Good Free Editing Software With Layers For Mac

What is the best video editing software for Mac?

Dec 27, 2019  So, you will find the best free audio editing software, the best audio editing software for editing podcasts, best professional audio editing software, and so on and so forth. However, note that all these classifications are not entirely exclusive as most of the audio softwares have features that overlap a lot with each other.

The best video editing software for Mac is Final Cut Pro. It is an Apple product designed to harness the power of Mac computers for speedy and flawless editing. It comes equipped with state-of-the-art video/audio editing tools, including special effects, filters, motion graphics, and an array of enhancements for creating professional videos.

What should you look for in video editing software for Mac? That is a question you may ask when looking for an application to edit your videos. But the better question is–where do you plan to use your videos? The answer can help you choose, as some solutions are simpler than others, allowing for the quick creation of professional-quality presentation or tutorial videos. Other platforms are the more advanced types, with an array of high-tech tools suitable for use by commercial video/film producers and editors.

You’ll be surprised at the diverse range of video editing software for Mac in the market today. If you research all of them, you’ll need to take a few days of leave from work. Don’t worry; we have done the heavy lifting for you and came up with a lineup of the 12 best video editing software for Mac. These best video editing tools are either intuitive to casual users or powerful for pros, while some are scalable so that they can be used by both types of users. We also highlight the key features of each software to make it easier to compare them.

What are the best 12 video editing software solutions for Mac?

Employees prefer Mac for work because it increases productivity, a survey found. Also, workers believe that Mac computers boosted their creativity and collaboration. What’s more, they say that Mac enables them to be self-sufficient.

Workers choose Mac for better productivity

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Source: Apple Insider

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Since workers across a broad stream of departments prefer to use Mac, it is a natural course for software vendors like video editing software companies and developers to take their product right at Mac’s doorstep. As one of the 100 million Mac and MacBook users worldwide, you’re on the right track upping the ante of your video quality (our apologies, PC users), not just with the right machine, but with any of the software on our list. If your requirement is not Mac-specific, you can read our 20 best video editing tools for more options.

12 Best Video Editing Software for Mac

1. Final Cut Pro

First on our list of 12 best video editing software for Mac is Final Cut Pro. It is Apple’s premier professional video editing software for macOS users. The application is built to tap into the robust processing core, graphics card, and VRAM that power the latest Mac machines. With the software harnessing multi-core and multi-thread hardware capabilities of Macs, together with a huge set of cutting-edge editing tools, the result is smooth and accelerated post-production work from start to finish.

Final Cut Pro gives you the ability to import, share, and edit videos from a variety of cameras and devices with support for multiple formats. It has numerous tools for editing and timeline, trimming, effects, audio enhancement, color correction, closed captions, multimedia management, and project workflow. It can handle VR headset playback and 360-degree video editing, as well as HDR and ProResRAW sources. The software allows you to integrate dozens of third-party tools, devices, content, and plug-ins to give you an extendable platform.

The software is a standalone, on-premise solution priced at $299 (one-time payment). While it is locally deployed, the software allows you to upload, organize, and download files from online storage and stock media sites for project collaboration and sharing. It is designed for iMac and MacBook computers with macOS 10.13.6 or later versions of the operating system.

  • Advanced tools for video/audio editing, motion graphics, and delivery
  • Built on 64-bit architecture for handling complex projects and effects
  • Extendable workflow via integration with dozens of external tools

2. Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is a video editing software for professionals and enthusiasts. Its claim of being “a cut above the rest” has an element of truth about it. That’s because it has become a popular tool for filmmakers, videographers, TV editors, and YouTube content creators. It has evolved into an industry-standard not only in video editing but also in workflow automation and media asset management. It supports all kinds of cameras, all types of formats, and any platform, including Mac and PC. This would make an excellent platform to use in conjunction with content marketing software, which could assist you in reaching out to your audience.

From its extensive R&D and the suggestions of its horde of users, Adobe Premiere Pro is a continually improving product with new features rolled out for every new release. It offers a new Freeform view for organizing and viewing storyboard and media files; rulers and guides for the precise layout of clips, text, and graphics; auto-Ducking for adding ambient sounds into your audio mix; faster mask tracking; and a dozen other enhancements on audio and video.

Mac

Of course, all the other features Adobe Premiere is known for are still there, including precise color grading, motion graphics, and animation, instant audio improvement, and integration with hundreds of partner technologies. The software also works seamlessly with its sibling Adobe products like After Effects, Audition, Photoshop, InDesign, and others. The software is part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud, which means it is accessible online from any connected device. It has several packages for business, students, and schools. For individuals, the plan is pegged at $29.99/month or $239.88/year.

  • Established industry leader
  • Multi-platform, multi-format, compatibility
  • Regular roll out or updates and new features

3. iMovie

iMovie is another Apple product designed for macOS and iOS platforms. It is an entry-level video clip editing tool to help you produce visual stories from photos and videos. It gives you access to themes, templates, and tools for adding music, titles, and effects. It makes it easy for you to capture and cut photos directly from your iPhone, transfer them automatically to your iCloud Drive, then download them to your Mac or iPad, where you can add music, transitions, and fades, special effects, and other final touches.

iMovie, however, is not a barebones application. It can handle 4K videos and is loaded with dozens of design styles for creating animated titles and credits. You can also apply cinematic filters and effects on the entire video or the selected clip. In addition, it lets you control video speed (speed up or slow down), include green screen effects for changing backgrounds, put in picture-in-picture or split screens, and add or edit audio elements. iMovie is free and can be downloaded from the App Store.

  • Zero-cost solution video editing tool for Mac and iOS devices
  • Easy to navigate and simple to use with intuitive features
  • Allows for quick creation of short videos and sharing them online

4. WeVideo

WeVideo is a cloud-hosted video editing and sharing software that can support multiple formats and multiple platforms, including Mac, PC, Chromebook, Android, and iOS devices. The software makes it a breeze for you to capture, create, view, and share your videos even at up to 4K resolution. Its advanced editing features and simple interface allow you to produce professional-level videos without the needed expertise and without having to pay for expensive tools.

With WeVideo, you can edit anywhere on any device with full control over tools for video editing and processing, motion titles, green-screen effects, screencasting, picture-in-picture, voiceovers, collaboration, and sharing, and media management. It utilizes Jumpstart technology that lets you start editing without waiting for your video to upload, allowing you to create movies in minutes. It has a storyboard, timeline, pre-built templates, and advanced text editing features to further speed up your video creation.

WeVideo has a free plan, and four paid plans that start at $3.74/month. Its higher-priced plans give you access to a library containing thousands of video, music, and image files that you can use for your video projects. But if you prefer an all-around solution, you can look at digital asset management software instead.

  • Provides file and media management, collaboration, and sharing tools
  • Supports more than 600 video, audio, and video formats
  • Maintenance-free cloud platform

5. Filmora

Filmora is designed to simplify the video editing process through an online solution that can be accessed through any connected device. It can be used by all kinds of video creators, whether for creating personal movies or for coming up with business presentations, product demos, or marketing videos. It allows you to incorporate overlays, filters, custom titles, and transitions as well as adjust audio, remove background noise, and set keyframes. Aside from basic editing tools, you also have compositing tools for imaginative videos using green-screen effects and layering clips.

Filmora supports 4K video editing, multiple footage, and multi-format sources. It is capable of importing multiple videos and using up to a hundred layers of multimedia materials for creating complex stories, without having to pour in hours of work. Once you’re done with your video project, you can quickly transfer it to DVD or sharing directly to Facebook or Vimeo right from the Filmora platform. The software offers various pricing plans for schools, individuals, and businesses and has dedicated plans for Mac and Windows users. Its Filmora plans for Mac are priced at $49.99/year for a one-year subscription for one Mac; $59.99 for a lifetime license; and $179.97 for a lifetime license of up to five Macs.

  • Simplified professional-level video editing
  • Dozens of creative filters and special effects
  • Dedicated packages for Mac users

6. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a professional, on-premise editing solution that brings together tools for 8K editing, visual effects, color correction, and audio editing in one package. It is built to streamline post-production workflows and enable multi-user collaboration. It allows for one-click shuttling between tools for editing, effects, color, and audio. These capabilities enable members of a post-production team – producer, director, video and sound editors, graphic artists, and others – to easily work together on completing the project, whether it is a TV show, music video, or full-length feature film.

DaVinci Resolve is a complete color grading program for film and video editing. It offers color correction and finishing tools that editors and colorists can use to create cinematic results regardless of whether the project is intended for theater, TV, or online viewing.

DaVinci Resolve is available in just two plans. First is a free one with all the tools for editing, motion graphics, visual effects, color correction, and audio enhancement. The second is a paid plan at $299 that adds several 3D tools, plugins, special effects, and collaboration capabilities.

  • Affordable high-end video/audio post-production platform with advanced features
  • Over 250 tools for compositing, keying, compositing, rotoscoping, text animation, etc.
  • Optimizes CPU and GPU for smooth and responsive playback

7. HitFilm Express

HitFilm Express is a free online video editing and visual effects software that gives you all the tools you need to prepare you for professional filmmaking. You can create Hollywood-style movies right from your home studio without the need to hire professional video editors. The software supports both Mac and Windows and is ideal for indie filmmakers out to make theater-ready movies. It gives you a revolutionary workflow that can combine timelines, customize the interface, work with various formats, configure export settings, and more.

With HitFilm Express, you get video editing tools for adding animations, enhancing composite shots, add unlimited video/audio tracks, modify layers, make precise cuts, and add smooth transitions. You also have at your disposal tools for color correction and grading, keying and extraction, 3D modeling, simulating objects and particles, and an array of other special effects.

HitFilm Express requires a high-end system such as that of MacOS 10.11 or higher. While the software is entirely free, you have to buy add-on packs and modules ranging from $10 to $50 each, which extend the software’s functionalities and give you more specialized effects to work on.

  • Offers extensive, regular tutorials for recreating FX footage from hit movies
  • Cost-effective, feature-rich editing/special VFX software
  • Dedicated technical support team and active online community

8. Wideo

Wideo is an online animated video platform accessible by Mac, Windows PC, and other connected devices. It is intended to help businesses come up with fun and engaging promotional, explainer, and marketing videos. Creating presentation videos through Wideo is fast and easy, with 80 ready-made templates. You can create, edit, and share videos using the drag and drop interface. You don’t have to start from the ground up since there are ready-made templates that allow you to create animations in no time, even without any video editing background. And while you are at it, you can keep these 13 video marketing trends for 2020 in mind to ensure that your efforts hit the mark.

There are several template categories you can choose from to match your business and industry, including those for ecommerce, marketing, product demos, startups, school projects, company presentations, and more. The process is simple – sign up to create your account, then choose from the ready-made templates or, if you prefer, upload your own. You can then customize your video by adding transitions, apply effects, change the animation speed, copy or remove keyframes, and preview your work before uploading them online and sharing interactive links.

Only paid plans allow branding, longer videos, and full HD downloads. There are three paid plans offered, starting at $59/month or $19/month if billed annually.

  • Over 80 video templates built by professionals
  • You get premium support, priority downloads, privacy control, and monetization rights
  • Easy drag-and-drop video creation and editing

9. VideoPad

VideoPad is a full-featured digital video editor built with a simple user interface and intuitive tools. It is suitable for use by individuals and businesses looking to create professional-quality videos minus the complexity and high cost. With the software, you can create and edit videos simply by adding clips through drag-and-drop function, apply video effects from a library of over 50 transitions and effects, and burn your videos on DVD or upload them online. The software supports all major video formats such as avi, wmv, mpv, and DivX, regardless of the video source.

VideoPad comes with video optimization tools to fine-tune colors, adjust video speed, and add images to sequences, and do 360-degree or 3D editing. The on-premise software is available in several pricing plans, including a lifetime license at a discounted price of $34.99. Several add-on tools for capturing, converting, recording, labeling, and more, are offered at additional cost. There are also separate editions available for Mac OS X, Windows, iPhone/iPad, Android, and Kindle devices.

  • Has a dedicated edition for Mac users
  • Utilizes pure digital editing tools
  • Equipped with complete video optimization capabilities

Good Free Editing Software With Layers For Mac Download

10. Lightworks Pro

Lightworks Pro is a big player in the video editing industry, having been used in blockbuster films like Pulp Fiction and Heat. The software is a complete video creation, and editing package for work intended not only for big-screen projects but also for TV, social media, video sharing sites, and for professional-level business projects. Lightworks is loaded with features that include an intuitive interface, easy timeline editing, and trimming, audio and video effects, multi-format support, up to 4K video export, and access to royalty-free video and audio content.

Whether you’re making a short video or feature-length films, Lightworks got you covered with all the professional-grade tools you need to do precise edits and enhancements like color grading, blending, transitions, keyframing, and adding special effects. The video editor integrates with Blackmagic Fusion, an image compositing tool for creating VFX for movies, commercials, and TV shows. Also, you can utilize plug-ins from Boris, a vector-based titling tool, for adding filters, graffiti, and graphics. The online platform offers a free version with limited features and three premium editions with prices starting at $24.99. You can also get a full license with no expiration for $437.99.

  • Runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux systems
  • Enhanced VFX with Boris FX plug-ins and Blackmagic Fusion tools
  • A vast set of tutorial videos and vibrant online user community

11. macXvideo

macXvideo is a free, next-generation video processing application dubbed as the best tool for 4K video processing. Despite its name, it is not an Apple product but is designed to leverage the computing capabilities of Mac machines for efficient and effortless compression of 4K (up to 8K) videos without loss of quality. The software is simple to use with intuitive tools that do not require video editing expertise for editing, decoding, encoding, and compressing ultra-high-definition 4K or higher resolution videos.

macXvideo offers a number of video editing features for transforming raw videos into high-quality movies. It comes with tools for video trimming/cutting, splitting, merging, variable playback speed, captions/subtitles, and audio enhancements. It also has capabilities for adjusting and correcting colors, saturation, gamma, contrast, and hue. The software supports videos from whatever source and is compatible with all types of audio/video formats, codecs, size, and quality.

  • Entirely free on-premise video editing solution
  • Superior and fast processing for UHD video materials
  • Next-gen video compression technology while retaining near original video quality

12. Rocketium

Rocketium is a cloud-based video creation and editing software that makes it easy to produce business videos. Targeted at marketers, publishers, and agencies, the software provides a simple and hassle-free way for businesses to tell their stories or relay their messages through promotional videos, product or company presentations, or ad campaigns. It offers powerful and professional design and editing tools for video scene trimming, cropping, and adding multimedia elements like music and images. You get single-click styling, colors, fonts, animation options, and timing, and positioning, among others.

Rocketium is compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems. It gives you access to millions of royalty-free video footage, images, and soundtracks so you can easily complete your video with all the components you need. You can likewise customize your video to reflect your brand and use the software’s “workspaces” to collaborate with colleagues on your project. Rocketium is available in four paid plans starting at $9/month.

  • Access to huge multimedia content
  • Trello-like task boards for managing projects
  • Built-in video content translation tool for 100+ languages

Use Free Trials to Find the Best Video Editing Software for You

Reading up on a video editing software and watching demos and tutorials may not be enough. For you to find which application works best for you, you need to have hands-on experience with a platform. But subscribing to each program on your shortlist could be unnecessarily expensive. Fortunately, vendors now offer free trials of their products. You can take advantage of these to test drive tools and features.

Speaking of finances, it is an easy choice to go for the most expensive video editing software from a well-known developer. This is because you can be sure it packs a punch, feature-wise. It may not be suitable for your budget, though. Still, there are other solutions on the list that could serve as an alternative to your first choice. With those, you have the powerful tools you need that will still enable you to create the best videos.

As we know, video editing is an art form, and every artist requires a tool or software that makes it feasible to transform rough ideas into outstanding works of art. For video editors, that tool is Video Editing Software. In 2020, seasoned and aspiring video editors alike can choose from an impressive range of video editing software For Windows and Mac, each with its quirky strengths and weaknesses.

To help you pick the perfect video editing software for your needs, we have put together this list of top 7 best video editing software applications that you can download & try for free in 2020.

1. MAGIX Vegas Pro

Previously known as Sony Vegas Pro, MAGIX Vegas Pro is a video editing software package for nonlinear editing that is occasionally overshadowed by Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, and other professional video editing software applications. However, this underdog of video editing is one of the most stunning video editing solutions obtainable in 2019, providing everything you need to create professional videos in a single package.

If you are willing to pay for MAGIX Vegas Pro on a monthly subscription basis, the price is only $16.67 a month. But if you’d instead purchase MAGIX Vegas Pro with only one payment, the price is much higher than that: $599.

How to Use It As Free:

The excellent news is MAGIX provides you the option to try for free before you buy, and here’s how to take benefit of it:

  1. Visit the following site: https://www.vegascreativesoftware.com/us/vegas-pro/.
  2. Select “Free trial” as your purchase option.
  3. Tap the “Start Download” button.
  4. Install MAGIX Vegas Pro on your PC.
  5. Now enjoy the application

2. Adobe After Effects

Adobe After Effects is sort of like Adobe Premiere Pro’s faithful sidekick. While Adobe Premiere Pro is a timeline-based video editing application used during the editing stage, Adobe After Effects is a digital visual effect, motion graphics, and compositing application used in the post-production process of film making and TV production. The first version of Adobe After Effects was released in 1993, and the app has become exponentially more efficient since then.

Adobe After Effects costs $20.99 a month, but you will most likely want to purchase it together with Adobe Premiere Pro, in which case you must pay $52.99 a month.

How to Use It As Free:

To try Adobe After Effects free of Cost:

  1. Visit the following site: https://www.adobe.com/products/aftereffects.html.
  2. Tap the “Free Trial” button located in the upper menu.
  3. Wait for the Creative Cloud desktop app to download and install it.
  4. Follow the instructions to install Adobe After Effects.
  5. Now enjoy Adobe After Effects!

3. Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro has been all around since 2003, and this timeline-based video editing application developed by Adobe Systems has since then become famous among professionals and amateurs alike. Being part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, it plays great with all other video and image editing software applications from Adobe, including Adobe After Effects, which is our next pick, and, of course, Adobe Photoshop, the most remarkable raster graphics editor in the universe. Adobe Premiere Pro can be yours for only $20.99 a month with the Single App Creative Cloud plan. The price goes up significantly, the more Adobe applications you pay for. To get access to the whole Creative Cloud and Adobe Stock, you must pay $82.98 a month.

How to Use It As Free:

The great news is that you can try Adobe Premiere Pro for free without paying.

It is how:

  1. Visit the following site: https://www.adobe.com/products/premiere/free-trial-download.html.
  2. Tap the “Start your free trial” button.
  3. Install the Creative Cloud desktop app.
  4. Follow the instructions to install Premiere Pro CC.
  5. Now enjoy Adobe Premiere Pro

4. iMovie

iMovie is a straightforward accessible video editing software app developed by Apple. It does not have as ample features as Final Cut Pro X or other professional video editing software applications on this list. Still, it does have an excellent user interface that makes it incredibly easy to accomplish everything from cutting recorded footage to adding titles, themes, and music to doing necessary color correction and video enhancement.

How to Use It As Free:

Good Free Editing Software With Layers For Mac Software

Best of all, iMovie is obtainable for the free charge from the Mac App Store.

  1. First, open the Mac App Store on your PC.
  2. Search for “iMovie.”
  3. Install the app.

5. Final Cut Pro X

While both Premiere Pro and After Effects work on Windows (XP, 7, 8 & 10) and Mac computers, Final Cut Pro X is available exclusively to Apple users. Microsoft first published this professional non-linear video editing application in 2011, but the app Final Cut Pro X is based on is much older. Because Final Cut Pro X shares design philosophy with Apple’s consumer video editing software, iMovie, it does not take users a long duration to learn how to use it. You can download Final Cut Pro X from the App Store for $299.99, or you can also request a free trial version and use it for up to 30 days without paying.

How to Use It As Free:

It is How to Get a Free Trial of Final Cut Pro X:

  1. Visit the following site: https://www.apple.com/lae/final-cut-pro/trial/.
  2. Enter your name, location, and email.
  3. Click the “Download free trial” button.
  4. Install the downloaded application.
  5. Enjoy Final Cut Pro X!

6. PiTiVi

PiTiVi is an adorable video editor developed by folks who believe that everyone on the planet should have the means to express themselves through filmmaking, despite how much money they earn. Considering that professional video editors like Adobe Premiere Pro cost hundreds of dollars a year, it’s easy to see why the developers of PiTiVi believe that the universe needs yet another video editing software application.

How to Use It As Free:

PiTiVi is obtainable on just about every Linux distribution, but you can also download the new version directly from Github:

  1. Visit the following site: https://github.com/GNOME/pitivi.
  2. Tap the green “Clone or download” button.
  3. Select Download ZIP.

Free Editing Software For Mac

7. OpenShot

OpenShot is perhaps an essential video editor in the world nowadays. Began by a single person, Jonathan Thomas, in 2008, OpenShot aims to offer a stable, free, and friendly to use the video editor to artists and content creators around the universe.

OpenShot lets you work with as many layers as you need, it allows you to visualize your audio files as waveforms, and it’s obtainable in over 70 languages, just to name some of its most admirable features. What separates OpenShot from PiTiVi is the reality that OpenShot is an official multi-platform app available on macOS, Linux, Windows (XP, 7, 8 & 10), and FreeBSD.

Mac

How to Use It As Free:

To download Open Shot free of Cost:

  1. Visit the following site: https://www.openshot.org/.
  2. Tap the blue download button.
  3. Choose the version for your operating system.
  4. Click the Download button again.
  5. Install OpenShot.

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Summary For Best Video Editing Software

Use these free video editing software in Windows or Mac in this list to start creating Awsome videos today. Boost your Return on Investment and maximize your ads spend by creating videos and ads that present your brand in a Different visually appealing way. So, let’s summarize and take a look at the free video editing software that best suits your needs.

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