Editing software
Some of the best applications to edit your content.
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
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
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
DaVinci Resolve
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
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
Mobile device editing applications |
iMovie for iOS
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
PowerDirector
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.