Top-Rated iMovie Alternatives for Windows 11, 10, and Older Versions

Are you looking for an iMovie for Windows alternative? If so, that’s hardly surprising. Mac users are blessed with iMovie, a very handy video editing software. Unfortunately, like many Apple products, it’s unavailable on computers that run on Windows OS. But don’t worry. While there’s no iMovie for windows, there are plenty of alternatives. They will make you feel like you are actually using a Windows version of iMovie. This article will introduce you to the best ones.

1. Wondershare Filmora - Best Overall Video Editing Software
2. WeVideo - Best For Templates

• Ultimate Overview on 11 Best Alternatives to iMovie for Windows
• 11 Best Windows Version of iMovie

1. Wondershare Filmora - Enhanced Royalty-Free Stock Library
2. PowerDirector - Top Ranked Video Editor, PC Mag
3. APowerEdit - Easiest Way to Edit Videos
4. Typito - Video Editing Tool Equivalent of Canva
5. Shotcut - Best for Color Adjustments
6. AceThinker Video Master - All in one Video Tool
7. VideoPad Video Editor - Best for Social Media Work
8. Lightworks
9. Flexclip - Easy-to-Use Online Editor
10. WeVideo - Best for Templates
11. OpenShot - Best for Amateurs

• How to Edit a Video with an iMovie Alternative on Windows

Top 2 Picks for iMovie for Windows Alternative

As mentioned above, there’s a lot of video editing software you can use as an iMovie equivalent for Windows. However, they are not of equal quality. Expectedly, some of them are miles better than others. Therefore, it’s best to do your research before installing - or buying one. That allows you to select the best one for you and, thus, ensure your satisfaction.

Here’s a quick comparison of the top 3 iMovie alternatives for Windows:

Wondershare Filmora - Best Overall Video Editing Software

Paid | 4.7 • 693 Ratings

Wondershare Filmora has a slew of powerful video editing tools that let you express your creativity to its fullest. It allows you to make high-quality, impressive, and captivating videos easily.

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

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

WeVideo - Best For Templates

Paid | 4.5 • 783 Ratings

WeVideo is a web-based video editor with customizable templates perfect for beginners and influencers. It has social media-friendly templates for very specific and popular categories like Unboxings and How-To Makeup.

Ultimate Overview on 11 Best Alternatives to iMovie for Windows

There’s a total of 12 best iMovie alternatives for Windows. Each one is different from the others, but they are all solid choices. Here’s a table showing information about each product:

Software	OS	Beginner Friendly (score/5)	AI Editing	Royalty-Free Stock Library	Free Trial	Cost-Effective (score/5)
Wondershare Filmora	Windows, Mac	4.5	√	√	√	4.7
PowerDirector	Windows, Mac	5	√	√	√	4.4
APowerEdit	Windows, Mac, Online	5	X	X	√	4.5
Typito	Windows, Mac	4.5	X	√	√	4.2
ShotCut	Windows, Mac, Linux	3.5	X	√	√	5
AceThinker Video Master	Windows	4	X	√	√	4
VideoPad Video Editor	Windows, Mac, Linux	4.4	X	√	√	4.1
LightWorks	Windows, Mac, Linux	4	√	√	√	4
FlexClip	Windows, Mac, Linux	4	√	√	√	4.5
WeVideo	Windows, Mac, Linux	4	X	√	√	4.5
OpenShot	Windows, Mac, Linux	4.5	√	X	√	4.5

11 Best Windows Version of iMovie

All of these 12 iMovie alternatives for Windows 10+ are good choices. However, they have differences, meaning one may be suited for you more than the others. Here’s more information about each one, including the pros and cons, ratings, supported OS, and even user reviews.

1. Wondershare Filmora - Enhanced Royalty-Free Stock Library

Wondershare Filmora is a powerful video editing tool. Its features allow you to showcase your creativity fully. This tool can make your homemade videos look professionally made.

Key Features

• Picture in Picture - Layer in multiple video clips
• Green Screen - Change the video background and add effects using this feature
• Split Screen - Show numerous videos at once with the split screen feature
• Color Match - Save time by applying color correction settings across multiple clips with one click
• Video Stabilizing - Eliminate Camera Shake
• Speech to Text - Convert voice to subtitles in one click
• Text to Speech - Add AI voiceover to liven up your video

Price

Filmora Costs $49.99 per year for individual users. Meanwhile, it costs $155.88 per year for businesses with one user.

Pros

• PCMag says Wondershare Filmora has an eye-soothing interface. It’s not intimidating for beginners. Furthermore, Filmora’s ergonomic design makes it an easy-to-use video editing tool
• Wondershare Filmora has AI editing tools not found on the pre-installed video editor on your Windows PC. As the name suggests, it uses artificial intelligence to apply changes to video clips. Some examples of things you can do with these tools are erasing the background or applying a color correction to all clips with a single mouse click
• Filmora has lots of effects and overlays you can choose from

Cons

• High RAM consumption that can slow down your PC

G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , iPad

User Review

Wondershare Filmora is the video editing software that you need. It has a slew of powerful tools that help you make amazing videos. A TrustRadius Ratings and Review states, “I take advantage of it on a regular basis and make YouTube movies for my shoppers. Simple to create eye-catching movies.”

Takeaway

Wondershare Filmora is filled with AI editing tools that help users produce high-quality videos.

2. PowerDirector - Top Ranked Video Editor, PC Mag

PowerDirector is an iMovie alternative for Windows with a bunch of unique tools and features. Despite being simple and easy to use, it allows you to create Hollywood-level films and clips.

Key Features

• Easy 360-degree video editing
• Keyframing
• Chroma key
• AI Motion Tracking
• Picture in Picture

Price

PowerDirector’s premium subscription costs $4.08/month.

Pros

• User Friendly
• Simple but powerful plugins
• Has AI Editing Tools
• Thousands of built-in transitions, overlay effects, and templates

Cons

• You can’t access the Shutterstock and iStock built-in libraries without a Premium subscription

G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars

Supported OS: Windows , Mac

User Review

Powerdirector enables you to do world-class video editing; it supports 4k, 60 fps video editing! Additionally, it has lots of stickers, transitions, animations, and many more. A G2 reviewer says, “Go for it, guys! It is one of the best editing platforms in the market.”

Takeaway

PowerDirector’s advanced tools make it among the best iMovie alternatives for Windows 10/11.

3. APowerEdit - Easiest Way to Edit Videos

APowerEdit is a straightforward video editing tool with dozens of transitions, text effects, overlays, and filters.

Key Features

• Supports all common media formats
• Includes dynamic title captions
• Dozens of overlays, transitions, and filters
• Picture in Picture
• Quickly correct brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation

Price

APowerEdit is free software with a paid version that costs$29.95 per month.

Pros

• Easy to navigate due to its user-friendly design
• Lots of export options
• Dozens of editing tools

Cons

• Lacks advanced editing tools needed for bigger projects

Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Online

User Review

APowerEdit is a simple video editing software best for beginners and not-so-tech-savvy users. An AlternativeTo review says, “Apoweredit is super easy to use. It is suitable for beginners like me. Awesome software!”

Takeaway

APowerEdit is a nice tool to have for beginners. However, if you plan to make impressive short films or bigger projects, it is not the ideal software to use.

4. Typito - Video Editing Tool Equivalent of Canva

Typito is like Canva but for videos. It is a web-based video editing software with drag-and-drop features, stylish typography, images, and brand layouts.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop interface for easy editing
• Features built for creating engaging social media posts.
• Resize video files fast
• Includes 200+ motion graphic templates

Price

Typito subscriptions start at $15 per month.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Multiple Export Options
• Has all the basic video editing tools

Cons

• Too basic for bigger projects
• The free version has a watermark

G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

User Review

Typito is a web-based video editor and a simple, easy-to-use tool. It receives continuous updates, so it becomes better and better. A G2 review says , “In Typito, even if you are a “Free” user, you can still create a video that looks so professional as if you paid someone to do it for you.”

Takeaway

Typito’s solid selection of tools is enough for simple projects, and it’s one of the best iMovie alternatives for Windows for social media influencers. However, advanced users may find it a little lacking.

5. Shotcut - Best for Color Adjustments

ShotCut is a completely free iMovie alternative for Windows. This tool is an open-source, cross-platform, video-editing software.

Key Features

• Webcam Capture
• Keyframing
• Auto-Rotate
• Blending Modes
• Unlimited Undo and Redo options
• Powerful color correction tools

Price: Free

Pros

• Because ShotCut is an open-source program, it gets updated regularly by the community
• Completely free

Cons

• No social media integrations
• Not user-friendly

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

User Review

Shotcut is free video editing software with a toolkit that rivals paid ones. A G2 review states, “We don’t have to pay anything, and we can edit the professional type of videos. It has all the features which any paid software has.”

Takeaway

Do you not want to spend money? If so, Shotcut is the option for you. It also has the strength of being available on many platforms. And because Shotcut is an open-source program, it gets regular updates from the community. However, its interface is not the most beginner-friendly.

6. AceThinker Video Master - All in one Video Tool

AceThinker is a video editor, video converter, and video downloader in one package.

Key Features

• Built-in video player
• HD video converter
• Wide range of customization
• Supports popular video formats
• Basic video editing tools

Price

AceThinker Video Master’s pricing plans start from $29.95.

Pros

• Video converter, downloader, editor, and screen recorder in one
• User-friendly interface

Cons

• Lack of advanced video editing tools

G2 Rating: 5 Stars

Supported OS Windows , Mac

User Review

AceThinker Video Master is all about convenience. It provides you with a video editor, downloader, and converter in one package. An educator left a review on G2 ; they say, “This has saved me lost time, increased student engagement, and [it is] a wonderful training tool for other educators.”

Takeaway

Is the storage space in your Windows PC running out? If that’s the case, AceThinker Video Master is a fantastic tool for you. It’s essentially four video apps in one package. And it’s not too shabby as video editing software, either. Expectedly, it’s not the best choice for making short films for competitions and projects of similar or bigger scale.

7. VideoPad Video Editor - Best for Social Media Work

VideoPad Video Editor is among the most impressive iMovie alternatives for Windows. It has powerful tools that will help you create films that would wow the audience.

Key Features

• Over 50 Effects and Transitions
• Supports all video formats
• 3D Video Editing
• 360-degree video support
• Chroma key compositing
• Camera Stabilizer
• Speech-to-text feature

Price

VideoPad Home Edition costs $34.99, while the Master’s Edition costs $69.95.

Pros

• Has basic and advanced tools
• Direct upload to popular social media channels
• Fast video stream processor

Cons

• The interface is outdated
• The speech-to-text feature is unreliable
• The free version is full of annoying notifications

G2 Rating: 4 Stars

Supported OS: Windows , Mac

User Review

VideoPad is an easy-to-learn video editing software full of helpful tools. A G2 reviewer states, “This complete and powerful media editing tool offers a variety of possibilities and possibilities to optimize every clip to the fullest.”

Takeaway

VideoPad Video Editor has many free features you can use to improve your videos. Admittedly, there are problems with some of these features. Nevertheless, this tool is a solid choice for a Windows iMovie alternative.

8. Lightworks

Lightworks Pro is a video editor used to make some Oscar-winning films, and Lightworks is a free and less complicated version of it. However, Lightworks is still not that beginner-friendly. Therefore, it’s best to consider this as an iMovie alternative only if you are an intermediate user.

Key Features

• Advanced Color Correction
• Some advanced tools
• Tooltips to help you learn how to use the features
• Integration to Cloud services
• Keyframing
• Advanced audio controls
• Autosave

Price

Lightworks is free, but premium subscriptions for Lightworks Create costs $99.9, and Lightworks Pro costs $24.99.

Pros

• Includes Advanced tools
• You would not lose progress because of the autosave feature
• Good performance

Cons

• Not suited for beginners
• You can only export up to 720p using the free version

G2 Rating: 3.5 Stars

Supported OS Windows , Mac , Linux

User Review

A TrustRadius Ratings and Review says, “Lightworks is a great tool for a non-designer to use because it provides a number of tools and capabilities that can be quickly learned.” However, they note that Lightworks does not provide advanced video editors with all the tools they need. It’s best for intermediate users.

Takeaway

Lightworks is a fantastic alternative to iMovie for Windows 10+ users. However, it requires you to be quite knowledgeable about video editing tools. This editor has a slightly higher learning curve than others. But once you learn how to use Lightworks, creating quality videos would be super easy.

9. Flexclip - Easy-to-Use Online Editor

FlexClip is a free online editor. It is a good substitute for iMovie for Windows users, regardless if you are a beginner or a professional.

Key Features

• Dozens of useful tools like background remover and gif maker
• Voice and screen recorder
• Integration with social media platforms
• It supports all the popular video formats
• Allows you to export up to 1080p

Price

FlexClip is free, but premium subscriptions are available. Subscriptions start from $9.99 per month.

Pros

• Includes basic and advanced editing tools
• Easy to share your work on social media platforms
• Allows creation of high-quality videos

Cons

• Long loading time before you can use it

G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

User Review

FlexClip being an online video editor means one thing; it does not use your PC’s processing power. It also delivers what it promises. A G2 reviewe r says, “I have used many video editing tools so far, but none is close to FlexClip when it comes to video editing.”

Takeaway

You can’t go wrong with FlexClip. It has powerful tools making it a great iMovie alternative for Windows. You don’t even have to install it; it’s an online tool. Unfortunately, that has some downsides. You need to wait for the website to finish loading before working because it scrolls down for each line that gets loaded.

10. WeVideo - Best for Templates

WeVideo includes social-media-friendly templates, making it a fantastic choice for editing popular video categories like How-to, Unboxings, and Makeup tutorials.

Key Features

• Color Correction
• Green Screen Editing Tool
• Has support for square videos (for Instagram) and vertical videos (for TikTok)
• Customizable templates plus dozens of pre-made ones

Price

Premium subscriptions start at $60 per year.

Pros

• Includes basic and advanced video editing tools
• Excellent customer support
• User-friendly

Cons

• The free version has lots of limitations
• Importing videos to the website takes a long time

G2 Rating: 4.4 Stars

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

User Review

Social media influencers and marketers need to check out WeVideo. A reviewer of this video editing tool on G2 said, “It’s got a handful of Templates that you can use to explore your creativity and inventiveness when creating your content.”

Takeaway

WeVideo is a solid alternative for iMovie for Windows 10/11, but only if you are willing to pay. The free version has lots of restrictions. For example, you can only export 5 minutes of content per month.

11. OpenShot - Best for Amateurs

OpenShot has a straightforward interface, making it beginner-friendly. It has some fantastic tools you’ll find helpful. There’s a catch with beginner-friendly editors, though. They don’t have the advanced features you can find on other video editors. You can say that for OpenShot.

Key Features

• 3D Animation
• Text Editor
• Keyframing
• Decent selection of templates and filters

Price: Free

Pros

• Beginner-friendly
• Includes a wide range of editing tools
• Lots of export options

Cons

• Lack of advanced tools like Picture-in-Picture or Chroma Key
• Very laggy to use sometimes

G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

User Review

OpenShot is a great introductory software for video editing. Its simplicity, ergonomic design, and set of handy tools make it perfect for beginners. A G2 review states, “I do not have a degree in video editing, but the products from my Openshot edits were of high quality.”

Takeaway

Some tools are intimidating for beginners; there are many buttons, and you don’t know what each one does. That’s not a problem when using OpenShot. Its simple interface is easy to understand, making it the best tool for beginners.

How to Edit a Video with an iMovie Alternative on Windows

Knowing which are the best iMovie alternatives on Windows is not enough. Of course, you also need to learn how to use them. Here’s a guide on how to use Wondershare Filmora, the best overall iMovie alternative for Windows.

Step1 Launch Filmora. Then, if you want to, select the aspect ratio.

Step2 Click New Project, then wait for the video editor to load. Then, click Register to register the product.

Step3 Select the aspect ratio for the final cut. Click Project Settings from the File menu, then select your desired aspect ratio.

Step4 Import the files you want to edit. Click the Import button in the upper left corner of the video editor. Select Import Media Files, then navigate to the location on your hard drive where the footage you want to edit is stored. Select the files you want to use in your project, then click Import.

Step5 Drag and drop the files to the timeline. Please note that the last one you add will always be placed after the previous one. Thus, you need to drag the file on the timeline to put it in the desired position. Press Play to preview.

Step6 Apply visual effects, color correction, and other edits you want to make.

Step7 Click Export to publish your video. Don’t forget to select your desired file format and resolution.

Here’s a video tutorial on how to use Wondershare Filmora

image / video 16:9

Final Words

It’s a shame that iMovie is not available on Windows 10/11 computers. Thankfully, there are alternatives you can use. Wondershare Filmora is an outstanding one. It allows you to do what you can do using iMovie and more.

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

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

• Wondershare Filmora - Enhanced Royalty-Free Stock Library
• PowerDirector - Top Ranked Video Editor, PC Mag
• APowerEdit - Easiest Way to Edit Videos
• Typito - Video Editing Tool Equivalent of Canva
• Shotcut - Best for Color Adjustments
• AceThinker Video Master - All in one Video Tool
• VideoPad Video Editor - Best for Social Media Work
• Lightworks
• Flexclip - Easy-to-Use Online Editor
• WeVideo - Best for Templates
• OpenShot - Best for Amateurs
• How to Edit a Video with an iMovie Alternative on Windows

Top 2 Picks for iMovie for Windows Alternative

As mentioned above, there’s a lot of video editing software you can use as an iMovie equivalent for Windows. However, they are not of equal quality. Expectedly, some of them are miles better than others. Therefore, it’s best to do your research before installing - or buying one. That allows you to select the best one for you and, thus, ensure your satisfaction.

Here’s a quick comparison of the top 3 iMovie alternatives for Windows:

Wondershare Filmora - Best Overall Video Editing Software

Paid | 4.7 • 693 Ratings

Wondershare Filmora has a slew of powerful video editing tools that let you express your creativity to its fullest. It allows you to make high-quality, impressive, and captivating videos easily.

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

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

WeVideo - Best For Templates

Paid | 4.5 • 783 Ratings

WeVideo is a web-based video editor with customizable templates perfect for beginners and influencers. It has social media-friendly templates for very specific and popular categories like Unboxings and How-To Makeup.

Ultimate Overview on 11 Best Alternatives to iMovie for Windows

There’s a total of 12 best iMovie alternatives for Windows. Each one is different from the others, but they are all solid choices. Here’s a table showing information about each product:

Software	OS	Beginner Friendly (score/5)	AI Editing	Royalty-Free Stock Library	Free Trial	Cost-Effective (score/5)
Wondershare Filmora	Windows, Mac	4.5	√	√	√	4.7
PowerDirector	Windows, Mac	5	√	√	√	4.4
APowerEdit	Windows, Mac, Online	5	X	X	√	4.5
Typito	Windows, Mac	4.5	X	√	√	4.2
ShotCut	Windows, Mac, Linux	3.5	X	√	√	5
AceThinker Video Master	Windows	4	X	√	√	4
VideoPad Video Editor	Windows, Mac, Linux	4.4	X	√	√	4.1
LightWorks	Windows, Mac, Linux	4	√	√	√	4
FlexClip	Windows, Mac, Linux	4	√	√	√	4.5
WeVideo	Windows, Mac, Linux	4	X	√	√	4.5
OpenShot	Windows, Mac, Linux	4.5	√	X	√	4.5

11 Best Windows Version of iMovie

All of these 12 iMovie alternatives for Windows 10+ are good choices. However, they have differences, meaning one may be suited for you more than the others. Here’s more information about each one, including the pros and cons, ratings, supported OS, and even user reviews.

1. Wondershare Filmora - Enhanced Royalty-Free Stock Library

Wondershare Filmora is a powerful video editing tool. Its features allow you to showcase your creativity fully. This tool can make your homemade videos look professionally made.

Key Features

• Picture in Picture - Layer in multiple video clips
• Green Screen - Change the video background and add effects using this feature
• Split Screen - Show numerous videos at once with the split screen feature
• Color Match - Save time by applying color correction settings across multiple clips with one click
• Video Stabilizing - Eliminate Camera Shake
• Speech to Text - Convert voice to subtitles in one click
• Text to Speech - Add AI voiceover to liven up your video

Price

Filmora Costs $49.99 per year for individual users. Meanwhile, it costs $155.88 per year for businesses with one user.

Pros

• PCMag says Wondershare Filmora has an eye-soothing interface. It’s not intimidating for beginners. Furthermore, Filmora’s ergonomic design makes it an easy-to-use video editing tool
• Wondershare Filmora has AI editing tools not found on the pre-installed video editor on your Windows PC. As the name suggests, it uses artificial intelligence to apply changes to video clips. Some examples of things you can do with these tools are erasing the background or applying a color correction to all clips with a single mouse click
• Filmora has lots of effects and overlays you can choose from

Cons

• High RAM consumption that can slow down your PC

G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , iPad

User Review

Wondershare Filmora is the video editing software that you need. It has a slew of powerful tools that help you make amazing videos. A TrustRadius Ratings and Review states, “I take advantage of it on a regular basis and make YouTube movies for my shoppers. Simple to create eye-catching movies.”

Takeaway

Wondershare Filmora is filled with AI editing tools that help users produce high-quality videos.

2. PowerDirector - Top Ranked Video Editor, PC Mag

PowerDirector is an iMovie alternative for Windows with a bunch of unique tools and features. Despite being simple and easy to use, it allows you to create Hollywood-level films and clips.

Key Features

• Easy 360-degree video editing
• Keyframing
• Chroma key
• AI Motion Tracking
• Picture in Picture

Price

PowerDirector’s premium subscription costs $4.08/month.

Pros

• User Friendly
• Simple but powerful plugins
• Has AI Editing Tools
• Thousands of built-in transitions, overlay effects, and templates

Cons

• You can’t access the Shutterstock and iStock built-in libraries without a Premium subscription

G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars

Supported OS: Windows , Mac

User Review

Powerdirector enables you to do world-class video editing; it supports 4k, 60 fps video editing! Additionally, it has lots of stickers, transitions, animations, and many more. A G2 reviewer says, “Go for it, guys! It is one of the best editing platforms in the market.”

Takeaway

PowerDirector’s advanced tools make it among the best iMovie alternatives for Windows 10/11.

3. APowerEdit - Easiest Way to Edit Videos

APowerEdit is a straightforward video editing tool with dozens of transitions, text effects, overlays, and filters.

Key Features

• Supports all common media formats
• Includes dynamic title captions
• Dozens of overlays, transitions, and filters
• Picture in Picture
• Quickly correct brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation

Price

APowerEdit is free software with a paid version that costs$29.95 per month.

Pros

• Easy to navigate due to its user-friendly design
• Lots of export options
• Dozens of editing tools

Cons

• Lacks advanced editing tools needed for bigger projects

Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Online

User Review

APowerEdit is a simple video editing software best for beginners and not-so-tech-savvy users. An AlternativeTo review says, “Apoweredit is super easy to use. It is suitable for beginners like me. Awesome software!”

Takeaway

APowerEdit is a nice tool to have for beginners. However, if you plan to make impressive short films or bigger projects, it is not the ideal software to use.

4. Typito - Video Editing Tool Equivalent of Canva

Typito is like Canva but for videos. It is a web-based video editing software with drag-and-drop features, stylish typography, images, and brand layouts.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop interface for easy editing
• Features built for creating engaging social media posts.
• Resize video files fast
• Includes 200+ motion graphic templates

Price

Typito subscriptions start at $15 per month.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Multiple Export Options
• Has all the basic video editing tools

Cons

• Too basic for bigger projects
• The free version has a watermark

G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

User Review

Typito is a web-based video editor and a simple, easy-to-use tool. It receives continuous updates, so it becomes better and better. A G2 review says , “In Typito, even if you are a “Free” user, you can still create a video that looks so professional as if you paid someone to do it for you.”

Takeaway

Typito’s solid selection of tools is enough for simple projects, and it’s one of the best iMovie alternatives for Windows for social media influencers. However, advanced users may find it a little lacking.

5. Shotcut - Best for Color Adjustments

ShotCut is a completely free iMovie alternative for Windows. This tool is an open-source, cross-platform, video-editing software.

Key Features

• Webcam Capture
• Keyframing
• Auto-Rotate
• Blending Modes
• Unlimited Undo and Redo options
• Powerful color correction tools

Price: Free

Pros

• Because ShotCut is an open-source program, it gets updated regularly by the community
• Completely free

Cons

• No social media integrations
• Not user-friendly

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

User Review

Shotcut is free video editing software with a toolkit that rivals paid ones. A G2 review states, “We don’t have to pay anything, and we can edit the professional type of videos. It has all the features which any paid software has.”

Takeaway

Do you not want to spend money? If so, Shotcut is the option for you. It also has the strength of being available on many platforms. And because Shotcut is an open-source program, it gets regular updates from the community. However, its interface is not the most beginner-friendly.

6. AceThinker Video Master - All in one Video Tool

AceThinker is a video editor, video converter, and video downloader in one package.

Key Features

• Built-in video player
• HD video converter
• Wide range of customization
• Supports popular video formats
• Basic video editing tools

Price

AceThinker Video Master’s pricing plans start from $29.95.

Pros

• Video converter, downloader, editor, and screen recorder in one
• User-friendly interface

Cons

• Lack of advanced video editing tools

G2 Rating: 5 Stars

Supported OS Windows , Mac

User Review

AceThinker Video Master is all about convenience. It provides you with a video editor, downloader, and converter in one package. An educator left a review on G2 ; they say, “This has saved me lost time, increased student engagement, and [it is] a wonderful training tool for other educators.”

Takeaway

Is the storage space in your Windows PC running out? If that’s the case, AceThinker Video Master is a fantastic tool for you. It’s essentially four video apps in one package. And it’s not too shabby as video editing software, either. Expectedly, it’s not the best choice for making short films for competitions and projects of similar or bigger scale.

7. VideoPad Video Editor - Best for Social Media Work

VideoPad Video Editor is among the most impressive iMovie alternatives for Windows. It has powerful tools that will help you create films that would wow the audience.

Key Features

• Over 50 Effects and Transitions
• Supports all video formats
• 3D Video Editing
• 360-degree video support
• Chroma key compositing
• Camera Stabilizer
• Speech-to-text feature

Price

VideoPad Home Edition costs $34.99, while the Master’s Edition costs $69.95.

Pros

• Has basic and advanced tools
• Direct upload to popular social media channels
• Fast video stream processor

Cons

• The interface is outdated
• The speech-to-text feature is unreliable
• The free version is full of annoying notifications

G2 Rating: 4 Stars

Supported OS: Windows , Mac

User Review

VideoPad is an easy-to-learn video editing software full of helpful tools. A G2 reviewer states, “This complete and powerful media editing tool offers a variety of possibilities and possibilities to optimize every clip to the fullest.”

Takeaway

VideoPad Video Editor has many free features you can use to improve your videos. Admittedly, there are problems with some of these features. Nevertheless, this tool is a solid choice for a Windows iMovie alternative.

8. Lightworks

Lightworks Pro is a video editor used to make some Oscar-winning films, and Lightworks is a free and less complicated version of it. However, Lightworks is still not that beginner-friendly. Therefore, it’s best to consider this as an iMovie alternative only if you are an intermediate user.

Key Features

• Advanced Color Correction
• Some advanced tools
• Tooltips to help you learn how to use the features
• Integration to Cloud services
• Keyframing
• Advanced audio controls
• Autosave

Price

Lightworks is free, but premium subscriptions for Lightworks Create costs $99.9, and Lightworks Pro costs $24.99.

Pros

• Includes Advanced tools
• You would not lose progress because of the autosave feature
• Good performance

Cons

• Not suited for beginners
• You can only export up to 720p using the free version

G2 Rating: 3.5 Stars

Supported OS Windows , Mac , Linux

User Review

A TrustRadius Ratings and Review says, “Lightworks is a great tool for a non-designer to use because it provides a number of tools and capabilities that can be quickly learned.” However, they note that Lightworks does not provide advanced video editors with all the tools they need. It’s best for intermediate users.

Takeaway

Lightworks is a fantastic alternative to iMovie for Windows 10+ users. However, it requires you to be quite knowledgeable about video editing tools. This editor has a slightly higher learning curve than others. But once you learn how to use Lightworks, creating quality videos would be super easy.

9. Flexclip - Easy-to-Use Online Editor

FlexClip is a free online editor. It is a good substitute for iMovie for Windows users, regardless if you are a beginner or a professional.

Key Features

• Dozens of useful tools like background remover and gif maker
• Voice and screen recorder
• Integration with social media platforms
• It supports all the popular video formats
• Allows you to export up to 1080p

Price

FlexClip is free, but premium subscriptions are available. Subscriptions start from $9.99 per month.

Pros

• Includes basic and advanced editing tools
• Easy to share your work on social media platforms
• Allows creation of high-quality videos

Cons

• Long loading time before you can use it

G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

User Review

FlexClip being an online video editor means one thing; it does not use your PC’s processing power. It also delivers what it promises. A G2 reviewe r says, “I have used many video editing tools so far, but none is close to FlexClip when it comes to video editing.”

Takeaway

You can’t go wrong with FlexClip. It has powerful tools making it a great iMovie alternative for Windows. You don’t even have to install it; it’s an online tool. Unfortunately, that has some downsides. You need to wait for the website to finish loading before working because it scrolls down for each line that gets loaded.

10. WeVideo - Best for Templates

WeVideo includes social-media-friendly templates, making it a fantastic choice for editing popular video categories like How-to, Unboxings, and Makeup tutorials.

Key Features

• Color Correction
• Green Screen Editing Tool
• Has support for square videos (for Instagram) and vertical videos (for TikTok)
• Customizable templates plus dozens of pre-made ones

Price

Premium subscriptions start at $60 per year.

Pros

• Includes basic and advanced video editing tools
• Excellent customer support
• User-friendly

Cons

• The free version has lots of limitations
• Importing videos to the website takes a long time

G2 Rating: 4.4 Stars

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

User Review

Social media influencers and marketers need to check out WeVideo. A reviewer of this video editing tool on G2 said, “It’s got a handful of Templates that you can use to explore your creativity and inventiveness when creating your content.”

Takeaway

WeVideo is a solid alternative for iMovie for Windows 10/11, but only if you are willing to pay. The free version has lots of restrictions. For example, you can only export 5 minutes of content per month.

11. OpenShot - Best for Amateurs

OpenShot has a straightforward interface, making it beginner-friendly. It has some fantastic tools you’ll find helpful. There’s a catch with beginner-friendly editors, though. They don’t have the advanced features you can find on other video editors. You can say that for OpenShot.

Key Features

• 3D Animation
• Text Editor
• Keyframing
• Decent selection of templates and filters

Price: Free

Pros

• Beginner-friendly
• Includes a wide range of editing tools
• Lots of export options

Cons

• Lack of advanced tools like Picture-in-Picture or Chroma Key
• Very laggy to use sometimes

G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

User Review

OpenShot is a great introductory software for video editing. Its simplicity, ergonomic design, and set of handy tools make it perfect for beginners. A G2 review states, “I do not have a degree in video editing, but the products from my Openshot edits were of high quality.”

Takeaway

Some tools are intimidating for beginners; there are many buttons, and you don’t know what each one does. That’s not a problem when using OpenShot. Its simple interface is easy to understand, making it the best tool for beginners.

How to Edit a Video with an iMovie Alternative on Windows

Knowing which are the best iMovie alternatives on Windows is not enough. Of course, you also need to learn how to use them. Here’s a guide on how to use Wondershare Filmora, the best overall iMovie alternative for Windows.

Step1 Launch Filmora. Then, if you want to, select the aspect ratio.

Step2 Click New Project, then wait for the video editor to load. Then, click Register to register the product.

Step3 Select the aspect ratio for the final cut. Click Project Settings from the File menu, then select your desired aspect ratio.

Step4 Import the files you want to edit. Click the Import button in the upper left corner of the video editor. Select Import Media Files, then navigate to the location on your hard drive where the footage you want to edit is stored. Select the files you want to use in your project, then click Import.

Step5 Drag and drop the files to the timeline. Please note that the last one you add will always be placed after the previous one. Thus, you need to drag the file on the timeline to put it in the desired position. Press Play to preview.

Step6 Apply visual effects, color correction, and other edits you want to make.

Step7 Click Export to publish your video. Don’t forget to select your desired file format and resolution.

Here’s a video tutorial on how to use Wondershare Filmora

image / video 16:9

Final Words

It’s a shame that iMovie is not available on Windows 10/11 computers. Thankfully, there are alternatives you can use. Wondershare Filmora is an outstanding one. It allows you to do what you can do using iMovie and more.

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

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Shake It Off: How to Stabilize Unsteady Video in After Effects

Stabilize Shaky Videos After Recording Easily

Wondershare Filmora is one of the most popular video editing software among YouTubers , which provides the video stabilization tool to remove shake from videos within one-click. Download and have a try now.

Try It Free Try It Free

Video content is becoming increasingly popular; with the proliferation of online content, practically every product now needs its mini-documentary or video clip. Experienced filmmakers and VFX artists used to be the only ones who could get smooth footage. Those days, however, are over.

Adobe After Effects is an excellent tool for smoothing out video footage, in addition to being a great blending and motion animation software; although it’s usually preferable to maintain your film as seamless as possible on location, it’s not the end of the world if you take a seat to edit your video and decide it’s too shaky. In truth, there are several options available to you. In After Effects, there are three options for stabilizing footage. What are they – and how to use After Effects to stabilize footage? Let’s find out!

In this article

01 Stabilize Video with Built-in Warp Stabilizer in AE

02 Stabilize Shaky Video with Track Motion Feature in AE

03 Using Stabilization Plugins for Smoother Video in AE

Part 1: Stabilize Video with Built-in Warp Stabilizer in AE

The Warp Stabilizer effect is a new technique to cope with unsteady video. In this part, I will show you how to apply Warp Stabilizer to a layer, adjust the effect’s essential parameters, and demonstrate how they work briefly.

Step 1: The Warp Stabilizer is the most excellent built-in choice for After Effects. This may be found under the Distort tools section of the Effects & Presets panel. You may also go to the effects tab and look for “Warp“ in the search box.

Step 2: When you’ve identified Warp Stabilizer, you’ll have to add it to the layer you want to stabilize. You may accomplish this in one of three different ways. You may either drag and drop the filter into the chosen layer in the composing window, place it on the desired layer in the timeline, or double-tap on the effect while selecting your choice footage layer.

Step 3: Once you apply the warp stabilizer, it will start immediately. So now, all you have to do is lay back and let the stabilizer do its job.

(Note: The procedure should take no more than a few minutes, and a blue bar will appear across your composition window, indicating that the warp stabilizer is evaluating the film. The composition panel would then display an orange bar, indicating that the effect is applied).

Step 4: After stabilization, use the spacebar to begin a RAM peek. Choose the layer you added to and click to display the drop-down menu or go to the Effects Control panel whenever you need to tweak the stabilizing effect.

Part 2: Stabilize Shaky Video with Track Motion Feature in AE

Using Stabilize Motion feature to stabilize video is an old-school heritage function from the era of the Creative Suite, it will still be there in After Effects presently and performs admirably.

Step 1: The tracker panel is most likely open by default in your edition of After Effects, but if it isn’t, go to Window in the top menu to open it. Once you’ve arrived here, scroll to the bottom until you locate Tracker and double-check that it has a checkbox beside it.

Step 2: Select Stabilize Motion from the drop-down menu whenever the tracker panel is open. You’ll see that a tracker box appears in your Layer Panel once you’ve done this.

(Note: You’ll need to identify a proper location in your film for the tracker to operate at this stage. We’re monitoring a vehicle using a camera operator’s drone in the instance below).

Step 3: Let’s press the Play button on the tracker panel once we’ve set up the tracker box. The tracker box should adhere to the location or item you chose when you do this.

(Note: When your tracking points start to go astray, use the Pause button, personally modify the tracking point, and then push play to resume the journey).

Step 4: When the tracker is done and satisfied with the results, click Edit target to verify that the tracking data is transferred to the correct layer. Then proceed to the bottom of the page and click the Apply option.

(Note A dialogue window with choices for applying them. Usually, you’ll want to choose X and Y here).

Hit the spacebar to evaluate how well the stabilize motion tracker performed now when you’re back in the composition window. When you’re not pleased with the outcomes, you might have to go back to try again. Although this approach is best used for photos with a clear point of focus that doesn’t go out of frame, it could still be helpful in some situations.

Part 3: Using Stabilization Plugins for Smoother Video in AE

As a graphic and motion designer, animator, or 3D artist, After Effects plugins may completely change the way you operate. Since it can handle so much right out of the box, Adobe After Effects CC is already a go-to motion graphic and compositing program for many artists.

However, as with any good program, third-party plugins could only help you take your work to the next level by adding new features or streamlining your process.

It should be unsurprising that After Effects has many plugins for a program that is over 30 years old. Here are the best stabilization plugins for smoother video in AE:

1. Orb

Orb is focused on generating realistic planets and includes a range of unique features to make planetary creation easy. It utilizes a similar 3D engine to Video Copilot’s great Element 3D plugin, and it employs a similar 3D engine to Video Copilot’s outstanding Element 3D plugin.

You would believe that making planets in 3D is simple —create a circle, add textures, and you’re done! Getting a world to ‘look’ properly, on the other hand, might be more complicated than it appears.

For example, how can the line between night and day be altered in a model of a populated planet such that cities may be visible at night but not during the day?

Although Orb doesn’t work for every planetary picture, this would function for 90% of them and is a helpful previs tool. This is particularly true when used in conjunction with other After Effects plugins or paired with a 3D lens from a 3D program, which may be brought into After Effects with background plates for things like spacecraft.

2. Depth of Field Generator PRO (DOF PRO)

Richard Rosenman’s renowned Photoshop depth of field generator plugin, DOF PRO (Depth of Field Generator PRO), is now downloadable for After Effects. DOF PRO has become the industry’s professional option for an unprecedented and complex depth of field effects rapidly and effectively as a post-process.

This is thanks to almost a decade of discovery and application since the first launch in 2005. DOF PRO’s cutting-edge characteristics offer new and advanced technologies not found anywhere else, resulting in one of the industry’s most potent and sophisticated depth of field processors.

Capability for chromatic and achromatic aberration, focal plane bokeh distinction, astigmatism and vignetting effects, bespoke aperture maps, and noise recovery are among the advanced features.

There will also be compatibility with the alpha channel and transparency, 32-bit floating-point color, correct aperture displays, and an iris array display. A feature comparison between the plugin and After Effects’ Camera Lens Blur effect can be found here.

3. ReelSteady

ReelSteady for After Effects is a recent addition to the stabilization marketplace. ReelSteady is similar to After Effects’ warp stabilizer plugin. However, the stabilization in ReelSteady is far superior.

ReelSteady also has several other features that make it ideal for creating next-level tunes. Users may design filters to block off specific sections of your frame. This is useful for removing a subject that travels around the frame a lot.

In terms of performance, the After Effects plugin is pretty similar to the warp stabilizer but with a few more features. To begin with, ReelSteady includes a built-in rolling shutter repair tool that operates in tandem with its built-in stabilizer.

The ReelSteady effect is a two-pass effect. For instance, after the effect has been executed for the first time, you will likely wish to level out certain places. You’ll successfully isolate specific parts in the effect to “iron out” sections of the footage.

You would like to record your film at a more excellent resolution than your expected outcome to get the most out of ReelSteady. If you wish to output your video in 4K, you might capture it in 4.6K or 5K. You’ll have some leeway for ReelSteady to work its magic.

ReelSteady’s sole flaw is its high price ($399). ReelSteady is not available in After Effects, unlike some of the other choices on this list. ReelSteady, on the other hand, is the way to go if you would like the smoothest footage imaginable.

Conclusion

Shaky video footage would be the last thing any video creator wants unless it’s done intentionally for artistic or creative reasons. As a result, they employ methods and equipment to keep the camera safe from any undesired movement.

However, occasionally those tools aren’t available, and the outcome is questionable. That is why we decided to compile this article to add to the knowledge of our readers how they can use After Effects to stabilize videos to enhance their video content!

Try It Free Try It Free

Video content is becoming increasingly popular; with the proliferation of online content, practically every product now needs its mini-documentary or video clip. Experienced filmmakers and VFX artists used to be the only ones who could get smooth footage. Those days, however, are over.

Adobe After Effects is an excellent tool for smoothing out video footage, in addition to being a great blending and motion animation software; although it’s usually preferable to maintain your film as seamless as possible on location, it’s not the end of the world if you take a seat to edit your video and decide it’s too shaky. In truth, there are several options available to you. In After Effects, there are three options for stabilizing footage. What are they – and how to use After Effects to stabilize footage? Let’s find out!

In this article

01 Stabilize Video with Built-in Warp Stabilizer in AE

02 Stabilize Shaky Video with Track Motion Feature in AE

03 Using Stabilization Plugins for Smoother Video in AE

Part 1: Stabilize Video with Built-in Warp Stabilizer in AE

The Warp Stabilizer effect is a new technique to cope with unsteady video. In this part, I will show you how to apply Warp Stabilizer to a layer, adjust the effect’s essential parameters, and demonstrate how they work briefly.

Step 1: The Warp Stabilizer is the most excellent built-in choice for After Effects. This may be found under the Distort tools section of the Effects & Presets panel. You may also go to the effects tab and look for “Warp“ in the search box.

Step 2: When you’ve identified Warp Stabilizer, you’ll have to add it to the layer you want to stabilize. You may accomplish this in one of three different ways. You may either drag and drop the filter into the chosen layer in the composing window, place it on the desired layer in the timeline, or double-tap on the effect while selecting your choice footage layer.

Step 3: Once you apply the warp stabilizer, it will start immediately. So now, all you have to do is lay back and let the stabilizer do its job.

(Note: The procedure should take no more than a few minutes, and a blue bar will appear across your composition window, indicating that the warp stabilizer is evaluating the film. The composition panel would then display an orange bar, indicating that the effect is applied).

Step 4: After stabilization, use the spacebar to begin a RAM peek. Choose the layer you added to and click to display the drop-down menu or go to the Effects Control panel whenever you need to tweak the stabilizing effect.

Part 2: Stabilize Shaky Video with Track Motion Feature in AE

Using Stabilize Motion feature to stabilize video is an old-school heritage function from the era of the Creative Suite, it will still be there in After Effects presently and performs admirably.

Step 1: The tracker panel is most likely open by default in your edition of After Effects, but if it isn’t, go to Window in the top menu to open it. Once you’ve arrived here, scroll to the bottom until you locate Tracker and double-check that it has a checkbox beside it.

Step 2: Select Stabilize Motion from the drop-down menu whenever the tracker panel is open. You’ll see that a tracker box appears in your Layer Panel once you’ve done this.

(Note: You’ll need to identify a proper location in your film for the tracker to operate at this stage. We’re monitoring a vehicle using a camera operator’s drone in the instance below).

Step 3: Let’s press the Play button on the tracker panel once we’ve set up the tracker box. The tracker box should adhere to the location or item you chose when you do this.

(Note: When your tracking points start to go astray, use the Pause button, personally modify the tracking point, and then push play to resume the journey).

Step 4: When the tracker is done and satisfied with the results, click Edit target to verify that the tracking data is transferred to the correct layer. Then proceed to the bottom of the page and click the Apply option.

(Note A dialogue window with choices for applying them. Usually, you’ll want to choose X and Y here).

Hit the spacebar to evaluate how well the stabilize motion tracker performed now when you’re back in the composition window. When you’re not pleased with the outcomes, you might have to go back to try again. Although this approach is best used for photos with a clear point of focus that doesn’t go out of frame, it could still be helpful in some situations.

Part 3: Using Stabilization Plugins for Smoother Video in AE

As a graphic and motion designer, animator, or 3D artist, After Effects plugins may completely change the way you operate. Since it can handle so much right out of the box, Adobe After Effects CC is already a go-to motion graphic and compositing program for many artists.

However, as with any good program, third-party plugins could only help you take your work to the next level by adding new features or streamlining your process.

It should be unsurprising that After Effects has many plugins for a program that is over 30 years old. Here are the best stabilization plugins for smoother video in AE:

1. Orb

Orb is focused on generating realistic planets and includes a range of unique features to make planetary creation easy. It utilizes a similar 3D engine to Video Copilot’s great Element 3D plugin, and it employs a similar 3D engine to Video Copilot’s outstanding Element 3D plugin.

You would believe that making planets in 3D is simple —create a circle, add textures, and you’re done! Getting a world to ‘look’ properly, on the other hand, might be more complicated than it appears.

For example, how can the line between night and day be altered in a model of a populated planet such that cities may be visible at night but not during the day?

Although Orb doesn’t work for every planetary picture, this would function for 90% of them and is a helpful previs tool. This is particularly true when used in conjunction with other After Effects plugins or paired with a 3D lens from a 3D program, which may be brought into After Effects with background plates for things like spacecraft.

2. Depth of Field Generator PRO (DOF PRO)

Richard Rosenman’s renowned Photoshop depth of field generator plugin, DOF PRO (Depth of Field Generator PRO), is now downloadable for After Effects. DOF PRO has become the industry’s professional option for an unprecedented and complex depth of field effects rapidly and effectively as a post-process.

This is thanks to almost a decade of discovery and application since the first launch in 2005. DOF PRO’s cutting-edge characteristics offer new and advanced technologies not found anywhere else, resulting in one of the industry’s most potent and sophisticated depth of field processors.

Capability for chromatic and achromatic aberration, focal plane bokeh distinction, astigmatism and vignetting effects, bespoke aperture maps, and noise recovery are among the advanced features.

There will also be compatibility with the alpha channel and transparency, 32-bit floating-point color, correct aperture displays, and an iris array display. A feature comparison between the plugin and After Effects’ Camera Lens Blur effect can be found here.

3. ReelSteady

ReelSteady for After Effects is a recent addition to the stabilization marketplace. ReelSteady is similar to After Effects’ warp stabilizer plugin. However, the stabilization in ReelSteady is far superior.

ReelSteady also has several other features that make it ideal for creating next-level tunes. Users may design filters to block off specific sections of your frame. This is useful for removing a subject that travels around the frame a lot.

In terms of performance, the After Effects plugin is pretty similar to the warp stabilizer but with a few more features. To begin with, ReelSteady includes a built-in rolling shutter repair tool that operates in tandem with its built-in stabilizer.

The ReelSteady effect is a two-pass effect. For instance, after the effect has been executed for the first time, you will likely wish to level out certain places. You’ll successfully isolate specific parts in the effect to “iron out” sections of the footage.

You would like to record your film at a more excellent resolution than your expected outcome to get the most out of ReelSteady. If you wish to output your video in 4K, you might capture it in 4.6K or 5K. You’ll have some leeway for ReelSteady to work its magic.

ReelSteady’s sole flaw is its high price ($399). ReelSteady is not available in After Effects, unlike some of the other choices on this list. ReelSteady, on the other hand, is the way to go if you would like the smoothest footage imaginable.

Conclusion

Shaky video footage would be the last thing any video creator wants unless it’s done intentionally for artistic or creative reasons. As a result, they employ methods and equipment to keep the camera safe from any undesired movement.

However, occasionally those tools aren’t available, and the outcome is questionable. That is why we decided to compile this article to add to the knowledge of our readers how they can use After Effects to stabilize videos to enhance their video content!

Try It Free Try It Free

Video content is becoming increasingly popular; with the proliferation of online content, practically every product now needs its mini-documentary or video clip. Experienced filmmakers and VFX artists used to be the only ones who could get smooth footage. Those days, however, are over.

Adobe After Effects is an excellent tool for smoothing out video footage, in addition to being a great blending and motion animation software; although it’s usually preferable to maintain your film as seamless as possible on location, it’s not the end of the world if you take a seat to edit your video and decide it’s too shaky. In truth, there are several options available to you. In After Effects, there are three options for stabilizing footage. What are they – and how to use After Effects to stabilize footage? Let’s find out!

In this article

01 Stabilize Video with Built-in Warp Stabilizer in AE

02 Stabilize Shaky Video with Track Motion Feature in AE

03 Using Stabilization Plugins for Smoother Video in AE

Part 1: Stabilize Video with Built-in Warp Stabilizer in AE

The Warp Stabilizer effect is a new technique to cope with unsteady video. In this part, I will show you how to apply Warp Stabilizer to a layer, adjust the effect’s essential parameters, and demonstrate how they work briefly.

Step 1: The Warp Stabilizer is the most excellent built-in choice for After Effects. This may be found under the Distort tools section of the Effects & Presets panel. You may also go to the effects tab and look for “Warp“ in the search box.

Step 2: When you’ve identified Warp Stabilizer, you’ll have to add it to the layer you want to stabilize. You may accomplish this in one of three different ways. You may either drag and drop the filter into the chosen layer in the composing window, place it on the desired layer in the timeline, or double-tap on the effect while selecting your choice footage layer.

Step 3: Once you apply the warp stabilizer, it will start immediately. So now, all you have to do is lay back and let the stabilizer do its job.

(Note: The procedure should take no more than a few minutes, and a blue bar will appear across your composition window, indicating that the warp stabilizer is evaluating the film. The composition panel would then display an orange bar, indicating that the effect is applied).

Step 4: After stabilization, use the spacebar to begin a RAM peek. Choose the layer you added to and click to display the drop-down menu or go to the Effects Control panel whenever you need to tweak the stabilizing effect.

Part 2: Stabilize Shaky Video with Track Motion Feature in AE

Using Stabilize Motion feature to stabilize video is an old-school heritage function from the era of the Creative Suite, it will still be there in After Effects presently and performs admirably.

Step 1: The tracker panel is most likely open by default in your edition of After Effects, but if it isn’t, go to Window in the top menu to open it. Once you’ve arrived here, scroll to the bottom until you locate Tracker and double-check that it has a checkbox beside it.

Step 2: Select Stabilize Motion from the drop-down menu whenever the tracker panel is open. You’ll see that a tracker box appears in your Layer Panel once you’ve done this.

(Note: You’ll need to identify a proper location in your film for the tracker to operate at this stage. We’re monitoring a vehicle using a camera operator’s drone in the instance below).

Step 3: Let’s press the Play button on the tracker panel once we’ve set up the tracker box. The tracker box should adhere to the location or item you chose when you do this.

(Note: When your tracking points start to go astray, use the Pause button, personally modify the tracking point, and then push play to resume the journey).

Step 4: When the tracker is done and satisfied with the results, click Edit target to verify that the tracking data is transferred to the correct layer. Then proceed to the bottom of the page and click the Apply option.

(Note A dialogue window with choices for applying them. Usually, you’ll want to choose X and Y here).

Hit the spacebar to evaluate how well the stabilize motion tracker performed now when you’re back in the composition window. When you’re not pleased with the outcomes, you might have to go back to try again. Although this approach is best used for photos with a clear point of focus that doesn’t go out of frame, it could still be helpful in some situations.

Part 3: Using Stabilization Plugins for Smoother Video in AE

As a graphic and motion designer, animator, or 3D artist, After Effects plugins may completely change the way you operate. Since it can handle so much right out of the box, Adobe After Effects CC is already a go-to motion graphic and compositing program for many artists.

However, as with any good program, third-party plugins could only help you take your work to the next level by adding new features or streamlining your process.

It should be unsurprising that After Effects has many plugins for a program that is over 30 years old. Here are the best stabilization plugins for smoother video in AE:

1. Orb

Orb is focused on generating realistic planets and includes a range of unique features to make planetary creation easy. It utilizes a similar 3D engine to Video Copilot’s great Element 3D plugin, and it employs a similar 3D engine to Video Copilot’s outstanding Element 3D plugin.

You would believe that making planets in 3D is simple —create a circle, add textures, and you’re done! Getting a world to ‘look’ properly, on the other hand, might be more complicated than it appears.

For example, how can the line between night and day be altered in a model of a populated planet such that cities may be visible at night but not during the day?

Although Orb doesn’t work for every planetary picture, this would function for 90% of them and is a helpful previs tool. This is particularly true when used in conjunction with other After Effects plugins or paired with a 3D lens from a 3D program, which may be brought into After Effects with background plates for things like spacecraft.

2. Depth of Field Generator PRO (DOF PRO)

Richard Rosenman’s renowned Photoshop depth of field generator plugin, DOF PRO (Depth of Field Generator PRO), is now downloadable for After Effects. DOF PRO has become the industry’s professional option for an unprecedented and complex depth of field effects rapidly and effectively as a post-process.

This is thanks to almost a decade of discovery and application since the first launch in 2005. DOF PRO’s cutting-edge characteristics offer new and advanced technologies not found anywhere else, resulting in one of the industry’s most potent and sophisticated depth of field processors.

Capability for chromatic and achromatic aberration, focal plane bokeh distinction, astigmatism and vignetting effects, bespoke aperture maps, and noise recovery are among the advanced features.

There will also be compatibility with the alpha channel and transparency, 32-bit floating-point color, correct aperture displays, and an iris array display. A feature comparison between the plugin and After Effects’ Camera Lens Blur effect can be found here.

3. ReelSteady

ReelSteady for After Effects is a recent addition to the stabilization marketplace. ReelSteady is similar to After Effects’ warp stabilizer plugin. However, the stabilization in ReelSteady is far superior.

ReelSteady also has several other features that make it ideal for creating next-level tunes. Users may design filters to block off specific sections of your frame. This is useful for removing a subject that travels around the frame a lot.

In terms of performance, the After Effects plugin is pretty similar to the warp stabilizer but with a few more features. To begin with, ReelSteady includes a built-in rolling shutter repair tool that operates in tandem with its built-in stabilizer.

The ReelSteady effect is a two-pass effect. For instance, after the effect has been executed for the first time, you will likely wish to level out certain places. You’ll successfully isolate specific parts in the effect to “iron out” sections of the footage.

You would like to record your film at a more excellent resolution than your expected outcome to get the most out of ReelSteady. If you wish to output your video in 4K, you might capture it in 4.6K or 5K. You’ll have some leeway for ReelSteady to work its magic.

ReelSteady’s sole flaw is its high price ($399). ReelSteady is not available in After Effects, unlike some of the other choices on this list. ReelSteady, on the other hand, is the way to go if you would like the smoothest footage imaginable.

Conclusion

Shaky video footage would be the last thing any video creator wants unless it’s done intentionally for artistic or creative reasons. As a result, they employ methods and equipment to keep the camera safe from any undesired movement.

However, occasionally those tools aren’t available, and the outcome is questionable. That is why we decided to compile this article to add to the knowledge of our readers how they can use After Effects to stabilize videos to enhance their video content!

Try It Free Try It Free

Video content is becoming increasingly popular; with the proliferation of online content, practically every product now needs its mini-documentary or video clip. Experienced filmmakers and VFX artists used to be the only ones who could get smooth footage. Those days, however, are over.

Adobe After Effects is an excellent tool for smoothing out video footage, in addition to being a great blending and motion animation software; although it’s usually preferable to maintain your film as seamless as possible on location, it’s not the end of the world if you take a seat to edit your video and decide it’s too shaky. In truth, there are several options available to you. In After Effects, there are three options for stabilizing footage. What are they – and how to use After Effects to stabilize footage? Let’s find out!

In this article

01 Stabilize Video with Built-in Warp Stabilizer in AE

02 Stabilize Shaky Video with Track Motion Feature in AE

03 Using Stabilization Plugins for Smoother Video in AE

Part 1: Stabilize Video with Built-in Warp Stabilizer in AE

The Warp Stabilizer effect is a new technique to cope with unsteady video. In this part, I will show you how to apply Warp Stabilizer to a layer, adjust the effect’s essential parameters, and demonstrate how they work briefly.

Step 1: The Warp Stabilizer is the most excellent built-in choice for After Effects. This may be found under the Distort tools section of the Effects & Presets panel. You may also go to the effects tab and look for “Warp“ in the search box.

Step 2: When you’ve identified Warp Stabilizer, you’ll have to add it to the layer you want to stabilize. You may accomplish this in one of three different ways. You may either drag and drop the filter into the chosen layer in the composing window, place it on the desired layer in the timeline, or double-tap on the effect while selecting your choice footage layer.

Step 3: Once you apply the warp stabilizer, it will start immediately. So now, all you have to do is lay back and let the stabilizer do its job.

(Note: The procedure should take no more than a few minutes, and a blue bar will appear across your composition window, indicating that the warp stabilizer is evaluating the film. The composition panel would then display an orange bar, indicating that the effect is applied).

Step 4: After stabilization, use the spacebar to begin a RAM peek. Choose the layer you added to and click to display the drop-down menu or go to the Effects Control panel whenever you need to tweak the stabilizing effect.

Part 2: Stabilize Shaky Video with Track Motion Feature in AE

Using Stabilize Motion feature to stabilize video is an old-school heritage function from the era of the Creative Suite, it will still be there in After Effects presently and performs admirably.

Step 1: The tracker panel is most likely open by default in your edition of After Effects, but if it isn’t, go to Window in the top menu to open it. Once you’ve arrived here, scroll to the bottom until you locate Tracker and double-check that it has a checkbox beside it.

Step 2: Select Stabilize Motion from the drop-down menu whenever the tracker panel is open. You’ll see that a tracker box appears in your Layer Panel once you’ve done this.

(Note: You’ll need to identify a proper location in your film for the tracker to operate at this stage. We’re monitoring a vehicle using a camera operator’s drone in the instance below).

Step 3: Let’s press the Play button on the tracker panel once we’ve set up the tracker box. The tracker box should adhere to the location or item you chose when you do this.

(Note: When your tracking points start to go astray, use the Pause button, personally modify the tracking point, and then push play to resume the journey).

Step 4: When the tracker is done and satisfied with the results, click Edit target to verify that the tracking data is transferred to the correct layer. Then proceed to the bottom of the page and click the Apply option.

(Note A dialogue window with choices for applying them. Usually, you’ll want to choose X and Y here).

Hit the spacebar to evaluate how well the stabilize motion tracker performed now when you’re back in the composition window. When you’re not pleased with the outcomes, you might have to go back to try again. Although this approach is best used for photos with a clear point of focus that doesn’t go out of frame, it could still be helpful in some situations.

Part 3: Using Stabilization Plugins for Smoother Video in AE

As a graphic and motion designer, animator, or 3D artist, After Effects plugins may completely change the way you operate. Since it can handle so much right out of the box, Adobe After Effects CC is already a go-to motion graphic and compositing program for many artists.

However, as with any good program, third-party plugins could only help you take your work to the next level by adding new features or streamlining your process.

It should be unsurprising that After Effects has many plugins for a program that is over 30 years old. Here are the best stabilization plugins for smoother video in AE:

1. Orb

Orb is focused on generating realistic planets and includes a range of unique features to make planetary creation easy. It utilizes a similar 3D engine to Video Copilot’s great Element 3D plugin, and it employs a similar 3D engine to Video Copilot’s outstanding Element 3D plugin.

You would believe that making planets in 3D is simple —create a circle, add textures, and you’re done! Getting a world to ‘look’ properly, on the other hand, might be more complicated than it appears.

For example, how can the line between night and day be altered in a model of a populated planet such that cities may be visible at night but not during the day?

Although Orb doesn’t work for every planetary picture, this would function for 90% of them and is a helpful previs tool. This is particularly true when used in conjunction with other After Effects plugins or paired with a 3D lens from a 3D program, which may be brought into After Effects with background plates for things like spacecraft.

2. Depth of Field Generator PRO (DOF PRO)

Richard Rosenman’s renowned Photoshop depth of field generator plugin, DOF PRO (Depth of Field Generator PRO), is now downloadable for After Effects. DOF PRO has become the industry’s professional option for an unprecedented and complex depth of field effects rapidly and effectively as a post-process.

This is thanks to almost a decade of discovery and application since the first launch in 2005. DOF PRO’s cutting-edge characteristics offer new and advanced technologies not found anywhere else, resulting in one of the industry’s most potent and sophisticated depth of field processors.

Capability for chromatic and achromatic aberration, focal plane bokeh distinction, astigmatism and vignetting effects, bespoke aperture maps, and noise recovery are among the advanced features.

There will also be compatibility with the alpha channel and transparency, 32-bit floating-point color, correct aperture displays, and an iris array display. A feature comparison between the plugin and After Effects’ Camera Lens Blur effect can be found here.

3. ReelSteady

ReelSteady for After Effects is a recent addition to the stabilization marketplace. ReelSteady is similar to After Effects’ warp stabilizer plugin. However, the stabilization in ReelSteady is far superior.

ReelSteady also has several other features that make it ideal for creating next-level tunes. Users may design filters to block off specific sections of your frame. This is useful for removing a subject that travels around the frame a lot.

In terms of performance, the After Effects plugin is pretty similar to the warp stabilizer but with a few more features. To begin with, ReelSteady includes a built-in rolling shutter repair tool that operates in tandem with its built-in stabilizer.

The ReelSteady effect is a two-pass effect. For instance, after the effect has been executed for the first time, you will likely wish to level out certain places. You’ll successfully isolate specific parts in the effect to “iron out” sections of the footage.

You would like to record your film at a more excellent resolution than your expected outcome to get the most out of ReelSteady. If you wish to output your video in 4K, you might capture it in 4.6K or 5K. You’ll have some leeway for ReelSteady to work its magic.

ReelSteady’s sole flaw is its high price ($399). ReelSteady is not available in After Effects, unlike some of the other choices on this list. ReelSteady, on the other hand, is the way to go if you would like the smoothest footage imaginable.

Conclusion

Shaky video footage would be the last thing any video creator wants unless it’s done intentionally for artistic or creative reasons. As a result, they employ methods and equipment to keep the camera safe from any undesired movement.

However, occasionally those tools aren’t available, and the outcome is questionable. That is why we decided to compile this article to add to the knowledge of our readers how they can use After Effects to stabilize videos to enhance their video content!

Elevate Your Audio: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding and Integrating Free Sound Effects in Final Cut Pro

How to Find Free Sound Effect and Add Them in Final Cut Pro

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Suppose you have recorded a cinematic video of a beach in the evening visualizing the sunset and a few birds flying in the sky. Everything looks perfect except the audio, which seems to be fluctuating and breaking at some points. How would you address this challenge?

The best solution to this problem is adding sound effects, which can make your video more interesting and adorable. Setting the frequency of audio with on-screen visuals will invoke the viewers’ emotions and attach them to the scene.

Read this article to learn how to add sound effects to your video with Final Cut Pro.

Part 1: What are Different Types of Sound Effects?

Sound effects have four major types:

1. Ambiance SFX

These sounds fill the screen space to create a virtual sense of an environment or location such as the clattering sound of dishes in a restaurant or the sound of engines on a highway.

1. Foley SFX

A mixture of live performance and digital sound editing, these sounds are produced by the artists of Foley studio to match their sounds to the on-screen visuals.

1. Hard and Soft SFX

Hard SFX synchronizes a visual to what’s happening in the picture while SFX indicates the location to the audience.

1. Electronic SFX

These sounds are generated by instruments that create electronic-sounding effects like electronic keyboards, synthesizers, or plug-ins.

Part 2: How to Add Sound Effects in Final Cut Pro?

Cinematographic productions need well-balanced music and sound effects. Luckily, Final Cut Pro comes with built-in audio enhancement features and third-party Audio Units (AU) effects that allow users to add sound effects to their videos and manage all audio processing tasks.

You can add sound effects in your video with Final Cut Pro. Wonder how? Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Photos and Audio Sound Bar

• In the top-left corner, there is a Photos and Audio Click on this button as shown in the figure below:
• Select the Window and Go To Either press Shift + Command + 1 or tap Photos and Audio from the dropdown menu

Step 2: Select the Sound Category

• Choose a sound category or app from the Photos and Audio sidebar
• A list will appear contacting the audio clips in that specific category as shown in the figure below:
• You can find multiple music and sound clips in the Sound Effects category. The list also contains various apps you use on your Mac such as GarageBand, Music, and Logic Pro, etc.

Step 3: Select the Music or Sound to be added

• Filter the items in the browser by using the pop-up menu. Go to Music > Purchased or select Sound Effects > Final Cut Pro Sound Effects > Impacts & Crashes.
• Preview your selected audio file by selecting it from the list and clicking the Play
• If you want to select multiple items, command-click each item individually.

Step 4: Use the Selected Music or Audio

• Drag your selected sound clip to the timeline or the sidebar
• Once the Photos and Audio sidebar has been replaced by the Libraries sidebar, you can add the selected audio or music files to an event. The Photos and Audio sidebar will reappear as you drag those files.
• Play the video to make sure sound effects have been successfully added

For enhanced playback experiences, all MP audio files are automatically transcoded to MOV audio files. However, you can also find the original MP3 files in the source media files section of Final Cut Pro. Besides, by adding mono audio clips to a stereo project, only the single mono audio will be plated in both left and right channels. You can view them in the stereo audio meters of your project.

Surely you don’t want to see your sound effect missing in your footage, but that happens a lot in FCPX. Just in case, you may want to see this article: Proven Ways to Get Missing Sound Effects Back in Final Cut Pro .

Part 3: How to Improve Your Video with Sound Effects?

In addition to Final Cut Pro, you can also use advanced video-editing software like Wondershare Filmora to improve your video by adding special sound effects. Here’s how you can do this:

Add the original video to Filmora by clicking the Import button or directly dragging the file to the primary window

Tap Sound to open a box listing different sound effects. Select your favorite sound effect and drag it down to the soundtrack below the video clip. Now, move the sound icon and the playhead to set the beginning and ending points. Press the Play button to ensure the newly added sound effect sounds well.

Once you’ve done the final review, tap the Create button and Format tab. Then, choose your preferred format and location where the file needs to be exported. You can also upload this video on YouTube or Facebook, play it on different iOS devices, or burn it to DVD.

Part 4: Where to Find Sound Effects?

Both Final Cut Pro and Wondershare Filmora have a variety of built-in sound effects. You can select and drop these effects to directly add them to your video. However, if you are searching for sound effects, given below are two methods:

1. Self-recording

Professional filmmakers and sound experts often record sound effects by themselves according to their requirements. For example, if they want to visualize some scene from school, they can go to an educational institution and record audio. After proper editing, these sound effects are added to the video.

1. Online Resources

Different websites also allow their users to download their favorite sound effects. Given below are some of the top-rated websites for downloading sound effects based on their quality, variety, and usefulness:

1. Filmostock
2. Adobe Audition Sound Effects
3. Freesound
4. Partners In Rhyme
5. AudioMicro
6. 99Sounds
7. Sounds Crate
8. Zapsplat
9. BBC Sound Effects
10. FreeSFX
11. GameSounds
12. SoundEffects+
13. SoundGator
14. PacDV
15. Sound Effects for Free

For more details, please check this article: 9 Great Websites To Download Royalty-Free Sound Effects.

Part 5: Extensive Reading: What are Sound Effects and Why are they Important?

Sound is the most important aspect of video editing that engages audiences, evokes emotional responses, and connects people to what they’re seeing. A melodious sound helps the video editors deliver information and creatively and define the tone of their narrative.

Sound effects (SFX) refer to audio clips or sounds that are not part of the recoded video. They are added to movies, documentaries, video games, and even reality shows to invoke the viewers’ emotions and increase their interest in the video.

Similarly, the addition of sound effects increases the production value and creates a complete audience experience. If you want to elevate your video dramatically and make it magnetic, have to balance sound effects, silence, and music in such a way that they support each visual and every cut. Although audio cannot fix slipshod editing or amateur camera work, it becomes more crucial than video quality while you are trying to deliver a specific message in your video.

Professional video editors and filmmakers consider sound effects crucial to their video quality. A clear, melodious, and well-balanced audio adds depth to the visuals, evokes more emotions than the picture, and paints the audio picture of a particular setting.

Even silence, a powerful tool of the audio arsenal, speaks louder than the picture itself. Hence, balancing audio by adding sound effects can make your video stimulating, captivating, and emotional.

That’s why a good editing tool always stocks a great number of sound effects for users, like Filmora. Click to download and take a look at all the effects in Filmora

Conclusion

Sound effects are external audio files added to the videos to make them look interesting and worth watching. A perfect balance of sound, music, and silence allows the filmmakers to define the tone of their narrative and deliver their message creatively.

You can create sound effects through self-recording or by downloading them from external resources. To add sound effects to your video, use professional video-editing software like Final Cut Pro or Filmora. Both these applications are user-friendly and possess a huge library of a variety of sound effects and music files. Besides, their advanced features allow you to naturally add sound effects without affecting the video quality.

Liza Brown

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

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Suppose you have recorded a cinematic video of a beach in the evening visualizing the sunset and a few birds flying in the sky. Everything looks perfect except the audio, which seems to be fluctuating and breaking at some points. How would you address this challenge?

The best solution to this problem is adding sound effects, which can make your video more interesting and adorable. Setting the frequency of audio with on-screen visuals will invoke the viewers’ emotions and attach them to the scene.

Read this article to learn how to add sound effects to your video with Final Cut Pro.

Part 1: What are Different Types of Sound Effects?

Sound effects have four major types:

1. Ambiance SFX

These sounds fill the screen space to create a virtual sense of an environment or location such as the clattering sound of dishes in a restaurant or the sound of engines on a highway.

1. Foley SFX

A mixture of live performance and digital sound editing, these sounds are produced by the artists of Foley studio to match their sounds to the on-screen visuals.

1. Hard and Soft SFX

Hard SFX synchronizes a visual to what’s happening in the picture while SFX indicates the location to the audience.

1. Electronic SFX

These sounds are generated by instruments that create electronic-sounding effects like electronic keyboards, synthesizers, or plug-ins.

Part 2: How to Add Sound Effects in Final Cut Pro?

Cinematographic productions need well-balanced music and sound effects. Luckily, Final Cut Pro comes with built-in audio enhancement features and third-party Audio Units (AU) effects that allow users to add sound effects to their videos and manage all audio processing tasks.

You can add sound effects in your video with Final Cut Pro. Wonder how? Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Photos and Audio Sound Bar

• In the top-left corner, there is a Photos and Audio Click on this button as shown in the figure below:
• Select the Window and Go To Either press Shift + Command + 1 or tap Photos and Audio from the dropdown menu

Step 2: Select the Sound Category

• Choose a sound category or app from the Photos and Audio sidebar
• A list will appear contacting the audio clips in that specific category as shown in the figure below:
• You can find multiple music and sound clips in the Sound Effects category. The list also contains various apps you use on your Mac such as GarageBand, Music, and Logic Pro, etc.

Step 3: Select the Music or Sound to be added

• Filter the items in the browser by using the pop-up menu. Go to Music > Purchased or select Sound Effects > Final Cut Pro Sound Effects > Impacts & Crashes.
• Preview your selected audio file by selecting it from the list and clicking the Play
• If you want to select multiple items, command-click each item individually.

Step 4: Use the Selected Music or Audio

• Drag your selected sound clip to the timeline or the sidebar
• Once the Photos and Audio sidebar has been replaced by the Libraries sidebar, you can add the selected audio or music files to an event. The Photos and Audio sidebar will reappear as you drag those files.
• Play the video to make sure sound effects have been successfully added

For enhanced playback experiences, all MP audio files are automatically transcoded to MOV audio files. However, you can also find the original MP3 files in the source media files section of Final Cut Pro. Besides, by adding mono audio clips to a stereo project, only the single mono audio will be plated in both left and right channels. You can view them in the stereo audio meters of your project.

Surely you don’t want to see your sound effect missing in your footage, but that happens a lot in FCPX. Just in case, you may want to see this article: Proven Ways to Get Missing Sound Effects Back in Final Cut Pro .

Part 3: How to Improve Your Video with Sound Effects?

In addition to Final Cut Pro, you can also use advanced video-editing software like Wondershare Filmora to improve your video by adding special sound effects. Here’s how you can do this:

Add the original video to Filmora by clicking the Import button or directly dragging the file to the primary window

Tap Sound to open a box listing different sound effects. Select your favorite sound effect and drag it down to the soundtrack below the video clip. Now, move the sound icon and the playhead to set the beginning and ending points. Press the Play button to ensure the newly added sound effect sounds well.

Once you’ve done the final review, tap the Create button and Format tab. Then, choose your preferred format and location where the file needs to be exported. You can also upload this video on YouTube or Facebook, play it on different iOS devices, or burn it to DVD.

Part 4: Where to Find Sound Effects?

Both Final Cut Pro and Wondershare Filmora have a variety of built-in sound effects. You can select and drop these effects to directly add them to your video. However, if you are searching for sound effects, given below are two methods:

1. Self-recording

Professional filmmakers and sound experts often record sound effects by themselves according to their requirements. For example, if they want to visualize some scene from school, they can go to an educational institution and record audio. After proper editing, these sound effects are added to the video.

1. Online Resources

Different websites also allow their users to download their favorite sound effects. Given below are some of the top-rated websites for downloading sound effects based on their quality, variety, and usefulness:

1. Filmostock
2. Adobe Audition Sound Effects
3. Freesound
4. Partners In Rhyme
5. AudioMicro
6. 99Sounds
7. Sounds Crate
8. Zapsplat
9. BBC Sound Effects
10. FreeSFX
11. GameSounds
12. SoundEffects+
13. SoundGator
14. PacDV
15. Sound Effects for Free

For more details, please check this article: 9 Great Websites To Download Royalty-Free Sound Effects.

Part 5: Extensive Reading: What are Sound Effects and Why are they Important?

Sound is the most important aspect of video editing that engages audiences, evokes emotional responses, and connects people to what they’re seeing. A melodious sound helps the video editors deliver information and creatively and define the tone of their narrative.

Sound effects (SFX) refer to audio clips or sounds that are not part of the recoded video. They are added to movies, documentaries, video games, and even reality shows to invoke the viewers’ emotions and increase their interest in the video.

Similarly, the addition of sound effects increases the production value and creates a complete audience experience. If you want to elevate your video dramatically and make it magnetic, have to balance sound effects, silence, and music in such a way that they support each visual and every cut. Although audio cannot fix slipshod editing or amateur camera work, it becomes more crucial than video quality while you are trying to deliver a specific message in your video.

Professional video editors and filmmakers consider sound effects crucial to their video quality. A clear, melodious, and well-balanced audio adds depth to the visuals, evokes more emotions than the picture, and paints the audio picture of a particular setting.

Even silence, a powerful tool of the audio arsenal, speaks louder than the picture itself. Hence, balancing audio by adding sound effects can make your video stimulating, captivating, and emotional.

That’s why a good editing tool always stocks a great number of sound effects for users, like Filmora. Click to download and take a look at all the effects in Filmora

Conclusion

Sound effects are external audio files added to the videos to make them look interesting and worth watching. A perfect balance of sound, music, and silence allows the filmmakers to define the tone of their narrative and deliver their message creatively.

You can create sound effects through self-recording or by downloading them from external resources. To add sound effects to your video, use professional video-editing software like Final Cut Pro or Filmora. Both these applications are user-friendly and possess a huge library of a variety of sound effects and music files. Besides, their advanced features allow you to naturally add sound effects without affecting the video quality.

Liza Brown

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

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Suppose you have recorded a cinematic video of a beach in the evening visualizing the sunset and a few birds flying in the sky. Everything looks perfect except the audio, which seems to be fluctuating and breaking at some points. How would you address this challenge?

The best solution to this problem is adding sound effects, which can make your video more interesting and adorable. Setting the frequency of audio with on-screen visuals will invoke the viewers’ emotions and attach them to the scene.

Read this article to learn how to add sound effects to your video with Final Cut Pro.

Part 1: What are Different Types of Sound Effects?

Sound effects have four major types:

1. Ambiance SFX

These sounds fill the screen space to create a virtual sense of an environment or location such as the clattering sound of dishes in a restaurant or the sound of engines on a highway.

1. Foley SFX

A mixture of live performance and digital sound editing, these sounds are produced by the artists of Foley studio to match their sounds to the on-screen visuals.

1. Hard and Soft SFX

Hard SFX synchronizes a visual to what’s happening in the picture while SFX indicates the location to the audience.

1. Electronic SFX

These sounds are generated by instruments that create electronic-sounding effects like electronic keyboards, synthesizers, or plug-ins.

Part 2: How to Add Sound Effects in Final Cut Pro?

Cinematographic productions need well-balanced music and sound effects. Luckily, Final Cut Pro comes with built-in audio enhancement features and third-party Audio Units (AU) effects that allow users to add sound effects to their videos and manage all audio processing tasks.

You can add sound effects in your video with Final Cut Pro. Wonder how? Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Photos and Audio Sound Bar

• In the top-left corner, there is a Photos and Audio Click on this button as shown in the figure below:
• Select the Window and Go To Either press Shift + Command + 1 or tap Photos and Audio from the dropdown menu

Step 2: Select the Sound Category

• Choose a sound category or app from the Photos and Audio sidebar
• A list will appear contacting the audio clips in that specific category as shown in the figure below:
• You can find multiple music and sound clips in the Sound Effects category. The list also contains various apps you use on your Mac such as GarageBand, Music, and Logic Pro, etc.

Step 3: Select the Music or Sound to be added

• Filter the items in the browser by using the pop-up menu. Go to Music > Purchased or select Sound Effects > Final Cut Pro Sound Effects > Impacts & Crashes.
• Preview your selected audio file by selecting it from the list and clicking the Play
• If you want to select multiple items, command-click each item individually.

Step 4: Use the Selected Music or Audio

• Drag your selected sound clip to the timeline or the sidebar
• Once the Photos and Audio sidebar has been replaced by the Libraries sidebar, you can add the selected audio or music files to an event. The Photos and Audio sidebar will reappear as you drag those files.
• Play the video to make sure sound effects have been successfully added

For enhanced playback experiences, all MP audio files are automatically transcoded to MOV audio files. However, you can also find the original MP3 files in the source media files section of Final Cut Pro. Besides, by adding mono audio clips to a stereo project, only the single mono audio will be plated in both left and right channels. You can view them in the stereo audio meters of your project.

Surely you don’t want to see your sound effect missing in your footage, but that happens a lot in FCPX. Just in case, you may want to see this article: Proven Ways to Get Missing Sound Effects Back in Final Cut Pro .

Part 3: How to Improve Your Video with Sound Effects?

In addition to Final Cut Pro, you can also use advanced video-editing software like Wondershare Filmora to improve your video by adding special sound effects. Here’s how you can do this:

Add the original video to Filmora by clicking the Import button or directly dragging the file to the primary window

Tap Sound to open a box listing different sound effects. Select your favorite sound effect and drag it down to the soundtrack below the video clip. Now, move the sound icon and the playhead to set the beginning and ending points. Press the Play button to ensure the newly added sound effect sounds well.

Once you’ve done the final review, tap the Create button and Format tab. Then, choose your preferred format and location where the file needs to be exported. You can also upload this video on YouTube or Facebook, play it on different iOS devices, or burn it to DVD.

Part 4: Where to Find Sound Effects?

Both Final Cut Pro and Wondershare Filmora have a variety of built-in sound effects. You can select and drop these effects to directly add them to your video. However, if you are searching for sound effects, given below are two methods:

1. Self-recording

Professional filmmakers and sound experts often record sound effects by themselves according to their requirements. For example, if they want to visualize some scene from school, they can go to an educational institution and record audio. After proper editing, these sound effects are added to the video.

1. Online Resources

Different websites also allow their users to download their favorite sound effects. Given below are some of the top-rated websites for downloading sound effects based on their quality, variety, and usefulness:

1. Filmostock
2. Adobe Audition Sound Effects
3. Freesound
4. Partners In Rhyme
5. AudioMicro
6. 99Sounds
7. Sounds Crate
8. Zapsplat
9. BBC Sound Effects
10. FreeSFX
11. GameSounds
12. SoundEffects+
13. SoundGator
14. PacDV
15. Sound Effects for Free

For more details, please check this article: 9 Great Websites To Download Royalty-Free Sound Effects.

Part 5: Extensive Reading: What are Sound Effects and Why are they Important?

Sound is the most important aspect of video editing that engages audiences, evokes emotional responses, and connects people to what they’re seeing. A melodious sound helps the video editors deliver information and creatively and define the tone of their narrative.

Sound effects (SFX) refer to audio clips or sounds that are not part of the recoded video. They are added to movies, documentaries, video games, and even reality shows to invoke the viewers’ emotions and increase their interest in the video.

Similarly, the addition of sound effects increases the production value and creates a complete audience experience. If you want to elevate your video dramatically and make it magnetic, have to balance sound effects, silence, and music in such a way that they support each visual and every cut. Although audio cannot fix slipshod editing or amateur camera work, it becomes more crucial than video quality while you are trying to deliver a specific message in your video.

Professional video editors and filmmakers consider sound effects crucial to their video quality. A clear, melodious, and well-balanced audio adds depth to the visuals, evokes more emotions than the picture, and paints the audio picture of a particular setting.

Even silence, a powerful tool of the audio arsenal, speaks louder than the picture itself. Hence, balancing audio by adding sound effects can make your video stimulating, captivating, and emotional.

That’s why a good editing tool always stocks a great number of sound effects for users, like Filmora. Click to download and take a look at all the effects in Filmora

Conclusion

Sound effects are external audio files added to the videos to make them look interesting and worth watching. A perfect balance of sound, music, and silence allows the filmmakers to define the tone of their narrative and deliver their message creatively.

You can create sound effects through self-recording or by downloading them from external resources. To add sound effects to your video, use professional video-editing software like Final Cut Pro or Filmora. Both these applications are user-friendly and possess a huge library of a variety of sound effects and music files. Besides, their advanced features allow you to naturally add sound effects without affecting the video quality.

Liza Brown

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

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Suppose you have recorded a cinematic video of a beach in the evening visualizing the sunset and a few birds flying in the sky. Everything looks perfect except the audio, which seems to be fluctuating and breaking at some points. How would you address this challenge?

The best solution to this problem is adding sound effects, which can make your video more interesting and adorable. Setting the frequency of audio with on-screen visuals will invoke the viewers’ emotions and attach them to the scene.

Read this article to learn how to add sound effects to your video with Final Cut Pro.

Part 1: What are Different Types of Sound Effects?

Sound effects have four major types:

1. Ambiance SFX

These sounds fill the screen space to create a virtual sense of an environment or location such as the clattering sound of dishes in a restaurant or the sound of engines on a highway.

1. Foley SFX

A mixture of live performance and digital sound editing, these sounds are produced by the artists of Foley studio to match their sounds to the on-screen visuals.

1. Hard and Soft SFX

Hard SFX synchronizes a visual to what’s happening in the picture while SFX indicates the location to the audience.

1. Electronic SFX

These sounds are generated by instruments that create electronic-sounding effects like electronic keyboards, synthesizers, or plug-ins.

Part 2: How to Add Sound Effects in Final Cut Pro?

Cinematographic productions need well-balanced music and sound effects. Luckily, Final Cut Pro comes with built-in audio enhancement features and third-party Audio Units (AU) effects that allow users to add sound effects to their videos and manage all audio processing tasks.

You can add sound effects in your video with Final Cut Pro. Wonder how? Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Photos and Audio Sound Bar

• In the top-left corner, there is a Photos and Audio Click on this button as shown in the figure below:
• Select the Window and Go To Either press Shift + Command + 1 or tap Photos and Audio from the dropdown menu

Step 2: Select the Sound Category

• Choose a sound category or app from the Photos and Audio sidebar
• A list will appear contacting the audio clips in that specific category as shown in the figure below:
• You can find multiple music and sound clips in the Sound Effects category. The list also contains various apps you use on your Mac such as GarageBand, Music, and Logic Pro, etc.

Step 3: Select the Music or Sound to be added

• Filter the items in the browser by using the pop-up menu. Go to Music > Purchased or select Sound Effects > Final Cut Pro Sound Effects > Impacts & Crashes.
• Preview your selected audio file by selecting it from the list and clicking the Play
• If you want to select multiple items, command-click each item individually.

Step 4: Use the Selected Music or Audio

• Drag your selected sound clip to the timeline or the sidebar
• Once the Photos and Audio sidebar has been replaced by the Libraries sidebar, you can add the selected audio or music files to an event. The Photos and Audio sidebar will reappear as you drag those files.
• Play the video to make sure sound effects have been successfully added

For enhanced playback experiences, all MP audio files are automatically transcoded to MOV audio files. However, you can also find the original MP3 files in the source media files section of Final Cut Pro. Besides, by adding mono audio clips to a stereo project, only the single mono audio will be plated in both left and right channels. You can view them in the stereo audio meters of your project.

Surely you don’t want to see your sound effect missing in your footage, but that happens a lot in FCPX. Just in case, you may want to see this article: Proven Ways to Get Missing Sound Effects Back in Final Cut Pro .

Part 3: How to Improve Your Video with Sound Effects?

In addition to Final Cut Pro, you can also use advanced video-editing software like Wondershare Filmora to improve your video by adding special sound effects. Here’s how you can do this:

Add the original video to Filmora by clicking the Import button or directly dragging the file to the primary window

Tap Sound to open a box listing different sound effects. Select your favorite sound effect and drag it down to the soundtrack below the video clip. Now, move the sound icon and the playhead to set the beginning and ending points. Press the Play button to ensure the newly added sound effect sounds well.

Once you’ve done the final review, tap the Create button and Format tab. Then, choose your preferred format and location where the file needs to be exported. You can also upload this video on YouTube or Facebook, play it on different iOS devices, or burn it to DVD.

Part 4: Where to Find Sound Effects?

Both Final Cut Pro and Wondershare Filmora have a variety of built-in sound effects. You can select and drop these effects to directly add them to your video. However, if you are searching for sound effects, given below are two methods:

1. Self-recording

Professional filmmakers and sound experts often record sound effects by themselves according to their requirements. For example, if they want to visualize some scene from school, they can go to an educational institution and record audio. After proper editing, these sound effects are added to the video.

1. Online Resources

Different websites also allow their users to download their favorite sound effects. Given below are some of the top-rated websites for downloading sound effects based on their quality, variety, and usefulness:

1. Filmostock
2. Adobe Audition Sound Effects
3. Freesound
4. Partners In Rhyme
5. AudioMicro
6. 99Sounds
7. Sounds Crate
8. Zapsplat
9. BBC Sound Effects
10. FreeSFX
11. GameSounds
12. SoundEffects+
13. SoundGator
14. PacDV
15. Sound Effects for Free

For more details, please check this article: 9 Great Websites To Download Royalty-Free Sound Effects.

Part 5: Extensive Reading: What are Sound Effects and Why are they Important?

Sound is the most important aspect of video editing that engages audiences, evokes emotional responses, and connects people to what they’re seeing. A melodious sound helps the video editors deliver information and creatively and define the tone of their narrative.

Sound effects (SFX) refer to audio clips or sounds that are not part of the recoded video. They are added to movies, documentaries, video games, and even reality shows to invoke the viewers’ emotions and increase their interest in the video.

Similarly, the addition of sound effects increases the production value and creates a complete audience experience. If you want to elevate your video dramatically and make it magnetic, have to balance sound effects, silence, and music in such a way that they support each visual and every cut. Although audio cannot fix slipshod editing or amateur camera work, it becomes more crucial than video quality while you are trying to deliver a specific message in your video.

Professional video editors and filmmakers consider sound effects crucial to their video quality. A clear, melodious, and well-balanced audio adds depth to the visuals, evokes more emotions than the picture, and paints the audio picture of a particular setting.

Even silence, a powerful tool of the audio arsenal, speaks louder than the picture itself. Hence, balancing audio by adding sound effects can make your video stimulating, captivating, and emotional.

That’s why a good editing tool always stocks a great number of sound effects for users, like Filmora. Click to download and take a look at all the effects in Filmora

Conclusion

Sound effects are external audio files added to the videos to make them look interesting and worth watching. A perfect balance of sound, music, and silence allows the filmmakers to define the tone of their narrative and deliver their message creatively.

You can create sound effects through self-recording or by downloading them from external resources. To add sound effects to your video, use professional video-editing software like Final Cut Pro or Filmora. Both these applications are user-friendly and possess a huge library of a variety of sound effects and music files. Besides, their advanced features allow you to naturally add sound effects without affecting the video quality.

Liza Brown

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

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Top Mac Movie Makers for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Selection Process

Many video editors will agree that Apple’s Mac computers are perfect for video editing and other creative media arts such as animation. Unlike, Chrome OS, Windows, or Linux, macOS comes with much-noted preferences. This operating system emphasizes on creativity and design and gives the best producing results with top movie maker software.

8 Stunning Movie Creator for Mac

Browsing through the internet, you will find a myriad of movie maker video editors. However, not every tool is compatible with Mac. If you are getting started with video editing on your Mac, the first step is to choose movie maker software that gives high-quality results. Below, you will find some of the best video editing tools to put out short films and movies professionally.

1. Wondershare Filmora - Best Overall

Filmora by Wondershare is a popular video movie maker for Mac with a wide array of transition, trimming, and overlay options. Notable benefits of using Filmora are modern and advanced features. Also, developers in Filmora consistently introduce new updates and features. For instance, they recently introduced a motion tracking feature. Motion tracking maps objects in a frame and enables the video editor to create texts and graphics that follow that motion. Filmora has a straightforward interface, which makes this tool suitable for beginners as well as professional video editors.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

The tool supports 4K videos and offers a plethora of options to add effects, styles, and enable editors to customize videos. Filmora is an affordable tool with many elements and animations. With this tool, editors can insert text and add audio to their videos. Here are some top features offered by Wondershare Filmora:

• Layer multiple video clips
• Video stabilization
• Audio equalizer
• Advanced text editing
• Speed control
• Mosaic (blurring)
• Noise removal
• Screen recording

2. Adobe Premiere Pro – Best for Professionals

Adobe Premiere is another popular platform suitable for video editing. Like Filmora, Adobe Premiere also offers a convenient and simple interface. With embedded layouts, you can use this movie video maker for different purposes. Furthermore, Adobe Premiere also offers complete customization. You can arrange and remove windows and tabs according to your preference.

With a great number of presets and codecs, you can easily export videos in different formats. While exporting, you can customize the settings according to your needs, although default settings also offer decent quality. Besides coding formats, Adobe Premiere boasts numerous templates, plug-ins, and scripts to simplify the working process and include professional elements to your video. Exciting features of Adobe Premiere includes:

• Motion graphics templates
• Simultaneous projects
• Transitions
• Effects
• VR rotate sphere
• VR audio editing
• VR editing
• Multiple formats support

3. Shotcut – Best Open Source Software

Shotcut is a simple tool with customized filters that enable you to create collage videos. This movie video maker enables you to adjust video and audio quality and change the volume. Furthermore, you can export videos in different folders such as MJpeg, and WebM.

With Shotcut, you can export videos in Lossless mode. This mode keeps the original quality of the videos after the export, which is suitable for professional tasks. This means that you can save time by downloading high-quality videos on default settings. Using this movie creator, you can add filters and effects to enhance the video quality and color grading. Shotcut movie maker offers the following features:

• Multiple audio features
• Video effects
• Hardware support
• Display and monitoring
• Codec independent
• Cross-platform

4. Adobe Premiere Elements – Best for Beginners

Adobe Premiere Elements is a beginners’ version of Premiere Pro. This doesn’t mean that it is less capable, but the tool offers simple features for high-quality tasks. That’s why this video movie makeris highly suitable for beginners. So, if you are just starting with video editing, you should consider trying Premiere elements.

Premiere elements offers a wide array of tools to compile multiple videos, audio, and images into a single video. There are few tools available to scale video quality. This movie video maker is compatible with Mac as well as PC. Premiere Elements also helps you add fun minor effects to maintain flow and spice up the video. The tool uses Sensei AI technology that automatically keeps the important video elements in the frame through re-framing.

If you edit videos for social media platforms, using Adobe Premiere elements would be ideal. It enables you to create a social-friendly square or vertical format of videos. Furthermore, you can include backgrounds, mattes, and motion titles in the videos. Abode Premiere Elements offers the following features:

• Animated overlays
• Auto reframe
• New slideshow styles
• Compress video output
• Shadow and highlight guided edit
• Ample video effects
• Cross-platform support

5. Final Cut Pro – Best Tool for Timeline

Final Cut is a convenient and powerful movie creator tool produced by Apple Company. This platform gives a new approach to video editing and has a flexible Magnetic Timeline. The interface is quite uncommon with fixed windows. You can conveniently add new videos and organize clips with Final Cut Pro, and the video clips you no longer use will easily disappear.

The Clip Connections feature enables you to join basic clips with other elements. The downside of this tool is that you can’t use the keyboard to enter the parameters for color correction. Instead, you have to use a mouse for every modification. This can be overwhelming sometimes, especially for minimum correction. Some features of Final Cut Pro include:

• Supports 360° VR content
• Supports 4K XAVC-S format
• 3D editing
• Motion tracking
• Exports to video ()

6. Blender – Best for 3D

Blender is an open-source and free-to-use movie maker video editor. A notable feature of this tool is 3D rendering. It offers excellent functions to work with movable objects such as animation, opening UV, training, modeling, interface, and shading. The video movie maker offers a highly-technological interface, unlike other similar programs. Blender is perfect for 3D enthusiasts, designers, and artists, as it offers professional 3D quality. Some popular Blender features are:

• Modeling
• Sculpting
• Rendering
• VFX
• Animation and rigging
• Scripting

7. OpenShot – Best for Open-Source

OpenShot is another open-source movie video maker but the interface and features are quite different than Blender. It offers drag-and-drop options and a simple interface. This Mac video editing tool creates a perfect balance with simplicity and advanced features. With this tool, you can include wide-ranging transition effects and elements and create high-quality videos. OpenShot offers:

• Desktop integration
• Keyframe animation
• Trim and slice
• Slow-motion and time effect
• Audio waveform

8. Lightworks – Best Tool for Fast Rendering

You can download Lightworks for free on your Mac and include unlimited videos and audio tracks in them. The post-promotion video processing feature performed in real-time saves a tremendous amount of time. With the auto-save feature, you don’t have to worry about losing your progress. Lightworks also offers screen capture features to create YouTube tutorial videos. Features of Lightworks movie maker tool are:

• Unlimited sources
• Live cut
• Unique sync group feature.
• Sync with edits.
• Sync to time code or lock frame

Closing Word

Hopefully, now you can easily choose the best movie maker from the above list and scale your editing skills. Our top pick, Wondershare Filmora is budget-friendly movie maker software with an easy-to-use interface and creative features. There are wide-ranging transitions and effects such as speed blur, ripple and dissolve, making this software a unique option.

Versatile Video Editor - Wondershare Filmora

An easy yet powerful editor

Numerous effects to choose from

Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

The tool supports 4K videos and offers a plethora of options to add effects, styles, and enable editors to customize videos. Filmora is an affordable tool with many elements and animations. With this tool, editors can insert text and add audio to their videos. Here are some top features offered by Wondershare Filmora:

• Layer multiple video clips
• Video stabilization
• Audio equalizer
• Advanced text editing
• Speed control
• Mosaic (blurring)
• Noise removal
• Screen recording

2. Adobe Premiere Pro – Best for Professionals

Adobe Premiere is another popular platform suitable for video editing. Like Filmora, Adobe Premiere also offers a convenient and simple interface. With embedded layouts, you can use this movie video maker for different purposes. Furthermore, Adobe Premiere also offers complete customization. You can arrange and remove windows and tabs according to your preference.

With a great number of presets and codecs, you can easily export videos in different formats. While exporting, you can customize the settings according to your needs, although default settings also offer decent quality. Besides coding formats, Adobe Premiere boasts numerous templates, plug-ins, and scripts to simplify the working process and include professional elements to your video. Exciting features of Adobe Premiere includes:

• Motion graphics templates
• Simultaneous projects
• Transitions
• Effects
• VR rotate sphere
• VR audio editing
• VR editing
• Multiple formats support

3. Shotcut – Best Open Source Software

Shotcut is a simple tool with customized filters that enable you to create collage videos. This movie video maker enables you to adjust video and audio quality and change the volume. Furthermore, you can export videos in different folders such as MJpeg, and WebM.

With Shotcut, you can export videos in Lossless mode. This mode keeps the original quality of the videos after the export, which is suitable for professional tasks. This means that you can save time by downloading high-quality videos on default settings. Using this movie creator, you can add filters and effects to enhance the video quality and color grading. Shotcut movie maker offers the following features:

• Multiple audio features
• Video effects
• Hardware support
• Display and monitoring
• Codec independent
• Cross-platform

4. Adobe Premiere Elements – Best for Beginners

Adobe Premiere Elements is a beginners’ version of Premiere Pro. This doesn’t mean that it is less capable, but the tool offers simple features for high-quality tasks. That’s why this video movie makeris highly suitable for beginners. So, if you are just starting with video editing, you should consider trying Premiere elements.

Premiere elements offers a wide array of tools to compile multiple videos, audio, and images into a single video. There are few tools available to scale video quality. This movie video maker is compatible with Mac as well as PC. Premiere Elements also helps you add fun minor effects to maintain flow and spice up the video. The tool uses Sensei AI technology that automatically keeps the important video elements in the frame through re-framing.

If you edit videos for social media platforms, using Adobe Premiere elements would be ideal. It enables you to create a social-friendly square or vertical format of videos. Furthermore, you can include backgrounds, mattes, and motion titles in the videos. Abode Premiere Elements offers the following features:

• Animated overlays
• Auto reframe
• New slideshow styles
• Compress video output
• Shadow and highlight guided edit
• Ample video effects
• Cross-platform support

5. Final Cut Pro – Best Tool for Timeline

Final Cut is a convenient and powerful movie creator tool produced by Apple Company. This platform gives a new approach to video editing and has a flexible Magnetic Timeline. The interface is quite uncommon with fixed windows. You can conveniently add new videos and organize clips with Final Cut Pro, and the video clips you no longer use will easily disappear.

The Clip Connections feature enables you to join basic clips with other elements. The downside of this tool is that you can’t use the keyboard to enter the parameters for color correction. Instead, you have to use a mouse for every modification. This can be overwhelming sometimes, especially for minimum correction. Some features of Final Cut Pro include:

• Supports 360° VR content
• Supports 4K XAVC-S format
• 3D editing
• Motion tracking
• Exports to video ()

6. Blender – Best for 3D

Blender is an open-source and free-to-use movie maker video editor. A notable feature of this tool is 3D rendering. It offers excellent functions to work with movable objects such as animation, opening UV, training, modeling, interface, and shading. The video movie maker offers a highly-technological interface, unlike other similar programs. Blender is perfect for 3D enthusiasts, designers, and artists, as it offers professional 3D quality. Some popular Blender features are:

• Modeling
• Sculpting
• Rendering
• VFX
• Animation and rigging
• Scripting

7. OpenShot – Best for Open-Source

OpenShot is another open-source movie video maker but the interface and features are quite different than Blender. It offers drag-and-drop options and a simple interface. This Mac video editing tool creates a perfect balance with simplicity and advanced features. With this tool, you can include wide-ranging transition effects and elements and create high-quality videos. OpenShot offers:

• Desktop integration
• Keyframe animation
• Trim and slice
• Slow-motion and time effect
• Audio waveform

8. Lightworks – Best Tool for Fast Rendering

You can download Lightworks for free on your Mac and include unlimited videos and audio tracks in them. The post-promotion video processing feature performed in real-time saves a tremendous amount of time. With the auto-save feature, you don’t have to worry about losing your progress. Lightworks also offers screen capture features to create YouTube tutorial videos. Features of Lightworks movie maker tool are:

• Unlimited sources
• Live cut
• Unique sync group feature.
• Sync with edits.
• Sync to time code or lock frame

Closing Word

Hopefully, now you can easily choose the best movie maker from the above list and scale your editing skills. Our top pick, Wondershare Filmora is budget-friendly movie maker software with an easy-to-use interface and creative features. There are wide-ranging transitions and effects such as speed blur, ripple and dissolve, making this software a unique option.

Versatile Video Editor - Wondershare Filmora

An easy yet powerful editor

Numerous effects to choose from

Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

The tool supports 4K videos and offers a plethora of options to add effects, styles, and enable editors to customize videos. Filmora is an affordable tool with many elements and animations. With this tool, editors can insert text and add audio to their videos. Here are some top features offered by Wondershare Filmora:

• Layer multiple video clips
• Video stabilization
• Audio equalizer
• Advanced text editing
• Speed control
• Mosaic (blurring)
• Noise removal
• Screen recording

2. Adobe Premiere Pro – Best for Professionals

Adobe Premiere is another popular platform suitable for video editing. Like Filmora, Adobe Premiere also offers a convenient and simple interface. With embedded layouts, you can use this movie video maker for different purposes. Furthermore, Adobe Premiere also offers complete customization. You can arrange and remove windows and tabs according to your preference.

With a great number of presets and codecs, you can easily export videos in different formats. While exporting, you can customize the settings according to your needs, although default settings also offer decent quality. Besides coding formats, Adobe Premiere boasts numerous templates, plug-ins, and scripts to simplify the working process and include professional elements to your video. Exciting features of Adobe Premiere includes:

• Motion graphics templates
• Simultaneous projects
• Transitions
• Effects
• VR rotate sphere
• VR audio editing
• VR editing
• Multiple formats support

3. Shotcut – Best Open Source Software

Shotcut is a simple tool with customized filters that enable you to create collage videos. This movie video maker enables you to adjust video and audio quality and change the volume. Furthermore, you can export videos in different folders such as MJpeg, and WebM.

With Shotcut, you can export videos in Lossless mode. This mode keeps the original quality of the videos after the export, which is suitable for professional tasks. This means that you can save time by downloading high-quality videos on default settings. Using this movie creator, you can add filters and effects to enhance the video quality and color grading. Shotcut movie maker offers the following features:

• Multiple audio features
• Video effects
• Hardware support
• Display and monitoring
• Codec independent
• Cross-platform

4. Adobe Premiere Elements – Best for Beginners

Adobe Premiere Elements is a beginners’ version of Premiere Pro. This doesn’t mean that it is less capable, but the tool offers simple features for high-quality tasks. That’s why this video movie makeris highly suitable for beginners. So, if you are just starting with video editing, you should consider trying Premiere elements.

Premiere elements offers a wide array of tools to compile multiple videos, audio, and images into a single video. There are few tools available to scale video quality. This movie video maker is compatible with Mac as well as PC. Premiere Elements also helps you add fun minor effects to maintain flow and spice up the video. The tool uses Sensei AI technology that automatically keeps the important video elements in the frame through re-framing.

If you edit videos for social media platforms, using Adobe Premiere elements would be ideal. It enables you to create a social-friendly square or vertical format of videos. Furthermore, you can include backgrounds, mattes, and motion titles in the videos. Abode Premiere Elements offers the following features:

• Animated overlays
• Auto reframe
• New slideshow styles
• Compress video output
• Shadow and highlight guided edit
• Ample video effects
• Cross-platform support

5. Final Cut Pro – Best Tool for Timeline

Final Cut is a convenient and powerful movie creator tool produced by Apple Company. This platform gives a new approach to video editing and has a flexible Magnetic Timeline. The interface is quite uncommon with fixed windows. You can conveniently add new videos and organize clips with Final Cut Pro, and the video clips you no longer use will easily disappear.

The Clip Connections feature enables you to join basic clips with other elements. The downside of this tool is that you can’t use the keyboard to enter the parameters for color correction. Instead, you have to use a mouse for every modification. This can be overwhelming sometimes, especially for minimum correction. Some features of Final Cut Pro include:

• Supports 360° VR content
• Supports 4K XAVC-S format
• 3D editing
• Motion tracking
• Exports to video ()

6. Blender – Best for 3D

Blender is an open-source and free-to-use movie maker video editor. A notable feature of this tool is 3D rendering. It offers excellent functions to work with movable objects such as animation, opening UV, training, modeling, interface, and shading. The video movie maker offers a highly-technological interface, unlike other similar programs. Blender is perfect for 3D enthusiasts, designers, and artists, as it offers professional 3D quality. Some popular Blender features are:

• Modeling
• Sculpting
• Rendering
• VFX
• Animation and rigging
• Scripting

7. OpenShot – Best for Open-Source

OpenShot is another open-source movie video maker but the interface and features are quite different than Blender. It offers drag-and-drop options and a simple interface. This Mac video editing tool creates a perfect balance with simplicity and advanced features. With this tool, you can include wide-ranging transition effects and elements and create high-quality videos. OpenShot offers:

• Desktop integration
• Keyframe animation
• Trim and slice
• Slow-motion and time effect
• Audio waveform

8. Lightworks – Best Tool for Fast Rendering

You can download Lightworks for free on your Mac and include unlimited videos and audio tracks in them. The post-promotion video processing feature performed in real-time saves a tremendous amount of time. With the auto-save feature, you don’t have to worry about losing your progress. Lightworks also offers screen capture features to create YouTube tutorial videos. Features of Lightworks movie maker tool are:

• Unlimited sources
• Live cut
• Unique sync group feature.
• Sync with edits.
• Sync to time code or lock frame

Closing Word

Hopefully, now you can easily choose the best movie maker from the above list and scale your editing skills. Our top pick, Wondershare Filmora is budget-friendly movie maker software with an easy-to-use interface and creative features. There are wide-ranging transitions and effects such as speed blur, ripple and dissolve, making this software a unique option.

Versatile Video Editor - Wondershare Filmora

An easy yet powerful editor

Numerous effects to choose from

Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

The tool supports 4K videos and offers a plethora of options to add effects, styles, and enable editors to customize videos. Filmora is an affordable tool with many elements and animations. With this tool, editors can insert text and add audio to their videos. Here are some top features offered by Wondershare Filmora:

• Layer multiple video clips
• Video stabilization
• Audio equalizer
• Advanced text editing
• Speed control
• Mosaic (blurring)
• Noise removal
• Screen recording

2. Adobe Premiere Pro – Best for Professionals

Adobe Premiere is another popular platform suitable for video editing. Like Filmora, Adobe Premiere also offers a convenient and simple interface. With embedded layouts, you can use this movie video maker for different purposes. Furthermore, Adobe Premiere also offers complete customization. You can arrange and remove windows and tabs according to your preference.

With a great number of presets and codecs, you can easily export videos in different formats. While exporting, you can customize the settings according to your needs, although default settings also offer decent quality. Besides coding formats, Adobe Premiere boasts numerous templates, plug-ins, and scripts to simplify the working process and include professional elements to your video. Exciting features of Adobe Premiere includes:

• Motion graphics templates
• Simultaneous projects
• Transitions
• Effects
• VR rotate sphere
• VR audio editing
• VR editing
• Multiple formats support

3. Shotcut – Best Open Source Software

Shotcut is a simple tool with customized filters that enable you to create collage videos. This movie video maker enables you to adjust video and audio quality and change the volume. Furthermore, you can export videos in different folders such as MJpeg, and WebM.

With Shotcut, you can export videos in Lossless mode. This mode keeps the original quality of the videos after the export, which is suitable for professional tasks. This means that you can save time by downloading high-quality videos on default settings. Using this movie creator, you can add filters and effects to enhance the video quality and color grading. Shotcut movie maker offers the following features:

• Multiple audio features
• Video effects
• Hardware support
• Display and monitoring
• Codec independent
• Cross-platform

4. Adobe Premiere Elements – Best for Beginners

Adobe Premiere Elements is a beginners’ version of Premiere Pro. This doesn’t mean that it is less capable, but the tool offers simple features for high-quality tasks. That’s why this video movie makeris highly suitable for beginners. So, if you are just starting with video editing, you should consider trying Premiere elements.

Premiere elements offers a wide array of tools to compile multiple videos, audio, and images into a single video. There are few tools available to scale video quality. This movie video maker is compatible with Mac as well as PC. Premiere Elements also helps you add fun minor effects to maintain flow and spice up the video. The tool uses Sensei AI technology that automatically keeps the important video elements in the frame through re-framing.

If you edit videos for social media platforms, using Adobe Premiere elements would be ideal. It enables you to create a social-friendly square or vertical format of videos. Furthermore, you can include backgrounds, mattes, and motion titles in the videos. Abode Premiere Elements offers the following features:

• Animated overlays
• Auto reframe
• New slideshow styles
• Compress video output
• Shadow and highlight guided edit
• Ample video effects
• Cross-platform support

5. Final Cut Pro – Best Tool for Timeline

Final Cut is a convenient and powerful movie creator tool produced by Apple Company. This platform gives a new approach to video editing and has a flexible Magnetic Timeline. The interface is quite uncommon with fixed windows. You can conveniently add new videos and organize clips with Final Cut Pro, and the video clips you no longer use will easily disappear.

The Clip Connections feature enables you to join basic clips with other elements. The downside of this tool is that you can’t use the keyboard to enter the parameters for color correction. Instead, you have to use a mouse for every modification. This can be overwhelming sometimes, especially for minimum correction. Some features of Final Cut Pro include:

• Supports 360° VR content
• Supports 4K XAVC-S format
• 3D editing
• Motion tracking
• Exports to video ()

6. Blender – Best for 3D

Blender is an open-source and free-to-use movie maker video editor. A notable feature of this tool is 3D rendering. It offers excellent functions to work with movable objects such as animation, opening UV, training, modeling, interface, and shading. The video movie maker offers a highly-technological interface, unlike other similar programs. Blender is perfect for 3D enthusiasts, designers, and artists, as it offers professional 3D quality. Some popular Blender features are:

• Modeling
• Sculpting
• Rendering
• VFX
• Animation and rigging
• Scripting

7. OpenShot – Best for Open-Source

OpenShot is another open-source movie video maker but the interface and features are quite different than Blender. It offers drag-and-drop options and a simple interface. This Mac video editing tool creates a perfect balance with simplicity and advanced features. With this tool, you can include wide-ranging transition effects and elements and create high-quality videos. OpenShot offers:

• Desktop integration
• Keyframe animation
• Trim and slice
• Slow-motion and time effect
• Audio waveform

8. Lightworks – Best Tool for Fast Rendering

You can download Lightworks for free on your Mac and include unlimited videos and audio tracks in them. The post-promotion video processing feature performed in real-time saves a tremendous amount of time. With the auto-save feature, you don’t have to worry about losing your progress. Lightworks also offers screen capture features to create YouTube tutorial videos. Features of Lightworks movie maker tool are:

• Unlimited sources
• Live cut
• Unique sync group feature.
• Sync with edits.
• Sync to time code or lock frame

Closing Word

Hopefully, now you can easily choose the best movie maker from the above list and scale your editing skills. Our top pick, Wondershare Filmora is budget-friendly movie maker software with an easy-to-use interface and creative features. There are wide-ranging transitions and effects such as speed blur, ripple and dissolve, making this software a unique option.

Versatile Video Editor - Wondershare Filmora

An easy yet powerful editor

Numerous effects to choose from

Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel

Try It Free Try It Free

Also read: