regularly

For more details about making split screen with Pr, check How to create a split screen in Premiere Pro

7. Final Cut Pro X

Available only for Mac computers at the time of this writing, Final Cut Pro X or FCPX gives tough competition to Adobe Premiere Pro. Since Apple devices are famous for their speedy processing, professionals any day prefer FCPX over Adobe Premiere Pro if they own a Mac PC running macOS.

You can use FCPX as split screen video maker by following the steps given below:

Step 1: Place Footages in the Timeline

As mentioned earlier, add the clips on top of each other on separate tracks in the Timeline of FCPX.

Step 2: Position and Crop

Select the first clip in the Timeline, from the Transform section of the Video Inspector pane in the right, use the Position slider to move the clip to your preferred side of the screen, and use the sliders from the Crop section to crop the footage to adjust the portion of interest. Repeat the process for the other video tracks as well to get your desired split screen effect in Final Cut Pro X.

Pros

  • Offers quick and easy way to add split screen effect
  • Allows practically unlimited number of videos to be used for split screen

Cons

  • Doesn’t have any particular preset for split screen effect

You may also like: How to create a PIP video with Final Cut Pro X

Best Free Online Split Screen Video Editors

Apart from the desktop programs discussed above, there are a couple of web tools that can be used as split screen video maker online free. Two of the most used ones are introduced below:

1. Kapwing Collage Maker

Although Kapwing offers several other online tools like video resizer, meme generator, slideshow maker, etc., the solution that can be considered split screen video editor is Kapwing Collage Maker. This web app allows you to select a template to get started, and the rest of the process is simple.

The following steps explain how to create a split screen video with Kapwing:

Step 1: Add Clips to Preset

Go to the https://www.kapwing.com/collage link, click to select your preferred split screen preset, click REPLACE on one of the segments of the split screen on the next page, and select and upload the first video. Next, click REPLACE on the other segment(s), and select and upload the other videos as well.

Step 2: Reposition and Publish

Click and drag each of the added clips to reposition them on the screen, use the other tools to crop and adjust the videos as needed, and click Publish from the top-right corner. Note: Optionally you can click Timeline from the top of the preview window, adjust the timings and other settings as needed on the next page, and click Done. After this, you can go ahead and hit Publish to create the split screen effect out of the uploaded videos.

Pros

  • Free to use
  • Allows as many as 4 videos to create split screen effect

Cons

  • Requires you to register and sign in to remove the watermark from the output file

2. WeVideo

Yet another split screen video maker online free solution, WeVideo offers almost desktop program-like experience while creating split screen effects. Even though all the subscription plans that the vendor offers are chargeable, the Education plan can be tried for 30 days for free, post which the teachers are required to pay to continue using the web tool.

The following steps explain how to get split screen effect with WeVideo:

Step 1: Import Videos

Visit https://www.wevideo.com and on the main window, click Video from under the Create a new section at the top, select a layout on the Let’s get started box, and click START EDITING from the bottom right corner. Next, click ADD in the My media window in the upper-left section, click BROWSE TO SELECT on the Import media box, and add the videos you want to use in the split screen effect.

Step 2: Add Clips to Timeline

As explained earlier, drag the videos from the My media pane and drop them in the Timeline. Make sure to place every video in its separate layer, and that all the layers are on top of each other.

Step 3: Create Split Screen Effect

Select any clip in the Timeline, and click the Open clip editor icon from the upper-left area of the track. On the next page, use the Scale slider to reduce the size of the selected clip, and from the preview window in the right, drag to reposition the video to your preferred location on the screen. Click SAVE CHANGES from the bottom of the left pane to confirm the settings. Repeat the process for the second clip in the Timeline to resize and reposition it on the screen. Click FINISH from the upper-right corner, on the next box, enter a name for the video in the available field, click SET, choose your preferred settings on the next page, and click EXPORT from the bottom-right corner to produce the split screen video.

Pros

  • Free to use
  • Allows multiple videos to be used for split screen

Cons

  • Paid subscription is needed to remove watermark from the outputs

FAQs About Split Screen Video Editors

Why you should use split screen effect in video?

There are a couple of reasons you may want to use split screen effect in your video. Some of the most common uses include:

  • Showing multiple actions by the same or different characters at the same time, without changing the screen
  • Comparing multiple objects or picture quality. This can be done only when the entities in question are placed side-by-side
  • Making your video look more professional
  • Showing different effects on the same screen

Can I create a split screen video with Windows Movie Maker or Windows 10 Photos app?

No, you cannot. Although these tools enable you to resize the videos, since they don’t allow multi-tracked Timelines, no video clips can be placed one above the other which is an essential part for any split screen video maker to create the effect. However, as discussed above, there are several post-production tools, offline and online, that allow you to make split screen videos easily and without any cost.

Conclusion

Split screen video editor tools are both paid and free. Regardless of the program you use to create the effect, the output files always look more professional and informative. Furthermore, things become way simpler if the split screen video maker has simple UI, is less resource intensive, and is easy to use as it is the case with Wondershare Filmora.

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

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

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

The effect that comes up after adding two or more screens in a single frame is called split screen, and the tool that enables the users to do this is a split screen video editor. These split screens have significant importance in post-production tasks. That said, the following sections discuss about the tools that enable you to create split screen videos, and explain the process of doing so.

As mentioned above, the split screen effect lets you add two or more screens in a single frame. When multiple activities occur at the same time but at different locations, they all can be shown on one screen by placing their corresponding footages side-by-side or in any other arrangement that the split screen video maker allows.

Best Split Screen Video Editing Software for Windows and Mac [Free & Paid]

After understanding what split screen is, it becomes both obvious and mandatory to know about some of the most used split screen video editor applications, and how they help you in adding the effect to your movies. Following is a list of a couple of such programs:

1. iMovie

A proprietary of Apple, iMovie is available for both iOS and macOS, and is absolutely free of cost. Even though the tool lacks some advanced options for fine editing, it still offers a good platform to those planning their career in post-production industry. With simple UI, it is easy to learn iMovie.

The step-by-step instructions given below explain how to use iMovie to add split screen effect to your videos:

Step 1: Add Footages to iMovie

After importing the footages to the Media Bin in iMovie, drag the first one to the Timeline, and then drag the second one above the first layer.

Step 2: Select the Split Screen Effect

Select the top video layer in the Timeline, and choose Split Screen from the screen type drop-down list at the top.

Step 3: Select Split Screen Preset

Choose a position for the selected layer from the Position drop-down list at the top, and use the Slide slider to adjust the speed of the appearance of the footage.

Pros

  • iMovie is free to download and use
  • The program is available for both macOS and iOS

Cons

  • Allows only up to two videos to be used in split screen

You can get iMovie from here: https://www.apple.com/in/imovie/

2. Wondershare Filmora Editor

Download Filmora Win Version Download Filmora Mac Version

One of the most robust apps that is compared with post-production applications like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro X, Wondershare Filmora is also a video editor that helps split screen easily. The software is available for Windows and Mac computers, and provides prompt technical support to its consumers. Although Filmora that packed with more advanced tools is also available, most of the times Filmora serves the purpose pretty well.

You can learn how to add split screen effect in Wondershare Filmora by following the steps given below:

Step 1: Import Footages to Filmora

Launch Wondershare Filmora, click anywhere inside the Media window in the upper-left section, and import all the videos you want to use to create the split screen effect.

Step 2: Choose a Split Screen Preset

Click Split Screen from the standard toolbar at the top, click and drag your preferred preset to the Timeline, and then extend the duration of the effect in the Timeline by dragging its handle.

Step 3: Add Videos to Split Screen

free video editing software for windows

Click ADVANCED from the bottom-right area of the Media pane, on the Advanced Split Screen Edit box, drag the first video from the left pane, and drop it on your preferred section in the right. Repeat the process to add all the other videos to their corresponding sections. Adjust their time of appearance by dragging their thumbnail in the Timeline of the box, and click OK.

Pros

  • Wondershare Filmora is lightweight and is less resource intensive
  • Allows as many as 6 videos to be added to create split screen effect
  • Has 30+ split screen presets

Cons

  • A couple of windows are required to be opened while working with split screen

3 . VSDC

VSDC is a free and efficient split screen video maker. In fact, the program is a full-fledged post-production application that can be used to edit the videos to prepare industry-standard clips for presentations, broadcasting, and commercial and private distribution. The best thing about VSDC is, it is absolutely free of cost, and doesn’t add any watermarks to the output files.

The instructions given below explain how to use the split screen feature in VSDC:

Step 1: Add Video Footages

Click Add object from the standard toolbar at the top, click Video, and select and add the first footage to the preview window. Repeat the process to add more video(s) as needed.

Step 2: Add Split Screen Effect

Grab any of the side handles of the video you added last, and drag it inward to reduce its size proportionally. Repeat the process to reduce the size of the other video(s) that is/are now revealed from beneath the one you just adjusted in order to create the split screen effect.

Pros

  • Absolutely free to use
  • Allows practically unlimited number of footages to be added to create the split screen videos

Cons

  • No presets for automatic video positioning are available for split screen effect

You can get VSDC free video editor from here: http://www.videosoftdev.com/

4. Shotcut

A free and opensource editing tool, Shotcut can also be used as a split screen video maker to produce industry-standard movies and documentaries. Shotcut is available for FreeBSD, Windows, Linux, and macOS, and comes in both x64 and x86 variants. Being a free program, Shotcut doesn’t require any activation or registration.

The procedure that follows explains how to use Shortcut as a free split screen video editor:

Step 1: Add Clips to the Timeline

Import the footages to the Shotcut’s media bin, drag one of the clips from the bin to the Timeline at the bottom, and then press Ctrl + I on your keyboard to add more video tracks. You can press this shortcut key for another couple of times depending on the number films you want to use for the split screen effect. Next, drag each film from the bin to their corresponding tracks. Note: Make sure NOT to place all the clips on the same track, and that each of them is on a different, its own, video layer.

Step 2: Adjust the First Video

Select the last video you added to the Timeline (it should be the topmost track), click Filters from above the Timeline, click the + button from the upper-left corner, click Size and Position from the list that appears next, and select the clip’s position from the Preset drop-down list.

Step 3: Adjust Other Videos

Select the second video in the Timeline and repeat the process to set its position, and do the same for all other footages that you added in order to create the split screen effect.

Pros

  • Available for FreeBSD, Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms
  • If using presets, as many as 4 videos can be added for split screen effect

Cons

  • Working with split screen manually may require practice and some calculations to position the clips on the screen correctly

You can get Shotcut from here: https://shotcut.org/

5. Lightworks

Used by the professionals to edit and prepare movies like Pulp Fiction, The Cure, L.A. Confidential, Bruce Almighty, The Wolf of Wall Street, etc., Lightworks is, in true means, a complete and full-fledged post-production application to create industry-standard outputs. The main reason for the app’s wide userbase is that it is a cross-platform software that is available for Linux, Mac, and Windows computers.

To use Lightworks as split screen video maker, you can follow the instructions given below:

Step 1: Add Tracks in Timeline

After importing the clips to Lightworks, leave them in the Media Bin for now, right-click anywhere in the Timeline at the bottom, go to Tracks, click Add multiple, and from the Number to add drop-down list, choose the number of tracks you want to add to the Timeline. Click Add to confirm the changes.

Step 2: Disable Auto Sync

Right-click anywhere in the Timeline, and click to deselect Auto track sync.

Step 3: Add Clips to Timeline

Drag the clips from the Media Bin to the Timeline. Make sure to place each footage on a different track, and that all the tracks are on top of each other. Optionally, right-click the audio that was added along with the clips, and click Remove from the context menu. Use this method to remove all the audios or leave the one you want to have. Note: Removing the audio tracks ensures that they do not overlap during the playback.

Step 4: Enable Split Screen

Click VFX from above the preview window, click the + (Add new effects) icon from the top of the left pane, select the DVE category from the upper-right corner of the left pane, scroll down the left pane to the Split-screen Presets section, and double-click your preferred split screen preset to add the effect to the participating clips.

Pros

  • Even the free variant has split screen feature
  • A complete post-production tool that doesn’t require any other program for finalizing the things

Cons

  • Not many split screen presets are available

Download Lightworks free version from here: https://www.lwks.com/

6. Adobe Premiere Pro

One of the most appreciated and widely used post-production applications for Windows and Mac computers, Adobe Premiere Pro has been professionals’ first choice when it comes to video editing, irrespective of the fact that it has a steep learning curve, and is also a resource intensive software to work with.

The steps below explain how to use Adobe Premiere Pro as a split screen video maker:

Step 1: Add Videos to Timeline

After importing the clips to the Project window, drag each of them to the Timeline, and place them in their separate tracks one above the other.

Step 2: Position and Crop

Select the topmost video track in the Timeline, go to Effect Controls panel from the top of the upper-left pane, and use the Position slider to position the video to your preferred area of the screen. Repeat this process for all the clips in the Timeline you want to add to split screen.

Step 3: Crop the Clips

Search for the Crop effect in the Effects pane present at the lower-left corner, drag and drop the effect on each of the clips in the timeline, and use the Crop slider in the Effect Controls pane to crop the videos as needed. Optionally use the keyframes to add sliding animations to give more professional look to the split screen effect.

Pros

  • Most robust and efficient video editing tool
  • Allows practically unlimited number of videos to be used for split screen

Cons

  • Requires subscription that needs to be renewed regularly

For more details about making split screen with Pr, check How to create a split screen in Premiere Pro

7. Final Cut Pro X

Available only for Mac computers at the time of this writing, Final Cut Pro X or FCPX gives tough competition to Adobe Premiere Pro. Since Apple devices are famous for their speedy processing, professionals any day prefer FCPX over Adobe Premiere Pro if they own a Mac PC running macOS.

You can use FCPX as split screen video maker by following the steps given below:

Step 1: Place Footages in the Timeline

As mentioned earlier, add the clips on top of each other on separate tracks in the Timeline of FCPX.

Step 2: Position and Crop

Select the first clip in the Timeline, from the Transform section of the Video Inspector pane in the right, use the Position slider to move the clip to your preferred side of the screen, and use the sliders from the Crop section to crop the footage to adjust the portion of interest. Repeat the process for the other video tracks as well to get your desired split screen effect in Final Cut Pro X.

Pros

  • Offers quick and easy way to add split screen effect
  • Allows practically unlimited number of videos to be used for split screen

Cons

  • Doesn’t have any particular preset for split screen effect

You may also like: How to create a PIP video with Final Cut Pro X

Best Free Online Split Screen Video Editors

Apart from the desktop programs discussed above, there are a couple of web tools that can be used as split screen video maker online free. Two of the most used ones are introduced below:

1. Kapwing Collage Maker

Although Kapwing offers several other online tools like video resizer, meme generator, slideshow maker, etc., the solution that can be considered split screen video editor is Kapwing Collage Maker. This web app allows you to select a template to get started, and the rest of the process is simple.

The following steps explain how to create a split screen video with Kapwing:

Step 1: Add Clips to Preset

Go to the https://www.kapwing.com/collage link, click to select your preferred split screen preset, click REPLACE on one of the segments of the split screen on the next page, and select and upload the first video. Next, click REPLACE on the other segment(s), and select and upload the other videos as well.

Step 2: Reposition and Publish

Click and drag each of the added clips to reposition them on the screen, use the other tools to crop and adjust the videos as needed, and click Publish from the top-right corner. Note: Optionally you can click Timeline from the top of the preview window, adjust the timings and other settings as needed on the next page, and click Done. After this, you can go ahead and hit Publish to create the split screen effect out of the uploaded videos.

Pros

  • Free to use
  • Allows as many as 4 videos to create split screen effect

Cons

  • Requires you to register and sign in to remove the watermark from the output file

2. WeVideo

Yet another split screen video maker online free solution, WeVideo offers almost desktop program-like experience while creating split screen effects. Even though all the subscription plans that the vendor offers are chargeable, the Education plan can be tried for 30 days for free, post which the teachers are required to pay to continue using the web tool.

The following steps explain how to get split screen effect with WeVideo:

Step 1: Import Videos

Visit https://www.wevideo.com and on the main window, click Video from under the Create a new section at the top, select a layout on the Let’s get started box, and click START EDITING from the bottom right corner. Next, click ADD in the My media window in the upper-left section, click BROWSE TO SELECT on the Import media box, and add the videos you want to use in the split screen effect.

Step 2: Add Clips to Timeline

As explained earlier, drag the videos from the My media pane and drop them in the Timeline. Make sure to place every video in its separate layer, and that all the layers are on top of each other.

Step 3: Create Split Screen Effect

Select any clip in the Timeline, and click the Open clip editor icon from the upper-left area of the track. On the next page, use the Scale slider to reduce the size of the selected clip, and from the preview window in the right, drag to reposition the video to your preferred location on the screen. Click SAVE CHANGES from the bottom of the left pane to confirm the settings. Repeat the process for the second clip in the Timeline to resize and reposition it on the screen. Click FINISH from the upper-right corner, on the next box, enter a name for the video in the available field, click SET, choose your preferred settings on the next page, and click EXPORT from the bottom-right corner to produce the split screen video.

Pros

  • Free to use
  • Allows multiple videos to be used for split screen

Cons

  • Paid subscription is needed to remove watermark from the outputs

FAQs About Split Screen Video Editors

Why you should use split screen effect in video?

There are a couple of reasons you may want to use split screen effect in your video. Some of the most common uses include:

  • Showing multiple actions by the same or different characters at the same time, without changing the screen
  • Comparing multiple objects or picture quality. This can be done only when the entities in question are placed side-by-side
  • Making your video look more professional
  • Showing different effects on the same screen

Can I create a split screen video with Windows Movie Maker or Windows 10 Photos app?

No, you cannot. Although these tools enable you to resize the videos, since they don’t allow multi-tracked Timelines, no video clips can be placed one above the other which is an essential part for any split screen video maker to create the effect. However, as discussed above, there are several post-production tools, offline and online, that allow you to make split screen videos easily and without any cost.

Conclusion

Split screen video editor tools are both paid and free. Regardless of the program you use to create the effect, the output files always look more professional and informative. Furthermore, things become way simpler if the split screen video maker has simple UI, is less resource intensive, and is easy to use as it is the case with Wondershare Filmora.

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

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

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

The effect that comes up after adding two or more screens in a single frame is called split screen, and the tool that enables the users to do this is a split screen video editor. These split screens have significant importance in post-production tasks. That said, the following sections discuss about the tools that enable you to create split screen videos, and explain the process of doing so.

As mentioned above, the split screen effect lets you add two or more screens in a single frame. When multiple activities occur at the same time but at different locations, they all can be shown on one screen by placing their corresponding footages side-by-side or in any other arrangement that the split screen video maker allows.

Best Split Screen Video Editing Software for Windows and Mac [Free & Paid]

After understanding what split screen is, it becomes both obvious and mandatory to know about some of the most used split screen video editor applications, and how they help you in adding the effect to your movies. Following is a list of a couple of such programs:

1. iMovie

A proprietary of Apple, iMovie is available for both iOS and macOS, and is absolutely free of cost. Even though the tool lacks some advanced options for fine editing, it still offers a good platform to those planning their career in post-production industry. With simple UI, it is easy to learn iMovie.

The step-by-step instructions given below explain how to use iMovie to add split screen effect to your videos:

Step 1: Add Footages to iMovie

After importing the footages to the Media Bin in iMovie, drag the first one to the Timeline, and then drag the second one above the first layer.

Step 2: Select the Split Screen Effect

Select the top video layer in the Timeline, and choose Split Screen from the screen type drop-down list at the top.

Step 3: Select Split Screen Preset

Choose a position for the selected layer from the Position drop-down list at the top, and use the Slide slider to adjust the speed of the appearance of the footage.

Pros

  • iMovie is free to download and use
  • The program is available for both macOS and iOS

Cons

  • Allows only up to two videos to be used in split screen

You can get iMovie from here: https://www.apple.com/in/imovie/

2. Wondershare Filmora Editor

Download Filmora Win Version Download Filmora Mac Version

One of the most robust apps that is compared with post-production applications like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro X, Wondershare Filmora is also a video editor that helps split screen easily. The software is available for Windows and Mac computers, and provides prompt technical support to its consumers. Although Filmora that packed with more advanced tools is also available, most of the times Filmora serves the purpose pretty well.

You can learn how to add split screen effect in Wondershare Filmora by following the steps given below:

Step 1: Import Footages to Filmora

Launch Wondershare Filmora, click anywhere inside the Media window in the upper-left section, and import all the videos you want to use to create the split screen effect.

Step 2: Choose a Split Screen Preset

Click Split Screen from the standard toolbar at the top, click and drag your preferred preset to the Timeline, and then extend the duration of the effect in the Timeline by dragging its handle.

Step 3: Add Videos to Split Screen

free video editing software for windows

Click ADVANCED from the bottom-right area of the Media pane, on the Advanced Split Screen Edit box, drag the first video from the left pane, and drop it on your preferred section in the right. Repeat the process to add all the other videos to their corresponding sections. Adjust their time of appearance by dragging their thumbnail in the Timeline of the box, and click OK.

Pros

  • Wondershare Filmora is lightweight and is less resource intensive
  • Allows as many as 6 videos to be added to create split screen effect
  • Has 30+ split screen presets

Cons

  • A couple of windows are required to be opened while working with split screen

3 . VSDC

VSDC is a free and efficient split screen video maker. In fact, the program is a full-fledged post-production application that can be used to edit the videos to prepare industry-standard clips for presentations, broadcasting, and commercial and private distribution. The best thing about VSDC is, it is absolutely free of cost, and doesn’t add any watermarks to the output files.

The instructions given below explain how to use the split screen feature in VSDC:

Step 1: Add Video Footages

Click Add object from the standard toolbar at the top, click Video, and select and add the first footage to the preview window. Repeat the process to add more video(s) as needed.

Step 2: Add Split Screen Effect

Grab any of the side handles of the video you added last, and drag it inward to reduce its size proportionally. Repeat the process to reduce the size of the other video(s) that is/are now revealed from beneath the one you just adjusted in order to create the split screen effect.

Pros

  • Absolutely free to use
  • Allows practically unlimited number of footages to be added to create the split screen videos

Cons

  • No presets for automatic video positioning are available for split screen effect

You can get VSDC free video editor from here: http://www.videosoftdev.com/

4. Shotcut

A free and opensource editing tool, Shotcut can also be used as a split screen video maker to produce industry-standard movies and documentaries. Shotcut is available for FreeBSD, Windows, Linux, and macOS, and comes in both x64 and x86 variants. Being a free program, Shotcut doesn’t require any activation or registration.

The procedure that follows explains how to use Shortcut as a free split screen video editor:

Step 1: Add Clips to the Timeline

Import the footages to the Shotcut’s media bin, drag one of the clips from the bin to the Timeline at the bottom, and then press Ctrl + I on your keyboard to add more video tracks. You can press this shortcut key for another couple of times depending on the number films you want to use for the split screen effect. Next, drag each film from the bin to their corresponding tracks. Note: Make sure NOT to place all the clips on the same track, and that each of them is on a different, its own, video layer.

Step 2: Adjust the First Video

Select the last video you added to the Timeline (it should be the topmost track), click Filters from above the Timeline, click the + button from the upper-left corner, click Size and Position from the list that appears next, and select the clip’s position from the Preset drop-down list.

Step 3: Adjust Other Videos

Select the second video in the Timeline and repeat the process to set its position, and do the same for all other footages that you added in order to create the split screen effect.

Pros

  • Available for FreeBSD, Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms
  • If using presets, as many as 4 videos can be added for split screen effect

Cons

  • Working with split screen manually may require practice and some calculations to position the clips on the screen correctly

You can get Shotcut from here: https://shotcut.org/

5. Lightworks

Used by the professionals to edit and prepare movies like Pulp Fiction, The Cure, L.A. Confidential, Bruce Almighty, The Wolf of Wall Street, etc., Lightworks is, in true means, a complete and full-fledged post-production application to create industry-standard outputs. The main reason for the app’s wide userbase is that it is a cross-platform software that is available for Linux, Mac, and Windows computers.

To use Lightworks as split screen video maker, you can follow the instructions given below:

Step 1: Add Tracks in Timeline

After importing the clips to Lightworks, leave them in the Media Bin for now, right-click anywhere in the Timeline at the bottom, go to Tracks, click Add multiple, and from the Number to add drop-down list, choose the number of tracks you want to add to the Timeline. Click Add to confirm the changes.

Step 2: Disable Auto Sync

Right-click anywhere in the Timeline, and click to deselect Auto track sync.

Step 3: Add Clips to Timeline

Drag the clips from the Media Bin to the Timeline. Make sure to place each footage on a different track, and that all the tracks are on top of each other. Optionally, right-click the audio that was added along with the clips, and click Remove from the context menu. Use this method to remove all the audios or leave the one you want to have. Note: Removing the audio tracks ensures that they do not overlap during the playback.

Step 4: Enable Split Screen

Click VFX from above the preview window, click the + (Add new effects) icon from the top of the left pane, select the DVE category from the upper-right corner of the left pane, scroll down the left pane to the Split-screen Presets section, and double-click your preferred split screen preset to add the effect to the participating clips.

Pros

  • Even the free variant has split screen feature
  • A complete post-production tool that doesn’t require any other program for finalizing the things

Cons

  • Not many split screen presets are available

Download Lightworks free version from here: https://www.lwks.com/

6. Adobe Premiere Pro

One of the most appreciated and widely used post-production applications for Windows and Mac computers, Adobe Premiere Pro has been professionals’ first choice when it comes to video editing, irrespective of the fact that it has a steep learning curve, and is also a resource intensive software to work with.

The steps below explain how to use Adobe Premiere Pro as a split screen video maker:

Step 1: Add Videos to Timeline

After importing the clips to the Project window, drag each of them to the Timeline, and place them in their separate tracks one above the other.

Step 2: Position and Crop

Select the topmost video track in the Timeline, go to Effect Controls panel from the top of the upper-left pane, and use the Position slider to position the video to your preferred area of the screen. Repeat this process for all the clips in the Timeline you want to add to split screen.

Step 3: Crop the Clips

Search for the Crop effect in the Effects pane present at the lower-left corner, drag and drop the effect on each of the clips in the timeline, and use the Crop slider in the Effect Controls pane to crop the videos as needed. Optionally use the keyframes to add sliding animations to give more professional look to the split screen effect.

Pros

  • Most robust and efficient video editing tool
  • Allows practically unlimited number of videos to be used for split screen

Cons

  • Requires subscription that needs to be renewed regularly

For more details about making split screen with Pr, check How to create a split screen in Premiere Pro

7. Final Cut Pro X

Available only for Mac computers at the time of this writing, Final Cut Pro X or FCPX gives tough competition to Adobe Premiere Pro. Since Apple devices are famous for their speedy processing, professionals any day prefer FCPX over Adobe Premiere Pro if they own a Mac PC running macOS.

You can use FCPX as split screen video maker by following the steps given below:

Step 1: Place Footages in the Timeline

As mentioned earlier, add the clips on top of each other on separate tracks in the Timeline of FCPX.

Step 2: Position and Crop

Select the first clip in the Timeline, from the Transform section of the Video Inspector pane in the right, use the Position slider to move the clip to your preferred side of the screen, and use the sliders from the Crop section to crop the footage to adjust the portion of interest. Repeat the process for the other video tracks as well to get your desired split screen effect in Final Cut Pro X.

Pros

  • Offers quick and easy way to add split screen effect
  • Allows practically unlimited number of videos to be used for split screen

Cons

  • Doesn’t have any particular preset for split screen effect

You may also like: How to create a PIP video with Final Cut Pro X

Best Free Online Split Screen Video Editors

Apart from the desktop programs discussed above, there are a couple of web tools that can be used as split screen video maker online free. Two of the most used ones are introduced below:

1. Kapwing Collage Maker

Although Kapwing offers several other online tools like video resizer, meme generator, slideshow maker, etc., the solution that can be considered split screen video editor is Kapwing Collage Maker. This web app allows you to select a template to get started, and the rest of the process is simple.

The following steps explain how to create a split screen video with Kapwing:

Step 1: Add Clips to Preset

Go to the https://www.kapwing.com/collage link, click to select your preferred split screen preset, click REPLACE on one of the segments of the split screen on the next page, and select and upload the first video. Next, click REPLACE on the other segment(s), and select and upload the other videos as well.

Step 2: Reposition and Publish

Click and drag each of the added clips to reposition them on the screen, use the other tools to crop and adjust the videos as needed, and click Publish from the top-right corner. Note: Optionally you can click Timeline from the top of the preview window, adjust the timings and other settings as needed on the next page, and click Done. After this, you can go ahead and hit Publish to create the split screen effect out of the uploaded videos.

Pros

  • Free to use
  • Allows as many as 4 videos to create split screen effect

Cons

  • Requires you to register and sign in to remove the watermark from the output file

2. WeVideo

Yet another split screen video maker online free solution, WeVideo offers almost desktop program-like experience while creating split screen effects. Even though all the subscription plans that the vendor offers are chargeable, the Education plan can be tried for 30 days for free, post which the teachers are required to pay to continue using the web tool.

The following steps explain how to get split screen effect with WeVideo:

Step 1: Import Videos

Visit https://www.wevideo.com and on the main window, click Video from under the Create a new section at the top, select a layout on the Let’s get started box, and click START EDITING from the bottom right corner. Next, click ADD in the My media window in the upper-left section, click BROWSE TO SELECT on the Import media box, and add the videos you want to use in the split screen effect.

Step 2: Add Clips to Timeline

As explained earlier, drag the videos from the My media pane and drop them in the Timeline. Make sure to place every video in its separate layer, and that all the layers are on top of each other.

Step 3: Create Split Screen Effect

Select any clip in the Timeline, and click the Open clip editor icon from the upper-left area of the track. On the next page, use the Scale slider to reduce the size of the selected clip, and from the preview window in the right, drag to reposition the video to your preferred location on the screen. Click SAVE CHANGES from the bottom of the left pane to confirm the settings. Repeat the process for the second clip in the Timeline to resize and reposition it on the screen. Click FINISH from the upper-right corner, on the next box, enter a name for the video in the available field, click SET, choose your preferred settings on the next page, and click EXPORT from the bottom-right corner to produce the split screen video.

Pros

  • Free to use
  • Allows multiple videos to be used for split screen

Cons

  • Paid subscription is needed to remove watermark from the outputs

FAQs About Split Screen Video Editors

Why you should use split screen effect in video?

There are a couple of reasons you may want to use split screen effect in your video. Some of the most common uses include:

  • Showing multiple actions by the same or different characters at the same time, without changing the screen
  • Comparing multiple objects or picture quality. This can be done only when the entities in question are placed side-by-side
  • Making your video look more professional
  • Showing different effects on the same screen

Can I create a split screen video with Windows Movie Maker or Windows 10 Photos app?

No, you cannot. Although these tools enable you to resize the videos, since they don’t allow multi-tracked Timelines, no video clips can be placed one above the other which is an essential part for any split screen video maker to create the effect. However, as discussed above, there are several post-production tools, offline and online, that allow you to make split screen videos easily and without any cost.

Conclusion

Split screen video editor tools are both paid and free. Regardless of the program you use to create the effect, the output files always look more professional and informative. Furthermore, things become way simpler if the split screen video maker has simple UI, is less resource intensive, and is easy to use as it is the case with Wondershare Filmora.

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

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

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

The effect that comes up after adding two or more screens in a single frame is called split screen, and the tool that enables the users to do this is a split screen video editor. These split screens have significant importance in post-production tasks. That said, the following sections discuss about the tools that enable you to create split screen videos, and explain the process of doing so.

As mentioned above, the split screen effect lets you add two or more screens in a single frame. When multiple activities occur at the same time but at different locations, they all can be shown on one screen by placing their corresponding footages side-by-side or in any other arrangement that the split screen video maker allows.

Best Split Screen Video Editing Software for Windows and Mac [Free & Paid]

After understanding what split screen is, it becomes both obvious and mandatory to know about some of the most used split screen video editor applications, and how they help you in adding the effect to your movies. Following is a list of a couple of such programs:

1. iMovie

A proprietary of Apple, iMovie is available for both iOS and macOS, and is absolutely free of cost. Even though the tool lacks some advanced options for fine editing, it still offers a good platform to those planning their career in post-production industry. With simple UI, it is easy to learn iMovie.

The step-by-step instructions given below explain how to use iMovie to add split screen effect to your videos:

Step 1: Add Footages to iMovie

After importing the footages to the Media Bin in iMovie, drag the first one to the Timeline, and then drag the second one above the first layer.

Step 2: Select the Split Screen Effect

Select the top video layer in the Timeline, and choose Split Screen from the screen type drop-down list at the top.

Step 3: Select Split Screen Preset

Choose a position for the selected layer from the Position drop-down list at the top, and use the Slide slider to adjust the speed of the appearance of the footage.

Pros

  • iMovie is free to download and use
  • The program is available for both macOS and iOS

Cons

  • Allows only up to two videos to be used in split screen

You can get iMovie from here: https://www.apple.com/in/imovie/

2. Wondershare Filmora Editor

Download Filmora Win Version Download Filmora Mac Version

One of the most robust apps that is compared with post-production applications like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro X, Wondershare Filmora is also a video editor that helps split screen easily. The software is available for Windows and Mac computers, and provides prompt technical support to its consumers. Although Filmora that packed with more advanced tools is also available, most of the times Filmora serves the purpose pretty well.

You can learn how to add split screen effect in Wondershare Filmora by following the steps given below:

Step 1: Import Footages to Filmora

Launch Wondershare Filmora, click anywhere inside the Media window in the upper-left section, and import all the videos you want to use to create the split screen effect.

Step 2: Choose a Split Screen Preset

Click Split Screen from the standard toolbar at the top, click and drag your preferred preset to the Timeline, and then extend the duration of the effect in the Timeline by dragging its handle.

Step 3: Add Videos to Split Screen

free video editing software for windows

Click ADVANCED from the bottom-right area of the Media pane, on the Advanced Split Screen Edit box, drag the first video from the left pane, and drop it on your preferred section in the right. Repeat the process to add all the other videos to their corresponding sections. Adjust their time of appearance by dragging their thumbnail in the Timeline of the box, and click OK.

Pros

  • Wondershare Filmora is lightweight and is less resource intensive
  • Allows as many as 6 videos to be added to create split screen effect
  • Has 30+ split screen presets

Cons

  • A couple of windows are required to be opened while working with split screen

3 . VSDC

VSDC is a free and efficient split screen video maker. In fact, the program is a full-fledged post-production application that can be used to edit the videos to prepare industry-standard clips for presentations, broadcasting, and commercial and private distribution. The best thing about VSDC is, it is absolutely free of cost, and doesn’t add any watermarks to the output files.

The instructions given below explain how to use the split screen feature in VSDC:

Step 1: Add Video Footages

Click Add object from the standard toolbar at the top, click Video, and select and add the first footage to the preview window. Repeat the process to add more video(s) as needed.

Step 2: Add Split Screen Effect

Grab any of the side handles of the video you added last, and drag it inward to reduce its size proportionally. Repeat the process to reduce the size of the other video(s) that is/are now revealed from beneath the one you just adjusted in order to create the split screen effect.

Pros

  • Absolutely free to use
  • Allows practically unlimited number of footages to be added to create the split screen videos

Cons

  • No presets for automatic video positioning are available for split screen effect

You can get VSDC free video editor from here: http://www.videosoftdev.com/

4. Shotcut

A free and opensource editing tool, Shotcut can also be used as a split screen video maker to produce industry-standard movies and documentaries. Shotcut is available for FreeBSD, Windows, Linux, and macOS, and comes in both x64 and x86 variants. Being a free program, Shotcut doesn’t require any activation or registration.

The procedure that follows explains how to use Shortcut as a free split screen video editor:

Step 1: Add Clips to the Timeline

Import the footages to the Shotcut’s media bin, drag one of the clips from the bin to the Timeline at the bottom, and then press Ctrl + I on your keyboard to add more video tracks. You can press this shortcut key for another couple of times depending on the number films you want to use for the split screen effect. Next, drag each film from the bin to their corresponding tracks. Note: Make sure NOT to place all the clips on the same track, and that each of them is on a different, its own, video layer.

Step 2: Adjust the First Video

Select the last video you added to the Timeline (it should be the topmost track), click Filters from above the Timeline, click the + button from the upper-left corner, click Size and Position from the list that appears next, and select the clip’s position from the Preset drop-down list.

Step 3: Adjust Other Videos

Select the second video in the Timeline and repeat the process to set its position, and do the same for all other footages that you added in order to create the split screen effect.

Pros

  • Available for FreeBSD, Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms
  • If using presets, as many as 4 videos can be added for split screen effect

Cons

  • Working with split screen manually may require practice and some calculations to position the clips on the screen correctly

You can get Shotcut from here: https://shotcut.org/

5. Lightworks

Used by the professionals to edit and prepare movies like Pulp Fiction, The Cure, L.A. Confidential, Bruce Almighty, The Wolf of Wall Street, etc., Lightworks is, in true means, a complete and full-fledged post-production application to create industry-standard outputs. The main reason for the app’s wide userbase is that it is a cross-platform software that is available for Linux, Mac, and Windows computers.

To use Lightworks as split screen video maker, you can follow the instructions given below:

Step 1: Add Tracks in Timeline

After importing the clips to Lightworks, leave them in the Media Bin for now, right-click anywhere in the Timeline at the bottom, go to Tracks, click Add multiple, and from the Number to add drop-down list, choose the number of tracks you want to add to the Timeline. Click Add to confirm the changes.

Step 2: Disable Auto Sync

Right-click anywhere in the Timeline, and click to deselect Auto track sync.

Step 3: Add Clips to Timeline

Drag the clips from the Media Bin to the Timeline. Make sure to place each footage on a different track, and that all the tracks are on top of each other. Optionally, right-click the audio that was added along with the clips, and click Remove from the context menu. Use this method to remove all the audios or leave the one you want to have. Note: Removing the audio tracks ensures that they do not overlap during the playback.

Step 4: Enable Split Screen

Click VFX from above the preview window, click the + (Add new effects) icon from the top of the left pane, select the DVE category from the upper-right corner of the left pane, scroll down the left pane to the Split-screen Presets section, and double-click your preferred split screen preset to add the effect to the participating clips.

Pros

  • Even the free variant has split screen feature
  • A complete post-production tool that doesn’t require any other program for finalizing the things

Cons

  • Not many split screen presets are available

Download Lightworks free version from here: https://www.lwks.com/

6. Adobe Premiere Pro

One of the most appreciated and widely used post-production applications for Windows and Mac computers, Adobe Premiere Pro has been professionals’ first choice when it comes to video editing, irrespective of the fact that it has a steep learning curve, and is also a resource intensive software to work with.

The steps below explain how to use Adobe Premiere Pro as a split screen video maker:

Step 1: Add Videos to Timeline

After importing the clips to the Project window, drag each of them to the Timeline, and place them in their separate tracks one above the other.

Step 2: Position and Crop

Select the topmost video track in the Timeline, go to Effect Controls panel from the top of the upper-left pane, and use the Position slider to position the video to your preferred area of the screen. Repeat this process for all the clips in the Timeline you want to add to split screen.

Step 3: Crop the Clips

Search for the Crop effect in the Effects pane present at the lower-left corner, drag and drop the effect on each of the clips in the timeline, and use the Crop slider in the Effect Controls pane to crop the videos as needed. Optionally use the keyframes to add sliding animations to give more professional look to the split screen effect.

Pros

  • Most robust and efficient video editing tool
  • Allows practically unlimited number of videos to be used for split screen

Cons

  • Requires subscription that needs to be renewed regularly

For more details about making split screen with Pr, check How to create a split screen in Premiere Pro

7. Final Cut Pro X

Available only for Mac computers at the time of this writing, Final Cut Pro X or FCPX gives tough competition to Adobe Premiere Pro. Since Apple devices are famous for their speedy processing, professionals any day prefer FCPX over Adobe Premiere Pro if they own a Mac PC running macOS.

You can use FCPX as split screen video maker by following the steps given below:

Step 1: Place Footages in the Timeline

As mentioned earlier, add the clips on top of each other on separate tracks in the Timeline of FCPX.

Step 2: Position and Crop

Select the first clip in the Timeline, from the Transform section of the Video Inspector pane in the right, use the Position slider to move the clip to your preferred side of the screen, and use the sliders from the Crop section to crop the footage to adjust the portion of interest. Repeat the process for the other video tracks as well to get your desired split screen effect in Final Cut Pro X.

Pros

  • Offers quick and easy way to add split screen effect
  • Allows practically unlimited number of videos to be used for split screen

Cons

  • Doesn’t have any particular preset for split screen effect

You may also like: How to create a PIP video with Final Cut Pro X

Best Free Online Split Screen Video Editors

Apart from the desktop programs discussed above, there are a couple of web tools that can be used as split screen video maker online free. Two of the most used ones are introduced below:

1. Kapwing Collage Maker

Although Kapwing offers several other online tools like video resizer, meme generator, slideshow maker, etc., the solution that can be considered split screen video editor is Kapwing Collage Maker. This web app allows you to select a template to get started, and the rest of the process is simple.

The following steps explain how to create a split screen video with Kapwing:

Step 1: Add Clips to Preset

Go to the https://www.kapwing.com/collage link, click to select your preferred split screen preset, click REPLACE on one of the segments of the split screen on the next page, and select and upload the first video. Next, click REPLACE on the other segment(s), and select and upload the other videos as well.

Step 2: Reposition and Publish

Click and drag each of the added clips to reposition them on the screen, use the other tools to crop and adjust the videos as needed, and click Publish from the top-right corner. Note: Optionally you can click Timeline from the top of the preview window, adjust the timings and other settings as needed on the next page, and click Done. After this, you can go ahead and hit Publish to create the split screen effect out of the uploaded videos.

Pros

  • Free to use
  • Allows as many as 4 videos to create split screen effect

Cons

  • Requires you to register and sign in to remove the watermark from the output file

2. WeVideo

Yet another split screen video maker online free solution, WeVideo offers almost desktop program-like experience while creating split screen effects. Even though all the subscription plans that the vendor offers are chargeable, the Education plan can be tried for 30 days for free, post which the teachers are required to pay to continue using the web tool.

The following steps explain how to get split screen effect with WeVideo:

Step 1: Import Videos

Visit https://www.wevideo.com and on the main window, click Video from under the Create a new section at the top, select a layout on the Let’s get started box, and click START EDITING from the bottom right corner. Next, click ADD in the My media window in the upper-left section, click BROWSE TO SELECT on the Import media box, and add the videos you want to use in the split screen effect.

Step 2: Add Clips to Timeline

As explained earlier, drag the videos from the My media pane and drop them in the Timeline. Make sure to place every video in its separate layer, and that all the layers are on top of each other.

Step 3: Create Split Screen Effect

Select any clip in the Timeline, and click the Open clip editor icon from the upper-left area of the track. On the next page, use the Scale slider to reduce the size of the selected clip, and from the preview window in the right, drag to reposition the video to your preferred location on the screen. Click SAVE CHANGES from the bottom of the left pane to confirm the settings. Repeat the process for the second clip in the Timeline to resize and reposition it on the screen. Click FINISH from the upper-right corner, on the next box, enter a name for the video in the available field, click SET, choose your preferred settings on the next page, and click EXPORT from the bottom-right corner to produce the split screen video.

Pros

  • Free to use
  • Allows multiple videos to be used for split screen

Cons

  • Paid subscription is needed to remove watermark from the outputs

FAQs About Split Screen Video Editors

Why you should use split screen effect in video?

There are a couple of reasons you may want to use split screen effect in your video. Some of the most common uses include:

  • Showing multiple actions by the same or different characters at the same time, without changing the screen
  • Comparing multiple objects or picture quality. This can be done only when the entities in question are placed side-by-side
  • Making your video look more professional
  • Showing different effects on the same screen

Can I create a split screen video with Windows Movie Maker or Windows 10 Photos app?

No, you cannot. Although these tools enable you to resize the videos, since they don’t allow multi-tracked Timelines, no video clips can be placed one above the other which is an essential part for any split screen video maker to create the effect. However, as discussed above, there are several post-production tools, offline and online, that allow you to make split screen videos easily and without any cost.

Conclusion

Split screen video editor tools are both paid and free. Regardless of the program you use to create the effect, the output files always look more professional and informative. Furthermore, things become way simpler if the split screen video maker has simple UI, is less resource intensive, and is easy to use as it is the case with Wondershare Filmora.

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

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

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Quality Movie Maker: Turn Everyday Video Clips Into High Quality

Quality Movie Maker: Turn Everyday Video Clips into a High Quality Movie

author avatar

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Many people would like to know how to make a quality movie to share with family and friends. Actually, making a stunning home movie from your rough clips is not that difficult. In fact, if you get a quality movie maker, it can be easy to create an awesome movie that surprises anyone.

Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor), designed for both pros and casual users, is a quality movie maker for everyone to use easily. It features a stylish and intuitive interface and timeline-based video editing that lets you control over every element precisely. It also provides comprehensive sources in texts, effects, intro/credits, transitions, and sounds which will take your video to the next level. In all, it’s a great helper to turn your everyday videos into high quality video, perfect for sharing. Follow easy steps below to create your masterpiece now.

In addition, you can learn how to turn low quality video to 4K easily in Filmora. Watch this video!

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

After you downloaded and install this program, run it. Get used to its primary window very soon, and start to create a movie in high quality.

1Import your media files

This quality video editor provides two flexible ways to import videos. You can choose either of them below:

  1. Click “Import” to browse your file folder on computer, and select the files you need in batch.
  2. Drag and drop your video files directly into the Media Library.

When you smoothly load all of them, double click a video clip to preview it in the right previewing window. You can also take snapshots of your favorite scenes freely by clicking the camera icon.

Learn more about Importing

movie maker quality

2Edit video accurately and fast

With precise timeline-based editing and convenient editing panel offered, creating quality movies can be easy and quick. Right click a video clip in the Timeline to pop up a menu, and then choose all basic video tools like crop, split, cut, paste, remove audio, and more.

Learn more about basic vdieo editing tips

Tips: You can use the Timeline zoomer to zoom in/out the Timeline, so that you’re able to quickly locate the place you want.

low quality video to high quality video

3Enhance video with transitions and effects

This quality movie maker also takes your video to the next level with beautiful transitions and effects. Above the Timeline, there are hundreds of free templates included in the “Titles”, “Intro/Credits”, “Transitions”, “Effects”, “Sounds” tab. Select an ideal one to apply to the place you want with one click. When it come in place, you can further customize its duration and animation. There are more than 300+ effects, including fashion, beauty, Japanese set. Check it now.

movie maker high quality

Additionally, this quality movie editor provides some cool video effects like Tilt-shift, Jump Cut, Close-up, Mosaic, Face-off, etc. to make your video even more artful. And it also supports adding a logo to all your created videos to build your own branding.

Learn more about Advanced Video Editing Tips

low quality video to high quality video

4Produce your video in high quality

When satisfied with the result in the previewing window, simply click “Export” to export your video in a various options. It can be published to YouTube and placed on your Facebook, Twitter, burned to DVD, ISO image file, saved on your computer in various formats, or transferred to a specific device for enjoying on the go.

high quality video maker output

Note: This high quality movie maker also features an auto scene detection function, which helps to split your whole movie into different scenes during scene changes. In this way, you can quickly locate and focus the scenes you want.

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

author avatar

Liza Brown

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

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Many people would like to know how to make a quality movie to share with family and friends. Actually, making a stunning home movie from your rough clips is not that difficult. In fact, if you get a quality movie maker, it can be easy to create an awesome movie that surprises anyone.

Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor), designed for both pros and casual users, is a quality movie maker for everyone to use easily. It features a stylish and intuitive interface and timeline-based video editing that lets you control over every element precisely. It also provides comprehensive sources in texts, effects, intro/credits, transitions, and sounds which will take your video to the next level. In all, it’s a great helper to turn your everyday videos into high quality video, perfect for sharing. Follow easy steps below to create your masterpiece now.

In addition, you can learn how to turn low quality video to 4K easily in Filmora. Watch this video!

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

After you downloaded and install this program, run it. Get used to its primary window very soon, and start to create a movie in high quality.

1Import your media files

This quality video editor provides two flexible ways to import videos. You can choose either of them below:

  1. Click “Import” to browse your file folder on computer, and select the files you need in batch.
  2. Drag and drop your video files directly into the Media Library.

When you smoothly load all of them, double click a video clip to preview it in the right previewing window. You can also take snapshots of your favorite scenes freely by clicking the camera icon.

Learn more about Importing

movie maker quality

2Edit video accurately and fast

With precise timeline-based editing and convenient editing panel offered, creating quality movies can be easy and quick. Right click a video clip in the Timeline to pop up a menu, and then choose all basic video tools like crop, split, cut, paste, remove audio, and more.

Learn more about basic vdieo editing tips

Tips: You can use the Timeline zoomer to zoom in/out the Timeline, so that you’re able to quickly locate the place you want.

low quality video to high quality video

3Enhance video with transitions and effects

This quality movie maker also takes your video to the next level with beautiful transitions and effects. Above the Timeline, there are hundreds of free templates included in the “Titles”, “Intro/Credits”, “Transitions”, “Effects”, “Sounds” tab. Select an ideal one to apply to the place you want with one click. When it come in place, you can further customize its duration and animation. There are more than 300+ effects, including fashion, beauty, Japanese set. Check it now.

movie maker high quality

Additionally, this quality movie editor provides some cool video effects like Tilt-shift, Jump Cut, Close-up, Mosaic, Face-off, etc. to make your video even more artful. And it also supports adding a logo to all your created videos to build your own branding.

Learn more about Advanced Video Editing Tips

low quality video to high quality video

4Produce your video in high quality

When satisfied with the result in the previewing window, simply click “Export” to export your video in a various options. It can be published to YouTube and placed on your Facebook, Twitter, burned to DVD, ISO image file, saved on your computer in various formats, or transferred to a specific device for enjoying on the go.

high quality video maker output

Note: This high quality movie maker also features an auto scene detection function, which helps to split your whole movie into different scenes during scene changes. In this way, you can quickly locate and focus the scenes you want.

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

author avatar

Liza Brown

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

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Many people would like to know how to make a quality movie to share with family and friends. Actually, making a stunning home movie from your rough clips is not that difficult. In fact, if you get a quality movie maker, it can be easy to create an awesome movie that surprises anyone.

Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor), designed for both pros and casual users, is a quality movie maker for everyone to use easily. It features a stylish and intuitive interface and timeline-based video editing that lets you control over every element precisely. It also provides comprehensive sources in texts, effects, intro/credits, transitions, and sounds which will take your video to the next level. In all, it’s a great helper to turn your everyday videos into high quality video, perfect for sharing. Follow easy steps below to create your masterpiece now.

In addition, you can learn how to turn low quality video to 4K easily in Filmora. Watch this video!

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

After you downloaded and install this program, run it. Get used to its primary window very soon, and start to create a movie in high quality.

1Import your media files

This quality video editor provides two flexible ways to import videos. You can choose either of them below:

  1. Click “Import” to browse your file folder on computer, and select the files you need in batch.
  2. Drag and drop your video files directly into the Media Library.

When you smoothly load all of them, double click a video clip to preview it in the right previewing window. You can also take snapshots of your favorite scenes freely by clicking the camera icon.

Learn more about Importing

movie maker quality

2Edit video accurately and fast

With precise timeline-based editing and convenient editing panel offered, creating quality movies can be easy and quick. Right click a video clip in the Timeline to pop up a menu, and then choose all basic video tools like crop, split, cut, paste, remove audio, and more.

Learn more about basic vdieo editing tips

Tips: You can use the Timeline zoomer to zoom in/out the Timeline, so that you’re able to quickly locate the place you want.

low quality video to high quality video

3Enhance video with transitions and effects

This quality movie maker also takes your video to the next level with beautiful transitions and effects. Above the Timeline, there are hundreds of free templates included in the “Titles”, “Intro/Credits”, “Transitions”, “Effects”, “Sounds” tab. Select an ideal one to apply to the place you want with one click. When it come in place, you can further customize its duration and animation. There are more than 300+ effects, including fashion, beauty, Japanese set. Check it now.

movie maker high quality

Additionally, this quality movie editor provides some cool video effects like Tilt-shift, Jump Cut, Close-up, Mosaic, Face-off, etc. to make your video even more artful. And it also supports adding a logo to all your created videos to build your own branding.

Learn more about Advanced Video Editing Tips

low quality video to high quality video

4Produce your video in high quality

When satisfied with the result in the previewing window, simply click “Export” to export your video in a various options. It can be published to YouTube and placed on your Facebook, Twitter, burned to DVD, ISO image file, saved on your computer in various formats, or transferred to a specific device for enjoying on the go.

high quality video maker output

Note: This high quality movie maker also features an auto scene detection function, which helps to split your whole movie into different scenes during scene changes. In this way, you can quickly locate and focus the scenes you want.

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

author avatar

Liza Brown

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

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Many people would like to know how to make a quality movie to share with family and friends. Actually, making a stunning home movie from your rough clips is not that difficult. In fact, if you get a quality movie maker, it can be easy to create an awesome movie that surprises anyone.

Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor), designed for both pros and casual users, is a quality movie maker for everyone to use easily. It features a stylish and intuitive interface and timeline-based video editing that lets you control over every element precisely. It also provides comprehensive sources in texts, effects, intro/credits, transitions, and sounds which will take your video to the next level. In all, it’s a great helper to turn your everyday videos into high quality video, perfect for sharing. Follow easy steps below to create your masterpiece now.

In addition, you can learn how to turn low quality video to 4K easily in Filmora. Watch this video!

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

After you downloaded and install this program, run it. Get used to its primary window very soon, and start to create a movie in high quality.

1Import your media files

This quality video editor provides two flexible ways to import videos. You can choose either of them below:

  1. Click “Import” to browse your file folder on computer, and select the files you need in batch.
  2. Drag and drop your video files directly into the Media Library.

When you smoothly load all of them, double click a video clip to preview it in the right previewing window. You can also take snapshots of your favorite scenes freely by clicking the camera icon.

Learn more about Importing

movie maker quality

2Edit video accurately and fast

With precise timeline-based editing and convenient editing panel offered, creating quality movies can be easy and quick. Right click a video clip in the Timeline to pop up a menu, and then choose all basic video tools like crop, split, cut, paste, remove audio, and more.

Learn more about basic vdieo editing tips

Tips: You can use the Timeline zoomer to zoom in/out the Timeline, so that you’re able to quickly locate the place you want.

low quality video to high quality video

3Enhance video with transitions and effects

This quality movie maker also takes your video to the next level with beautiful transitions and effects. Above the Timeline, there are hundreds of free templates included in the “Titles”, “Intro/Credits”, “Transitions”, “Effects”, “Sounds” tab. Select an ideal one to apply to the place you want with one click. When it come in place, you can further customize its duration and animation. There are more than 300+ effects, including fashion, beauty, Japanese set. Check it now.

movie maker high quality

Additionally, this quality movie editor provides some cool video effects like Tilt-shift, Jump Cut, Close-up, Mosaic, Face-off, etc. to make your video even more artful. And it also supports adding a logo to all your created videos to build your own branding.

Learn more about Advanced Video Editing Tips

low quality video to high quality video

4Produce your video in high quality

When satisfied with the result in the previewing window, simply click “Export” to export your video in a various options. It can be published to YouTube and placed on your Facebook, Twitter, burned to DVD, ISO image file, saved on your computer in various formats, or transferred to a specific device for enjoying on the go.

high quality video maker output

Note: This high quality movie maker also features an auto scene detection function, which helps to split your whole movie into different scenes during scene changes. In this way, you can quickly locate and focus the scenes you want.

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

author avatar

Liza Brown

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

Follow @Liza Brown

Also read:

  • Title: Updated Fast Forward to Success Creating Stunning Time Lapses in Final Cut Pro
  • Author: Amelia
  • Created at : 2024-05-19 11:47:23
  • Updated at : 2024-05-20 11:47:23
  • Link: https://ai-driven-video-production.techidaily.com/updated-fast-forward-to-success-creating-stunning-time-lapses-in-final-cut-pro/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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Updated Fast Forward to Success Creating Stunning Time Lapses in Final Cut Pro