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For developers of FOSS video NLE (Non Linear Editing) software, the choice is arguably determined by available development resources. Projects tend to start off with a basic function editor, with. This is a comparison of non-linear video editing software applications. See also a more complete list of video editing software General information. This table gives basic general information about the different editors: Active. VSDC Free Video Editor: Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes. Olive is a free non-linear video editor It is relatively new software but with quite a professional interface just like Adobe premiere. In the following screenshot, one can see the timeline and editing tools including audio levels same as Adobe. I used it on Windows 10 and the performance of this was good and didn't face any unexpected crash. VSDC is a light professional non-linear video editing suite for creating a movie of any complexity. This is a desktop software that offers both free and paid versions. Although the free version doesn't offer all of the advanced features, it's still a very decent option for creating videos. DaVinci Resolve is a free non-linear video editing program which comes with all the features you need to cut together your video, color it, and even add some basic effects. It is stripped down.
Do you love video editing? Or you may have a YouTube channel where you want to post some quality videos after editing them in your desired ways.
I also love to edit videos and images.
But, Just like you, I also have a low-specs PC in which running Final Cut Pro X and HitFilm Pro is not possible. But, here in this article, I am going to give you a list of top software that I have used to edit videos on my low-end laptop.
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Using inbuilt video editors on your PC is the best way to edit videos effectively on your low-end PC. For example, you will get amazing results when you use Windows Movie Maker on a Windows PC and Apple iMovie on a Mac PC.
However, to get some advanced editing features, you can use WonderShare Filmora, Pinnacle VideoSpin, Vegas Movie Studio, Shortcut, etc even on a weak computer or laptop.
Choosing the right sort of video editing software is a must to enjoy excellent video editing software. So, here I have created a list of top 10 video editing software to help you choose the right one for you. So, let's start with the first one.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Software To Make or Edit YouTube Videos
Also Read: Top 10 Easiest Video Editing Software For Mac
Also Read: Top 10 Best Software For Making Educational Videos
List of Best Video Editing Software for Low-Specs PC [2021]
After doing deep research and doing hands-on on various software, below is the list of best video editing software you can use even on a low-end PC adequately. I have explained everything in a proper manner. However, you are advised to visit official websites for more.
1. VSDC[Winner]
This great video editing software allows us to do non-linear video editing in a perfect manner. It supports multiple video formats with HD and 4K. But, the reason why it is in the first place is its easy user-interface along with various other beginner-friendly features.
Also, its simple interface and basic editing tools make this software small in size. So, you can easily run it in a very low-end PC with small configurations. In fact, I have personally used this software in my Intel Core i3 laptop with just 4 GB of RAM.
I would suggest using VSDC Pro to get the most out of it. Video Stabilization, Hardware acceleration, and many amazing editing features will only be available in the Pro version.
Although the software can't be used for advanced editing works, you can still edit your videos properly. It means, if you are just starting out in this field, VSDC will definitely work great for you.
Adding basic effects such as blur, contrast, text, transitions, motion, and hiding any part of the video is pretty easy with this software.
For example, if you have just started your YouTube channel and want to add some buttons, information, or audio, this editing tool is great even if you have a low-configuration PC.
Key Features of VSDC Video Editing Software
- Video Stabilization
- Subpixel accuracy
- Masking
- 3D Diagrams and Charts
- Video Capturing
- Audio Effects
Disadvantages of VSDC Video Editing Software
There are lots of amazing things you can do with this video editing software. But, when it comes to advanced editing, it may not be the right tool you should use. For simple tasks such as creating YouTube Videos, video conversions, cutting, and adding audio effects, this software is good.
But, these are the things which you must have to compromise if you want the software to run on your small computer or laptop. However, this software is the best pick as compared to any other software in my opinion.
Note: VSDC is only available for Windows Computers.
System Requirements For VSDC Video Editor:
Pricing:
Educational and Home Uses- Free
VDSC Video Editor Pro- 19.99$
2. Shotcut[Supports 4K]
It is another free and amazing video editing software suitable for a PC with low-specifications. It is small in size and required very less PC power to work efficiently. But, even after that, you will be able to see some great features along with 4K video support.
The UI is designed professionally to offer lots of customization abilities to the users. Also, the simplicity of this tool allows you to do your desired editing tasks without hassles. Everything is systematic so that you will not face any problems while using Shotcut.
For both audio and video editing works, you get lots of advanced filters for easy adjustments in everything. Also. different types of export and import features are there. This editing software of open-source but having lots of amazing features that will surely facilitate you.
You can definitely use it at the place of Windows Movie Maker and experience some advanced offerings as compared to Windows' official editing tool.
Key Features of Shotcut Editing Software
- Easy to use
- Lots of editing features and filters
- Multi-platform [Windows/Linux/macOS/FreeBSD]
- Supports HDMI, SDI, Jack, Pulse Audio, and IP Stream
Disadvantages of Shotcut editing software
Just like the VDSC, this video editing software will lack some advanced video editing features. Although, it is going to work great on low-spec systems editing videos like a pro will not be possible with this.
Along with this, limited community support makes its users less facilitated with major issues.
In fact, there are very fewer guides on the internet available for this editing tool. So, if you are ready to compromise the community support and advanced editing features, you must go for this tool.
System Requirements For Shotcut Software
Pricing:
Free and Open-Source
3. Wondershare Filmora 9 [Multipurpose Editing Software]
I have used the Filmora video editing tool for years and I loved its easy user interface. In fact, I recommend this tool even to beginners too. Whether it is the learning curve, editing features, audio/video corrections, transitions, or effects, you are going to have highly impressive solutions from this software.
Also, it is a super-efficient tool which is developed to work even on low-specs computers.
Filmora9 is packed with all sorts of video editing features including all the advanced and basic ones. So, when it comes to editing, you are going to have lots of features in front of you. Whether you are a beginner or professional in this field, this editing tool will help you a lot with everything.
Key Features of Filmora9
- Split-Screen presets
- Advanced text-editing
- Auto-ripple
- Video and Audio altering controls
- Blurring, contrast, and brightness adjustments
Drawbacks of Filmora9
Although it is a great tool to use on our low-end computers, when it comes to the advanced editing tools, you will see some lacks. Also, some people may not afford the pricing plans which are charges after the trial expires.
Pricing:
Annual Plan: $39.99/Year
Lifetime Plan: $59.99
Bundle Plan: 99.87/Year
4. Adobe Premiere Pro [Made for Professionals]
Along with its amazing offerings as an advanced video editing tool, Adobe Premiere Pro is on our list because it can work well even on low-specs computers.
However, using it for 4K or 360 videos editing on a small end will never be a wise decision. But, its touch screen support, smooth previews, and interactive video editing make it popular among millions of users.
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If you do not care much about the monthly paid subscription of this tool, it is the perfect pick for you. For better understanding, some of the amazing features of this fast video editing tool are given below.
Key Features of Adobe Premiere Pro
- VR Editing
- Pre-built motion graphics templates
- Shared projects
- Video tilting
- Audio Improvements
Disadvantages of Adobe Premiere Pro
Although, Adobe Premiere Pro is the most suitable video editing tool is you are an expert in this industry. However, the main drawback of this tool is its monthly payments. Also, it is not so much suitable for beginners.
Pricing:
Annual: $19.99 per month
Monthly: $39.98 per month
5. Vegas Movie Studio 17 Platinum [Suitable for Beginners]
Vegas Movies Studio 17 [Platinum] is another beginner-friendly video editing tool. Along with this, it required very less machine power to do its tasks. You may not get advanced editing features with this but a smooth workflow is guaranteed with this.
There are several versions released by the company. But if you are looking for the most suitable package for a low-end pc, you should go for Vegas Movie Studio Platinum.
Lots of transitions, effects, interactive user interface, and 4K video editing functions are there. Also, when it comes to running it on your small machine, it will surely offer you lots of advantages over other software. Being one of the amazing editing tools in this industry, this software is full of amazing things that will always mesmerize you.
If we talk about its drawbacks, lack of motion tracking and template video storyboards is there. Also, you will get slow rendering speed if you have a PC with very less configurations. However, if you talk about the performance, it will surely work great as compared to many of the available options in front of you.
Key Features of Vegas Movie Studio
- Effective Motion Tracking
- Slow Motion FX Plugin
- Impressive Video Stabilization
- 4K video editing supported
Disadvantages of Vegas Movie Studio
There are lots of amazing features available with Vegas Movie Studio. However, while testing this software, I find it hard to locate some advanced editing features which will surely be a much more tough thing for the beginners. Also, running it on very small-end computers will be a tough job. But, for some basic editing tasks, this tool is recommended.
It is only available for Windows.
Minimum System Requirements for Vegas Movie Studio
Pricing:
$19.99
6. Videopad Video Editor [Easy to Use]
Videopad by NCH is another small video editing software suitable for low-end computers and laptops. If you have less editing requirements but want to use an advanced editing tool, Videopad can help you with this.
With its fast editing, easy user-interface, and more than 50 visual effects and transitions, it becomes a handy video editing tools for weak systems.
You get pre-built templates that are easy to use in any sort of video. 3D and 360-degree video editing features are also coming along with this tool. When it comes to the audio, you also get lots of video insertion and editing tools to make your videos full of excellent audio effects.
Key Features of Videopad Video Editor
- More than 50 free templates
- Fast and Efficient
- Suitable for the beginners
- Digital Audio tools
- Available for multiple OS
Drawbacks of Videopad Video Editor
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The tool offers limited support for animate videos. If you want to export the video in mp4 format, you will not be able to do it with the free version, although the pricing plans are affordable. Also, the user interface is a bit outdated.
System Requirements to run Videopad Video Editor:
Pricings:
Master's Edition: $49.99
Home Edition: $29.99
Quarterly Plan [Master's Edition]: $3.88/Month
7. Lightworks [Non -Linear]
Lightworks is another great video editing software that you can easily use in any small computer system. The software offers lots of amazing features that you will not find with lots of other software. It offers non-linear editing capabilities to make things faster and efficient.
Timeline editing and video trimming works are easy to do with this tool. Along with this, you get access to copyright-free audios and videos with Lightworks. This editing software has a simple and beginner-friendly user-interface which gives lots of advantages even to the professionals.
After my deep testings, I have found that this tool can easily be used to create professional videos too. So, if you are finding an editing software to edit your YouTube or any other video, Lightworks can help you with this.
Key Features of Lightworks
- Real-time effects
- 4K Editing is supported
- Ready to use Audio and Video FX
- Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Borix FX plugins
- Color LUTs
Drawbacks of Lightworks
Visit http get adobe com reader. Although Lightworks is a great video editing tool that can work excellently on any sort of pc there are some limitations too. First, with the free version, you will get exporting options for the video only up to 720p. Also, the main menu is not capable to show landscape videos properly.
When it comes to the learning, you will get very less in-software support for you. It requires higher level of processor configuration. It may not work well in your PC with i3 or below processor.
System Requirements for Lightworks Software:
Pricing: Free Trial
Lightworks Pro– $24.99/Month
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Lightworks Pro Yearly Plan- $174.99/Year
Permanent License– $437.99
8. Camtasia Studio [Best Freemium]
Camtasia Studio is another fully-featured video editing tool that will run efficiently even on your weak computers. This tool allows you to easily record your computer screens and do most of the basic editing works effectively. With its effective working and easy user-interface, getting any sort of basic video editing work becomes very easy.
As per its official website, Camtasia Studio is a perfect tool to create various types of videos such as lesson videos, tutorial videos, How-To videos, YouTube videos, Demo Videos, Ad videos, etc.
Adding effects along with music and video effects is pretty easy with this tool. Also, you get lots of pre-installed templates to create immersive introductions for your professional videos. You will also get different types of transitions to add to your videos.
Key Features of Camtasia Studio
- Screen Recording and Video editing
- Create videos of any length
- Easy to share videos on YouTube
- Lots of animation effects
Disadvantages of Camtasia Studio
When we look at the overall editing features, Camtasia lacks in offering easy to use and extensive editing systems. Also, lots of updates are there withing very frequent time frames. The software also compromises the output quality of the videos. Also, you will only be able to export Full HD videos without Thumbnails only with a paid plan.
System Requirements for Camtasia Studio:
Pricing:
30-Days Free Trial
$249 for both Mac and Windows versions
9. VirtualDub [User-Friendly Editing Program]
VirtualDub is another great video editing software that offers lots of offerings to the video editors. But, the thing that has led this software here is its efficient working on slow computers. You can not expect advanced offerings from this software like the Adobe Premiere Pro but when it comes to normal video editing and processing, it can work well for you.
It offers linear editing capabilities by which it becomes easier to use for beginners too. The tool has great functionalities to edit simple Avi and some other video formats. In the edit menu, you will get some basic editing features that you will get with any other editing software.
So, when it comes to simple video edits such as cut and crop or to add audio into a video, you can expect good results from this tool. However, you will have to go for any other software if you need impressive editing results.
Key Features of VirtualDub
- Fast Frame Rates
- Ability to create openDML files
- Noise reduction features
- Good for beginners
Drawbacks of VirtualDub
Being a free video editing software, you get various amazing features from this tool. However, you will not be able to get advanced editing features as you get in any other paid editing tool.
Also, it is not available for Linux and macOS Operating systems.
System Requirements for VirtualDub:
Pricing:
Free
10. HitFilm Express [With VFX Tools]
HitFilm Express 14 Video Editor works as a great video converter and editor for both professionals and beginners. The tool is widely used for YouTube video editing works. However, you can use it to edit most of the video formats easily and effectively.
HitFilm Express is available for Windows and macOS systems. The software also allows us to 2D and 2D compositing works efficiently. Also, when it comes to transitions, effects, and audio insertions, you can expect great results from this tool.
With this software, you can learn lots of amazing things related to video editing if you are a student. Also, you can use this tool for various professional editing works. Most impressively, you can use this tool even on your low-end PC without hassles.
Key Features of HitFilm Express
- Free video editing tutorials
- Lots of transitions and tracks to use
- An advanced community support
- Professional editing features
- A good VFX software
- Masking and layering methods
- Sci-Fi effects
Drawbacks of HitFilm Express
When it comes to the main features of this tool, you will not get all of them with the free trial. Also, to download the tool, you will have to create an account. However, as per its pricing range, you are going to receive effective results except for some extra-ordinary features. The user-interface looks old and outdated.
System requirements for HitFilm Express:
Pricing:
HitFilm Express 14 Base Version: Free
Starter Add On- 29.97$ [Regular Price]
Content Creator Add On- $84.94 [Regular Price]
VFX Artist Add On- $184.89 [Regular Price]
Conclusion
I hope this article has provided you enough information to pick the right video editing software for your low-end PC. Share this article with others too.
Have a great day!
We've updated our 'Best NLE Software for Professional Movie Editing' roundup for 2017 – check out the new breakdown if you're already familiar with the basics of top editing software.
'The world has changed.'
So Galadriel intones as Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring opens. And so has the world of video editing software today.
In 2011, Apple bungled the launch of Final Cut Pro X, dropping many editors into freefall. Some embraced the competition – namely, Avid's Media Composer (on which The Lord of the Rings trilogy was cut), and Adobe's Premiere Pro – while the rest held onto the EOL'd Final Cut Pro 7, which remains a formidable, albeit increasingly outdated, solution.
Over the past few years, Apple has fought to redeem FCPX; since launch, it has undergone more than a dozen iterations. 'You've never had that speed of upgrade [from Apple]', editor and educator Larry Jordan observed at the SuperMeet in Amsterdam during IBC 2013, 'Not even with operating systems.' Many professional features that were missing – such as multicam editing, XML interchange, and with version 10.1, optimization for 4K and other performance enhancements – have been implemented.
But Adobe, the dark horse of the Non-Linear Editing, or NLE, race, and Avid, long the leader, have not stood idly by. Adobe's move to subscription-pricing-only with Creative Cloud, while controversial, has facilitated the development of a slew of updates and services; the latest overhaul hit June 18. Avid released Media Composer 7 last summer and announced subscription options for its creative tools at this year's NAB. Check out Lights' overview of these and more developments for a discussion of how, precisely, 'the world has changed'. For now, what I want to do is discuss briefly which of the Top Three – Apple's Final Cut Pro, Adobe's Premiere Pro, or Avid's Media Composer – is 'the best' video editing software today.
In a nutshell, it depends on your needs. There is no quantifiably 'best' tool. Each of the three has its pros and its cons, which to some degree reflect their respective designs. Let's look at the options so that you can make an informed decision about which to use.
The 3 Contenders
Although it's no longer supported by Apple, FINAL CUT PRO 7 remains popular with some indie filmmakers and production companies who know and trust its stability and feature set. However, its age is beginning to show. For instance, it is the only editing software discussed here that does not support editing with native media; footage must be transcoded. Moreover, as Apple's operating systems continue to evolve, its future compatibility is not guaranteed.
Premiere Pro CC 2014's Interface
I. PREMIERE PRO is a relatively straightforward transition for FCP7 editors, so much so that some Final Cut refugees refer to it as 'FCP8'. Like FCP7, Premiere assumes a bin-oriented/track-based paradigm in which editors 'layer' media in timelines. It took me roughly three days to get up and running with Premiere when I made the switch from FCP7 back in 2012; there's even an FCP7 keyboard preset built into the program.
Of course, Premiere has its quirks and differences, but the time you'll spend learning them is rewarded by features such as seamless integration with Adobe's creative tools, including After Effects. Adobe continues to expand Premiere's functionality, and user feedback is considered seriously.
Finally, while both Avid and FCPX support editing with native media, Premiere is designed around it. Adobe has not developed its own mezzanine, or intermediate, codec; while you can transcode media to, say, Apple's ProRes or Avid's DNxHD, it's not necessary. Premiere is used by many indie filmmakers and small production companies today. It is cross-platform.
II. MEDIA COMPOSER is the longtime industry standard. It is a rock solid, cross-platform NLE relied upon by many, especially in the feature film and television worlds. It just delivers, with very little fuss and very few hiccups. When it comes to collaborative workflow, Media Composer has no equal; it can enable every editor on a team to look at the exact same project. When changes are made and saved by a user, they ripple to everyone else's view.
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Like FCP 7 and Premiere Pro, Media Composer assumes a bin-oriented/track-based paradigm, but there are differences that can be confusing for those familiar with Apple's and Adobe's offerings. At the beginning of the NLE era, Avid was an offline editing system designed to deliver the creative cut to the negative cutter. In other words, a digital-to-film workflow was built into its DNA, as was the input of professional editors over many years. This has informed Avid's approach to everything from metadata management, to how the program facilitates the different phases of the editing process (in different 'modes' of operation), to keyboard layout. One could argue that Media Composer prioritizes logic and efficiency over accessibility and presentation, two areas where Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro shine more brightly.
Some editors choose to climb Media Composer's steep learning curve in order to take advantage of its powerful trim mode, the design of which is informed by its historical proximity to film. When it comes to precision work outside of Final Cut Pro's and Premiere Pro's default, contextual timeline editing approach, Media Composer is king.
Finally, the program's Avid Media Access, or AMA, architecture allows a user to link directly to native camera formats without conversion. Although I have not experimented with AMA linking myself, some editors report that performance suffers; unlike Premiere Pro, Media Composer is designed to play with DNxHD, Avid's mezzanine codec. Even so, AMA linking provides editors with a way to get up and running with Media Composer's power and stability very quickly.
Final Cut Pro X's Interface
III. FINAL CUT PRO X may be the new kid on the block, but by most accounts, it's beginning to grow up. I've played with FCPX only briefly, but it was enough to convince me that Apple didn't just build Final Cut from the ground up; rather, it set out to revolutionize the entirety of the editing process.
Gone is the traditional track-based paradigm. Gone is the nomenclature of bin-based organization. Instead, among other innovations, FCPX offers a trackless, 'magnetic' timeline intended to help editors work more quickly 'without having to worry about creating tracks, assigning destination tracks, and moving clips between tracks.' Personally, I found this frustrating – in part because I'm used to the manual control that track-based editing affords – but I can see the potential. It's a classic instance of Apple's 'trust the software' approach to design.
Equally revolutionary is FCPX's approach to media organization. The equivalent of FCP7's 'bins' are 'events' and 'keyword collections'; subclips are 'range-based keywords'; and markers with duration are 'favorites' and 'ranges'. The organizational power, here, is truly impressive. For example, in FCPX's paradigm, a single clip can exist in multiple keyword collections at the same time. This means it's not necessary to duplicate a clip and locate it in a second bin if you want it to appear in two places at once – something I've done on many occasions with Premiere Pro while managing BRoll and interview selects. Keywords keep a project clean and searchable, laying the groundwork for a manageable edit.
Because FCPX got off to a rocky start and is only now beginning to find its feet, it's less commonly used by indie filmmakers and production companies today. There's no denying that FCPX's ranks are growing, however, bolstered especially by newcomers to the field who have yet to 'buy in' to an editing ecosystem. I, for one, will be keeping an eye on FCPX's development, as I feel that Apple is blazing a bold trail. It should come as no surprise that FCPX is a Mac exclusive.
What Should You Choose?
So which video editing software is right for you? If you're working as a freelance editor, it can be helpful to know all of the options; generally, the more tools you've mastered, the more marketable you'll be. If you hope to break into the world of film and television post-production, Media Composer is pretty much a Must.
But if you're producing your own content, you have your pick.
Since FCP7 is essentially dead, I might look to 'FCP8' – that is, Premiere – as a replacement, especially if my project is heavy on visual effects. Premiere also would be an attractive option for projects with multiple media formats, since I could work with content natively. In a collaborative, deadline-driven environment, Media Composer would merit serious consideration. Finally, if I were a one-man-band reporter or creating a contained documentary project, I might take FCPX for a spin to capitalize on its robust organizational capabilities.
The bottom line is that there is no wrong answer, here. Apple, Adobe, and Avid continue to develop and support their products, providing filmmakers with a variety of world class tools.
Remember that at the end of the day, the audience doesn't care what you used to cut your film. They care about your film. So identify your needs, choose what works for you, and take us to the slopes of Mount Doom.
What do you think? Vote for your NLE of choice below!
For more details, explore the rest of our ongoing series about Non-Linear Editing (NLE) software for professional movie editing:
Part I, July 2014 – What's the Best NLE Software for Professional Movie Editing?
Part II, June 2015 – Quick Guide: Best Video Editing Software in 2015
Part III, January 2017 – Best Video Editing Software for Indie Filmmakers in 2017 Adobe premiere elements 11 download free.
Michael Koehler, with
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Finding the rhythm and emotion of your film one cut at a time, with fantastic insights from this video essay describing the art of editing.
Get help choosing the best non-linear editing software for your needs by reviewing the latest developments of the top 3 programs: Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, and Media Composer.
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