Updated S Top Picks Free Open-Source Video Editing Tools
‘S Top Picks: Free Open-Source Video Editing Tools
What could be nicer than having the best software to organize your media content? The difference between open source and other software is that open source allows coding changes to personalize your experience. Essentially, video editing is the process of modifying video pictures. Find out the best Open Source Video Editors to do all that in an instant!
| 1 - OpenShot | 2 - Shotcut |
|---|---|
| 3 - Lightworks | 4 - Blender |
| 5 - Kdenlive | 6 - Olive |
| 7 - VLC | 8 - NATRON |
| 9 - Flowbade | 10 - Avidemux |
Want to Use a More Intelligent Way to Add Custom Video Effects than Coding?
Filmora Free Video Editor is an easy-to-use editor for creating videos. Instead of coding to change the video, Filmora offers various functions and video effects to realize the video upgrade. Furthermore, built-in AI tools will bring more convenience to you.
Use AI to Edit Video Use AI to Edit Video Learn More >
10 Best Open Source Video Editors in 2024 [Free]
Check out this list of best open source video editors that you can use to produce long-form content for YouTube, your online marketplace, or several other venues when you’re on a small budget:
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
1. OpenShot
OpenShot is a free and open-source video editor with no premium features. In contrast, the website provides a donation option. You may use the complete range of functions without paying anything. This works with all versions of Windows, including Windows 7, Mac OS 10.15, and most Linux variants.
For a free site, it also has a fairly large variety of graphic effects, ranging from title themes and video transitions to 3D animations. OpenShot also differs from many other video editors in that it is updated regularly.
Unlike some other systems, OpenShot has had many major versions in 2021 alone, which addressed issues and added new capabilities. However, many users have reported substantial slowdowns when using OpenShot, so remember to look out for any efficiency difficulties.
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface
- Unlimited layers
- Super engaging
Cons
- It sometimes lags, which is inconvenient
2. Shotcut
Shotcut is a cross-platform, open-source video editing software with a large library of instructional videos. It also works with FFmpeg, 4K , ProRes, and DNxHD, among other formats. However, because Shotcut was created for Linux, many users may find the UI a little strange. Regardless, it’s still a fantastic editor.
Shotcut also has a lot of sound editing capabilities, so it’s great for audiophiles. Customers may change bass and treble, construct bandpass filters, alter gain, apply dynamic compression, and more with its array of audio fine-tuning options. FFmpeg, the dominant multimedia foundation, provides shortcut support for the newest video and audio codecs.
The native timeline editing enables customers to instantly add video files into their project folder instead of using a media library. A project uses multi-format timelines to mix up resolutions and frames per second.
Pros
- Excellent editing features
- Offers decoding and encoding features
- Multi-format timeline
Cons
- Takes a good chunk of space on your computer
3. Lightworks
Another famous video editor that can be downloaded for free is Lightworks . Lightworks is compatible with most major operating systems and devices, such as Mac, Windows, and Linux. Nevertheless, because there is no Lightworks application for iOS or Android, the system is only available on the PC at this time.
Lightworks is a powerful platform, featuring transitions, timeline-based editing, cloud and local storing, and no watermarks on the final video, yet being completely free to use. As a result, several additional features are only available with a Lightworks subscription account.
The premium edition of Lightworks charges $23.99 monthly, $239.99 annually, or $389.99 for a lifetime membership for a single user. In less than two years, the annual and monthly choices would cost more than a lifetime membership, so if you want to use Lightworks for a lot longer, you should select for lifetime access.
Pros
- A nice video editor with a lot of options
- Ideal tool for YouTube video makers who wish to edit their videos regularly
- Offers smooth service
Cons
- Only one option to save the project to MP4
Filmora AI Video Editor
Create AI-Generated Video with Filmora
Filmora AI video editor offers a ChatGPT plug-in and AI tools to enhance your creative vision. Make your idea into reality.
Create Video with AI Create Video with AI Learn More >
4. Blender
Blender is a free, open-source content creation program on Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows systems. Unlike many other open-source editing software, Blender has no paid memberships or add-ons.
Blender differentiates apart from other software in the domain of 3D editing. Customers may sketch directly in a 3D environment by opening the 3D viewport, providing artists greater freedom than ever to tinker with both 2D and 3D concepts.
Blender also has an animated pose editor and non-linear animator features for autonomous motion and a fairly strong set of animation editing capabilities. Designers and other experienced users may use Python scripting to modify the program and expand its native toolset.
Blender has benefited from donations by hundreds of everyday users who have added several additional capabilities as an open-source platform. It is among the most comprehensive and adaptable free video editors presently accessible.
Pros
- Almost limitless customization
- Good enough to be used by experts
- Optimal features for beginner users
Cons
- Buggy format support
5. Kdenlive
Kdenlive is an open-source video editor that runs on the KDE windows desktop and is developed on Microsoft and Linux. The program provides several editorial and management features based on a specific application for executing editing tasks.
KDEnlive supports all FFmpeg-compatible formats, including MOV, AVI, WMV, MPEG, XviD, and FLV. It also has experimental support for AVCHD and covers 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios for PAL, NTSC, and other HD standards using HDV. You may also transfer the files to a DVD or export them to DV devices with KDEnlive.
Its common functions include preview pane, multitrack recording, artistic effects, tilting functions, video and audio thumbnails, flexible layouts, and desktop compatibility. This software supports various audio/video/image formats, including MPEG, avi, dv, vob, wav, and mp3.
Pros
- It includes light graffiti
- It has an audio spectrum and spectrogram
- An abundance of top-notch features
Cons
- Mostly for professional use
6. Olive
Olive is a total redesign from the bottom up, with cutting-edge tools to assist you in creating the greatest videos imaginable. Olive 0.2 offers node-based compositing that is both powerful and versatile.
Node editing is a type of visual programming that allows you to customize how Olive produces your video completely. OpenColorIO provides end-to-end color control for the applications.
This should help users match video from many cameras and export your movie to whichever color space you require if you’re delivering to broadcast TV online. It has a powerful, fast disk cache to ensure the cleanest possible playback. It operates quietly in the background to render pictures ahead of time, so they’re available whenever you need them.
Pros
- Decent interface
- User-friendly application
- Quick and powerful disk cache
Cons
- Lacks some high-end features
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
7. VLC
VLC media player is cross-platform open-source multimedia which is extremely popular, and for a good reason: it’s entirely free, it endorses almost every file type without any need for additional file formats, it can maximize audio and video playback for your gadget, it appears to support streaming, and it can be stretched nearly endlessly with downloadable plugins.
VLC Media Player supports MPEG and DivX streaming. ZIP files may also be played without extracting them one by one. After the download is complete, you may manually boost the volume of a movie up to 200 percent if it is too quiet. VLC Media Player also can look for album covers. Several films may be played one after the other using the playlist feature.
Pros
- A life-saver for many
- Supports a large variety of formats
- Highly customizable
Cons
- Editing metadata isn’t as straightforward as in different editors
8. Natron
On the surface, Natron appears to be a versatile and straightforward multi-platform node-based platform with a robust GUI interface. Although Natron appears to be a basic compositing program , it contains layers of intricacy that will allow your imagination to soar to new heights.
Natron’s Roto and Rotopaint toolkits are versatile, allowing for the creation of endless layers of masks, mattes, and forms. Natron features a strong 2D and Planar tracker that may help you cut down on the number of hours you spend rotoscoping to fulfill personal or business deadlines.
It includes several powerful keying and matte generating tools created by the core OFX software engineers and various tools created by the open-source plugin development community.
Pros
- Smooth functionality
- 2D tracking tools
- Offers decent editing tools
Cons
- Lacks 3D tracking tools
9. Flowblade
Flowbade is a multitrack non-linear video editor for Linux distributed under the GPL 3. You can make movies out of video clips, audio snippets, and graphics files using Flowblade Movie Editor.
Clips may be clipped at certain frames, filters can be applied to clips, and compositor elements can be used to generate multilayer composite pictures.
The toolbox, ordering, the default tool, and key timeline behaviors are all user adjustable in Flowblade. There is a drag and drop option on the interface for the video files to be imported.
Pros
- Decent default settings to accommodate users
- A good amount of editing features
- 40+ pattern wipes
Cons
- It sometimes lags on heavy videos
Professional Video Editor
Filmora is an expert in editing videos with your creation. You can use powerful tools to make your video like a masterpiece.
Edit Video Like a Pro Edit Video Like a Pro Learn More >
10. Avidemux
Avidemux is a free video editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux that doesn’t aim to be a full-fledged timeline-based video editing software. Rather, it’s made to make a few minor modifications and then splits out a new file.
You may import your source video and pick the start and finish frames to chop off segments. You may add filters to enhance the video by sharpening the picture or decreasing noise.
Some of the aesthetic options include color effects and borders, while others enhance the clip by sharpening the image or reducing noise. You may even add other clips to the end of your existing one, although this type of work would be better suited to a complete non-linear editor.
If you don’t need to make any changes to the video, Avidemux may come in handy; as part of its exporting process, it allows you to do so.
Pros
- Decent aesthetic options for video editing
- Edit multiple videos at the same time
- Multiple stickers to add to your videos
Cons
- Lags sometimes
FAQs About Open Source Video Editor
- What is an open-source video editor?
Open-source video editing software includes source code that allows you to tailor the application to your requirements. Everyone with a basic understanding of coding and video editing skills will almost certainly want to utilize an open-source video editor.
- Does OpenShot have a watermark?
Openshot is a free, open-source video editing program with no watermark. As a result, although being a completely free tool, it’s doesn’t advertise its brand on your final video. Even though the marketplace is filled with open video editing tools, most of them leave a big watermark on your movie project.
Conclusion
All of the video editors on this shortlist offer fantastic features and are completely free to use. They all have advantages and disadvantages, and you must choose depending on your requirements and usage.
We can’t state that VLC is excellent for users and Shotcut and OpenShot are fantastic for desktops, as much as we’d like to. Based on what you want to get out of it, you must choose the correct tool. And here, we hope the Open Source Video Editors reviewed will help you massively.
Want to Use a More Intelligent Way to Add Custom Video Effects than Coding?
Filmora Free Video Editor is an easy-to-use editor for creating videos. Instead of coding to change the video, Filmora offers various functions and video effects to realize the video upgrade. Furthermore, built-in AI tools will bring more convenience to you.
Use AI to Edit Video Use AI to Edit Video Learn More >
10 Best Open Source Video Editors in 2024 [Free]
Check out this list of best open source video editors that you can use to produce long-form content for YouTube, your online marketplace, or several other venues when you’re on a small budget:
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
1. OpenShot
OpenShot is a free and open-source video editor with no premium features. In contrast, the website provides a donation option. You may use the complete range of functions without paying anything. This works with all versions of Windows, including Windows 7, Mac OS 10.15, and most Linux variants.
For a free site, it also has a fairly large variety of graphic effects, ranging from title themes and video transitions to 3D animations. OpenShot also differs from many other video editors in that it is updated regularly.
Unlike some other systems, OpenShot has had many major versions in 2021 alone, which addressed issues and added new capabilities. However, many users have reported substantial slowdowns when using OpenShot, so remember to look out for any efficiency difficulties.
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface
- Unlimited layers
- Super engaging
Cons
- It sometimes lags, which is inconvenient
2. Shotcut
Shotcut is a cross-platform, open-source video editing software with a large library of instructional videos. It also works with FFmpeg, 4K , ProRes, and DNxHD, among other formats. However, because Shotcut was created for Linux, many users may find the UI a little strange. Regardless, it’s still a fantastic editor.
Shotcut also has a lot of sound editing capabilities, so it’s great for audiophiles. Customers may change bass and treble, construct bandpass filters, alter gain, apply dynamic compression, and more with its array of audio fine-tuning options. FFmpeg, the dominant multimedia foundation, provides shortcut support for the newest video and audio codecs.
The native timeline editing enables customers to instantly add video files into their project folder instead of using a media library. A project uses multi-format timelines to mix up resolutions and frames per second.
Pros
- Excellent editing features
- Offers decoding and encoding features
- Multi-format timeline
Cons
- Takes a good chunk of space on your computer
3. Lightworks
Another famous video editor that can be downloaded for free is Lightworks . Lightworks is compatible with most major operating systems and devices, such as Mac, Windows, and Linux. Nevertheless, because there is no Lightworks application for iOS or Android, the system is only available on the PC at this time.
Lightworks is a powerful platform, featuring transitions, timeline-based editing, cloud and local storing, and no watermarks on the final video, yet being completely free to use. As a result, several additional features are only available with a Lightworks subscription account.
The premium edition of Lightworks charges $23.99 monthly, $239.99 annually, or $389.99 for a lifetime membership for a single user. In less than two years, the annual and monthly choices would cost more than a lifetime membership, so if you want to use Lightworks for a lot longer, you should select for lifetime access.
Pros
- A nice video editor with a lot of options
- Ideal tool for YouTube video makers who wish to edit their videos regularly
- Offers smooth service
Cons
- Only one option to save the project to MP4
Filmora AI Video Editor
Create AI-Generated Video with Filmora
Filmora AI video editor offers a ChatGPT plug-in and AI tools to enhance your creative vision. Make your idea into reality.
Create Video with AI Create Video with AI Learn More >
4. Blender
Blender is a free, open-source content creation program on Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows systems. Unlike many other open-source editing software, Blender has no paid memberships or add-ons.
Blender differentiates apart from other software in the domain of 3D editing. Customers may sketch directly in a 3D environment by opening the 3D viewport, providing artists greater freedom than ever to tinker with both 2D and 3D concepts.
Blender also has an animated pose editor and non-linear animator features for autonomous motion and a fairly strong set of animation editing capabilities. Designers and other experienced users may use Python scripting to modify the program and expand its native toolset.
Blender has benefited from donations by hundreds of everyday users who have added several additional capabilities as an open-source platform. It is among the most comprehensive and adaptable free video editors presently accessible.
Pros
- Almost limitless customization
- Good enough to be used by experts
- Optimal features for beginner users
Cons
- Buggy format support
5. Kdenlive
Kdenlive is an open-source video editor that runs on the KDE windows desktop and is developed on Microsoft and Linux. The program provides several editorial and management features based on a specific application for executing editing tasks.
KDEnlive supports all FFmpeg-compatible formats, including MOV, AVI, WMV, MPEG, XviD, and FLV. It also has experimental support for AVCHD and covers 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios for PAL, NTSC, and other HD standards using HDV. You may also transfer the files to a DVD or export them to DV devices with KDEnlive.
Its common functions include preview pane, multitrack recording, artistic effects, tilting functions, video and audio thumbnails, flexible layouts, and desktop compatibility. This software supports various audio/video/image formats, including MPEG, avi, dv, vob, wav, and mp3.
Pros
- It includes light graffiti
- It has an audio spectrum and spectrogram
- An abundance of top-notch features
Cons
- Mostly for professional use
6. Olive
Olive is a total redesign from the bottom up, with cutting-edge tools to assist you in creating the greatest videos imaginable. Olive 0.2 offers node-based compositing that is both powerful and versatile.
Node editing is a type of visual programming that allows you to customize how Olive produces your video completely. OpenColorIO provides end-to-end color control for the applications.
This should help users match video from many cameras and export your movie to whichever color space you require if you’re delivering to broadcast TV online. It has a powerful, fast disk cache to ensure the cleanest possible playback. It operates quietly in the background to render pictures ahead of time, so they’re available whenever you need them.
Pros
- Decent interface
- User-friendly application
- Quick and powerful disk cache
Cons
- Lacks some high-end features
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
7. VLC
VLC media player is cross-platform open-source multimedia which is extremely popular, and for a good reason: it’s entirely free, it endorses almost every file type without any need for additional file formats, it can maximize audio and video playback for your gadget, it appears to support streaming, and it can be stretched nearly endlessly with downloadable plugins.
VLC Media Player supports MPEG and DivX streaming. ZIP files may also be played without extracting them one by one. After the download is complete, you may manually boost the volume of a movie up to 200 percent if it is too quiet. VLC Media Player also can look for album covers. Several films may be played one after the other using the playlist feature.
Pros
- A life-saver for many
- Supports a large variety of formats
- Highly customizable
Cons
- Editing metadata isn’t as straightforward as in different editors
8. Natron
On the surface, Natron appears to be a versatile and straightforward multi-platform node-based platform with a robust GUI interface. Although Natron appears to be a basic compositing program , it contains layers of intricacy that will allow your imagination to soar to new heights.
Natron’s Roto and Rotopaint toolkits are versatile, allowing for the creation of endless layers of masks, mattes, and forms. Natron features a strong 2D and Planar tracker that may help you cut down on the number of hours you spend rotoscoping to fulfill personal or business deadlines.
It includes several powerful keying and matte generating tools created by the core OFX software engineers and various tools created by the open-source plugin development community.
Pros
- Smooth functionality
- 2D tracking tools
- Offers decent editing tools
Cons
- Lacks 3D tracking tools
9. Flowblade
Flowbade is a multitrack non-linear video editor for Linux distributed under the GPL 3. You can make movies out of video clips, audio snippets, and graphics files using Flowblade Movie Editor.
Clips may be clipped at certain frames, filters can be applied to clips, and compositor elements can be used to generate multilayer composite pictures.
The toolbox, ordering, the default tool, and key timeline behaviors are all user adjustable in Flowblade. There is a drag and drop option on the interface for the video files to be imported.
Pros
- Decent default settings to accommodate users
- A good amount of editing features
- 40+ pattern wipes
Cons
- It sometimes lags on heavy videos
Professional Video Editor
Filmora is an expert in editing videos with your creation. You can use powerful tools to make your video like a masterpiece.
Edit Video Like a Pro Edit Video Like a Pro Learn More >
10. Avidemux
Avidemux is a free video editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux that doesn’t aim to be a full-fledged timeline-based video editing software. Rather, it’s made to make a few minor modifications and then splits out a new file.
You may import your source video and pick the start and finish frames to chop off segments. You may add filters to enhance the video by sharpening the picture or decreasing noise.
Some of the aesthetic options include color effects and borders, while others enhance the clip by sharpening the image or reducing noise. You may even add other clips to the end of your existing one, although this type of work would be better suited to a complete non-linear editor.
If you don’t need to make any changes to the video, Avidemux may come in handy; as part of its exporting process, it allows you to do so.
Pros
- Decent aesthetic options for video editing
- Edit multiple videos at the same time
- Multiple stickers to add to your videos
Cons
- Lags sometimes
FAQs About Open Source Video Editor
- What is an open-source video editor?
Open-source video editing software includes source code that allows you to tailor the application to your requirements. Everyone with a basic understanding of coding and video editing skills will almost certainly want to utilize an open-source video editor.
- Does OpenShot have a watermark?
Openshot is a free, open-source video editing program with no watermark. As a result, although being a completely free tool, it’s doesn’t advertise its brand on your final video. Even though the marketplace is filled with open video editing tools, most of them leave a big watermark on your movie project.
Conclusion
All of the video editors on this shortlist offer fantastic features and are completely free to use. They all have advantages and disadvantages, and you must choose depending on your requirements and usage.
We can’t state that VLC is excellent for users and Shotcut and OpenShot are fantastic for desktops, as much as we’d like to. Based on what you want to get out of it, you must choose the correct tool. And here, we hope the Open Source Video Editors reviewed will help you massively.
Want to Use a More Intelligent Way to Add Custom Video Effects than Coding?
Filmora Free Video Editor is an easy-to-use editor for creating videos. Instead of coding to change the video, Filmora offers various functions and video effects to realize the video upgrade. Furthermore, built-in AI tools will bring more convenience to you.
Use AI to Edit Video Use AI to Edit Video Learn More >
10 Best Open Source Video Editors in 2024 [Free]
Check out this list of best open source video editors that you can use to produce long-form content for YouTube, your online marketplace, or several other venues when you’re on a small budget:
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
1. OpenShot
OpenShot is a free and open-source video editor with no premium features. In contrast, the website provides a donation option. You may use the complete range of functions without paying anything. This works with all versions of Windows, including Windows 7, Mac OS 10.15, and most Linux variants.
For a free site, it also has a fairly large variety of graphic effects, ranging from title themes and video transitions to 3D animations. OpenShot also differs from many other video editors in that it is updated regularly.
Unlike some other systems, OpenShot has had many major versions in 2021 alone, which addressed issues and added new capabilities. However, many users have reported substantial slowdowns when using OpenShot, so remember to look out for any efficiency difficulties.
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface
- Unlimited layers
- Super engaging
Cons
- It sometimes lags, which is inconvenient
2. Shotcut
Shotcut is a cross-platform, open-source video editing software with a large library of instructional videos. It also works with FFmpeg, 4K , ProRes, and DNxHD, among other formats. However, because Shotcut was created for Linux, many users may find the UI a little strange. Regardless, it’s still a fantastic editor.
Shotcut also has a lot of sound editing capabilities, so it’s great for audiophiles. Customers may change bass and treble, construct bandpass filters, alter gain, apply dynamic compression, and more with its array of audio fine-tuning options. FFmpeg, the dominant multimedia foundation, provides shortcut support for the newest video and audio codecs.
The native timeline editing enables customers to instantly add video files into their project folder instead of using a media library. A project uses multi-format timelines to mix up resolutions and frames per second.
Pros
- Excellent editing features
- Offers decoding and encoding features
- Multi-format timeline
Cons
- Takes a good chunk of space on your computer
3. Lightworks
Another famous video editor that can be downloaded for free is Lightworks . Lightworks is compatible with most major operating systems and devices, such as Mac, Windows, and Linux. Nevertheless, because there is no Lightworks application for iOS or Android, the system is only available on the PC at this time.
Lightworks is a powerful platform, featuring transitions, timeline-based editing, cloud and local storing, and no watermarks on the final video, yet being completely free to use. As a result, several additional features are only available with a Lightworks subscription account.
The premium edition of Lightworks charges $23.99 monthly, $239.99 annually, or $389.99 for a lifetime membership for a single user. In less than two years, the annual and monthly choices would cost more than a lifetime membership, so if you want to use Lightworks for a lot longer, you should select for lifetime access.
Pros
- A nice video editor with a lot of options
- Ideal tool for YouTube video makers who wish to edit their videos regularly
- Offers smooth service
Cons
- Only one option to save the project to MP4
Filmora AI Video Editor
Create AI-Generated Video with Filmora
Filmora AI video editor offers a ChatGPT plug-in and AI tools to enhance your creative vision. Make your idea into reality.
Create Video with AI Create Video with AI Learn More >
4. Blender
Blender is a free, open-source content creation program on Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows systems. Unlike many other open-source editing software, Blender has no paid memberships or add-ons.
Blender differentiates apart from other software in the domain of 3D editing. Customers may sketch directly in a 3D environment by opening the 3D viewport, providing artists greater freedom than ever to tinker with both 2D and 3D concepts.
Blender also has an animated pose editor and non-linear animator features for autonomous motion and a fairly strong set of animation editing capabilities. Designers and other experienced users may use Python scripting to modify the program and expand its native toolset.
Blender has benefited from donations by hundreds of everyday users who have added several additional capabilities as an open-source platform. It is among the most comprehensive and adaptable free video editors presently accessible.
Pros
- Almost limitless customization
- Good enough to be used by experts
- Optimal features for beginner users
Cons
- Buggy format support
5. Kdenlive
Kdenlive is an open-source video editor that runs on the KDE windows desktop and is developed on Microsoft and Linux. The program provides several editorial and management features based on a specific application for executing editing tasks.
KDEnlive supports all FFmpeg-compatible formats, including MOV, AVI, WMV, MPEG, XviD, and FLV. It also has experimental support for AVCHD and covers 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios for PAL, NTSC, and other HD standards using HDV. You may also transfer the files to a DVD or export them to DV devices with KDEnlive.
Its common functions include preview pane, multitrack recording, artistic effects, tilting functions, video and audio thumbnails, flexible layouts, and desktop compatibility. This software supports various audio/video/image formats, including MPEG, avi, dv, vob, wav, and mp3.
Pros
- It includes light graffiti
- It has an audio spectrum and spectrogram
- An abundance of top-notch features
Cons
- Mostly for professional use
6. Olive
Olive is a total redesign from the bottom up, with cutting-edge tools to assist you in creating the greatest videos imaginable. Olive 0.2 offers node-based compositing that is both powerful and versatile.
Node editing is a type of visual programming that allows you to customize how Olive produces your video completely. OpenColorIO provides end-to-end color control for the applications.
This should help users match video from many cameras and export your movie to whichever color space you require if you’re delivering to broadcast TV online. It has a powerful, fast disk cache to ensure the cleanest possible playback. It operates quietly in the background to render pictures ahead of time, so they’re available whenever you need them.
Pros
- Decent interface
- User-friendly application
- Quick and powerful disk cache
Cons
- Lacks some high-end features
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
7. VLC
VLC media player is cross-platform open-source multimedia which is extremely popular, and for a good reason: it’s entirely free, it endorses almost every file type without any need for additional file formats, it can maximize audio and video playback for your gadget, it appears to support streaming, and it can be stretched nearly endlessly with downloadable plugins.
VLC Media Player supports MPEG and DivX streaming. ZIP files may also be played without extracting them one by one. After the download is complete, you may manually boost the volume of a movie up to 200 percent if it is too quiet. VLC Media Player also can look for album covers. Several films may be played one after the other using the playlist feature.
Pros
- A life-saver for many
- Supports a large variety of formats
- Highly customizable
Cons
- Editing metadata isn’t as straightforward as in different editors
8. Natron
On the surface, Natron appears to be a versatile and straightforward multi-platform node-based platform with a robust GUI interface. Although Natron appears to be a basic compositing program , it contains layers of intricacy that will allow your imagination to soar to new heights.
Natron’s Roto and Rotopaint toolkits are versatile, allowing for the creation of endless layers of masks, mattes, and forms. Natron features a strong 2D and Planar tracker that may help you cut down on the number of hours you spend rotoscoping to fulfill personal or business deadlines.
It includes several powerful keying and matte generating tools created by the core OFX software engineers and various tools created by the open-source plugin development community.
Pros
- Smooth functionality
- 2D tracking tools
- Offers decent editing tools
Cons
- Lacks 3D tracking tools
9. Flowblade
Flowbade is a multitrack non-linear video editor for Linux distributed under the GPL 3. You can make movies out of video clips, audio snippets, and graphics files using Flowblade Movie Editor.
Clips may be clipped at certain frames, filters can be applied to clips, and compositor elements can be used to generate multilayer composite pictures.
The toolbox, ordering, the default tool, and key timeline behaviors are all user adjustable in Flowblade. There is a drag and drop option on the interface for the video files to be imported.
Pros
- Decent default settings to accommodate users
- A good amount of editing features
- 40+ pattern wipes
Cons
- It sometimes lags on heavy videos
Professional Video Editor
Filmora is an expert in editing videos with your creation. You can use powerful tools to make your video like a masterpiece.
Edit Video Like a Pro Edit Video Like a Pro Learn More >
10. Avidemux
Avidemux is a free video editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux that doesn’t aim to be a full-fledged timeline-based video editing software. Rather, it’s made to make a few minor modifications and then splits out a new file.
You may import your source video and pick the start and finish frames to chop off segments. You may add filters to enhance the video by sharpening the picture or decreasing noise.
Some of the aesthetic options include color effects and borders, while others enhance the clip by sharpening the image or reducing noise. You may even add other clips to the end of your existing one, although this type of work would be better suited to a complete non-linear editor.
If you don’t need to make any changes to the video, Avidemux may come in handy; as part of its exporting process, it allows you to do so.
Pros
- Decent aesthetic options for video editing
- Edit multiple videos at the same time
- Multiple stickers to add to your videos
Cons
- Lags sometimes
FAQs About Open Source Video Editor
- What is an open-source video editor?
Open-source video editing software includes source code that allows you to tailor the application to your requirements. Everyone with a basic understanding of coding and video editing skills will almost certainly want to utilize an open-source video editor.
- Does OpenShot have a watermark?
Openshot is a free, open-source video editing program with no watermark. As a result, although being a completely free tool, it’s doesn’t advertise its brand on your final video. Even though the marketplace is filled with open video editing tools, most of them leave a big watermark on your movie project.
Conclusion
All of the video editors on this shortlist offer fantastic features and are completely free to use. They all have advantages and disadvantages, and you must choose depending on your requirements and usage.
We can’t state that VLC is excellent for users and Shotcut and OpenShot are fantastic for desktops, as much as we’d like to. Based on what you want to get out of it, you must choose the correct tool. And here, we hope the Open Source Video Editors reviewed will help you massively.
Want to Use a More Intelligent Way to Add Custom Video Effects than Coding?
Filmora Free Video Editor is an easy-to-use editor for creating videos. Instead of coding to change the video, Filmora offers various functions and video effects to realize the video upgrade. Furthermore, built-in AI tools will bring more convenience to you.
Use AI to Edit Video Use AI to Edit Video Learn More >
10 Best Open Source Video Editors in 2024 [Free]
Check out this list of best open source video editors that you can use to produce long-form content for YouTube, your online marketplace, or several other venues when you’re on a small budget:
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
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For macOS 10.14 or later
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1. OpenShot
OpenShot is a free and open-source video editor with no premium features. In contrast, the website provides a donation option. You may use the complete range of functions without paying anything. This works with all versions of Windows, including Windows 7, Mac OS 10.15, and most Linux variants.
For a free site, it also has a fairly large variety of graphic effects, ranging from title themes and video transitions to 3D animations. OpenShot also differs from many other video editors in that it is updated regularly.
Unlike some other systems, OpenShot has had many major versions in 2021 alone, which addressed issues and added new capabilities. However, many users have reported substantial slowdowns when using OpenShot, so remember to look out for any efficiency difficulties.
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface
- Unlimited layers
- Super engaging
Cons
- It sometimes lags, which is inconvenient
2. Shotcut
Shotcut is a cross-platform, open-source video editing software with a large library of instructional videos. It also works with FFmpeg, 4K , ProRes, and DNxHD, among other formats. However, because Shotcut was created for Linux, many users may find the UI a little strange. Regardless, it’s still a fantastic editor.
Shotcut also has a lot of sound editing capabilities, so it’s great for audiophiles. Customers may change bass and treble, construct bandpass filters, alter gain, apply dynamic compression, and more with its array of audio fine-tuning options. FFmpeg, the dominant multimedia foundation, provides shortcut support for the newest video and audio codecs.
The native timeline editing enables customers to instantly add video files into their project folder instead of using a media library. A project uses multi-format timelines to mix up resolutions and frames per second.
Pros
- Excellent editing features
- Offers decoding and encoding features
- Multi-format timeline
Cons
- Takes a good chunk of space on your computer
3. Lightworks
Another famous video editor that can be downloaded for free is Lightworks . Lightworks is compatible with most major operating systems and devices, such as Mac, Windows, and Linux. Nevertheless, because there is no Lightworks application for iOS or Android, the system is only available on the PC at this time.
Lightworks is a powerful platform, featuring transitions, timeline-based editing, cloud and local storing, and no watermarks on the final video, yet being completely free to use. As a result, several additional features are only available with a Lightworks subscription account.
The premium edition of Lightworks charges $23.99 monthly, $239.99 annually, or $389.99 for a lifetime membership for a single user. In less than two years, the annual and monthly choices would cost more than a lifetime membership, so if you want to use Lightworks for a lot longer, you should select for lifetime access.
Pros
- A nice video editor with a lot of options
- Ideal tool for YouTube video makers who wish to edit their videos regularly
- Offers smooth service
Cons
- Only one option to save the project to MP4
Filmora AI Video Editor
Create AI-Generated Video with Filmora
Filmora AI video editor offers a ChatGPT plug-in and AI tools to enhance your creative vision. Make your idea into reality.
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4. Blender
Blender is a free, open-source content creation program on Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows systems. Unlike many other open-source editing software, Blender has no paid memberships or add-ons.
Blender differentiates apart from other software in the domain of 3D editing. Customers may sketch directly in a 3D environment by opening the 3D viewport, providing artists greater freedom than ever to tinker with both 2D and 3D concepts.
Blender also has an animated pose editor and non-linear animator features for autonomous motion and a fairly strong set of animation editing capabilities. Designers and other experienced users may use Python scripting to modify the program and expand its native toolset.
Blender has benefited from donations by hundreds of everyday users who have added several additional capabilities as an open-source platform. It is among the most comprehensive and adaptable free video editors presently accessible.
Pros
- Almost limitless customization
- Good enough to be used by experts
- Optimal features for beginner users
Cons
- Buggy format support
5. Kdenlive
Kdenlive is an open-source video editor that runs on the KDE windows desktop and is developed on Microsoft and Linux. The program provides several editorial and management features based on a specific application for executing editing tasks.
KDEnlive supports all FFmpeg-compatible formats, including MOV, AVI, WMV, MPEG, XviD, and FLV. It also has experimental support for AVCHD and covers 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios for PAL, NTSC, and other HD standards using HDV. You may also transfer the files to a DVD or export them to DV devices with KDEnlive.
Its common functions include preview pane, multitrack recording, artistic effects, tilting functions, video and audio thumbnails, flexible layouts, and desktop compatibility. This software supports various audio/video/image formats, including MPEG, avi, dv, vob, wav, and mp3.
Pros
- It includes light graffiti
- It has an audio spectrum and spectrogram
- An abundance of top-notch features
Cons
- Mostly for professional use
6. Olive
Olive is a total redesign from the bottom up, with cutting-edge tools to assist you in creating the greatest videos imaginable. Olive 0.2 offers node-based compositing that is both powerful and versatile.
Node editing is a type of visual programming that allows you to customize how Olive produces your video completely. OpenColorIO provides end-to-end color control for the applications.
This should help users match video from many cameras and export your movie to whichever color space you require if you’re delivering to broadcast TV online. It has a powerful, fast disk cache to ensure the cleanest possible playback. It operates quietly in the background to render pictures ahead of time, so they’re available whenever you need them.
Pros
- Decent interface
- User-friendly application
- Quick and powerful disk cache
Cons
- Lacks some high-end features
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
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7. VLC
VLC media player is cross-platform open-source multimedia which is extremely popular, and for a good reason: it’s entirely free, it endorses almost every file type without any need for additional file formats, it can maximize audio and video playback for your gadget, it appears to support streaming, and it can be stretched nearly endlessly with downloadable plugins.
VLC Media Player supports MPEG and DivX streaming. ZIP files may also be played without extracting them one by one. After the download is complete, you may manually boost the volume of a movie up to 200 percent if it is too quiet. VLC Media Player also can look for album covers. Several films may be played one after the other using the playlist feature.
Pros
- A life-saver for many
- Supports a large variety of formats
- Highly customizable
Cons
- Editing metadata isn’t as straightforward as in different editors
8. Natron
On the surface, Natron appears to be a versatile and straightforward multi-platform node-based platform with a robust GUI interface. Although Natron appears to be a basic compositing program , it contains layers of intricacy that will allow your imagination to soar to new heights.
Natron’s Roto and Rotopaint toolkits are versatile, allowing for the creation of endless layers of masks, mattes, and forms. Natron features a strong 2D and Planar tracker that may help you cut down on the number of hours you spend rotoscoping to fulfill personal or business deadlines.
It includes several powerful keying and matte generating tools created by the core OFX software engineers and various tools created by the open-source plugin development community.
Pros
- Smooth functionality
- 2D tracking tools
- Offers decent editing tools
Cons
- Lacks 3D tracking tools
9. Flowblade
Flowbade is a multitrack non-linear video editor for Linux distributed under the GPL 3. You can make movies out of video clips, audio snippets, and graphics files using Flowblade Movie Editor.
Clips may be clipped at certain frames, filters can be applied to clips, and compositor elements can be used to generate multilayer composite pictures.
The toolbox, ordering, the default tool, and key timeline behaviors are all user adjustable in Flowblade. There is a drag and drop option on the interface for the video files to be imported.
Pros
- Decent default settings to accommodate users
- A good amount of editing features
- 40+ pattern wipes
Cons
- It sometimes lags on heavy videos
Professional Video Editor
Filmora is an expert in editing videos with your creation. You can use powerful tools to make your video like a masterpiece.
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10. Avidemux
Avidemux is a free video editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux that doesn’t aim to be a full-fledged timeline-based video editing software. Rather, it’s made to make a few minor modifications and then splits out a new file.
You may import your source video and pick the start and finish frames to chop off segments. You may add filters to enhance the video by sharpening the picture or decreasing noise.
Some of the aesthetic options include color effects and borders, while others enhance the clip by sharpening the image or reducing noise. You may even add other clips to the end of your existing one, although this type of work would be better suited to a complete non-linear editor.
If you don’t need to make any changes to the video, Avidemux may come in handy; as part of its exporting process, it allows you to do so.
Pros
- Decent aesthetic options for video editing
- Edit multiple videos at the same time
- Multiple stickers to add to your videos
Cons
- Lags sometimes
FAQs About Open Source Video Editor
- What is an open-source video editor?
Open-source video editing software includes source code that allows you to tailor the application to your requirements. Everyone with a basic understanding of coding and video editing skills will almost certainly want to utilize an open-source video editor.
- Does OpenShot have a watermark?
Openshot is a free, open-source video editing program with no watermark. As a result, although being a completely free tool, it’s doesn’t advertise its brand on your final video. Even though the marketplace is filled with open video editing tools, most of them leave a big watermark on your movie project.
Conclusion
All of the video editors on this shortlist offer fantastic features and are completely free to use. They all have advantages and disadvantages, and you must choose depending on your requirements and usage.
We can’t state that VLC is excellent for users and Shotcut and OpenShot are fantastic for desktops, as much as we’d like to. Based on what you want to get out of it, you must choose the correct tool. And here, we hope the Open Source Video Editors reviewed will help you massively.
Kapwing Video Editor: The Simple Way to Trim and Enhance Your Clips
Create High-Quality Video - Wondershare Filmora
An easy and powerful YouTube video editor
Numerous video and audio effects to choose from
Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel
When you make a video, you’re competing for people’s attention. Trimming videos is a fundamental element of editing. Strategic video trimming with Kapwing Trimmer allows you to cut out anything unnecessary, leaving you with the content your audience desires. Many people also use this tool to trim the end or beginning of their videos to help them get the attention they deserve. We’ll explain how to trim videos with the Kapwing Trim online tool.
In this article
02 How to Trim a Video with Kapwing
03 Extra Information About Kapwing Editor
What Is Kapwing Editor?
Kapwing is an online GIF, video, and image editing platform designed to enable digital storytelling. This online tool helps you trim videos and add subtitles. It’s user-friendly, and anyone with an idea of video production can use it. You do not need tutorials or software download to start using this tool; you only need efficient creativity, as you can edit a video as much as your creativity will allow you.
The selling point for Kapwing is how easy you can use the online editing tool, making it suitable for both professional and amateur video producers. For this reason, the popularity of Kapwing Video Trimmer has grown 10x, with over 1 million people using this editing tool.
With Kapwing editor, you can filter, trim, resize, and loop videos. The tool also allows you to add audio to your video and sync it with the video. What’s more? You can convert images to videos and watermark them.
Having multiple templates and tools makes things easy, and this will help you make professional-like videos that people will think you used high-end software.
How to Trim a Video with Kapwing
To start using Kapwing Video Trim, you need to follow the steps below:
Step 1
Visit Kapwing.com with your browser using your tablet, smartphone, or computer.Hit the Start Editing button to enter the Studio; no need to create an account.
Step 2
You have several options to upload your video from the web or your device. The Upload button allows you to upload videos from your system.
Step 3
You can also drag and drop the file onto the workspace or the Studio canvas. Alternatively, you can copy and paste the URL of your video from sites GIPHY, Google Drive, or YouTube and import it directly.
Once you have uploaded your video, you can start using Kapwing Video Trimmer to trim unnecessary content or make it shorter.
Step 4
A box will pop up at the bottom of the screen; this is referred to as the Timeline, and it’s where the different pieces you’re adding to the video will appear, including images layers, text layers, and video clips.
Step 5
Your video plays from the left side to the right side. The Play icon allows you to play the video and preview your project. Use the seeker to go to any point of your video that you want to see how it will look like.
Step 6
If you want more precision while editing individual video clips in the Timeline, use the Zoom In and Zoom out buttons to see a more precise view.
Step 7
To trim the video, click the Trim button.
Click and drag the ends of your video to adjust the end and start times of the video layer. Anything that you remove won’t be in the final video.
If you have more layers on your project, click and select the layer you would like to trim.
Step 8
You can also use the Timing tab to trim your video. To do this, click your clip and head over to the top right side of your screen.
You can now specify the exact time you would like the video to start and end instead of using the clicking and dragging method.
Clicking the numerals will allow you to use the up and down arrow keys and trim the video to start and end where you have specified.
You can also use the seeker to set the time where you would like the video to start and end, and then go to the numerals and click set to the current time.
Kapwing Video Trimmer will create a huge gap when you select this option. You’ll see a blank white canvas until the video starts.
You can leave this white space and add other clips or remove it so that your video starts at zero by clicking it and hitting the Delete key on your keyboard.
Step 9
Once you have finished trimming your video with Video Trimmer Kapwing, click the Export Video button.
You’ll have to sign in to remove the watermark. Click the Download button to download the trimmed video to your device.
Extra Information About Kapwing Editor
Now that you know how to trim videos with Kapwing Video Trimmer let’s look at five things about this online editing tool that you need to know.
1. You Can Cut and Split Parts of Your Videos
With the Kapwing Video Editing tool, you can cut out the middle of your video clip by using the split key. You only need to drag the seeker to where you would like to cut out, then click the Split button. Doing this will turn the original video clip into two clips that you drag to trim down any part that you do not want to appear in your video.
2. How to Collaborate With Kapwing
Kapwing allows you to work as a group remotely and in real-time while accessing each other’s files. The tool is also ideal for teams, outsourced workers, and virtual assistants. All you have to do is invite your peers or colleagues to a Workspace, and Kaping will allow you to work together on GIF, video, and image edits.
To share your Kapwing Workspace to collaborate with other users without giving them your log-in information, follow the steps below.
- Simply go to the folder you would like to share and hit the Share button.
- You’ll then have to type in the email address of the person you want to share the folder with.
- Once you have done this, click the Send Invite button to copy and send a link to an invitation to your folder.
Your collaborator needs to open the email with the link and click Join Now. They’ll also have to create an account by linking their Facebook or Google account and then accept the invite again once they have signed in.
3. You Can Add Audio and Text to Your Video
Kapwing editor allows you to add audio and text using two methods: subtitles and text boxes. Use single text boxes for information, names, titles, and labels. To do this, hit the Text button located in the upper toolbar, then enter the text you want into the box.
All the text editing options will appear on the right, including angle, position, style, outline, color, and font. The Anime tab allows you to add up to 10 different animations to the text box. Additionally, you can add subtitles to your videos if you want your audience to follow along while listening to the spoken words in the video.
4. Share Your Videos With Others
After creating your video project, you can share it with others from the download page. You can share your video directly on Instagram. Twitter, and Facebook. You can also copy the video’s link and then send it to anyone you want, and they will be able to view it.
Desktop solution for video trimming - Filmora
Filmora is also a video editing tool that allows you to create HD videos. The software lets you crop, trim, merge, and rotate videos. This simple-to-use tool empowers your stories by making your videos eyecatching to attract more viewers. You can also adjust contrast, brightness, temperature, saturation, and tint.
Moreover, you can remove background and apply effects. Filmora has tons of effects on its Effects library that you can just drag and drop onto your video clip after placing it on the timeline.
The 4K editing support feature allows you to edit and export your videos at 4K resolution. You can also adjust the dynamic range and white balance of your videos.
Conclusion
● Kapwing Trimmer allows you to trim videos and remove unwanted scenes and let you start the videos where you want them to begin. The best part is: After you have finished working on your videos, the platform allows you to share them with other websites. Use Filmora to edit your videos and enhance their quality.
When you make a video, you’re competing for people’s attention. Trimming videos is a fundamental element of editing. Strategic video trimming with Kapwing Trimmer allows you to cut out anything unnecessary, leaving you with the content your audience desires. Many people also use this tool to trim the end or beginning of their videos to help them get the attention they deserve. We’ll explain how to trim videos with the Kapwing Trim online tool.
In this article
02 How to Trim a Video with Kapwing
03 Extra Information About Kapwing Editor
What Is Kapwing Editor?
Kapwing is an online GIF, video, and image editing platform designed to enable digital storytelling. This online tool helps you trim videos and add subtitles. It’s user-friendly, and anyone with an idea of video production can use it. You do not need tutorials or software download to start using this tool; you only need efficient creativity, as you can edit a video as much as your creativity will allow you.
The selling point for Kapwing is how easy you can use the online editing tool, making it suitable for both professional and amateur video producers. For this reason, the popularity of Kapwing Video Trimmer has grown 10x, with over 1 million people using this editing tool.
With Kapwing editor, you can filter, trim, resize, and loop videos. The tool also allows you to add audio to your video and sync it with the video. What’s more? You can convert images to videos and watermark them.
Having multiple templates and tools makes things easy, and this will help you make professional-like videos that people will think you used high-end software.
How to Trim a Video with Kapwing
To start using Kapwing Video Trim, you need to follow the steps below:
Step 1
Visit Kapwing.com with your browser using your tablet, smartphone, or computer.Hit the Start Editing button to enter the Studio; no need to create an account.
Step 2
You have several options to upload your video from the web or your device. The Upload button allows you to upload videos from your system.
Step 3
You can also drag and drop the file onto the workspace or the Studio canvas. Alternatively, you can copy and paste the URL of your video from sites GIPHY, Google Drive, or YouTube and import it directly.
Once you have uploaded your video, you can start using Kapwing Video Trimmer to trim unnecessary content or make it shorter.
Step 4
A box will pop up at the bottom of the screen; this is referred to as the Timeline, and it’s where the different pieces you’re adding to the video will appear, including images layers, text layers, and video clips.
Step 5
Your video plays from the left side to the right side. The Play icon allows you to play the video and preview your project. Use the seeker to go to any point of your video that you want to see how it will look like.
Step 6
If you want more precision while editing individual video clips in the Timeline, use the Zoom In and Zoom out buttons to see a more precise view.
Step 7
To trim the video, click the Trim button.
Click and drag the ends of your video to adjust the end and start times of the video layer. Anything that you remove won’t be in the final video.
If you have more layers on your project, click and select the layer you would like to trim.
Step 8
You can also use the Timing tab to trim your video. To do this, click your clip and head over to the top right side of your screen.
You can now specify the exact time you would like the video to start and end instead of using the clicking and dragging method.
Clicking the numerals will allow you to use the up and down arrow keys and trim the video to start and end where you have specified.
You can also use the seeker to set the time where you would like the video to start and end, and then go to the numerals and click set to the current time.
Kapwing Video Trimmer will create a huge gap when you select this option. You’ll see a blank white canvas until the video starts.
You can leave this white space and add other clips or remove it so that your video starts at zero by clicking it and hitting the Delete key on your keyboard.
Step 9
Once you have finished trimming your video with Video Trimmer Kapwing, click the Export Video button.
You’ll have to sign in to remove the watermark. Click the Download button to download the trimmed video to your device.
Extra Information About Kapwing Editor
Now that you know how to trim videos with Kapwing Video Trimmer let’s look at five things about this online editing tool that you need to know.
1. You Can Cut and Split Parts of Your Videos
With the Kapwing Video Editing tool, you can cut out the middle of your video clip by using the split key. You only need to drag the seeker to where you would like to cut out, then click the Split button. Doing this will turn the original video clip into two clips that you drag to trim down any part that you do not want to appear in your video.
2. How to Collaborate With Kapwing
Kapwing allows you to work as a group remotely and in real-time while accessing each other’s files. The tool is also ideal for teams, outsourced workers, and virtual assistants. All you have to do is invite your peers or colleagues to a Workspace, and Kaping will allow you to work together on GIF, video, and image edits.
To share your Kapwing Workspace to collaborate with other users without giving them your log-in information, follow the steps below.
- Simply go to the folder you would like to share and hit the Share button.
- You’ll then have to type in the email address of the person you want to share the folder with.
- Once you have done this, click the Send Invite button to copy and send a link to an invitation to your folder.
Your collaborator needs to open the email with the link and click Join Now. They’ll also have to create an account by linking their Facebook or Google account and then accept the invite again once they have signed in.
3. You Can Add Audio and Text to Your Video
Kapwing editor allows you to add audio and text using two methods: subtitles and text boxes. Use single text boxes for information, names, titles, and labels. To do this, hit the Text button located in the upper toolbar, then enter the text you want into the box.
All the text editing options will appear on the right, including angle, position, style, outline, color, and font. The Anime tab allows you to add up to 10 different animations to the text box. Additionally, you can add subtitles to your videos if you want your audience to follow along while listening to the spoken words in the video.
4. Share Your Videos With Others
After creating your video project, you can share it with others from the download page. You can share your video directly on Instagram. Twitter, and Facebook. You can also copy the video’s link and then send it to anyone you want, and they will be able to view it.
Desktop solution for video trimming - Filmora
Filmora is also a video editing tool that allows you to create HD videos. The software lets you crop, trim, merge, and rotate videos. This simple-to-use tool empowers your stories by making your videos eyecatching to attract more viewers. You can also adjust contrast, brightness, temperature, saturation, and tint.
Moreover, you can remove background and apply effects. Filmora has tons of effects on its Effects library that you can just drag and drop onto your video clip after placing it on the timeline.
The 4K editing support feature allows you to edit and export your videos at 4K resolution. You can also adjust the dynamic range and white balance of your videos.
Conclusion
● Kapwing Trimmer allows you to trim videos and remove unwanted scenes and let you start the videos where you want them to begin. The best part is: After you have finished working on your videos, the platform allows you to share them with other websites. Use Filmora to edit your videos and enhance their quality.
When you make a video, you’re competing for people’s attention. Trimming videos is a fundamental element of editing. Strategic video trimming with Kapwing Trimmer allows you to cut out anything unnecessary, leaving you with the content your audience desires. Many people also use this tool to trim the end or beginning of their videos to help them get the attention they deserve. We’ll explain how to trim videos with the Kapwing Trim online tool.
In this article
02 How to Trim a Video with Kapwing
03 Extra Information About Kapwing Editor
What Is Kapwing Editor?
Kapwing is an online GIF, video, and image editing platform designed to enable digital storytelling. This online tool helps you trim videos and add subtitles. It’s user-friendly, and anyone with an idea of video production can use it. You do not need tutorials or software download to start using this tool; you only need efficient creativity, as you can edit a video as much as your creativity will allow you.
The selling point for Kapwing is how easy you can use the online editing tool, making it suitable for both professional and amateur video producers. For this reason, the popularity of Kapwing Video Trimmer has grown 10x, with over 1 million people using this editing tool.
With Kapwing editor, you can filter, trim, resize, and loop videos. The tool also allows you to add audio to your video and sync it with the video. What’s more? You can convert images to videos and watermark them.
Having multiple templates and tools makes things easy, and this will help you make professional-like videos that people will think you used high-end software.
How to Trim a Video with Kapwing
To start using Kapwing Video Trim, you need to follow the steps below:
Step 1
Visit Kapwing.com with your browser using your tablet, smartphone, or computer.Hit the Start Editing button to enter the Studio; no need to create an account.
Step 2
You have several options to upload your video from the web or your device. The Upload button allows you to upload videos from your system.
Step 3
You can also drag and drop the file onto the workspace or the Studio canvas. Alternatively, you can copy and paste the URL of your video from sites GIPHY, Google Drive, or YouTube and import it directly.
Once you have uploaded your video, you can start using Kapwing Video Trimmer to trim unnecessary content or make it shorter.
Step 4
A box will pop up at the bottom of the screen; this is referred to as the Timeline, and it’s where the different pieces you’re adding to the video will appear, including images layers, text layers, and video clips.
Step 5
Your video plays from the left side to the right side. The Play icon allows you to play the video and preview your project. Use the seeker to go to any point of your video that you want to see how it will look like.
Step 6
If you want more precision while editing individual video clips in the Timeline, use the Zoom In and Zoom out buttons to see a more precise view.
Step 7
To trim the video, click the Trim button.
Click and drag the ends of your video to adjust the end and start times of the video layer. Anything that you remove won’t be in the final video.
If you have more layers on your project, click and select the layer you would like to trim.
Step 8
You can also use the Timing tab to trim your video. To do this, click your clip and head over to the top right side of your screen.
You can now specify the exact time you would like the video to start and end instead of using the clicking and dragging method.
Clicking the numerals will allow you to use the up and down arrow keys and trim the video to start and end where you have specified.
You can also use the seeker to set the time where you would like the video to start and end, and then go to the numerals and click set to the current time.
Kapwing Video Trimmer will create a huge gap when you select this option. You’ll see a blank white canvas until the video starts.
You can leave this white space and add other clips or remove it so that your video starts at zero by clicking it and hitting the Delete key on your keyboard.
Step 9
Once you have finished trimming your video with Video Trimmer Kapwing, click the Export Video button.
You’ll have to sign in to remove the watermark. Click the Download button to download the trimmed video to your device.
Extra Information About Kapwing Editor
Now that you know how to trim videos with Kapwing Video Trimmer let’s look at five things about this online editing tool that you need to know.
1. You Can Cut and Split Parts of Your Videos
With the Kapwing Video Editing tool, you can cut out the middle of your video clip by using the split key. You only need to drag the seeker to where you would like to cut out, then click the Split button. Doing this will turn the original video clip into two clips that you drag to trim down any part that you do not want to appear in your video.
2. How to Collaborate With Kapwing
Kapwing allows you to work as a group remotely and in real-time while accessing each other’s files. The tool is also ideal for teams, outsourced workers, and virtual assistants. All you have to do is invite your peers or colleagues to a Workspace, and Kaping will allow you to work together on GIF, video, and image edits.
To share your Kapwing Workspace to collaborate with other users without giving them your log-in information, follow the steps below.
- Simply go to the folder you would like to share and hit the Share button.
- You’ll then have to type in the email address of the person you want to share the folder with.
- Once you have done this, click the Send Invite button to copy and send a link to an invitation to your folder.
Your collaborator needs to open the email with the link and click Join Now. They’ll also have to create an account by linking their Facebook or Google account and then accept the invite again once they have signed in.
3. You Can Add Audio and Text to Your Video
Kapwing editor allows you to add audio and text using two methods: subtitles and text boxes. Use single text boxes for information, names, titles, and labels. To do this, hit the Text button located in the upper toolbar, then enter the text you want into the box.
All the text editing options will appear on the right, including angle, position, style, outline, color, and font. The Anime tab allows you to add up to 10 different animations to the text box. Additionally, you can add subtitles to your videos if you want your audience to follow along while listening to the spoken words in the video.
4. Share Your Videos With Others
After creating your video project, you can share it with others from the download page. You can share your video directly on Instagram. Twitter, and Facebook. You can also copy the video’s link and then send it to anyone you want, and they will be able to view it.
Desktop solution for video trimming - Filmora
Filmora is also a video editing tool that allows you to create HD videos. The software lets you crop, trim, merge, and rotate videos. This simple-to-use tool empowers your stories by making your videos eyecatching to attract more viewers. You can also adjust contrast, brightness, temperature, saturation, and tint.
Moreover, you can remove background and apply effects. Filmora has tons of effects on its Effects library that you can just drag and drop onto your video clip after placing it on the timeline.
The 4K editing support feature allows you to edit and export your videos at 4K resolution. You can also adjust the dynamic range and white balance of your videos.
Conclusion
● Kapwing Trimmer allows you to trim videos and remove unwanted scenes and let you start the videos where you want them to begin. The best part is: After you have finished working on your videos, the platform allows you to share them with other websites. Use Filmora to edit your videos and enhance their quality.
When you make a video, you’re competing for people’s attention. Trimming videos is a fundamental element of editing. Strategic video trimming with Kapwing Trimmer allows you to cut out anything unnecessary, leaving you with the content your audience desires. Many people also use this tool to trim the end or beginning of their videos to help them get the attention they deserve. We’ll explain how to trim videos with the Kapwing Trim online tool.
In this article
02 How to Trim a Video with Kapwing
03 Extra Information About Kapwing Editor
What Is Kapwing Editor?
Kapwing is an online GIF, video, and image editing platform designed to enable digital storytelling. This online tool helps you trim videos and add subtitles. It’s user-friendly, and anyone with an idea of video production can use it. You do not need tutorials or software download to start using this tool; you only need efficient creativity, as you can edit a video as much as your creativity will allow you.
The selling point for Kapwing is how easy you can use the online editing tool, making it suitable for both professional and amateur video producers. For this reason, the popularity of Kapwing Video Trimmer has grown 10x, with over 1 million people using this editing tool.
With Kapwing editor, you can filter, trim, resize, and loop videos. The tool also allows you to add audio to your video and sync it with the video. What’s more? You can convert images to videos and watermark them.
Having multiple templates and tools makes things easy, and this will help you make professional-like videos that people will think you used high-end software.
How to Trim a Video with Kapwing
To start using Kapwing Video Trim, you need to follow the steps below:
Step 1
Visit Kapwing.com with your browser using your tablet, smartphone, or computer.Hit the Start Editing button to enter the Studio; no need to create an account.
Step 2
You have several options to upload your video from the web or your device. The Upload button allows you to upload videos from your system.
Step 3
You can also drag and drop the file onto the workspace or the Studio canvas. Alternatively, you can copy and paste the URL of your video from sites GIPHY, Google Drive, or YouTube and import it directly.
Once you have uploaded your video, you can start using Kapwing Video Trimmer to trim unnecessary content or make it shorter.
Step 4
A box will pop up at the bottom of the screen; this is referred to as the Timeline, and it’s where the different pieces you’re adding to the video will appear, including images layers, text layers, and video clips.
Step 5
Your video plays from the left side to the right side. The Play icon allows you to play the video and preview your project. Use the seeker to go to any point of your video that you want to see how it will look like.
Step 6
If you want more precision while editing individual video clips in the Timeline, use the Zoom In and Zoom out buttons to see a more precise view.
Step 7
To trim the video, click the Trim button.
Click and drag the ends of your video to adjust the end and start times of the video layer. Anything that you remove won’t be in the final video.
If you have more layers on your project, click and select the layer you would like to trim.
Step 8
You can also use the Timing tab to trim your video. To do this, click your clip and head over to the top right side of your screen.
You can now specify the exact time you would like the video to start and end instead of using the clicking and dragging method.
Clicking the numerals will allow you to use the up and down arrow keys and trim the video to start and end where you have specified.
You can also use the seeker to set the time where you would like the video to start and end, and then go to the numerals and click set to the current time.
Kapwing Video Trimmer will create a huge gap when you select this option. You’ll see a blank white canvas until the video starts.
You can leave this white space and add other clips or remove it so that your video starts at zero by clicking it and hitting the Delete key on your keyboard.
Step 9
Once you have finished trimming your video with Video Trimmer Kapwing, click the Export Video button.
You’ll have to sign in to remove the watermark. Click the Download button to download the trimmed video to your device.
Extra Information About Kapwing Editor
Now that you know how to trim videos with Kapwing Video Trimmer let’s look at five things about this online editing tool that you need to know.
1. You Can Cut and Split Parts of Your Videos
With the Kapwing Video Editing tool, you can cut out the middle of your video clip by using the split key. You only need to drag the seeker to where you would like to cut out, then click the Split button. Doing this will turn the original video clip into two clips that you drag to trim down any part that you do not want to appear in your video.
2. How to Collaborate With Kapwing
Kapwing allows you to work as a group remotely and in real-time while accessing each other’s files. The tool is also ideal for teams, outsourced workers, and virtual assistants. All you have to do is invite your peers or colleagues to a Workspace, and Kaping will allow you to work together on GIF, video, and image edits.
To share your Kapwing Workspace to collaborate with other users without giving them your log-in information, follow the steps below.
- Simply go to the folder you would like to share and hit the Share button.
- You’ll then have to type in the email address of the person you want to share the folder with.
- Once you have done this, click the Send Invite button to copy and send a link to an invitation to your folder.
Your collaborator needs to open the email with the link and click Join Now. They’ll also have to create an account by linking their Facebook or Google account and then accept the invite again once they have signed in.
3. You Can Add Audio and Text to Your Video
Kapwing editor allows you to add audio and text using two methods: subtitles and text boxes. Use single text boxes for information, names, titles, and labels. To do this, hit the Text button located in the upper toolbar, then enter the text you want into the box.
All the text editing options will appear on the right, including angle, position, style, outline, color, and font. The Anime tab allows you to add up to 10 different animations to the text box. Additionally, you can add subtitles to your videos if you want your audience to follow along while listening to the spoken words in the video.
4. Share Your Videos With Others
After creating your video project, you can share it with others from the download page. You can share your video directly on Instagram. Twitter, and Facebook. You can also copy the video’s link and then send it to anyone you want, and they will be able to view it.
Desktop solution for video trimming - Filmora
Filmora is also a video editing tool that allows you to create HD videos. The software lets you crop, trim, merge, and rotate videos. This simple-to-use tool empowers your stories by making your videos eyecatching to attract more viewers. You can also adjust contrast, brightness, temperature, saturation, and tint.
Moreover, you can remove background and apply effects. Filmora has tons of effects on its Effects library that you can just drag and drop onto your video clip after placing it on the timeline.
The 4K editing support feature allows you to edit and export your videos at 4K resolution. You can also adjust the dynamic range and white balance of your videos.
Conclusion
● Kapwing Trimmer allows you to trim videos and remove unwanted scenes and let you start the videos where you want them to begin. The best part is: After you have finished working on your videos, the platform allows you to share them with other websites. Use Filmora to edit your videos and enhance their quality.
The Ultimate List: 10 Vegas Pro Alternatives for Mac That Won’t Break the Bank
For creating high-grade dynamic videos, simply shooting or recording a clip is not enough. Finding the best Sony Ve gas alternatives for Mac is essential since the software mainly targets Windows users.
Thanks to developers, there are many free and paid options to start your video editing journey on a Mac. Let’s first have a look at alternative software you could consider.
- Lightworks
- Wondershare Filmora
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- HitFilm Express
- Kdenlive
- OpenShot
- Blender
- Jahshaka
- Final Cut Pro
- Cyberlink PowerDirector 365
- What are the limitations when using Sony Vegas (Vegas Pro) on Mac?
- Hot FAQs about Vegas Pro Alternatives
Part 1: Sony Vegas Pro Alternatives & Competitors Overview
Here is a list of the top 10 tools we found after research. For an easier understanding, the following are the essential points of difference between alternative video editing software types for Sony Vegas Pro in a tabular form.
| Software | Supported OS | Price | Editor’s Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightworks | Windows, Mac, Linux | Create-$9.99/month, Pro-$23.99/month | Medium-Difficult |
| Wondershare Filmora | Windows, Mac | Annual-$49.99, Perpetual-$79.99 | Easy |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | Windows, Mac | $20.99/month | Easy-Medium |
| HitFilm Express | Windows, Mac | Free | Easy |
| Kdenlive | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free | Medium-Difficult |
| OpenShot | Windows, Mac, Linux, OsX | Free | Medium-Difficult |
| Blender | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free | Easy |
| Jahshaka | Windows, Linux, OsX | Free | Easy-Medium |
| Final Cut Pro | Mac | Lifetime-$299.99 | Easy-Medium |
| Cyberlink PowerDirector 365 | Windows, Mac | Lifetime-$52.50 | Easy-Medium |
Part 2: Top 10 Sony Vegas (Vegas Pro) Alternatives & Competitors
Now that you know the primary differences between the Sony Vegas Pro alternatives. Are you find anything you like? Let’s move on to more details for your further consideration.
1. Lightworks
With Lightworks, using the independent timeline codec, format, and resolution alteration in videos is extremely simple. In addition, you can use the multi-cam editing feature for real-time, high-quality editing work. Moreover, drag and drop elements into videos for optimized video editing work, including pre-existing Storyboard points.
Main Features:
- Industry-grade features like QC, transcoding, and automated transfer are available.
- Edit files at different FPS limits and use three-point editing for recording/source files.
- Insert files and overwrite on a new project, replace, backfill, and fit to fill your video clips.
- Attach Storyboard tiles and match-frame clips/sub-clips easily.
Pros
- Flexible functionality and speedy transfers
- Edit files with professional movie-like quality
- Auto Sync feature for automatic timeline re-syncing is available
Cons
- Direct X is only available on the Windows version
- TotalFX plugin is not available for free- you have to upgrade to use them
OS Compatibility: Windows , Mac , Linux
Best For: Editing experts creating visually animated and professional-looking short videos can work with Lightworks.
What users say:
For professional-level video editing work, Lightworks brings a lot of resources and elements to users. According to reviews , people who have tried it have experienced better video editing functionality with these resources.
2. Wondershare Filmora
The top Vegas Pro alternative that both Windows and Mac users can opt for is Filmora. The software has advanced AI-incorporated editing functions for automated editing work, including preset effects from FX plugins. Besides that, you can easily add pre-set transitions, audio clips, text, images, and more.
Beginners find it simple to navigate through its interface and can opt for the Instant Mode function for automatic video edits .
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
For a better idea of how this works, you should check out this tutorial video: https://filmora.wondershare.com/get-creative/make-a-video-quickly.html
Main Features:
- Instant Mode is available for automatic video/audio project editing out of 6 shorter clips.
- Support Advanced editing tools like Chroma Key and AI Portrait.
- Record voiceover, apply speech-to-text/text-to-speech functions, and more audio editing features.
- OpenFX plugins like BorisFX and NewBlue FX for a better list of pre-set effects.
Pros
- Simple to use and navigate on the editor timeline, especially with drag-and-drop support
- Output your editing files in different video/audio formats
- Quickly share the file on Vimeo or YouTube, besides downloading it on the local hard drive
Cons
- Free trial users cannot bring their Instant Mode-created videos into the editor timeline
- 4K support only with selected MKV, MOV, M4V (for Mac), and MP4 codecs
OS Compatibility: Windows , Mac
G2 Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Best For: All types of users like educators, students, homeowners, businesses, and video editors for comprehensive video editing tools and uses.
What users say:
Filmora is extremely simple to use, with advanced features available for top-level video editing work. Users mention in reviews how they have benefitted from the simple functionality and dynamic AI-based features available here for video editing.
3. Adobe Premiere Pro
If you are looking for high-quality programs like Sony Vegas, Adobe Premiere Pro is a reliable choice. This editing software allows you to easily create, delete, and move big video projects. Moreover, you can work on multiple files simultaneously and use shortcuts for faster editing work.
Preset filters and editing features are also available here, especially if they choose the Adobe Creative Cloud option.
Main Features:
- Multiple pre-set transitions and effects are available for quick thematic changes.
- Add graphics, titles, and captions.
- Color grading and correction tools are available.
- It is possible to add keyframing and animation elements.
Pros
- Opting for group plans for video editing practice and learning using Adobe Premiere Pro is possible
- Aligns audio with videos instantly during editing
- Utilize Quick Export functionality for video files in some taps
Cons
- Windows High Contrast Mode is supported but to a limited extent, like with menus and title bars
- HDR workflows can only be handled on the Windows version with DisplayHDR 400 support
OS Compatibility: Windows , Mac
G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best For: Professional editors and trainers can use the various plans under Adobe Premiere Pro for video/audio editing.
What users say:
Advertisers and videographers enjoy high-grade video editing features and like the simple effects and interface quality. The motion graphics support in Adobe Premiere Pro is high-grade as well.
4. HitFilm Express
A capable Sony Vegas free alternative that you should check out is HitFilm Express. With this, you can expect many prepared designs for quick video edits. Additionally, you can manually customize the video files you are working on with high-grade personalization features available in the timeline.
Main Features:
- Pre-set customizable designs are available.
- Built-in sound effects and soundtracks are usable for free.
- Cache renders in timelines are optimized.
- The New Grade Clips feature allows users to apply varying effects to many video clips.
Pros
- Stable process of switching between timelines with an active orbit tool
- Easy to switch between 2D/3D timelines while using the text tool
- Simple to use for an unlimited period
Cons
- Does not work on older versions than Windows 10 and macOS 10.14
- Users cannot integrate this with Vegas Pro like before
OS Compatibility: Windows , Mac
TechRadar Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best For: This software is a high-quality video editor for custom video editing work, fit for beginners and professionals alike.
What users say:
HitFilm Express is easy to use and efficient in the market for professional-level editing. The tutorial is available here for quick learning about the steps, and expandable features are well-admired by users.
5. Kdenlive
A high-quality Sony Vegas open-source variety that you should seriously consider is Kdenlive. The video editor comes with MLT framework support and holds many tools for optimizing video editing.
To simplify, you can arrange and adjust various video/audio tracks and mute or lock specific ones as needed. Add everything from filters, texts, and transitions using this editor for high-grade video projects.
Main Features:
- Get an automatic backup of your video project while you are editing it.
- Use proxy editing to create low-resolution source clip copies and render them later on computers.
- Multiple video/audio scopes are available for monitoring projects like vectorscope, waveform, and RDB Parade.
- Many transition and effect choices to use.
Pros
- Flexibility with themes to add with multiple options
- Pre-render specific timeline parts for preview
- Effects are simple to use with keyframing quality
Cons
- Complex for completely non-technical users to adapt to
- Only supports 64-bit versions in regards to Windows-based compatibility
Trustpilot Rating: 3.7 out of 5
Best For: High-level editing experts who need strong video editing and monitoring features in an open-source platform.
What users say:
Kdenlive, as an open-source video editing software, assures quick and straightforward usability with projects. Per reviews , users like the ability to make simple video edits without bugs in this editor and quickly export finished projects.
6. OpenShot
OpenShot is a high-quality cross-platform video editor that you can use on different devices for quick but dynamic video project edits. Use keyframing ability here to adjust the animated elements you add to the file.
Moreover, cut the videos with simple steps and add many audio tracks/background videos/watermarks in layers. Also, get several video effects to optimize the video look easily.
Main Features:
- Adjust video speed in reverse motion, fast forward, and slow motion.
- Render effects and 3D animated elements into the video project.
- Get title templates and edit them as needed.
- Visualize the background audio beats with waveform support.
Pros
- Very user-friendly interface with a simple navigation guarantee
- Supports more than 70 languages that you can translate as well using LaunchPad
- Drag-and-drop functionality is supported for adding images, audio, and videos into the OpenShot editor timeline
Cons
- Some bug issues can occur
- Slightly complex learning curve
OS Compatibility: Windows , Linux , OsX
G2 Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Best For: Professional-level video editing experts can opt for this cross-platform free software for high-quality video creations.
What users say:
The OpenShot software is suitable for high-quality video editing across different devices and operating systems. Users like the lack of automated watermarks on all videos, its simple dashboard, and its multi-track editing ability, all available for free.
7. Blender
Blender is free video editing software like Sony Vegas that users can use for video editing, but it is also effective for game development with animations. Indeed, you can create and render dynamic-looking scenes with features like Cycles.
Furthermore, the software has a rich modelling toolset with solutions like curves and sculpting tools.
Main Features:
- Completely customization-friendly UI, shortcuts, and window layout here.
- Customization and scripting are possible to do with this software due to the Python API support.
- Supports access and integration of many pipeline tools for projects.
- Comes with advanced simulation-based features available in MantaFlow and Bullet libraries.
Pros
- Basic and advanced tools for quick video edits
- Strong composition and masking ability with object-based motion tracking benefits
- Easily create short animations with Blender
Cons
- Data under the standalone games created here fall under GPL conditions
- Strict licensing rules are applicable here
OS Compatibility: Windows , Mac , Linux
G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best For: Game developers and videographers for companies can use this open-source platform for creation and editing.
What users say:
Blender is a capable software for animation-based editing, with high-quality game-based features and interactive elements that make editing simple. As per reviews , users like the simple animation-based tools and fast rendering it offers.
8. Jahshaka
Users of Jahshaka can experience an inclusive, collaborative environment for metaverse-level editing work. This free editing software, like Sony Vegas, focuses mainly on VR-based editing functions and comes with powerful tools for project management and content creation.
Take the help of other team members to collaborate on dynamic virtual world building, editing, and publishing.
Main Features:
- Compatible player for different desktop and mobile devices.
- Create diversified worlds and scenes with one comprehensive platform.
- Immersive software 3D video development.
- Access to pre-built content and libraries of scenes and assets
Pros
- Easily share and distribute your virtual projects
- Deliver final projects offline and online
- An interactive multi-user engine is available
Cons
- Usable for a niche audience and does not include standard video editing tools
- Jahshaka V2 legacy support is no longer active
OS Compatibility: Windows , Linux , OsX
SourceForge Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Best For: Professional video editors who want a collaborative experience in VR-based development and publishing.
What users say:
Jahshaka is a suitable program for optimized VR-based editing with many preset features and themes to choose from. Most users enjoy the new features and worlds and can work with them efficiently.
9. Final Cut Pro
One of the top Sony Vegas alternatives Mac users can safely turn to is Final Cut Pro, which has powerful modern video editing features. With this software, you will access Cinematic Mode, which you can use to create stylish and thematic video scenes.
Similarly, the Object Tracker features utilize ML technology to automatically detect objects and faces in moving videos. It can align effects and titles accurately with the graphical elements in videos.
Main Features:
- Object Tracker feature for using color correction and adding texts into moving videos.
- Accelerated functional for motion tracking with Apple Neural Engine.
- Add high-quality effects and titles into videos with Cinematic Mode support.
- Preset audio tracks and royalty-free sound effects are available for editing.
Pros
- Handle color grading for optimized scene quality
- Adjust the field depth and focus depth in clips
- Share projects across iOS and macOS platforms
Cons
- Not valid for Windows users
- Relatively high cost to avail the paid version with all advanced features
OS Compatibility: Mac
TrustRadius Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Best For: Professional video editors, students, and filmmakers who want to create cinematic-quality video projects.
What users say:
Final Cut Pro is an efficient Mac-based video editing tool with easy sharing and editing capabilities, rich effects/transitions options, and fast rendering ability. Customers enjoy the intuitive non-linear editor, easy accessibility to social media platforms for file exporting, and live scrubbing, as noted in one review .
10. Cyberlink PowerDirector 365
Another Sony Vegas mac alternative for Windows you should give a try is PowerDirector 365 from Cyberlink. This software removes or compiles video clips and uses masking features like image/custom masks.
Preset special effects, blending modes, and sound effects are available here for quick editing. Additionally, the AI-powered Motion Tracking traces objects in clips and adds graphics, animations, and text quickly in line with it.
Main Features:
- You can create and remove videos with masking features.
- Drag and drop the pre-set effects and texts into videos.
- Adjust video clips with tools for border, gradation, and shadowing.
- Multiple animations, callouts, graphics, and stickers to add to videos.
Pros
- Use green screen functionality for quick background removal or editing
- Automatic audio mastering and mixing functionality are available
- Keyframing benefits for customized animations like scaling and positioning
Cons
- Dolby Digital-centric audio codec is not available for users
- Users can try features like Room Echo Removal and NVIDIA A/V Denoise only on Windows 11
OS Compatibility: Windows
TechRadar Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best For: Professional videographers and regular users who want a Windows-based video editing software for standard video clip editing.
What users say:
Cyberlink PowerDirector is a powerful video editor with standard editing functions many users have tried and benefited from. According to customers , the program has high-quality video and audio editing benefits for presentations, with additional effects/splitting/cropping features.
Part 3: What are the limitations when using Sony Vegas (Vegas Pro) on Mac?
Yes, with the given Sony Vegas alternatives, Mac and Windows users can benefit heavily. But why is it important to try for a replacement when Sony Vegas Pro is relatively efficient software?
To know the answer, you should take the time to understand its limitations, which do exist.
It only works for Windows users
The Sony Vegas Pro software is not available for Mac or other operating systems besides Windows. In addition, it’ll be really complex and time-consuming, even if you opt for virtual machine software or handle dual booting techniques to configure the software on your Mac or Linux.
You need to invest in other hardware
Sony Vegas Pro does do not work within one comprehensive platform like other capable video editing software types, like Wondershare Filmora . You have to acquire a powerful PC and tools to operate it separately. The software works very slowly on older devices.
Not incredibly unique
The functions of Sony Vegas Pro match somewhat with other options in the market. So, users would not expect much value in purchasing this software’s plans that they want to upgrade from their previous system, but on the other hand, the available features are mostly standard-level in functionality as well.
Hot FAQs about Vegas Pro Alternatives
After knowing these details, many users still have specific common queries about opting for a Sony Vegas Pro alternatively. So these are some common FAQs about this- answered.
1. Can Sony Vegas be used on a Mac?
No, it is impossible to directly use Sony Vegas on macOS devices since it does not support it. Instead, you have to separately use a dual boot strategy or virtual machine software to activate the video editor on Mac devices, but the process for that is complex.
2. Is Wondershare Filmora or Vegas Pro better?
Wondershare Filmora and Vegas Pro are top-level options in video and audio editing projects with professional-level editing accuracy. However, Filmora has a cohesive ecosystem with rich AI and standard functions and comes with Mac/Windows support. So, in that sense, Filmora is comparatively a better choice.
Final Words
In place of Sony Vegas Pro, any of these options would also give you a great user experience. Out of them, Filmora is one that we will recommend due to its multi-faceted benefits and features for Mac and Windows users. Ultimately, make your decision based on your particular needs.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Part 1: Sony Vegas Pro Alternatives & Competitors Overview
Here is a list of the top 10 tools we found after research. For an easier understanding, the following are the essential points of difference between alternative video editing software types for Sony Vegas Pro in a tabular form.
| Software | Supported OS | Price | Editor’s Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightworks | Windows, Mac, Linux | Create-$9.99/month, Pro-$23.99/month | Medium-Difficult |
| Wondershare Filmora | Windows, Mac | Annual-$49.99, Perpetual-$79.99 | Easy |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | Windows, Mac | $20.99/month | Easy-Medium |
| HitFilm Express | Windows, Mac | Free | Easy |
| Kdenlive | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free | Medium-Difficult |
| OpenShot | Windows, Mac, Linux, OsX | Free | Medium-Difficult |
| Blender | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free | Easy |
| Jahshaka | Windows, Linux, OsX | Free | Easy-Medium |
| Final Cut Pro | Mac | Lifetime-$299.99 | Easy-Medium |
| Cyberlink PowerDirector 365 | Windows, Mac | Lifetime-$52.50 | Easy-Medium |
Part 2: Top 10 Sony Vegas (Vegas Pro) Alternatives & Competitors
Now that you know the primary differences between the Sony Vegas Pro alternatives. Are you find anything you like? Let’s move on to more details for your further consideration.
1. Lightworks
With Lightworks, using the independent timeline codec, format, and resolution alteration in videos is extremely simple. In addition, you can use the multi-cam editing feature for real-time, high-quality editing work. Moreover, drag and drop elements into videos for optimized video editing work, including pre-existing Storyboard points.
Main Features:
- Industry-grade features like QC, transcoding, and automated transfer are available.
- Edit files at different FPS limits and use three-point editing for recording/source files.
- Insert files and overwrite on a new project, replace, backfill, and fit to fill your video clips.
- Attach Storyboard tiles and match-frame clips/sub-clips easily.
Pros
- Flexible functionality and speedy transfers
- Edit files with professional movie-like quality
- Auto Sync feature for automatic timeline re-syncing is available
Cons
- Direct X is only available on the Windows version
- TotalFX plugin is not available for free- you have to upgrade to use them
OS Compatibility: Windows , Mac , Linux
Best For: Editing experts creating visually animated and professional-looking short videos can work with Lightworks.
What users say:
For professional-level video editing work, Lightworks brings a lot of resources and elements to users. According to reviews , people who have tried it have experienced better video editing functionality with these resources.
2. Wondershare Filmora
The top Vegas Pro alternative that both Windows and Mac users can opt for is Filmora. The software has advanced AI-incorporated editing functions for automated editing work, including preset effects from FX plugins. Besides that, you can easily add pre-set transitions, audio clips, text, images, and more.
Beginners find it simple to navigate through its interface and can opt for the Instant Mode function for automatic video edits .
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
For a better idea of how this works, you should check out this tutorial video: https://filmora.wondershare.com/get-creative/make-a-video-quickly.html
Main Features:
- Instant Mode is available for automatic video/audio project editing out of 6 shorter clips.
- Support Advanced editing tools like Chroma Key and AI Portrait.
- Record voiceover, apply speech-to-text/text-to-speech functions, and more audio editing features.
- OpenFX plugins like BorisFX and NewBlue FX for a better list of pre-set effects.
Pros
- Simple to use and navigate on the editor timeline, especially with drag-and-drop support
- Output your editing files in different video/audio formats
- Quickly share the file on Vimeo or YouTube, besides downloading it on the local hard drive
Cons
- Free trial users cannot bring their Instant Mode-created videos into the editor timeline
- 4K support only with selected MKV, MOV, M4V (for Mac), and MP4 codecs
OS Compatibility: Windows , Mac
G2 Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Best For: All types of users like educators, students, homeowners, businesses, and video editors for comprehensive video editing tools and uses.
What users say:
Filmora is extremely simple to use, with advanced features available for top-level video editing work. Users mention in reviews how they have benefitted from the simple functionality and dynamic AI-based features available here for video editing.
3. Adobe Premiere Pro
If you are looking for high-quality programs like Sony Vegas, Adobe Premiere Pro is a reliable choice. This editing software allows you to easily create, delete, and move big video projects. Moreover, you can work on multiple files simultaneously and use shortcuts for faster editing work.
Preset filters and editing features are also available here, especially if they choose the Adobe Creative Cloud option.
Main Features:
- Multiple pre-set transitions and effects are available for quick thematic changes.
- Add graphics, titles, and captions.
- Color grading and correction tools are available.
- It is possible to add keyframing and animation elements.
Pros
- Opting for group plans for video editing practice and learning using Adobe Premiere Pro is possible
- Aligns audio with videos instantly during editing
- Utilize Quick Export functionality for video files in some taps
Cons
- Windows High Contrast Mode is supported but to a limited extent, like with menus and title bars
- HDR workflows can only be handled on the Windows version with DisplayHDR 400 support
OS Compatibility: Windows , Mac
G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best For: Professional editors and trainers can use the various plans under Adobe Premiere Pro for video/audio editing.
What users say:
Advertisers and videographers enjoy high-grade video editing features and like the simple effects and interface quality. The motion graphics support in Adobe Premiere Pro is high-grade as well.
4. HitFilm Express
A capable Sony Vegas free alternative that you should check out is HitFilm Express. With this, you can expect many prepared designs for quick video edits. Additionally, you can manually customize the video files you are working on with high-grade personalization features available in the timeline.
Main Features:
- Pre-set customizable designs are available.
- Built-in sound effects and soundtracks are usable for free.
- Cache renders in timelines are optimized.
- The New Grade Clips feature allows users to apply varying effects to many video clips.
Pros
- Stable process of switching between timelines with an active orbit tool
- Easy to switch between 2D/3D timelines while using the text tool
- Simple to use for an unlimited period
Cons
- Does not work on older versions than Windows 10 and macOS 10.14
- Users cannot integrate this with Vegas Pro like before
OS Compatibility: Windows , Mac
TechRadar Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best For: This software is a high-quality video editor for custom video editing work, fit for beginners and professionals alike.
What users say:
HitFilm Express is easy to use and efficient in the market for professional-level editing. The tutorial is available here for quick learning about the steps, and expandable features are well-admired by users.
5. Kdenlive
A high-quality Sony Vegas open-source variety that you should seriously consider is Kdenlive. The video editor comes with MLT framework support and holds many tools for optimizing video editing.
To simplify, you can arrange and adjust various video/audio tracks and mute or lock specific ones as needed. Add everything from filters, texts, and transitions using this editor for high-grade video projects.
Main Features:
- Get an automatic backup of your video project while you are editing it.
- Use proxy editing to create low-resolution source clip copies and render them later on computers.
- Multiple video/audio scopes are available for monitoring projects like vectorscope, waveform, and RDB Parade.
- Many transition and effect choices to use.
Pros
- Flexibility with themes to add with multiple options
- Pre-render specific timeline parts for preview
- Effects are simple to use with keyframing quality
Cons
- Complex for completely non-technical users to adapt to
- Only supports 64-bit versions in regards to Windows-based compatibility
Trustpilot Rating: 3.7 out of 5
Best For: High-level editing experts who need strong video editing and monitoring features in an open-source platform.
What users say:
Kdenlive, as an open-source video editing software, assures quick and straightforward usability with projects. Per reviews , users like the ability to make simple video edits without bugs in this editor and quickly export finished projects.
6. OpenShot
OpenShot is a high-quality cross-platform video editor that you can use on different devices for quick but dynamic video project edits. Use keyframing ability here to adjust the animated elements you add to the file.
Moreover, cut the videos with simple steps and add many audio tracks/background videos/watermarks in layers. Also, get several video effects to optimize the video look easily.
Main Features:
- Adjust video speed in reverse motion, fast forward, and slow motion.
- Render effects and 3D animated elements into the video project.
- Get title templates and edit them as needed.
- Visualize the background audio beats with waveform support.
Pros
- Very user-friendly interface with a simple navigation guarantee
- Supports more than 70 languages that you can translate as well using LaunchPad
- Drag-and-drop functionality is supported for adding images, audio, and videos into the OpenShot editor timeline
Cons
- Some bug issues can occur
- Slightly complex learning curve
OS Compatibility: Windows , Linux , OsX
G2 Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Best For: Professional-level video editing experts can opt for this cross-platform free software for high-quality video creations.
What users say:
The OpenShot software is suitable for high-quality video editing across different devices and operating systems. Users like the lack of automated watermarks on all videos, its simple dashboard, and its multi-track editing ability, all available for free.
7. Blender
Blender is free video editing software like Sony Vegas that users can use for video editing, but it is also effective for game development with animations. Indeed, you can create and render dynamic-looking scenes with features like Cycles.
Furthermore, the software has a rich modelling toolset with solutions like curves and sculpting tools.
Main Features:
- Completely customization-friendly UI, shortcuts, and window layout here.
- Customization and scripting are possible to do with this software due to the Python API support.
- Supports access and integration of many pipeline tools for projects.
- Comes with advanced simulation-based features available in MantaFlow and Bullet libraries.
Pros
- Basic and advanced tools for quick video edits
- Strong composition and masking ability with object-based motion tracking benefits
- Easily create short animations with Blender
Cons
- Data under the standalone games created here fall under GPL conditions
- Strict licensing rules are applicable here
OS Compatibility: Windows , Mac , Linux
G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best For: Game developers and videographers for companies can use this open-source platform for creation and editing.
What users say:
Blender is a capable software for animation-based editing, with high-quality game-based features and interactive elements that make editing simple. As per reviews , users like the simple animation-based tools and fast rendering it offers.
8. Jahshaka
Users of Jahshaka can experience an inclusive, collaborative environment for metaverse-level editing work. This free editing software, like Sony Vegas, focuses mainly on VR-based editing functions and comes with powerful tools for project management and content creation.
Take the help of other team members to collaborate on dynamic virtual world building, editing, and publishing.
Main Features:
- Compatible player for different desktop and mobile devices.
- Create diversified worlds and scenes with one comprehensive platform.
- Immersive software 3D video development.
- Access to pre-built content and libraries of scenes and assets
Pros
- Easily share and distribute your virtual projects
- Deliver final projects offline and online
- An interactive multi-user engine is available
Cons
- Usable for a niche audience and does not include standard video editing tools
- Jahshaka V2 legacy support is no longer active
OS Compatibility: Windows , Linux , OsX
SourceForge Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Best For: Professional video editors who want a collaborative experience in VR-based development and publishing.
What users say:
Jahshaka is a suitable program for optimized VR-based editing with many preset features and themes to choose from. Most users enjoy the new features and worlds and can work with them efficiently.
9. Final Cut Pro
One of the top Sony Vegas alternatives Mac users can safely turn to is Final Cut Pro, which has powerful modern video editing features. With this software, you will access Cinematic Mode, which you can use to create stylish and thematic video scenes.
Similarly, the Object Tracker features utilize ML technology to automatically detect objects and faces in moving videos. It can align effects and titles accurately with the graphical elements in videos.
Main Features:
- Object Tracker feature for using color correction and adding texts into moving videos.
- Accelerated functional for motion tracking with Apple Neural Engine.
- Add high-quality effects and titles into videos with Cinematic Mode support.
- Preset audio tracks and royalty-free sound effects are available for editing.
Pros
- Handle color grading for optimized scene quality
- Adjust the field depth and focus depth in clips
- Share projects across iOS and macOS platforms
Cons
- Not valid for Windows users
- Relatively high cost to avail the paid version with all advanced features
OS Compatibility: Mac
TrustRadius Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Best For: Professional video editors, students, and filmmakers who want to create cinematic-quality video projects.
What users say:
Final Cut Pro is an efficient Mac-based video editing tool with easy sharing and editing capabilities, rich effects/transitions options, and fast rendering ability. Customers enjoy the intuitive non-linear editor, easy accessibility to social media platforms for file exporting, and live scrubbing, as noted in one review .
10. Cyberlink PowerDirector 365
Another Sony Vegas mac alternative for Windows you should give a try is PowerDirector 365 from Cyberlink. This software removes or compiles video clips and uses masking features like image/custom masks.
Preset special effects, blending modes, and sound effects are available here for quick editing. Additionally, the AI-powered Motion Tracking traces objects in clips and adds graphics, animations, and text quickly in line with it.
Main Features:
- You can create and remove videos with masking features.
- Drag and drop the pre-set effects and texts into videos.
- Adjust video clips with tools for border, gradation, and shadowing.
- Multiple animations, callouts, graphics, and stickers to add to videos.
Pros
- Use green screen functionality for quick background removal or editing
- Automatic audio mastering and mixing functionality are available
- Keyframing benefits for customized animations like scaling and positioning
Cons
- Dolby Digital-centric audio codec is not available for users
- Users can try features like Room Echo Removal and NVIDIA A/V Denoise only on Windows 11
OS Compatibility: Windows
TechRadar Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best For: Professional videographers and regular users who want a Windows-based video editing software for standard video clip editing.
What users say:
Cyberlink PowerDirector is a powerful video editor with standard editing functions many users have tried and benefited from. According to customers , the program has high-quality video and audio editing benefits for presentations, with additional effects/splitting/cropping features.
Part 3: What are the limitations when using Sony Vegas (Vegas Pro) on Mac?
Yes, with the given Sony Vegas alternatives, Mac and Windows users can benefit heavily. But why is it important to try for a replacement when Sony Vegas Pro is relatively efficient software?
To know the answer, you should take the time to understand its limitations, which do exist.
It only works for Windows users
The Sony Vegas Pro software is not available for Mac or other operating systems besides Windows. In addition, it’ll be really complex and time-consuming, even if you opt for virtual machine software or handle dual booting techniques to configure the software on your Mac or Linux.
You need to invest in other hardware
Sony Vegas Pro does do not work within one comprehensive platform like other capable video editing software types, like Wondershare Filmora . You have to acquire a powerful PC and tools to operate it separately. The software works very slowly on older devices.
Not incredibly unique
The functions of Sony Vegas Pro match somewhat with other options in the market. So, users would not expect much value in purchasing this software’s plans that they want to upgrade from their previous system, but on the other hand, the available features are mostly standard-level in functionality as well.
Hot FAQs about Vegas Pro Alternatives
After knowing these details, many users still have specific common queries about opting for a Sony Vegas Pro alternatively. So these are some common FAQs about this- answered.
1. Can Sony Vegas be used on a Mac?
No, it is impossible to directly use Sony Vegas on macOS devices since it does not support it. Instead, you have to separately use a dual boot strategy or virtual machine software to activate the video editor on Mac devices, but the process for that is complex.
2. Is Wondershare Filmora or Vegas Pro better?
Wondershare Filmora and Vegas Pro are top-level options in video and audio editing projects with professional-level editing accuracy. However, Filmora has a cohesive ecosystem with rich AI and standard functions and comes with Mac/Windows support. So, in that sense, Filmora is comparatively a better choice.
Final Words
In place of Sony Vegas Pro, any of these options would also give you a great user experience. Out of them, Filmora is one that we will recommend due to its multi-faceted benefits and features for Mac and Windows users. Ultimately, make your decision based on your particular needs.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Free Animation Software for Windows and Mac: Our Top Picks
Best 12 Free Download Animation Software for Windows and Mac
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
In your search for quality animation software, you may have found that many of the programs cost a lot of money no matter it is 2D animation software or 3D animation editor. The good news is that you can choose free animation tools to make different animation types easily.
That is why we created a list of the best animation software on both Mac and Windows. Whether you are a professional editor or just a beginner to start making animation, you will find the tools listed below are easy to use without watermark and won’t cost money to improve your skills.
The best part is you will find these free animation programs are also very useful for content creation on Mac and Windows. Besides, we have listed the pros and cons of each software. Keep reading!
- Part 1: Best Free Animation Software for Mac
- Part 2: Best Free Animation Software for Windows
- Part 3: FAQ about Animation Software for Windows and Mac
Here we have made a table of 12 free animation software without watermark on Windows and macOS. Take a look.
6 Free Animation Software for macOS
5K-3DMiddleIt is a great tool for 3D artists6KritaDifficultPerfect software for 2D animation
| Number | Software | Difficulty Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Synfig Studio | Easy | Calculate vector shape to animation automatically |
| 2 | Pencil2D Animation | Easiest | Straightforward interface for beginners |
| 3 | Tupi | Middle | Its community is active to offer solutions |
| 4 | Blender | Difficult | It is a powerful animation tool to render and make modeling |
6 Free Animation Software for Windows
| Number | Software | Difficulty Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DAZ Studio | Difficult | For professional users with the fast animation process |
| 2 | Terragen | Middle | It can make realistic CG environments |
| 3 | Anim8or | Difficult | 3D animation is Anim8or’s main function |
| 4 | Seamless3d | Easy | It has many features for 3d modeling |
| 5 | OpenToonz | Middle | Make cartoon animation with plugins |
| 6 | Stykz | Easy | Quickly make animation if you have used Pivot StickFigure Animator |
Best Animation Software on Windows and Mac - Filmora
Looking for a simple while powerful Mac video editing tool ? We recommend using Wondershare Filmora. You can use it to create 2D/3D animated texts, shapes, or anything you like for YouTube videos.
The keyframing features will help you make animation effects smooth and precise. When exporting, you can also make it transparent.
Besides, various title templates and transitions are also available for you. Download it now to have a try! Or learn more from Wondershare Video Community .
Key features
- Create various shapes that you like
- Add keyframing to make it move
- Fine-tuning to make it smooth
- Add visual effects/text/color before export it
You can even create photo cut animation which has been very trendy on Tiktok and Instagram. Here is a video to present you how you can do it in Filmora.
Part 1 Best Free Animation Software for Mac
Listed below is free animation software on Mac. Take a look.
01 Synfig Studio - Mac Software to Animate Video
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: You can create many layers once a time and sync audio for your animation.
Con: This one needs much time to learn, especially for beginners.
An open-source 2D animation software that works on Macs, Synfig Studio delivers multiple players while you are creating content. Whether you want to add geometric, filters, distortions, or transformations, it is all possible! And thanks to the high-end bone system, you can create cut-out videos using bitmap images!
The thoughtful part is there are two download versions on the homepage: the stable version and the development version. If you want to enjoy a stable and smooth animation editing experience, choose the stable one. However, the development package gives you access to the use of the latest features.
For a novice, you can learn Synfig from step by step guide in Wikipedia and video tutorials. Four languages are available including English, Russian, Dutch, and French for a video course.
You can free download its latest version 1.3.11. The upcoming version is 1.4.
Features:
- It offers support for many layers within the animation.
- The program’s bone system means that you can easily create animations with bitmap images or vector artwork.
- It allows you to sync your creative work with any sound that you want. Has a full-featured audio editor.
02 Pencil2D Animation - Animation Program for 2D Pencil Lover
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Pro: Easy to start and make animation as the interface is user-friendly for many people.
Con: You need to set your preference every time to open it up, so it takes up some time
Pencil2D Animation is one of the simplest 2D hand-drawn tools available. It will work flawlessly on Mac computers. It is ideal for beginners, as the commands and interface are very easy to understand.
Whether you want to create a simple one, or you want something with many layers for videos on YouTube, you can use Pencil2D animation to get it done. Its timeline is easy to use at first glance. You can add and duplicate different frames on a different track.
The frequency of releasing the new version is very fast as Pencil2D is committed to bringing the lasted features to each user. The newest version is v0.6.4 (as of August 2019). Its user guide is informative with video tutorials, FAQs, and manual material.
Features:
- Lightweight and minimalistic design that makes it very easy for beginners.
- Features raster and vector workflows, with easy switching between them. You can paint and sketch as you want!
- Will run on all platforms - Mac, Windows, and Linux.
- Completely free and open source.
03 TupiTube - Free Animation Application for Mac Users
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: It supports vector illustrations. Besides, various formats are available.
Con: If you want to make 3D animation, it will fail. You can only make 2D effects.
A free software application for YouTube, Tupi will allow you to create 2D animations to your heart’s content. The tool was started by animators who wanted to create something that others could use.
It is an open-source tool, which means that users can make tweaks to the program if they have some interesting ideas. The program works on both Windows and Mac. You need to use Tupi and Papagayo to make lip-sync animation with different mouth shapes.
It also offers a solution for schools with related features including academic license, technical support, and ads-free, so many schools choose to use this one to teach kids how to make an animation video.
Features:
- Support for vector illustrations. You can add rectangles, lines, polygons, and other shapes as you please. To fill areas, just use the paint bucket.
- You can import raster images using this program.
- You can export all your finished images into different file formats.
- Support for tweeting positions, scale, shear, and rotations.
04 Blender - Need Some Time to Learn This Animation Tool
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Really powerful software that you can make for professional users.
Con: It is not easy to make image animation as it focuses on 3D.
Blender is an open-source 3D animation creation suite without a watermark. If you find that 2D is a little bit limiting, we think that you will be very happy with what this free program offers. You can take your projects to a whole new level when you can use this program on your Mac.
You can use Blender to make a video game, modeling, and high-quality animation. However, it involves a steep learning curve. Luckily, there are many tutorials to guide you through the journey. You can also ask for help in the Blender community that millions of talented people like you are there.
Features:
- Creating renders is no problem with this program.
- Modeling, such as sculpting, retopology, and creating curves is not an issue either.
- VFX and animation features are better than any option on the market.
- It offers powerful simulation tools.
- Integration with pipeline tools is easy.
05 K-3D - Best for Animation and Modeling in 3D
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: Ideal for designing simple 3D animations and models.
Con: It has an old-fashioned interface. Also, the built-render (RenderMan) feature is difficult to use by beginners.
K-3D is an animation and 3D modeling software. You can download this tool for free on your Mac. Besides, you can also install and run it on your Windows and Linux systems. If you look at the design, you will find that the software is quite old. But don’t judge a book by its cover. Why so? It is because K-3D is one of the strongest and most versatile tools for 3D artists with many options.
For example, K-3D offers extremely systematic and methodological workflows. You can easily adjust the properties of the features in real-time and get instant results. It has a node-oriented visualization pipeline to enjoy more freedom. That means you can create animation using a variety of combinations.
One of the best things about K-3D is that it has three subdivisions of animation. You can work on your model on one side while showing the other side in a mirrored form. Then, experience the final result combined together. And in case you need to make the changes to the end results, you can simply work on the first subdivision and savor automatic changes to the results.
K-3D has an advanced redo and undo mechanism to ensure you can go back or move forward to make corrections or amendments without limits. Additionally, the tool is developed keeping in mind all the industrial standards. For instance, it has complete support and integration of native RenderMan™ to its user interface. This is an excellent feature because most free animation software for Mac requires third-party render plugins.
Features:
- Parametric workflow.
- 2D and 3D animation tools.
- Allows Python and K3DScript scripting.
06 Krita - For Professional 2D Animators
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Advanced tools with numerous animation options and online training material.
Con: Not suitable for beginners.
If you love 2D animation, then you’ll surely love Krita. It is entirely free software available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Also, it offers a full platform for drawing and frame-by-frame animation.
The number one reason for adoring Krita is its brush library. There are more than 100 professional brushes to give you a wide range of effects. Moreover, the strokes are pretty amazing and similar to Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.
Another great thing about Krita is the brush stabilization feature designed for shaky hands. You can add a stabilizer to your chosen brush to smoothen its flow. Besides, there’s a special Dynamic Brush tool to make animation more fun. At the same time, you can also customize your brushes through different brush engines, including filter engines, color smudge engines, and many more.
Apart from the basic brush options, the preloaded vector tools are next to admire. These tools help you make great comic panels. All you need to do is choose and drag the word bubble template on your canvas. Then, make changes with the anchor point to make new shapes. At the same time, you can also add text to your animation by using the text tool.
Last but not least, there’s a wrap-around mode to create seamless patterns and textures. That means the image or drawing makes its own references along the x-axis and y-axis. This gives you the freedom to continue painting and enjoy updates to your animation instantly.
Features:
- HDR painting.
- PSD support.
- Python scripting.
- Selection and transformation tools.
- Proper group, filter, vector, and file layer management.
- Complete color management for extraordinary results.
- Drawing assistant to help you with straight lines and vanishing points.
Part 2 Best Free Animation Software for Windows
Below is free animation software on Windows. Keep reading.
01 Anireel - Easy to Use Animation Software
Difficulty Level: Easy
Anireel is a simple yet powerful Video Creativity tool used to make 2D animated explainer videos. Developed by Wondershare, one of the most popular Windows software and tool developers, Anireel uses rich, ready-to-use, and diverse assets to help one effortlessly make animated videos.
Features:
- There are tons of drag and drop characters, actions, props, text, and audio assets.
- Easy Text-to-Speech conversion via deep studying technology.
- Animate integrated and imported assets.
- Tons of templates that match many script types.
02 DAZ Studio - Free Software for 3D Lovers
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: You can make game animation for fun. It also supports GPU accelerated real-time rendering.
Con: It has a high demand for the device, but owns a steep learning curve.
Daz 3d is a powerful and completely free 3D creation tool that will let you create the short videos that you want. Whether you are using this for business or pleasure, you will find the program is very easy to understand. Within a day, you will be completely used to its interface.
3D effects are the core focus of DAZ Studio. You can build a model, render, and pose animation within the skin texture level. It has a high requirement for the device. For Windows 64 bits, its recommended RAM is 3G.
Features:
- Options for 3D morphing, animation, and rendering.
- GPU accelerated real-time rendering, which delivers the best results.
- Interactive tutorials to help you become a better 3D artist.
- Everything you make is yours, royalty-free!
03 Terragen - Use It to Make CG Animation
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: The recently updated version is the best one. Ray-traced preview is a great function to help us make animation.
Con: The interface looks complicated, but it gets easy to know after you are familiar with it.
A completely free program that you can download and install on all Windows computers and tablets, Terragen is the ideal program for you to create the 3D animations and environments that you want. If you want a photo-realistic CG environment, using Terragen is the best way to do it!
Releasing imagination instantly, Terragen Creative is the one tool you’d like to consider. You can use it to make beautiful scenery.
For advanced tools, you can choose FBX to make animation quickly. The featured image gallery on its homepage will give you a deep understanding of the final outcome you can achieve with Terragen.
Features:
- Ray-traced preview. Without watermark after exporting
- Photo-realistic clouds and ozone simulation
- Rendering is twice as fast as the previous version of the program.
- Adding terrain, objects, and shader to your final product is very easy with the intuitive interface.
04 Anim8or - Free Tool to Make 3D Modeling
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Anim8or supports 3D modeler and TrueType fonts to meet advanced needs.
Con: Beginners will find it difficult to learn.
Anim8or is a free 3D modeling program that will let you create the unique work that you want. It is a personal project from an animator, but the program does get regular updates and troubleshooting.
It is not going to give you the same features as something like Studio Max or Maya, but you will get the basics. Beginners who are getting into animations will love this program.
Anim8or is a great tool to step into 3D animation ff you think other software is too different to start. In some way, it means you need to give up some advanced features. But all in all, it’s still recommended for you.
Features:
- A full 3D modeler that allows you to create spheres, cylinders, platonic solids, and any other objects that you want.
- Features support for TrueType fonts.
- Easy to create 3D scenes and output them as video files or images.
05 Seamless3d - Open-source Free Software
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: It is an open-source 3D modeling package. The good thing is the handy infinite Undo/Redo operation.
Con: Some advanced features are missing like drawing.
Seamless3d, an open-source 3D modeling software that you can download, is among the best animation worktables if you want to create specialized images, animated videos, or 3D characters.
It supports FFmpeg video format, so you can use AVI, MP4, and more. Besides, the forum is not active compared with before, but you still can find answers from many tutorials .
Features:
- It comes with infinite undo and redo options for complete flexibility to correct mistakes.
- It allows for partitioned and seamless texture mapping for YouTube videos.
- Has a specialized tree view interface.
06 OpenToonz - Support Plug in to Make Animation Freely
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: It is open-source software, so you can change the code freely.
Con: The plug-in effects are limited.
This animation program is made for beginners on Windows. It is among the best 2D animation software in the market. You can use plug-in effects to change image style, add lights, and distort details. It supports Windows 7/8/10 only for 64 bit.
Features:
- You can add provisional colors to make your animation more colorful.
- Smooth correction without frame losing.
- Compatible with black-and-white, colored, or without binarization scanning.
7 Stykz - Simple to Use Animation Program for Beginners
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: It is the best stick figure animation if you want to make this kind of video.
Con: The UI is not modern to use and needs time to adapt to using it.
Stykz is completely free to use and without a watermark. If you have used Pivot StickFigure Animator, then you will find Stykz is similar to it, but you can import the previous .stk files to animate it again. You can use it to make animation smooth frame by frame.
With its frame-based feature, Stykz is easy to customize each frame. You can change previous and current frames to get what you want. You can download it to have a try considering its easy-to-use features.
Features:
- There is some animes file on this website, so you can have a reference.
- Edit animation in the software without using another editing window.
- You can share the final work with others including information.
Part 3 FAQ about Animation Software for Windows and Mac
01 Are Macs good for animation?
To be frank, Mac is a better choice to make animation if you want to have a smooth animation experience. For example, screen resolution is a crucial factor to make excellent animation. The good is Mac’s screen will never let you disappointed.
02 What is the best animation software for Mac?
The best animation software on mac includes Synfig Studio, Pencil2D Animation, Tupi, Blender, and more. Mentioned are free-to-use. Maya is also worth considering animation software if you are a professional user. Maya offers a 1-month free trial. After it is ended, the paid plans are month, 1-year, and 3-year.
03 Can you animate in Photoshop?
Yes, you can make basic animation in Photoshop. However, it only supports frame-based animation making. In this case, you need to use other professional software to make animation. But, you still can use Photoshop to meet your needs if you are a beginner.
Conclusion
With any of these free animation maker programs on Mac and Windows, you will have an easy time creating your next 2D or 3D video. Ensure you choose the program that has the features and compatibility that you desire. Then it is up to your creative mind to come up with stunning animations! If you want to make animation easily, you can also find inspiration through classical animated cartoon types with examples .
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
In your search for quality animation software, you may have found that many of the programs cost a lot of money no matter it is 2D animation software or 3D animation editor. The good news is that you can choose free animation tools to make different animation types easily.
That is why we created a list of the best animation software on both Mac and Windows. Whether you are a professional editor or just a beginner to start making animation, you will find the tools listed below are easy to use without watermark and won’t cost money to improve your skills.
The best part is you will find these free animation programs are also very useful for content creation on Mac and Windows. Besides, we have listed the pros and cons of each software. Keep reading!
- Part 1: Best Free Animation Software for Mac
- Part 2: Best Free Animation Software for Windows
- Part 3: FAQ about Animation Software for Windows and Mac
Here we have made a table of 12 free animation software without watermark on Windows and macOS. Take a look.
6 Free Animation Software for macOS
5K-3DMiddleIt is a great tool for 3D artists6KritaDifficultPerfect software for 2D animation
| Number | Software | Difficulty Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Synfig Studio | Easy | Calculate vector shape to animation automatically |
| 2 | Pencil2D Animation | Easiest | Straightforward interface for beginners |
| 3 | Tupi | Middle | Its community is active to offer solutions |
| 4 | Blender | Difficult | It is a powerful animation tool to render and make modeling |
6 Free Animation Software for Windows
| Number | Software | Difficulty Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DAZ Studio | Difficult | For professional users with the fast animation process |
| 2 | Terragen | Middle | It can make realistic CG environments |
| 3 | Anim8or | Difficult | 3D animation is Anim8or’s main function |
| 4 | Seamless3d | Easy | It has many features for 3d modeling |
| 5 | OpenToonz | Middle | Make cartoon animation with plugins |
| 6 | Stykz | Easy | Quickly make animation if you have used Pivot StickFigure Animator |
Best Animation Software on Windows and Mac - Filmora
Looking for a simple while powerful Mac video editing tool ? We recommend using Wondershare Filmora. You can use it to create 2D/3D animated texts, shapes, or anything you like for YouTube videos.
The keyframing features will help you make animation effects smooth and precise. When exporting, you can also make it transparent.
Besides, various title templates and transitions are also available for you. Download it now to have a try! Or learn more from Wondershare Video Community .
Key features
- Create various shapes that you like
- Add keyframing to make it move
- Fine-tuning to make it smooth
- Add visual effects/text/color before export it
You can even create photo cut animation which has been very trendy on Tiktok and Instagram. Here is a video to present you how you can do it in Filmora.
Part 1 Best Free Animation Software for Mac
Listed below is free animation software on Mac. Take a look.
01 Synfig Studio - Mac Software to Animate Video
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: You can create many layers once a time and sync audio for your animation.
Con: This one needs much time to learn, especially for beginners.
An open-source 2D animation software that works on Macs, Synfig Studio delivers multiple players while you are creating content. Whether you want to add geometric, filters, distortions, or transformations, it is all possible! And thanks to the high-end bone system, you can create cut-out videos using bitmap images!
The thoughtful part is there are two download versions on the homepage: the stable version and the development version. If you want to enjoy a stable and smooth animation editing experience, choose the stable one. However, the development package gives you access to the use of the latest features.
For a novice, you can learn Synfig from step by step guide in Wikipedia and video tutorials. Four languages are available including English, Russian, Dutch, and French for a video course.
You can free download its latest version 1.3.11. The upcoming version is 1.4.
Features:
- It offers support for many layers within the animation.
- The program’s bone system means that you can easily create animations with bitmap images or vector artwork.
- It allows you to sync your creative work with any sound that you want. Has a full-featured audio editor.
02 Pencil2D Animation - Animation Program for 2D Pencil Lover
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Pro: Easy to start and make animation as the interface is user-friendly for many people.
Con: You need to set your preference every time to open it up, so it takes up some time
Pencil2D Animation is one of the simplest 2D hand-drawn tools available. It will work flawlessly on Mac computers. It is ideal for beginners, as the commands and interface are very easy to understand.
Whether you want to create a simple one, or you want something with many layers for videos on YouTube, you can use Pencil2D animation to get it done. Its timeline is easy to use at first glance. You can add and duplicate different frames on a different track.
The frequency of releasing the new version is very fast as Pencil2D is committed to bringing the lasted features to each user. The newest version is v0.6.4 (as of August 2019). Its user guide is informative with video tutorials, FAQs, and manual material.
Features:
- Lightweight and minimalistic design that makes it very easy for beginners.
- Features raster and vector workflows, with easy switching between them. You can paint and sketch as you want!
- Will run on all platforms - Mac, Windows, and Linux.
- Completely free and open source.
03 TupiTube - Free Animation Application for Mac Users
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: It supports vector illustrations. Besides, various formats are available.
Con: If you want to make 3D animation, it will fail. You can only make 2D effects.
A free software application for YouTube, Tupi will allow you to create 2D animations to your heart’s content. The tool was started by animators who wanted to create something that others could use.
It is an open-source tool, which means that users can make tweaks to the program if they have some interesting ideas. The program works on both Windows and Mac. You need to use Tupi and Papagayo to make lip-sync animation with different mouth shapes.
It also offers a solution for schools with related features including academic license, technical support, and ads-free, so many schools choose to use this one to teach kids how to make an animation video.
Features:
- Support for vector illustrations. You can add rectangles, lines, polygons, and other shapes as you please. To fill areas, just use the paint bucket.
- You can import raster images using this program.
- You can export all your finished images into different file formats.
- Support for tweeting positions, scale, shear, and rotations.
04 Blender - Need Some Time to Learn This Animation Tool
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Really powerful software that you can make for professional users.
Con: It is not easy to make image animation as it focuses on 3D.
Blender is an open-source 3D animation creation suite without a watermark. If you find that 2D is a little bit limiting, we think that you will be very happy with what this free program offers. You can take your projects to a whole new level when you can use this program on your Mac.
You can use Blender to make a video game, modeling, and high-quality animation. However, it involves a steep learning curve. Luckily, there are many tutorials to guide you through the journey. You can also ask for help in the Blender community that millions of talented people like you are there.
Features:
- Creating renders is no problem with this program.
- Modeling, such as sculpting, retopology, and creating curves is not an issue either.
- VFX and animation features are better than any option on the market.
- It offers powerful simulation tools.
- Integration with pipeline tools is easy.
05 K-3D - Best for Animation and Modeling in 3D
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: Ideal for designing simple 3D animations and models.
Con: It has an old-fashioned interface. Also, the built-render (RenderMan) feature is difficult to use by beginners.
K-3D is an animation and 3D modeling software. You can download this tool for free on your Mac. Besides, you can also install and run it on your Windows and Linux systems. If you look at the design, you will find that the software is quite old. But don’t judge a book by its cover. Why so? It is because K-3D is one of the strongest and most versatile tools for 3D artists with many options.
For example, K-3D offers extremely systematic and methodological workflows. You can easily adjust the properties of the features in real-time and get instant results. It has a node-oriented visualization pipeline to enjoy more freedom. That means you can create animation using a variety of combinations.
One of the best things about K-3D is that it has three subdivisions of animation. You can work on your model on one side while showing the other side in a mirrored form. Then, experience the final result combined together. And in case you need to make the changes to the end results, you can simply work on the first subdivision and savor automatic changes to the results.
K-3D has an advanced redo and undo mechanism to ensure you can go back or move forward to make corrections or amendments without limits. Additionally, the tool is developed keeping in mind all the industrial standards. For instance, it has complete support and integration of native RenderMan™ to its user interface. This is an excellent feature because most free animation software for Mac requires third-party render plugins.
Features:
- Parametric workflow.
- 2D and 3D animation tools.
- Allows Python and K3DScript scripting.
06 Krita - For Professional 2D Animators
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Advanced tools with numerous animation options and online training material.
Con: Not suitable for beginners.
If you love 2D animation, then you’ll surely love Krita. It is entirely free software available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Also, it offers a full platform for drawing and frame-by-frame animation.
The number one reason for adoring Krita is its brush library. There are more than 100 professional brushes to give you a wide range of effects. Moreover, the strokes are pretty amazing and similar to Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.
Another great thing about Krita is the brush stabilization feature designed for shaky hands. You can add a stabilizer to your chosen brush to smoothen its flow. Besides, there’s a special Dynamic Brush tool to make animation more fun. At the same time, you can also customize your brushes through different brush engines, including filter engines, color smudge engines, and many more.
Apart from the basic brush options, the preloaded vector tools are next to admire. These tools help you make great comic panels. All you need to do is choose and drag the word bubble template on your canvas. Then, make changes with the anchor point to make new shapes. At the same time, you can also add text to your animation by using the text tool.
Last but not least, there’s a wrap-around mode to create seamless patterns and textures. That means the image or drawing makes its own references along the x-axis and y-axis. This gives you the freedom to continue painting and enjoy updates to your animation instantly.
Features:
- HDR painting.
- PSD support.
- Python scripting.
- Selection and transformation tools.
- Proper group, filter, vector, and file layer management.
- Complete color management for extraordinary results.
- Drawing assistant to help you with straight lines and vanishing points.
Part 2 Best Free Animation Software for Windows
Below is free animation software on Windows. Keep reading.
01 Anireel - Easy to Use Animation Software
Difficulty Level: Easy
Anireel is a simple yet powerful Video Creativity tool used to make 2D animated explainer videos. Developed by Wondershare, one of the most popular Windows software and tool developers, Anireel uses rich, ready-to-use, and diverse assets to help one effortlessly make animated videos.
Features:
- There are tons of drag and drop characters, actions, props, text, and audio assets.
- Easy Text-to-Speech conversion via deep studying technology.
- Animate integrated and imported assets.
- Tons of templates that match many script types.
02 DAZ Studio - Free Software for 3D Lovers
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: You can make game animation for fun. It also supports GPU accelerated real-time rendering.
Con: It has a high demand for the device, but owns a steep learning curve.
Daz 3d is a powerful and completely free 3D creation tool that will let you create the short videos that you want. Whether you are using this for business or pleasure, you will find the program is very easy to understand. Within a day, you will be completely used to its interface.
3D effects are the core focus of DAZ Studio. You can build a model, render, and pose animation within the skin texture level. It has a high requirement for the device. For Windows 64 bits, its recommended RAM is 3G.
Features:
- Options for 3D morphing, animation, and rendering.
- GPU accelerated real-time rendering, which delivers the best results.
- Interactive tutorials to help you become a better 3D artist.
- Everything you make is yours, royalty-free!
03 Terragen - Use It to Make CG Animation
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: The recently updated version is the best one. Ray-traced preview is a great function to help us make animation.
Con: The interface looks complicated, but it gets easy to know after you are familiar with it.
A completely free program that you can download and install on all Windows computers and tablets, Terragen is the ideal program for you to create the 3D animations and environments that you want. If you want a photo-realistic CG environment, using Terragen is the best way to do it!
Releasing imagination instantly, Terragen Creative is the one tool you’d like to consider. You can use it to make beautiful scenery.
For advanced tools, you can choose FBX to make animation quickly. The featured image gallery on its homepage will give you a deep understanding of the final outcome you can achieve with Terragen.
Features:
- Ray-traced preview. Without watermark after exporting
- Photo-realistic clouds and ozone simulation
- Rendering is twice as fast as the previous version of the program.
- Adding terrain, objects, and shader to your final product is very easy with the intuitive interface.
04 Anim8or - Free Tool to Make 3D Modeling
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Anim8or supports 3D modeler and TrueType fonts to meet advanced needs.
Con: Beginners will find it difficult to learn.
Anim8or is a free 3D modeling program that will let you create the unique work that you want. It is a personal project from an animator, but the program does get regular updates and troubleshooting.
It is not going to give you the same features as something like Studio Max or Maya, but you will get the basics. Beginners who are getting into animations will love this program.
Anim8or is a great tool to step into 3D animation ff you think other software is too different to start. In some way, it means you need to give up some advanced features. But all in all, it’s still recommended for you.
Features:
- A full 3D modeler that allows you to create spheres, cylinders, platonic solids, and any other objects that you want.
- Features support for TrueType fonts.
- Easy to create 3D scenes and output them as video files or images.
05 Seamless3d - Open-source Free Software
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: It is an open-source 3D modeling package. The good thing is the handy infinite Undo/Redo operation.
Con: Some advanced features are missing like drawing.
Seamless3d, an open-source 3D modeling software that you can download, is among the best animation worktables if you want to create specialized images, animated videos, or 3D characters.
It supports FFmpeg video format, so you can use AVI, MP4, and more. Besides, the forum is not active compared with before, but you still can find answers from many tutorials .
Features:
- It comes with infinite undo and redo options for complete flexibility to correct mistakes.
- It allows for partitioned and seamless texture mapping for YouTube videos.
- Has a specialized tree view interface.
06 OpenToonz - Support Plug in to Make Animation Freely
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: It is open-source software, so you can change the code freely.
Con: The plug-in effects are limited.
This animation program is made for beginners on Windows. It is among the best 2D animation software in the market. You can use plug-in effects to change image style, add lights, and distort details. It supports Windows 7/8/10 only for 64 bit.
Features:
- You can add provisional colors to make your animation more colorful.
- Smooth correction without frame losing.
- Compatible with black-and-white, colored, or without binarization scanning.
7 Stykz - Simple to Use Animation Program for Beginners
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: It is the best stick figure animation if you want to make this kind of video.
Con: The UI is not modern to use and needs time to adapt to using it.
Stykz is completely free to use and without a watermark. If you have used Pivot StickFigure Animator, then you will find Stykz is similar to it, but you can import the previous .stk files to animate it again. You can use it to make animation smooth frame by frame.
With its frame-based feature, Stykz is easy to customize each frame. You can change previous and current frames to get what you want. You can download it to have a try considering its easy-to-use features.
Features:
- There is some animes file on this website, so you can have a reference.
- Edit animation in the software without using another editing window.
- You can share the final work with others including information.
Part 3 FAQ about Animation Software for Windows and Mac
01 Are Macs good for animation?
To be frank, Mac is a better choice to make animation if you want to have a smooth animation experience. For example, screen resolution is a crucial factor to make excellent animation. The good is Mac’s screen will never let you disappointed.
02 What is the best animation software for Mac?
The best animation software on mac includes Synfig Studio, Pencil2D Animation, Tupi, Blender, and more. Mentioned are free-to-use. Maya is also worth considering animation software if you are a professional user. Maya offers a 1-month free trial. After it is ended, the paid plans are month, 1-year, and 3-year.
03 Can you animate in Photoshop?
Yes, you can make basic animation in Photoshop. However, it only supports frame-based animation making. In this case, you need to use other professional software to make animation. But, you still can use Photoshop to meet your needs if you are a beginner.
Conclusion
With any of these free animation maker programs on Mac and Windows, you will have an easy time creating your next 2D or 3D video. Ensure you choose the program that has the features and compatibility that you desire. Then it is up to your creative mind to come up with stunning animations! If you want to make animation easily, you can also find inspiration through classical animated cartoon types with examples .
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
In your search for quality animation software, you may have found that many of the programs cost a lot of money no matter it is 2D animation software or 3D animation editor. The good news is that you can choose free animation tools to make different animation types easily.
That is why we created a list of the best animation software on both Mac and Windows. Whether you are a professional editor or just a beginner to start making animation, you will find the tools listed below are easy to use without watermark and won’t cost money to improve your skills.
The best part is you will find these free animation programs are also very useful for content creation on Mac and Windows. Besides, we have listed the pros and cons of each software. Keep reading!
- Part 1: Best Free Animation Software for Mac
- Part 2: Best Free Animation Software for Windows
- Part 3: FAQ about Animation Software for Windows and Mac
Here we have made a table of 12 free animation software without watermark on Windows and macOS. Take a look.
6 Free Animation Software for macOS
5K-3DMiddleIt is a great tool for 3D artists6KritaDifficultPerfect software for 2D animation
| Number | Software | Difficulty Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Synfig Studio | Easy | Calculate vector shape to animation automatically |
| 2 | Pencil2D Animation | Easiest | Straightforward interface for beginners |
| 3 | Tupi | Middle | Its community is active to offer solutions |
| 4 | Blender | Difficult | It is a powerful animation tool to render and make modeling |
6 Free Animation Software for Windows
| Number | Software | Difficulty Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DAZ Studio | Difficult | For professional users with the fast animation process |
| 2 | Terragen | Middle | It can make realistic CG environments |
| 3 | Anim8or | Difficult | 3D animation is Anim8or’s main function |
| 4 | Seamless3d | Easy | It has many features for 3d modeling |
| 5 | OpenToonz | Middle | Make cartoon animation with plugins |
| 6 | Stykz | Easy | Quickly make animation if you have used Pivot StickFigure Animator |
Best Animation Software on Windows and Mac - Filmora
Looking for a simple while powerful Mac video editing tool ? We recommend using Wondershare Filmora. You can use it to create 2D/3D animated texts, shapes, or anything you like for YouTube videos.
The keyframing features will help you make animation effects smooth and precise. When exporting, you can also make it transparent.
Besides, various title templates and transitions are also available for you. Download it now to have a try! Or learn more from Wondershare Video Community .
Key features
- Create various shapes that you like
- Add keyframing to make it move
- Fine-tuning to make it smooth
- Add visual effects/text/color before export it
You can even create photo cut animation which has been very trendy on Tiktok and Instagram. Here is a video to present you how you can do it in Filmora.
Part 1 Best Free Animation Software for Mac
Listed below is free animation software on Mac. Take a look.
01 Synfig Studio - Mac Software to Animate Video
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: You can create many layers once a time and sync audio for your animation.
Con: This one needs much time to learn, especially for beginners.
An open-source 2D animation software that works on Macs, Synfig Studio delivers multiple players while you are creating content. Whether you want to add geometric, filters, distortions, or transformations, it is all possible! And thanks to the high-end bone system, you can create cut-out videos using bitmap images!
The thoughtful part is there are two download versions on the homepage: the stable version and the development version. If you want to enjoy a stable and smooth animation editing experience, choose the stable one. However, the development package gives you access to the use of the latest features.
For a novice, you can learn Synfig from step by step guide in Wikipedia and video tutorials. Four languages are available including English, Russian, Dutch, and French for a video course.
You can free download its latest version 1.3.11. The upcoming version is 1.4.
Features:
- It offers support for many layers within the animation.
- The program’s bone system means that you can easily create animations with bitmap images or vector artwork.
- It allows you to sync your creative work with any sound that you want. Has a full-featured audio editor.
02 Pencil2D Animation - Animation Program for 2D Pencil Lover
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Pro: Easy to start and make animation as the interface is user-friendly for many people.
Con: You need to set your preference every time to open it up, so it takes up some time
Pencil2D Animation is one of the simplest 2D hand-drawn tools available. It will work flawlessly on Mac computers. It is ideal for beginners, as the commands and interface are very easy to understand.
Whether you want to create a simple one, or you want something with many layers for videos on YouTube, you can use Pencil2D animation to get it done. Its timeline is easy to use at first glance. You can add and duplicate different frames on a different track.
The frequency of releasing the new version is very fast as Pencil2D is committed to bringing the lasted features to each user. The newest version is v0.6.4 (as of August 2019). Its user guide is informative with video tutorials, FAQs, and manual material.
Features:
- Lightweight and minimalistic design that makes it very easy for beginners.
- Features raster and vector workflows, with easy switching between them. You can paint and sketch as you want!
- Will run on all platforms - Mac, Windows, and Linux.
- Completely free and open source.
03 TupiTube - Free Animation Application for Mac Users
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: It supports vector illustrations. Besides, various formats are available.
Con: If you want to make 3D animation, it will fail. You can only make 2D effects.
A free software application for YouTube, Tupi will allow you to create 2D animations to your heart’s content. The tool was started by animators who wanted to create something that others could use.
It is an open-source tool, which means that users can make tweaks to the program if they have some interesting ideas. The program works on both Windows and Mac. You need to use Tupi and Papagayo to make lip-sync animation with different mouth shapes.
It also offers a solution for schools with related features including academic license, technical support, and ads-free, so many schools choose to use this one to teach kids how to make an animation video.
Features:
- Support for vector illustrations. You can add rectangles, lines, polygons, and other shapes as you please. To fill areas, just use the paint bucket.
- You can import raster images using this program.
- You can export all your finished images into different file formats.
- Support for tweeting positions, scale, shear, and rotations.
04 Blender - Need Some Time to Learn This Animation Tool
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Really powerful software that you can make for professional users.
Con: It is not easy to make image animation as it focuses on 3D.
Blender is an open-source 3D animation creation suite without a watermark. If you find that 2D is a little bit limiting, we think that you will be very happy with what this free program offers. You can take your projects to a whole new level when you can use this program on your Mac.
You can use Blender to make a video game, modeling, and high-quality animation. However, it involves a steep learning curve. Luckily, there are many tutorials to guide you through the journey. You can also ask for help in the Blender community that millions of talented people like you are there.
Features:
- Creating renders is no problem with this program.
- Modeling, such as sculpting, retopology, and creating curves is not an issue either.
- VFX and animation features are better than any option on the market.
- It offers powerful simulation tools.
- Integration with pipeline tools is easy.
05 K-3D - Best for Animation and Modeling in 3D
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: Ideal for designing simple 3D animations and models.
Con: It has an old-fashioned interface. Also, the built-render (RenderMan) feature is difficult to use by beginners.
K-3D is an animation and 3D modeling software. You can download this tool for free on your Mac. Besides, you can also install and run it on your Windows and Linux systems. If you look at the design, you will find that the software is quite old. But don’t judge a book by its cover. Why so? It is because K-3D is one of the strongest and most versatile tools for 3D artists with many options.
For example, K-3D offers extremely systematic and methodological workflows. You can easily adjust the properties of the features in real-time and get instant results. It has a node-oriented visualization pipeline to enjoy more freedom. That means you can create animation using a variety of combinations.
One of the best things about K-3D is that it has three subdivisions of animation. You can work on your model on one side while showing the other side in a mirrored form. Then, experience the final result combined together. And in case you need to make the changes to the end results, you can simply work on the first subdivision and savor automatic changes to the results.
K-3D has an advanced redo and undo mechanism to ensure you can go back or move forward to make corrections or amendments without limits. Additionally, the tool is developed keeping in mind all the industrial standards. For instance, it has complete support and integration of native RenderMan™ to its user interface. This is an excellent feature because most free animation software for Mac requires third-party render plugins.
Features:
- Parametric workflow.
- 2D and 3D animation tools.
- Allows Python and K3DScript scripting.
06 Krita - For Professional 2D Animators
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Advanced tools with numerous animation options and online training material.
Con: Not suitable for beginners.
If you love 2D animation, then you’ll surely love Krita. It is entirely free software available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Also, it offers a full platform for drawing and frame-by-frame animation.
The number one reason for adoring Krita is its brush library. There are more than 100 professional brushes to give you a wide range of effects. Moreover, the strokes are pretty amazing and similar to Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.
Another great thing about Krita is the brush stabilization feature designed for shaky hands. You can add a stabilizer to your chosen brush to smoothen its flow. Besides, there’s a special Dynamic Brush tool to make animation more fun. At the same time, you can also customize your brushes through different brush engines, including filter engines, color smudge engines, and many more.
Apart from the basic brush options, the preloaded vector tools are next to admire. These tools help you make great comic panels. All you need to do is choose and drag the word bubble template on your canvas. Then, make changes with the anchor point to make new shapes. At the same time, you can also add text to your animation by using the text tool.
Last but not least, there’s a wrap-around mode to create seamless patterns and textures. That means the image or drawing makes its own references along the x-axis and y-axis. This gives you the freedom to continue painting and enjoy updates to your animation instantly.
Features:
- HDR painting.
- PSD support.
- Python scripting.
- Selection and transformation tools.
- Proper group, filter, vector, and file layer management.
- Complete color management for extraordinary results.
- Drawing assistant to help you with straight lines and vanishing points.
Part 2 Best Free Animation Software for Windows
Below is free animation software on Windows. Keep reading.
01 Anireel - Easy to Use Animation Software
Difficulty Level: Easy
Anireel is a simple yet powerful Video Creativity tool used to make 2D animated explainer videos. Developed by Wondershare, one of the most popular Windows software and tool developers, Anireel uses rich, ready-to-use, and diverse assets to help one effortlessly make animated videos.
Features:
- There are tons of drag and drop characters, actions, props, text, and audio assets.
- Easy Text-to-Speech conversion via deep studying technology.
- Animate integrated and imported assets.
- Tons of templates that match many script types.
02 DAZ Studio - Free Software for 3D Lovers
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: You can make game animation for fun. It also supports GPU accelerated real-time rendering.
Con: It has a high demand for the device, but owns a steep learning curve.
Daz 3d is a powerful and completely free 3D creation tool that will let you create the short videos that you want. Whether you are using this for business or pleasure, you will find the program is very easy to understand. Within a day, you will be completely used to its interface.
3D effects are the core focus of DAZ Studio. You can build a model, render, and pose animation within the skin texture level. It has a high requirement for the device. For Windows 64 bits, its recommended RAM is 3G.
Features:
- Options for 3D morphing, animation, and rendering.
- GPU accelerated real-time rendering, which delivers the best results.
- Interactive tutorials to help you become a better 3D artist.
- Everything you make is yours, royalty-free!
03 Terragen - Use It to Make CG Animation
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: The recently updated version is the best one. Ray-traced preview is a great function to help us make animation.
Con: The interface looks complicated, but it gets easy to know after you are familiar with it.
A completely free program that you can download and install on all Windows computers and tablets, Terragen is the ideal program for you to create the 3D animations and environments that you want. If you want a photo-realistic CG environment, using Terragen is the best way to do it!
Releasing imagination instantly, Terragen Creative is the one tool you’d like to consider. You can use it to make beautiful scenery.
For advanced tools, you can choose FBX to make animation quickly. The featured image gallery on its homepage will give you a deep understanding of the final outcome you can achieve with Terragen.
Features:
- Ray-traced preview. Without watermark after exporting
- Photo-realistic clouds and ozone simulation
- Rendering is twice as fast as the previous version of the program.
- Adding terrain, objects, and shader to your final product is very easy with the intuitive interface.
04 Anim8or - Free Tool to Make 3D Modeling
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Anim8or supports 3D modeler and TrueType fonts to meet advanced needs.
Con: Beginners will find it difficult to learn.
Anim8or is a free 3D modeling program that will let you create the unique work that you want. It is a personal project from an animator, but the program does get regular updates and troubleshooting.
It is not going to give you the same features as something like Studio Max or Maya, but you will get the basics. Beginners who are getting into animations will love this program.
Anim8or is a great tool to step into 3D animation ff you think other software is too different to start. In some way, it means you need to give up some advanced features. But all in all, it’s still recommended for you.
Features:
- A full 3D modeler that allows you to create spheres, cylinders, platonic solids, and any other objects that you want.
- Features support for TrueType fonts.
- Easy to create 3D scenes and output them as video files or images.
05 Seamless3d - Open-source Free Software
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: It is an open-source 3D modeling package. The good thing is the handy infinite Undo/Redo operation.
Con: Some advanced features are missing like drawing.
Seamless3d, an open-source 3D modeling software that you can download, is among the best animation worktables if you want to create specialized images, animated videos, or 3D characters.
It supports FFmpeg video format, so you can use AVI, MP4, and more. Besides, the forum is not active compared with before, but you still can find answers from many tutorials .
Features:
- It comes with infinite undo and redo options for complete flexibility to correct mistakes.
- It allows for partitioned and seamless texture mapping for YouTube videos.
- Has a specialized tree view interface.
06 OpenToonz - Support Plug in to Make Animation Freely
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: It is open-source software, so you can change the code freely.
Con: The plug-in effects are limited.
This animation program is made for beginners on Windows. It is among the best 2D animation software in the market. You can use plug-in effects to change image style, add lights, and distort details. It supports Windows 7/8/10 only for 64 bit.
Features:
- You can add provisional colors to make your animation more colorful.
- Smooth correction without frame losing.
- Compatible with black-and-white, colored, or without binarization scanning.
7 Stykz - Simple to Use Animation Program for Beginners
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: It is the best stick figure animation if you want to make this kind of video.
Con: The UI is not modern to use and needs time to adapt to using it.
Stykz is completely free to use and without a watermark. If you have used Pivot StickFigure Animator, then you will find Stykz is similar to it, but you can import the previous .stk files to animate it again. You can use it to make animation smooth frame by frame.
With its frame-based feature, Stykz is easy to customize each frame. You can change previous and current frames to get what you want. You can download it to have a try considering its easy-to-use features.
Features:
- There is some animes file on this website, so you can have a reference.
- Edit animation in the software without using another editing window.
- You can share the final work with others including information.
Part 3 FAQ about Animation Software for Windows and Mac
01 Are Macs good for animation?
To be frank, Mac is a better choice to make animation if you want to have a smooth animation experience. For example, screen resolution is a crucial factor to make excellent animation. The good is Mac’s screen will never let you disappointed.
02 What is the best animation software for Mac?
The best animation software on mac includes Synfig Studio, Pencil2D Animation, Tupi, Blender, and more. Mentioned are free-to-use. Maya is also worth considering animation software if you are a professional user. Maya offers a 1-month free trial. After it is ended, the paid plans are month, 1-year, and 3-year.
03 Can you animate in Photoshop?
Yes, you can make basic animation in Photoshop. However, it only supports frame-based animation making. In this case, you need to use other professional software to make animation. But, you still can use Photoshop to meet your needs if you are a beginner.
Conclusion
With any of these free animation maker programs on Mac and Windows, you will have an easy time creating your next 2D or 3D video. Ensure you choose the program that has the features and compatibility that you desire. Then it is up to your creative mind to come up with stunning animations! If you want to make animation easily, you can also find inspiration through classical animated cartoon types with examples .
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
In your search for quality animation software, you may have found that many of the programs cost a lot of money no matter it is 2D animation software or 3D animation editor. The good news is that you can choose free animation tools to make different animation types easily.
That is why we created a list of the best animation software on both Mac and Windows. Whether you are a professional editor or just a beginner to start making animation, you will find the tools listed below are easy to use without watermark and won’t cost money to improve your skills.
The best part is you will find these free animation programs are also very useful for content creation on Mac and Windows. Besides, we have listed the pros and cons of each software. Keep reading!
- Part 1: Best Free Animation Software for Mac
- Part 2: Best Free Animation Software for Windows
- Part 3: FAQ about Animation Software for Windows and Mac
Here we have made a table of 12 free animation software without watermark on Windows and macOS. Take a look.
6 Free Animation Software for macOS
5K-3DMiddleIt is a great tool for 3D artists6KritaDifficultPerfect software for 2D animation
| Number | Software | Difficulty Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Synfig Studio | Easy | Calculate vector shape to animation automatically |
| 2 | Pencil2D Animation | Easiest | Straightforward interface for beginners |
| 3 | Tupi | Middle | Its community is active to offer solutions |
| 4 | Blender | Difficult | It is a powerful animation tool to render and make modeling |
6 Free Animation Software for Windows
| Number | Software | Difficulty Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DAZ Studio | Difficult | For professional users with the fast animation process |
| 2 | Terragen | Middle | It can make realistic CG environments |
| 3 | Anim8or | Difficult | 3D animation is Anim8or’s main function |
| 4 | Seamless3d | Easy | It has many features for 3d modeling |
| 5 | OpenToonz | Middle | Make cartoon animation with plugins |
| 6 | Stykz | Easy | Quickly make animation if you have used Pivot StickFigure Animator |
Best Animation Software on Windows and Mac - Filmora
Looking for a simple while powerful Mac video editing tool ? We recommend using Wondershare Filmora. You can use it to create 2D/3D animated texts, shapes, or anything you like for YouTube videos.
The keyframing features will help you make animation effects smooth and precise. When exporting, you can also make it transparent.
Besides, various title templates and transitions are also available for you. Download it now to have a try! Or learn more from Wondershare Video Community .
Key features
- Create various shapes that you like
- Add keyframing to make it move
- Fine-tuning to make it smooth
- Add visual effects/text/color before export it
You can even create photo cut animation which has been very trendy on Tiktok and Instagram. Here is a video to present you how you can do it in Filmora.
Part 1 Best Free Animation Software for Mac
Listed below is free animation software on Mac. Take a look.
01 Synfig Studio - Mac Software to Animate Video
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: You can create many layers once a time and sync audio for your animation.
Con: This one needs much time to learn, especially for beginners.
An open-source 2D animation software that works on Macs, Synfig Studio delivers multiple players while you are creating content. Whether you want to add geometric, filters, distortions, or transformations, it is all possible! And thanks to the high-end bone system, you can create cut-out videos using bitmap images!
The thoughtful part is there are two download versions on the homepage: the stable version and the development version. If you want to enjoy a stable and smooth animation editing experience, choose the stable one. However, the development package gives you access to the use of the latest features.
For a novice, you can learn Synfig from step by step guide in Wikipedia and video tutorials. Four languages are available including English, Russian, Dutch, and French for a video course.
You can free download its latest version 1.3.11. The upcoming version is 1.4.
Features:
- It offers support for many layers within the animation.
- The program’s bone system means that you can easily create animations with bitmap images or vector artwork.
- It allows you to sync your creative work with any sound that you want. Has a full-featured audio editor.
02 Pencil2D Animation - Animation Program for 2D Pencil Lover
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Pro: Easy to start and make animation as the interface is user-friendly for many people.
Con: You need to set your preference every time to open it up, so it takes up some time
Pencil2D Animation is one of the simplest 2D hand-drawn tools available. It will work flawlessly on Mac computers. It is ideal for beginners, as the commands and interface are very easy to understand.
Whether you want to create a simple one, or you want something with many layers for videos on YouTube, you can use Pencil2D animation to get it done. Its timeline is easy to use at first glance. You can add and duplicate different frames on a different track.
The frequency of releasing the new version is very fast as Pencil2D is committed to bringing the lasted features to each user. The newest version is v0.6.4 (as of August 2019). Its user guide is informative with video tutorials, FAQs, and manual material.
Features:
- Lightweight and minimalistic design that makes it very easy for beginners.
- Features raster and vector workflows, with easy switching between them. You can paint and sketch as you want!
- Will run on all platforms - Mac, Windows, and Linux.
- Completely free and open source.
03 TupiTube - Free Animation Application for Mac Users
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: It supports vector illustrations. Besides, various formats are available.
Con: If you want to make 3D animation, it will fail. You can only make 2D effects.
A free software application for YouTube, Tupi will allow you to create 2D animations to your heart’s content. The tool was started by animators who wanted to create something that others could use.
It is an open-source tool, which means that users can make tweaks to the program if they have some interesting ideas. The program works on both Windows and Mac. You need to use Tupi and Papagayo to make lip-sync animation with different mouth shapes.
It also offers a solution for schools with related features including academic license, technical support, and ads-free, so many schools choose to use this one to teach kids how to make an animation video.
Features:
- Support for vector illustrations. You can add rectangles, lines, polygons, and other shapes as you please. To fill areas, just use the paint bucket.
- You can import raster images using this program.
- You can export all your finished images into different file formats.
- Support for tweeting positions, scale, shear, and rotations.
04 Blender - Need Some Time to Learn This Animation Tool
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Really powerful software that you can make for professional users.
Con: It is not easy to make image animation as it focuses on 3D.
Blender is an open-source 3D animation creation suite without a watermark. If you find that 2D is a little bit limiting, we think that you will be very happy with what this free program offers. You can take your projects to a whole new level when you can use this program on your Mac.
You can use Blender to make a video game, modeling, and high-quality animation. However, it involves a steep learning curve. Luckily, there are many tutorials to guide you through the journey. You can also ask for help in the Blender community that millions of talented people like you are there.
Features:
- Creating renders is no problem with this program.
- Modeling, such as sculpting, retopology, and creating curves is not an issue either.
- VFX and animation features are better than any option on the market.
- It offers powerful simulation tools.
- Integration with pipeline tools is easy.
05 K-3D - Best for Animation and Modeling in 3D
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: Ideal for designing simple 3D animations and models.
Con: It has an old-fashioned interface. Also, the built-render (RenderMan) feature is difficult to use by beginners.
K-3D is an animation and 3D modeling software. You can download this tool for free on your Mac. Besides, you can also install and run it on your Windows and Linux systems. If you look at the design, you will find that the software is quite old. But don’t judge a book by its cover. Why so? It is because K-3D is one of the strongest and most versatile tools for 3D artists with many options.
For example, K-3D offers extremely systematic and methodological workflows. You can easily adjust the properties of the features in real-time and get instant results. It has a node-oriented visualization pipeline to enjoy more freedom. That means you can create animation using a variety of combinations.
One of the best things about K-3D is that it has three subdivisions of animation. You can work on your model on one side while showing the other side in a mirrored form. Then, experience the final result combined together. And in case you need to make the changes to the end results, you can simply work on the first subdivision and savor automatic changes to the results.
K-3D has an advanced redo and undo mechanism to ensure you can go back or move forward to make corrections or amendments without limits. Additionally, the tool is developed keeping in mind all the industrial standards. For instance, it has complete support and integration of native RenderMan™ to its user interface. This is an excellent feature because most free animation software for Mac requires third-party render plugins.
Features:
- Parametric workflow.
- 2D and 3D animation tools.
- Allows Python and K3DScript scripting.
06 Krita - For Professional 2D Animators
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Advanced tools with numerous animation options and online training material.
Con: Not suitable for beginners.
If you love 2D animation, then you’ll surely love Krita. It is entirely free software available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Also, it offers a full platform for drawing and frame-by-frame animation.
The number one reason for adoring Krita is its brush library. There are more than 100 professional brushes to give you a wide range of effects. Moreover, the strokes are pretty amazing and similar to Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.
Another great thing about Krita is the brush stabilization feature designed for shaky hands. You can add a stabilizer to your chosen brush to smoothen its flow. Besides, there’s a special Dynamic Brush tool to make animation more fun. At the same time, you can also customize your brushes through different brush engines, including filter engines, color smudge engines, and many more.
Apart from the basic brush options, the preloaded vector tools are next to admire. These tools help you make great comic panels. All you need to do is choose and drag the word bubble template on your canvas. Then, make changes with the anchor point to make new shapes. At the same time, you can also add text to your animation by using the text tool.
Last but not least, there’s a wrap-around mode to create seamless patterns and textures. That means the image or drawing makes its own references along the x-axis and y-axis. This gives you the freedom to continue painting and enjoy updates to your animation instantly.
Features:
- HDR painting.
- PSD support.
- Python scripting.
- Selection and transformation tools.
- Proper group, filter, vector, and file layer management.
- Complete color management for extraordinary results.
- Drawing assistant to help you with straight lines and vanishing points.
Part 2 Best Free Animation Software for Windows
Below is free animation software on Windows. Keep reading.
01 Anireel - Easy to Use Animation Software
Difficulty Level: Easy
Anireel is a simple yet powerful Video Creativity tool used to make 2D animated explainer videos. Developed by Wondershare, one of the most popular Windows software and tool developers, Anireel uses rich, ready-to-use, and diverse assets to help one effortlessly make animated videos.
Features:
- There are tons of drag and drop characters, actions, props, text, and audio assets.
- Easy Text-to-Speech conversion via deep studying technology.
- Animate integrated and imported assets.
- Tons of templates that match many script types.
02 DAZ Studio - Free Software for 3D Lovers
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: You can make game animation for fun. It also supports GPU accelerated real-time rendering.
Con: It has a high demand for the device, but owns a steep learning curve.
Daz 3d is a powerful and completely free 3D creation tool that will let you create the short videos that you want. Whether you are using this for business or pleasure, you will find the program is very easy to understand. Within a day, you will be completely used to its interface.
3D effects are the core focus of DAZ Studio. You can build a model, render, and pose animation within the skin texture level. It has a high requirement for the device. For Windows 64 bits, its recommended RAM is 3G.
Features:
- Options for 3D morphing, animation, and rendering.
- GPU accelerated real-time rendering, which delivers the best results.
- Interactive tutorials to help you become a better 3D artist.
- Everything you make is yours, royalty-free!
03 Terragen - Use It to Make CG Animation
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: The recently updated version is the best one. Ray-traced preview is a great function to help us make animation.
Con: The interface looks complicated, but it gets easy to know after you are familiar with it.
A completely free program that you can download and install on all Windows computers and tablets, Terragen is the ideal program for you to create the 3D animations and environments that you want. If you want a photo-realistic CG environment, using Terragen is the best way to do it!
Releasing imagination instantly, Terragen Creative is the one tool you’d like to consider. You can use it to make beautiful scenery.
For advanced tools, you can choose FBX to make animation quickly. The featured image gallery on its homepage will give you a deep understanding of the final outcome you can achieve with Terragen.
Features:
- Ray-traced preview. Without watermark after exporting
- Photo-realistic clouds and ozone simulation
- Rendering is twice as fast as the previous version of the program.
- Adding terrain, objects, and shader to your final product is very easy with the intuitive interface.
04 Anim8or - Free Tool to Make 3D Modeling
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Anim8or supports 3D modeler and TrueType fonts to meet advanced needs.
Con: Beginners will find it difficult to learn.
Anim8or is a free 3D modeling program that will let you create the unique work that you want. It is a personal project from an animator, but the program does get regular updates and troubleshooting.
It is not going to give you the same features as something like Studio Max or Maya, but you will get the basics. Beginners who are getting into animations will love this program.
Anim8or is a great tool to step into 3D animation ff you think other software is too different to start. In some way, it means you need to give up some advanced features. But all in all, it’s still recommended for you.
Features:
- A full 3D modeler that allows you to create spheres, cylinders, platonic solids, and any other objects that you want.
- Features support for TrueType fonts.
- Easy to create 3D scenes and output them as video files or images.
05 Seamless3d - Open-source Free Software
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: It is an open-source 3D modeling package. The good thing is the handy infinite Undo/Redo operation.
Con: Some advanced features are missing like drawing.
Seamless3d, an open-source 3D modeling software that you can download, is among the best animation worktables if you want to create specialized images, animated videos, or 3D characters.
It supports FFmpeg video format, so you can use AVI, MP4, and more. Besides, the forum is not active compared with before, but you still can find answers from many tutorials .
Features:
- It comes with infinite undo and redo options for complete flexibility to correct mistakes.
- It allows for partitioned and seamless texture mapping for YouTube videos.
- Has a specialized tree view interface.
06 OpenToonz - Support Plug in to Make Animation Freely
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: It is open-source software, so you can change the code freely.
Con: The plug-in effects are limited.
This animation program is made for beginners on Windows. It is among the best 2D animation software in the market. You can use plug-in effects to change image style, add lights, and distort details. It supports Windows 7/8/10 only for 64 bit.
Features:
- You can add provisional colors to make your animation more colorful.
- Smooth correction without frame losing.
- Compatible with black-and-white, colored, or without binarization scanning.
7 Stykz - Simple to Use Animation Program for Beginners
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: It is the best stick figure animation if you want to make this kind of video.
Con: The UI is not modern to use and needs time to adapt to using it.
Stykz is completely free to use and without a watermark. If you have used Pivot StickFigure Animator, then you will find Stykz is similar to it, but you can import the previous .stk files to animate it again. You can use it to make animation smooth frame by frame.
With its frame-based feature, Stykz is easy to customize each frame. You can change previous and current frames to get what you want. You can download it to have a try considering its easy-to-use features.
Features:
- There is some animes file on this website, so you can have a reference.
- Edit animation in the software without using another editing window.
- You can share the final work with others including information.
Part 3 FAQ about Animation Software for Windows and Mac
01 Are Macs good for animation?
To be frank, Mac is a better choice to make animation if you want to have a smooth animation experience. For example, screen resolution is a crucial factor to make excellent animation. The good is Mac’s screen will never let you disappointed.
02 What is the best animation software for Mac?
The best animation software on mac includes Synfig Studio, Pencil2D Animation, Tupi, Blender, and more. Mentioned are free-to-use. Maya is also worth considering animation software if you are a professional user. Maya offers a 1-month free trial. After it is ended, the paid plans are month, 1-year, and 3-year.
03 Can you animate in Photoshop?
Yes, you can make basic animation in Photoshop. However, it only supports frame-based animation making. In this case, you need to use other professional software to make animation. But, you still can use Photoshop to meet your needs if you are a beginner.
Conclusion
With any of these free animation maker programs on Mac and Windows, you will have an easy time creating your next 2D or 3D video. Ensure you choose the program that has the features and compatibility that you desire. Then it is up to your creative mind to come up with stunning animations! If you want to make animation easily, you can also find inspiration through classical animated cartoon types with examples .
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
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- Title: Updated S Top Picks Free Open-Source Video Editing Tools
- Author: Amelia
- Created at : 2024-06-16 10:10:08
- Updated at : 2024-06-17 10:10:08
- Link: https://ai-driven-video-production.techidaily.com/updated-s-top-picks-free-open-source-video-editing-tools/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
