So, you’ve captured some amazing footage – maybe a family vacation, a gaming highlight reel, or even just some funny clips of your pet. Now what? That means you are taking the first step into video editing software for PC, which is free to use. It’s time to transform raw clips into a story or some video that will be used as an old-day memory refresher, and for that, you need a PC video editing software.
Or want to start your own YouTube Channel, Instagram, or Facebook Page, then you will need the best and simplest video editing software on pc.
The good news is that you don’t need expensive, professional-grade tools to learn and get started in video editing. The world of PC video editing software offers a fantastic array of free and beginner-friendly options that can help you create stunning videos that you can use in social media accounts and more.
So let’s dive into some of the best choices for your first video editing software that you have to choose as a beginner to learn!
Understanding the Basics of Video Editing Software
Before we jump into specific software, let’s quickly cover a few fundamental concepts you’ll encounter:
Timeline: This is the heart or main line of your editing software, where you arrange your video clips, audio, and images in sequence.
Cutting/Trimming: Removing unwanted parts of a clip or shortening its duration makes it easy to manage clips and convert them into a video.
Transitions: Visual effects in software are the things that connect two clips smoothly, converting scenes and presenting or combining them. (e.g., fades, dissolves, wipes).
Effects/Filters: Visual enhancements that change the look with color effects, changes in colors of video, or the feel of your video that catches eyes. (e.g., color correction, blur, stylistic filters).
Audio Editing: Adjusting volume, adding music, sound effects, or voiceovers, cutting audio, and more.
Exporting/Rendering: The process of converting your edited project into a playable video file as a final video that you can use for posting.
Top Video Editing Software for PC Beginners
DaVinci Resolve (Free Version)
Often hailed as a Hollywood-level tool, DaVinci Resolve also offers a remarkably powerful free version that’s surprisingly accessible for beginners willing to learn.
Why it’s great for beginners: While it boasts advanced features, its “Cut” page is specifically designed for quick edits, making it user-friendly for getting started. You can easily import media, trim clips, add transitions, and export your video. If you are able to learn more about this software, you can easily make high-level professional videos that look like a movie. So, it’s a fantastic long-term investment as you grow your skills.
Clipchamp
If you are already a Windows 11 laptop or PC user, then this basic software, Clipchamp, is already installed on your PC. Built right into Windows 11 and available as a separate download for Windows 10, Clipchamp is a highly intuitive and web-based, and best Microsoft software (with a desktop app) video editor that prioritizes ease of use for beginners.
Why it’s great for beginners: Its drag-and-drop interface, pre-built templates, and clear navigation make it incredibly straightforward to pick up. You can quickly trim, cut, add text, music, and simple effects.
Good for: Absolute beginners, social media content creators, and anyone who wants to quickly create videos with simple and quick learning.
CapCut (PC Version)
Popular on mobile, CapCut has made a strong entry into the PC space; you can also download it on PC. This simple software offers a user-friendly experience with a focus on trendy features, which are commonly seen on Instagram or YouTube shorts.
Why it’s great for beginners: Its interface is clean, simple, and intuitive, with strong, updated popular effects, filters, and audio trends, you can download from it every day, making it ideal for creating engaging content for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Good for: Social media content creation like reels and shorts, quick content creation, and those who enjoy a wide variety of trendy effects and an easy-to-use interface.
Olive Editor
Olive Editor is a free and open-source video editor that aims to be a powerful alternative to paid software. While still in development, it offers a solid set of features for beginners looking for a community-driven project with a simple interface to edit and video creation.
Why it’s great for beginners: It provides a non-linear editing experience, meaning you have flexibility in arranging your clips and a simple interface to do editing. It’s lightweight for your pc and runs smoothly on various systems.
Good for: Users who prefer open-source software, those with less powerful PCs, and individuals interested in a project.
Kdenlive
Another powerful open-source option for your pc, Kdenlive is a mature and feature-rich video editor that’s surprisingly easily and simple accessible for beginners.
Why it’s great for beginners: It offers a customizable interface, multi-track editing (allowing multiple video and audio layers), and a good range of basic editing tools. The community support and documentation are also a big plus that helps you a lot in managing this software or adding new things to it.
Good for: Linux users (though available on Windows and Mac), those who appreciate open-source software with a robust feature set, and beginners who want room to grow.
Hitfilm (Free Version)
Hitfilm is unique in that it blends video editing with visual effects, also known as VFX, and motion graphics. Its free version, often called HitFilm Express, offers a substantial package for beginner creators, and it is free to use.
Why it’s great for beginners: While it has advanced VFX capabilities that are not commonly available in free video editing software, it also provides a solid foundation for basic video editing. It includes built-in tutorials to help you get started, and its drag-and-drop interface for effects is quite intuitive.
Good for: Beginners interested in adding cinematic features to their videos or making a storyline video, which are most in demand in advertisement companies, aspiring YouTubers who want to incorporate visual effects, and those looking for a comprehensive free tool that spans editing and VFX.
Choosing Your First Video Editing Software:
The “best” video editing software for you depends on your specific needs for video editing and learning style. Here are some quick recommendations:
1. For absolute simplicity and quick learning to make social media videos, use Clipchamp or CapCut.
2. For a powerful, industry-standard tool with a learning curve that pays off in the future, also in this field, then go with DaVinci Resolve
3. For open-source flexibility with PC specification, lightweight software, and a good balance of features: Kdenlive or Olive Editor
4. For adding cool visual effects, also known as VFX, which is most popular in movies and the music industry, go with: Hitfilm
Don’t be afraid to download a couple of these options and try them out. Most offer excellent tutorials and online communities, and YouTube videos that can help you on your journey. The most important thing is to start experimenting, have fun, and enjoy bringing your video ideas to life! Happy editing! For more learning and education, visit us daily.
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