Information Services

Editing software

Some of the best applications to edit your content.

Recomended Software

This is a list of applications that you can use to edit your footage.  This list is supplied as guidance only, we do not provide support any of the software listed.

Desktop editing applications

 

iMovie

A screenshot of iMovie showing editing on a timeline

Platform: macOS

Complexity: Beginner

Price: Free, pre-installed on all Apple computers

iMovie is great program for editing footage, with many options avilable for transitions, titles, and audio adjustments, all easily attainable by beginners.  There is a complete course for iMovie available on LinkedIn Learning.

LinkedIn Learning - iMovie Essential Training

Download from the Mac App Store

 

 

Shotcut

A screenshot showing video being edited in Shotcut

Platform: Windows, macOS

Complexity: Beginner

Price: Free

This open-source software allows for basic composition of videos, making edits, and combining clips.  There is training information available on the publishers website.

Note: Shotcut is available in the Software Centre for University of Edinburgh managed Windows computers

Shotcut website - tutorials

Download

 

DaVinci Resolve

dsasd

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Complexity: Advanced

Price: Free

DaVinci Reslove is a more advanced editing suite, with industry-quality features and colour grading options.  As this is advanced software, a higher-specced computer is advised to run this efficiently.

A good understanding of how video editing works in reccomended before using this software, but there is a complete course on how to use this programme.

LinkedIn Learning - DaVinci Resolve Essential Training

Download from Black Magic's website

 

HitFilm Express

A screenshot showing editing video in HitFilm

Platform: Windows, macOS

Complexity: Advanced

Price: Free (registration required for download)

More focused on graphics and effects, HitFilm Express is great for people wanting to take the next steps in to compositing and SFX. This software isn't covered by LinkedIn Learning, but good tutorials are available on the vendor website, showing how to make a special effects laden short film complete with project files.

HitFilm Express - Rebellion tutorial

Download from HitFilm.com

Mobile device editing applications

iMovie for iOS

Screenshot of a video being edited in iMovie on an iPad

Platform: iOS (iPhone / iPad)

Complexity: Beginner

Price: Free

iMovie is great program for editing together footage, with many options avilable for transitions, titles, and audio adjustments, all easily attainable by beginners.  There is a complete course for iMovie available on LinkedIn Learning.

LinkedIn Learning - iMovie Essential Training

Download from the App Store

 

PowerDirector

PowerDirctor screenshot

Platform: Android, Windows Phone

Complexity: Beginner

Price: Free, with some in-app purchases (around £5.00 for some features)

One of the best reviewed editing apps available for Andoid devices, this app can also be download to Windows Mobile devices.  It offers timeline-based editing, along with filters, audio editing, and exporting to different file formats.

Tutorials from the vendor

Download links