New 2024 Approved 15 Free Video Editing Tools for Starters No Experience Needed

New 2024 Approved 15 Free Video Editing Tools for Starters No Experience Needed

Isabella Lv12

15 Free Video Editing Tools for Starters: No Experience Needed

Top 15 Free Video Editing Software for Beginners [Very Easy to Use]

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

If you are not a video-making expert, own a video studio, or have a video specialist to trim and shoot video features, then don’t worry!

We are here to take you on the tour of the easiest video editing software that would promise a professional-looking end-product despite being absolutely inexperienced!

In my opinion, an ideal video editing software should be easy for everyone to get started. It could be simple video editing software, but it at least contains all the basic features you want. My recommendation is Wondershare Filmora, which compromises usability and capability to the best. It not only comes with all common video editing tools at your fingertips but also features you may need to bring your videos to the next level.

Watch Video to Take a Quick View of the 18 Best Video Editors

Filmora Video Editor is an expert in creating and editing videos with outstanding functions and features. The easy-to-use interface will help you much! It offers versions for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS! Worth to have a try!

Try Free Video Editor Try Free Video Editor Try Free Video Editor Learn More >


15 Best Easy Video Editing Software

Below are the brief detail of easy video editors for PC, giving you more editing scalability than mobile-based editing apps. So if you are seeking easy video editing software for YouTube or website then look no further!

1 - Wondershare Filmora 2 - Blender 3 - Lightworks
4 - Shotcut 5 - VSDC 6 - Machete Lite
7 - Avidemux 8 - Hitfilm Express 9 - iMovie
10 - Openshot 11 - Movie Maker 12 - Lumen5
13 - Adobe Spark 14 - Videopad 15 - Freemake

1. Wondershare Filmora - Easy Video Editing Software, Unlimited Video Sharing

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone and iPad.

Wondershare Filmora paves the way to share videos instantly with family and friends, whatever it’s on YouTube, computer, mobile devices, or TV, you’ll choose your way.

Edit Video for Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Edit Video for Free

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

You can directly upload the video to YouTube, as well as an optional message sending to Facebook and Twitter.

Preset profiles are included in output videos for playing on mobile devices like iPhone, iPad, iPod, PSP, etc. No further conversion required. A build-in DVD tool allows you to burn video to a high-quality DVD for watching on TV with your home DVD player.

Filmstock Stock Media Library ](https://filmstock.wondershare.com/creative-theme-tutorial?spm=rs.filmora%5Fweb&source%5Fchannel=seo%5Farticle )

Download the free trial version of Wondershare Filmora for your Mac/Windows version below, start to make your stunning home movies today!

2. Blender

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.

This is free and open-source software, originally designed as a 3D animation suite but also has a use video editor. This editor lets you carry out basic actions like video cutting and video splicing. Hence, it is an easy video cutter and easy video joiner. It can also perform more advanced tasks such as video masking.

3. Lightworks

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Lightworks is a free easy to use video editing software that comes with High precision video trimming, 720p video export for YouTube, Multicam support, and support of a large range of video formats. Its free version has ample features enough for most of the users. Although the paid pro version costs $25 a month.

4. Shotcut

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Shotcut is a free, open-source video editing software, packed with ample features with wide range video formats support, timeline editing, 4K HD resolution support, and have several tutorials video.

filmora box

Wondershare Filmora Video Editor

Filmora - No Watermark Video Editing Software

• Easily edit and export video files without watermark

• offers popular effects and filters for making your video professional

• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)

Try Video Editor without Watermark Try Video Editor without Watermark Try Video Editor without Watermark Learn More >

5. VSDC

Compatibility: Windows

VSDC, an easy video editing software for windows, is a free video editing software, having an easy-to-learn powerful suite of features including audio editing and color correction. Although a paid version, pro, costs $19.99, having visual waveform, image stabilization and voice over support.

6. Machete Lite

Compatibility: Windows

Machete Lite is a free yet the simplest video editing software perfect for simple editing tasks. Only AVI and WMV files are supported in its free version. Its full version costs $19.95 having audio editing and more file type support, unlike the free version.

7. Avidemux

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux

Avoided is the simplest video editing software, perfect for beginners. It allows performing simple editing features like Encoding, simple cutting, and filtering with an easy-to-use interface.

8. Hitfilm Express

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

HitFilm Express is a free video editing software with features ranging from basic editing features like trimming, audio editing, and slicing to advance tools and features. Its free version supports over 180 special effects. There’s a built-in YouTube uploading.

Finding a Way to Edit Video for Free? Try This Out!

Filmora Video Editor brings you all the convenience of editing videos with handy functions. You can make your creative ideas into realize! More importantly, your edited video can export without a watermark!

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >

9. iMovie

Compatibility: Mac

If you are a beginner and searching for a good video editing software to get your hands clean on editing then iMovie editor is perfect for you. It is an easy video editing software for mac having an easy drag and drop interface. Features like Video trimming, split-screen, audio editing, pre-made transitions library, and 4K resolution support.

10. Openshot

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux

It is a free open source video editing software with an easy-to-use interface. Features like unlimited layers and tracks, time-mapping, real-time previews, trimming, snapping, clip resizing, curve-based keyframe animations etc. It offers more than enough features for free software.

11. Movie Maker

Compatibility: Windows

It is an easy video maker and editing software for beginners which can be downloaded from any third-party and use it to make and share high-quality movies.

12. Lumen5

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

It’s a perfect web-based video editing tool, best for Social Media promotion Campaigns with an easy drag-and-drop interface.

filmora logo

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

filmora-02

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

  • 100 Million+ Users
  • 150+ Countries and Regions
  • 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
  • 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

Try It Free

* Secure Download

filmora12

13. Adobe Spark

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

Adobe Sparks is also a web-based easy video editor, similar to Lumen5. It offers an easy user interface but is a little restricted when it comes to offering a bank of images and footage to use.

14. Videopad

Compatibility: Windows

VideoPad is a simple video editing software for beginners, maybe not suitable for professional use. It has features like 3D Video Editing, Sound Effects and pre-made transitions Library, Reduce Camera Shakes and Multiple Resolutions export support.

15. Freemake

Compatibility: Windows

Freemake is a free video converter that is used to convert and alter videos that can modify and convert videos, embed videos to websites, and extract audio from video clips simply and fast. It supports above 500 video file formats and is compatible with multiple audio and image file formats for slideshows and video clip creation.

Basic Features You Need in an Easy Video Editing Software

A software having:

  • Easy montage maker
  • Easy video cutter
  • Easy video joiner
  • Compositing multiple elements together
  • Color grading
  • Motion tracking
  • Stabilization
  • Titles
  • Background replacement
  • Basic color correction
  • Cross dissolves and fade-to-black transitions
  • Audio crossfades
  • Audio level adjustment using keyframes
  • Auto synchronization of additional audio tracks
  • Image position adjustment using keyframes
  • Footage speed adjustments
  • Basic color correction
  • Footage bins for roughly organizing imported footage

Why Video Editing Matters Nowadays?

If videos aren’t a primary focus of your content marketing plan, the probability is it’s soon going to be certain! Every next production is turning into video-based content, be it content marketers or SEOs.

Around 50% of the content marketers are using Facebook and YouTube channels for the sake of video distribution since online activity spent on watching videos is 50%.

Moreover, by 2021, video is going to be projected to account for more than 80% out of all internet traffic.

Therefore, it has become a need to focus on video content if you are looking to grow the organic traffic of your publications.

filmora box

Filmora Free Video Editor

Create AI-Generated Video with Filmora

Filmora Free video editor offers a ChatGPT plug-in and AI tools to enhance your creative vision. Make your idea into reality.

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >

Basic Video Editing Terms You Should Know

Below are some of the important yet basic terms that you should know related to videography in general and video editing in specific as well, whether you are a beginner or professional.

Aspect ratio:

The aspect ratio is the ratio of width and height of a video. Examples of the most used aspect ratios are: 4:3, 16:9, 1.85:1.

Refer to the image given below for a better understanding.

aspec ratio

B-roll:

B-roll facilities one with the flexibility, when editing, to the video editing rules as it is an add-on picture that makes a previously incoherent scene seamless.

As shown in the image below, B-roll is used to insert which can make the transition easy to look on the eyes.

Bit rate:

Bit rate, also known as data rate, refers to the amount of data used for every second within the video. It is most commonly expressed in kilobits per second (kbps).

Close up:

Close-up refers to the shots that frame to subject tightly.

For instance, if it is a person, then the close-up covers solely his face.

Color temperature:

Color temperature refers to the light visibility in a shot. Color temperature is expressed in Kelvin. The scale of color temperature ranges from cool to warm.

color temperature

Composition:

Composition entails the process of combining multiple footages using video editing software.

Compression:

Compression is the process of minimizing the quantity of data utilized in a video file. It helps make in the process of uploading and downloading quite faster. This also leaves you with ample space for more of your publications.

Crop factor:

Crop factor refers to a number that expresses the ratio of the imaging area of a sensor to a full-frame sensor. It typically ranges from 1.3 to 2.0.

Cut-in

Cut-in refers to showing a specific part of a subject in order to emphasize a certain aspect or emotion. For instance, hand gestures may show nervousness, enthusiasm, agitation, etc.

Foley:

Often times the original sound of the scene captured in the video is not captured as naturally as they were supposed to sound like in reality. Hence, Foley is when you reproduce those sounds for that video.

Frame rate:

Frame rate refers to the video capturing by a shutter in a second or shutter cycling rate through opening and closing. Some of the common frame rates are 24, 25, 29.97, 30, etc. The frame rate is expressed in frames per second (fps).

High definition media interface:

HDMI is the connectors that digitally transfer audio and HD video to a television. This is helpful if you intend to work on a bigger screen or wish to share some of your productions.

Resolution:

Resolution refers to the horizontal and vertical pixels of your video. For instance 640×480 for SD and 1280×720 for HD. Sometimes resolution refers only to the number of pixels that paper vertically. For example 480p, 720p, and 1080p respectively.

resolution

J-Cut:

J-cut refers to the editing technique in which the audio from a next scene is overlapped with the image from the previous scene, such that the audio segment of the next scene begins playing prior to its picture.

Jumpcut:

Jumpcut editing techniques refer to an abrupt transition between the two consecutive frames. The entity in the video containing jump cuts appears to jump along with the scene from one place to another. This looks disruptive to the audience.

L-Cut:

L-cut is exactly opposite to J-cut where the audio from the next scene overlays the image from the next scene to play the audio after an image has been displayed in the video.

Lower third:

As the name suggests, the lower third is derived from the rule of third which refers to the type of title, mostly used by vloggers, broadcasters, interviewers, and you tubers.

Memory bank:

You can understand the term by thinking of a memory box where we keep certain things as a memory of the events in someone’s life. Memory bank serves the same purpose through the use of video. It often uses natural sounds, document travel or merely store moments in routine life.

Press kit:

Press kit is used to provide information regarding your productions to the press for promotional purposes. Such information is often background including synopsis, crew, cast’s bios Q&A with the director, production stills and its reviews.

Shot list:

The shot list refers to the checklist related to the shots that a videographer plans to include in his/her content. This may help you save time and gear with efficient planning and handling. This gives a sense of direction to your production.

Storyboard:

A storyboard is a drawing to illustrate the scenes in the video. This gives a direct and organized way to visualize the needs for the shots or animation.

storyboard

Sync:

Synchronization, aka sync, refers to the alignment of audio with video imaging.

Rule of thirds:

The rule of third is a grid that helps you to compose interesting and balanced shots to make your productions aesthetically pleasing. The grid is similar to a tic-tac-toe board since it segregates the picture into 9 segments. It helps bring points of interest to be aligned with the lines or intersection given in the grid.

rule of thirds

Three-point lighting:

This helps one to diminish the shadows for image balancing and provides an appealing contrast. These three lights are commonly known as fill, key, and backlight.

three point lighting

Tilts:

Tilts refer to the vertical transitions that your camera. This is the opposite of pans.

tilts

Pans:

Pans refer to the horizontal movements of your camera. This is exactly contrary to tilts.

White balance:

White balance refers to the process where the unrealistic color casts are removed in order to render a white object to be actually white in your photo, and not have other tints.

white balance

Wide-angle:

A wide-angel lens refers to a short focal length of a lens. This brings more of a subject rather than a subject being captured by a normal lens at equal distances.

wide angle

Non-linear editing:

NLEs is a non-destructive editing technique that allows one to access any frame in a video clip regardless of the sequence in the clip. It gives you the freedom to easily include effects, transitions, fades, etc. which cannot be achieved with linear editing

Pixel aspect ratio:

Pixels are several tiny squares that build up an image in a video. Whereas, aspect ratio refers to the ratio of width to height of a video. Hence, the pixel aspect ratio (PAR) is the ratio of width to height of the pixels.

Conclusion

Be it Instagram stories, YouTube product testimonials, or Facebook ads, using these easy-to-use video editing software will elevate your content into a professional and slick look.

So, I hope you are now ready to get started.

Lights, camera, action!

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>

download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

If you are not a video-making expert, own a video studio, or have a video specialist to trim and shoot video features, then don’t worry!

We are here to take you on the tour of the easiest video editing software that would promise a professional-looking end-product despite being absolutely inexperienced!

In my opinion, an ideal video editing software should be easy for everyone to get started. It could be simple video editing software, but it at least contains all the basic features you want. My recommendation is Wondershare Filmora, which compromises usability and capability to the best. It not only comes with all common video editing tools at your fingertips but also features you may need to bring your videos to the next level.

Watch Video to Take a Quick View of the 18 Best Video Editors

Filmora Video Editor is an expert in creating and editing videos with outstanding functions and features. The easy-to-use interface will help you much! It offers versions for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS! Worth to have a try!

Try Free Video Editor Try Free Video Editor Try Free Video Editor Learn More >


15 Best Easy Video Editing Software

Below are the brief detail of easy video editors for PC, giving you more editing scalability than mobile-based editing apps. So if you are seeking easy video editing software for YouTube or website then look no further!

1 - Wondershare Filmora 2 - Blender 3 - Lightworks
4 - Shotcut 5 - VSDC 6 - Machete Lite
7 - Avidemux 8 - Hitfilm Express 9 - iMovie
10 - Openshot 11 - Movie Maker 12 - Lumen5
13 - Adobe Spark 14 - Videopad 15 - Freemake

1. Wondershare Filmora - Easy Video Editing Software, Unlimited Video Sharing

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone and iPad.

Wondershare Filmora paves the way to share videos instantly with family and friends, whatever it’s on YouTube, computer, mobile devices, or TV, you’ll choose your way.

Edit Video for Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Edit Video for Free

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

You can directly upload the video to YouTube, as well as an optional message sending to Facebook and Twitter.

Preset profiles are included in output videos for playing on mobile devices like iPhone, iPad, iPod, PSP, etc. No further conversion required. A build-in DVD tool allows you to burn video to a high-quality DVD for watching on TV with your home DVD player.

Filmstock Stock Media Library ](https://filmstock.wondershare.com/creative-theme-tutorial?spm=rs.filmora%5Fweb&source%5Fchannel=seo%5Farticle )

Download the free trial version of Wondershare Filmora for your Mac/Windows version below, start to make your stunning home movies today!

2. Blender

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.

This is free and open-source software, originally designed as a 3D animation suite but also has a use video editor. This editor lets you carry out basic actions like video cutting and video splicing. Hence, it is an easy video cutter and easy video joiner. It can also perform more advanced tasks such as video masking.

3. Lightworks

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Lightworks is a free easy to use video editing software that comes with High precision video trimming, 720p video export for YouTube, Multicam support, and support of a large range of video formats. Its free version has ample features enough for most of the users. Although the paid pro version costs $25 a month.

4. Shotcut

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Shotcut is a free, open-source video editing software, packed with ample features with wide range video formats support, timeline editing, 4K HD resolution support, and have several tutorials video.

filmora box

Wondershare Filmora Video Editor

Filmora - No Watermark Video Editing Software

• Easily edit and export video files without watermark

• offers popular effects and filters for making your video professional

• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)

Try Video Editor without Watermark Try Video Editor without Watermark Try Video Editor without Watermark Learn More >

5. VSDC

Compatibility: Windows

VSDC, an easy video editing software for windows, is a free video editing software, having an easy-to-learn powerful suite of features including audio editing and color correction. Although a paid version, pro, costs $19.99, having visual waveform, image stabilization and voice over support.

6. Machete Lite

Compatibility: Windows

Machete Lite is a free yet the simplest video editing software perfect for simple editing tasks. Only AVI and WMV files are supported in its free version. Its full version costs $19.95 having audio editing and more file type support, unlike the free version.

7. Avidemux

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux

Avoided is the simplest video editing software, perfect for beginners. It allows performing simple editing features like Encoding, simple cutting, and filtering with an easy-to-use interface.

8. Hitfilm Express

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

HitFilm Express is a free video editing software with features ranging from basic editing features like trimming, audio editing, and slicing to advance tools and features. Its free version supports over 180 special effects. There’s a built-in YouTube uploading.

Finding a Way to Edit Video for Free? Try This Out!

Filmora Video Editor brings you all the convenience of editing videos with handy functions. You can make your creative ideas into realize! More importantly, your edited video can export without a watermark!

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >

9. iMovie

Compatibility: Mac

If you are a beginner and searching for a good video editing software to get your hands clean on editing then iMovie editor is perfect for you. It is an easy video editing software for mac having an easy drag and drop interface. Features like Video trimming, split-screen, audio editing, pre-made transitions library, and 4K resolution support.

10. Openshot

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux

It is a free open source video editing software with an easy-to-use interface. Features like unlimited layers and tracks, time-mapping, real-time previews, trimming, snapping, clip resizing, curve-based keyframe animations etc. It offers more than enough features for free software.

11. Movie Maker

Compatibility: Windows

It is an easy video maker and editing software for beginners which can be downloaded from any third-party and use it to make and share high-quality movies.

12. Lumen5

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

It’s a perfect web-based video editing tool, best for Social Media promotion Campaigns with an easy drag-and-drop interface.

filmora logo

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

filmora-02

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

  • 100 Million+ Users
  • 150+ Countries and Regions
  • 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
  • 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

Try It Free

* Secure Download

filmora12

13. Adobe Spark

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

Adobe Sparks is also a web-based easy video editor, similar to Lumen5. It offers an easy user interface but is a little restricted when it comes to offering a bank of images and footage to use.

14. Videopad

Compatibility: Windows

VideoPad is a simple video editing software for beginners, maybe not suitable for professional use. It has features like 3D Video Editing, Sound Effects and pre-made transitions Library, Reduce Camera Shakes and Multiple Resolutions export support.

15. Freemake

Compatibility: Windows

Freemake is a free video converter that is used to convert and alter videos that can modify and convert videos, embed videos to websites, and extract audio from video clips simply and fast. It supports above 500 video file formats and is compatible with multiple audio and image file formats for slideshows and video clip creation.

Basic Features You Need in an Easy Video Editing Software

A software having:

  • Easy montage maker
  • Easy video cutter
  • Easy video joiner
  • Compositing multiple elements together
  • Color grading
  • Motion tracking
  • Stabilization
  • Titles
  • Background replacement
  • Basic color correction
  • Cross dissolves and fade-to-black transitions
  • Audio crossfades
  • Audio level adjustment using keyframes
  • Auto synchronization of additional audio tracks
  • Image position adjustment using keyframes
  • Footage speed adjustments
  • Basic color correction
  • Footage bins for roughly organizing imported footage

Why Video Editing Matters Nowadays?

If videos aren’t a primary focus of your content marketing plan, the probability is it’s soon going to be certain! Every next production is turning into video-based content, be it content marketers or SEOs.

Around 50% of the content marketers are using Facebook and YouTube channels for the sake of video distribution since online activity spent on watching videos is 50%.

Moreover, by 2021, video is going to be projected to account for more than 80% out of all internet traffic.

Therefore, it has become a need to focus on video content if you are looking to grow the organic traffic of your publications.

filmora box

Filmora Free Video Editor

Create AI-Generated Video with Filmora

Filmora Free video editor offers a ChatGPT plug-in and AI tools to enhance your creative vision. Make your idea into reality.

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >

Basic Video Editing Terms You Should Know

Below are some of the important yet basic terms that you should know related to videography in general and video editing in specific as well, whether you are a beginner or professional.

Aspect ratio:

The aspect ratio is the ratio of width and height of a video. Examples of the most used aspect ratios are: 4:3, 16:9, 1.85:1.

Refer to the image given below for a better understanding.

aspec ratio

B-roll:

B-roll facilities one with the flexibility, when editing, to the video editing rules as it is an add-on picture that makes a previously incoherent scene seamless.

As shown in the image below, B-roll is used to insert which can make the transition easy to look on the eyes.

Bit rate:

Bit rate, also known as data rate, refers to the amount of data used for every second within the video. It is most commonly expressed in kilobits per second (kbps).

Close up:

Close-up refers to the shots that frame to subject tightly.

For instance, if it is a person, then the close-up covers solely his face.

Color temperature:

Color temperature refers to the light visibility in a shot. Color temperature is expressed in Kelvin. The scale of color temperature ranges from cool to warm.

color temperature

Composition:

Composition entails the process of combining multiple footages using video editing software.

Compression:

Compression is the process of minimizing the quantity of data utilized in a video file. It helps make in the process of uploading and downloading quite faster. This also leaves you with ample space for more of your publications.

Crop factor:

Crop factor refers to a number that expresses the ratio of the imaging area of a sensor to a full-frame sensor. It typically ranges from 1.3 to 2.0.

Cut-in

Cut-in refers to showing a specific part of a subject in order to emphasize a certain aspect or emotion. For instance, hand gestures may show nervousness, enthusiasm, agitation, etc.

Foley:

Often times the original sound of the scene captured in the video is not captured as naturally as they were supposed to sound like in reality. Hence, Foley is when you reproduce those sounds for that video.

Frame rate:

Frame rate refers to the video capturing by a shutter in a second or shutter cycling rate through opening and closing. Some of the common frame rates are 24, 25, 29.97, 30, etc. The frame rate is expressed in frames per second (fps).

High definition media interface:

HDMI is the connectors that digitally transfer audio and HD video to a television. This is helpful if you intend to work on a bigger screen or wish to share some of your productions.

Resolution:

Resolution refers to the horizontal and vertical pixels of your video. For instance 640×480 for SD and 1280×720 for HD. Sometimes resolution refers only to the number of pixels that paper vertically. For example 480p, 720p, and 1080p respectively.

resolution

J-Cut:

J-cut refers to the editing technique in which the audio from a next scene is overlapped with the image from the previous scene, such that the audio segment of the next scene begins playing prior to its picture.

Jumpcut:

Jumpcut editing techniques refer to an abrupt transition between the two consecutive frames. The entity in the video containing jump cuts appears to jump along with the scene from one place to another. This looks disruptive to the audience.

L-Cut:

L-cut is exactly opposite to J-cut where the audio from the next scene overlays the image from the next scene to play the audio after an image has been displayed in the video.

Lower third:

As the name suggests, the lower third is derived from the rule of third which refers to the type of title, mostly used by vloggers, broadcasters, interviewers, and you tubers.

Memory bank:

You can understand the term by thinking of a memory box where we keep certain things as a memory of the events in someone’s life. Memory bank serves the same purpose through the use of video. It often uses natural sounds, document travel or merely store moments in routine life.

Press kit:

Press kit is used to provide information regarding your productions to the press for promotional purposes. Such information is often background including synopsis, crew, cast’s bios Q&A with the director, production stills and its reviews.

Shot list:

The shot list refers to the checklist related to the shots that a videographer plans to include in his/her content. This may help you save time and gear with efficient planning and handling. This gives a sense of direction to your production.

Storyboard:

A storyboard is a drawing to illustrate the scenes in the video. This gives a direct and organized way to visualize the needs for the shots or animation.

storyboard

Sync:

Synchronization, aka sync, refers to the alignment of audio with video imaging.

Rule of thirds:

The rule of third is a grid that helps you to compose interesting and balanced shots to make your productions aesthetically pleasing. The grid is similar to a tic-tac-toe board since it segregates the picture into 9 segments. It helps bring points of interest to be aligned with the lines or intersection given in the grid.

rule of thirds

Three-point lighting:

This helps one to diminish the shadows for image balancing and provides an appealing contrast. These three lights are commonly known as fill, key, and backlight.

three point lighting

Tilts:

Tilts refer to the vertical transitions that your camera. This is the opposite of pans.

tilts

Pans:

Pans refer to the horizontal movements of your camera. This is exactly contrary to tilts.

White balance:

White balance refers to the process where the unrealistic color casts are removed in order to render a white object to be actually white in your photo, and not have other tints.

white balance

Wide-angle:

A wide-angel lens refers to a short focal length of a lens. This brings more of a subject rather than a subject being captured by a normal lens at equal distances.

wide angle

Non-linear editing:

NLEs is a non-destructive editing technique that allows one to access any frame in a video clip regardless of the sequence in the clip. It gives you the freedom to easily include effects, transitions, fades, etc. which cannot be achieved with linear editing

Pixel aspect ratio:

Pixels are several tiny squares that build up an image in a video. Whereas, aspect ratio refers to the ratio of width to height of a video. Hence, the pixel aspect ratio (PAR) is the ratio of width to height of the pixels.

Conclusion

Be it Instagram stories, YouTube product testimonials, or Facebook ads, using these easy-to-use video editing software will elevate your content into a professional and slick look.

So, I hope you are now ready to get started.

Lights, camera, action!

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>

download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

If you are not a video-making expert, own a video studio, or have a video specialist to trim and shoot video features, then don’t worry!

We are here to take you on the tour of the easiest video editing software that would promise a professional-looking end-product despite being absolutely inexperienced!

In my opinion, an ideal video editing software should be easy for everyone to get started. It could be simple video editing software, but it at least contains all the basic features you want. My recommendation is Wondershare Filmora, which compromises usability and capability to the best. It not only comes with all common video editing tools at your fingertips but also features you may need to bring your videos to the next level.

Watch Video to Take a Quick View of the 18 Best Video Editors

Filmora Video Editor is an expert in creating and editing videos with outstanding functions and features. The easy-to-use interface will help you much! It offers versions for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS! Worth to have a try!

Try Free Video Editor Try Free Video Editor Try Free Video Editor Learn More >


15 Best Easy Video Editing Software

Below are the brief detail of easy video editors for PC, giving you more editing scalability than mobile-based editing apps. So if you are seeking easy video editing software for YouTube or website then look no further!

1 - Wondershare Filmora 2 - Blender 3 - Lightworks
4 - Shotcut 5 - VSDC 6 - Machete Lite
7 - Avidemux 8 - Hitfilm Express 9 - iMovie
10 - Openshot 11 - Movie Maker 12 - Lumen5
13 - Adobe Spark 14 - Videopad 15 - Freemake

1. Wondershare Filmora - Easy Video Editing Software, Unlimited Video Sharing

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone and iPad.

Wondershare Filmora paves the way to share videos instantly with family and friends, whatever it’s on YouTube, computer, mobile devices, or TV, you’ll choose your way.

Edit Video for Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Edit Video for Free

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

You can directly upload the video to YouTube, as well as an optional message sending to Facebook and Twitter.

Preset profiles are included in output videos for playing on mobile devices like iPhone, iPad, iPod, PSP, etc. No further conversion required. A build-in DVD tool allows you to burn video to a high-quality DVD for watching on TV with your home DVD player.

Filmstock Stock Media Library ](https://filmstock.wondershare.com/creative-theme-tutorial?spm=rs.filmora%5Fweb&source%5Fchannel=seo%5Farticle )

Download the free trial version of Wondershare Filmora for your Mac/Windows version below, start to make your stunning home movies today!

2. Blender

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.

This is free and open-source software, originally designed as a 3D animation suite but also has a use video editor. This editor lets you carry out basic actions like video cutting and video splicing. Hence, it is an easy video cutter and easy video joiner. It can also perform more advanced tasks such as video masking.

3. Lightworks

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Lightworks is a free easy to use video editing software that comes with High precision video trimming, 720p video export for YouTube, Multicam support, and support of a large range of video formats. Its free version has ample features enough for most of the users. Although the paid pro version costs $25 a month.

4. Shotcut

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Shotcut is a free, open-source video editing software, packed with ample features with wide range video formats support, timeline editing, 4K HD resolution support, and have several tutorials video.

filmora box

Wondershare Filmora Video Editor

Filmora - No Watermark Video Editing Software

• Easily edit and export video files without watermark

• offers popular effects and filters for making your video professional

• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)

Try Video Editor without Watermark Try Video Editor without Watermark Try Video Editor without Watermark Learn More >

5. VSDC

Compatibility: Windows

VSDC, an easy video editing software for windows, is a free video editing software, having an easy-to-learn powerful suite of features including audio editing and color correction. Although a paid version, pro, costs $19.99, having visual waveform, image stabilization and voice over support.

6. Machete Lite

Compatibility: Windows

Machete Lite is a free yet the simplest video editing software perfect for simple editing tasks. Only AVI and WMV files are supported in its free version. Its full version costs $19.95 having audio editing and more file type support, unlike the free version.

7. Avidemux

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux

Avoided is the simplest video editing software, perfect for beginners. It allows performing simple editing features like Encoding, simple cutting, and filtering with an easy-to-use interface.

8. Hitfilm Express

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

HitFilm Express is a free video editing software with features ranging from basic editing features like trimming, audio editing, and slicing to advance tools and features. Its free version supports over 180 special effects. There’s a built-in YouTube uploading.

Finding a Way to Edit Video for Free? Try This Out!

Filmora Video Editor brings you all the convenience of editing videos with handy functions. You can make your creative ideas into realize! More importantly, your edited video can export without a watermark!

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >

9. iMovie

Compatibility: Mac

If you are a beginner and searching for a good video editing software to get your hands clean on editing then iMovie editor is perfect for you. It is an easy video editing software for mac having an easy drag and drop interface. Features like Video trimming, split-screen, audio editing, pre-made transitions library, and 4K resolution support.

10. Openshot

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux

It is a free open source video editing software with an easy-to-use interface. Features like unlimited layers and tracks, time-mapping, real-time previews, trimming, snapping, clip resizing, curve-based keyframe animations etc. It offers more than enough features for free software.

11. Movie Maker

Compatibility: Windows

It is an easy video maker and editing software for beginners which can be downloaded from any third-party and use it to make and share high-quality movies.

12. Lumen5

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

It’s a perfect web-based video editing tool, best for Social Media promotion Campaigns with an easy drag-and-drop interface.

filmora logo

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

filmora-02

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

  • 100 Million+ Users
  • 150+ Countries and Regions
  • 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
  • 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

Try It Free

* Secure Download

filmora12

13. Adobe Spark

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

Adobe Sparks is also a web-based easy video editor, similar to Lumen5. It offers an easy user interface but is a little restricted when it comes to offering a bank of images and footage to use.

14. Videopad

Compatibility: Windows

VideoPad is a simple video editing software for beginners, maybe not suitable for professional use. It has features like 3D Video Editing, Sound Effects and pre-made transitions Library, Reduce Camera Shakes and Multiple Resolutions export support.

15. Freemake

Compatibility: Windows

Freemake is a free video converter that is used to convert and alter videos that can modify and convert videos, embed videos to websites, and extract audio from video clips simply and fast. It supports above 500 video file formats and is compatible with multiple audio and image file formats for slideshows and video clip creation.

Basic Features You Need in an Easy Video Editing Software

A software having:

  • Easy montage maker
  • Easy video cutter
  • Easy video joiner
  • Compositing multiple elements together
  • Color grading
  • Motion tracking
  • Stabilization
  • Titles
  • Background replacement
  • Basic color correction
  • Cross dissolves and fade-to-black transitions
  • Audio crossfades
  • Audio level adjustment using keyframes
  • Auto synchronization of additional audio tracks
  • Image position adjustment using keyframes
  • Footage speed adjustments
  • Basic color correction
  • Footage bins for roughly organizing imported footage

Why Video Editing Matters Nowadays?

If videos aren’t a primary focus of your content marketing plan, the probability is it’s soon going to be certain! Every next production is turning into video-based content, be it content marketers or SEOs.

Around 50% of the content marketers are using Facebook and YouTube channels for the sake of video distribution since online activity spent on watching videos is 50%.

Moreover, by 2021, video is going to be projected to account for more than 80% out of all internet traffic.

Therefore, it has become a need to focus on video content if you are looking to grow the organic traffic of your publications.

filmora box

Filmora Free Video Editor

Create AI-Generated Video with Filmora

Filmora Free video editor offers a ChatGPT plug-in and AI tools to enhance your creative vision. Make your idea into reality.

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >

Basic Video Editing Terms You Should Know

Below are some of the important yet basic terms that you should know related to videography in general and video editing in specific as well, whether you are a beginner or professional.

Aspect ratio:

The aspect ratio is the ratio of width and height of a video. Examples of the most used aspect ratios are: 4:3, 16:9, 1.85:1.

Refer to the image given below for a better understanding.

aspec ratio

B-roll:

B-roll facilities one with the flexibility, when editing, to the video editing rules as it is an add-on picture that makes a previously incoherent scene seamless.

As shown in the image below, B-roll is used to insert which can make the transition easy to look on the eyes.

Bit rate:

Bit rate, also known as data rate, refers to the amount of data used for every second within the video. It is most commonly expressed in kilobits per second (kbps).

Close up:

Close-up refers to the shots that frame to subject tightly.

For instance, if it is a person, then the close-up covers solely his face.

Color temperature:

Color temperature refers to the light visibility in a shot. Color temperature is expressed in Kelvin. The scale of color temperature ranges from cool to warm.

color temperature

Composition:

Composition entails the process of combining multiple footages using video editing software.

Compression:

Compression is the process of minimizing the quantity of data utilized in a video file. It helps make in the process of uploading and downloading quite faster. This also leaves you with ample space for more of your publications.

Crop factor:

Crop factor refers to a number that expresses the ratio of the imaging area of a sensor to a full-frame sensor. It typically ranges from 1.3 to 2.0.

Cut-in

Cut-in refers to showing a specific part of a subject in order to emphasize a certain aspect or emotion. For instance, hand gestures may show nervousness, enthusiasm, agitation, etc.

Foley:

Often times the original sound of the scene captured in the video is not captured as naturally as they were supposed to sound like in reality. Hence, Foley is when you reproduce those sounds for that video.

Frame rate:

Frame rate refers to the video capturing by a shutter in a second or shutter cycling rate through opening and closing. Some of the common frame rates are 24, 25, 29.97, 30, etc. The frame rate is expressed in frames per second (fps).

High definition media interface:

HDMI is the connectors that digitally transfer audio and HD video to a television. This is helpful if you intend to work on a bigger screen or wish to share some of your productions.

Resolution:

Resolution refers to the horizontal and vertical pixels of your video. For instance 640×480 for SD and 1280×720 for HD. Sometimes resolution refers only to the number of pixels that paper vertically. For example 480p, 720p, and 1080p respectively.

resolution

J-Cut:

J-cut refers to the editing technique in which the audio from a next scene is overlapped with the image from the previous scene, such that the audio segment of the next scene begins playing prior to its picture.

Jumpcut:

Jumpcut editing techniques refer to an abrupt transition between the two consecutive frames. The entity in the video containing jump cuts appears to jump along with the scene from one place to another. This looks disruptive to the audience.

L-Cut:

L-cut is exactly opposite to J-cut where the audio from the next scene overlays the image from the next scene to play the audio after an image has been displayed in the video.

Lower third:

As the name suggests, the lower third is derived from the rule of third which refers to the type of title, mostly used by vloggers, broadcasters, interviewers, and you tubers.

Memory bank:

You can understand the term by thinking of a memory box where we keep certain things as a memory of the events in someone’s life. Memory bank serves the same purpose through the use of video. It often uses natural sounds, document travel or merely store moments in routine life.

Press kit:

Press kit is used to provide information regarding your productions to the press for promotional purposes. Such information is often background including synopsis, crew, cast’s bios Q&A with the director, production stills and its reviews.

Shot list:

The shot list refers to the checklist related to the shots that a videographer plans to include in his/her content. This may help you save time and gear with efficient planning and handling. This gives a sense of direction to your production.

Storyboard:

A storyboard is a drawing to illustrate the scenes in the video. This gives a direct and organized way to visualize the needs for the shots or animation.

storyboard

Sync:

Synchronization, aka sync, refers to the alignment of audio with video imaging.

Rule of thirds:

The rule of third is a grid that helps you to compose interesting and balanced shots to make your productions aesthetically pleasing. The grid is similar to a tic-tac-toe board since it segregates the picture into 9 segments. It helps bring points of interest to be aligned with the lines or intersection given in the grid.

rule of thirds

Three-point lighting:

This helps one to diminish the shadows for image balancing and provides an appealing contrast. These three lights are commonly known as fill, key, and backlight.

three point lighting

Tilts:

Tilts refer to the vertical transitions that your camera. This is the opposite of pans.

tilts

Pans:

Pans refer to the horizontal movements of your camera. This is exactly contrary to tilts.

White balance:

White balance refers to the process where the unrealistic color casts are removed in order to render a white object to be actually white in your photo, and not have other tints.

white balance

Wide-angle:

A wide-angel lens refers to a short focal length of a lens. This brings more of a subject rather than a subject being captured by a normal lens at equal distances.

wide angle

Non-linear editing:

NLEs is a non-destructive editing technique that allows one to access any frame in a video clip regardless of the sequence in the clip. It gives you the freedom to easily include effects, transitions, fades, etc. which cannot be achieved with linear editing

Pixel aspect ratio:

Pixels are several tiny squares that build up an image in a video. Whereas, aspect ratio refers to the ratio of width to height of a video. Hence, the pixel aspect ratio (PAR) is the ratio of width to height of the pixels.

Conclusion

Be it Instagram stories, YouTube product testimonials, or Facebook ads, using these easy-to-use video editing software will elevate your content into a professional and slick look.

So, I hope you are now ready to get started.

Lights, camera, action!

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>

download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

If you are not a video-making expert, own a video studio, or have a video specialist to trim and shoot video features, then don’t worry!

We are here to take you on the tour of the easiest video editing software that would promise a professional-looking end-product despite being absolutely inexperienced!

In my opinion, an ideal video editing software should be easy for everyone to get started. It could be simple video editing software, but it at least contains all the basic features you want. My recommendation is Wondershare Filmora, which compromises usability and capability to the best. It not only comes with all common video editing tools at your fingertips but also features you may need to bring your videos to the next level.

Watch Video to Take a Quick View of the 18 Best Video Editors

Filmora Video Editor is an expert in creating and editing videos with outstanding functions and features. The easy-to-use interface will help you much! It offers versions for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS! Worth to have a try!

Try Free Video Editor Try Free Video Editor Try Free Video Editor Learn More >


15 Best Easy Video Editing Software

Below are the brief detail of easy video editors for PC, giving you more editing scalability than mobile-based editing apps. So if you are seeking easy video editing software for YouTube or website then look no further!

1 - Wondershare Filmora 2 - Blender 3 - Lightworks
4 - Shotcut 5 - VSDC 6 - Machete Lite
7 - Avidemux 8 - Hitfilm Express 9 - iMovie
10 - Openshot 11 - Movie Maker 12 - Lumen5
13 - Adobe Spark 14 - Videopad 15 - Freemake

1. Wondershare Filmora - Easy Video Editing Software, Unlimited Video Sharing

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone and iPad.

Wondershare Filmora paves the way to share videos instantly with family and friends, whatever it’s on YouTube, computer, mobile devices, or TV, you’ll choose your way.

Edit Video for Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Edit Video for Free

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

You can directly upload the video to YouTube, as well as an optional message sending to Facebook and Twitter.

Preset profiles are included in output videos for playing on mobile devices like iPhone, iPad, iPod, PSP, etc. No further conversion required. A build-in DVD tool allows you to burn video to a high-quality DVD for watching on TV with your home DVD player.

Filmstock Stock Media Library ](https://filmstock.wondershare.com/creative-theme-tutorial?spm=rs.filmora%5Fweb&source%5Fchannel=seo%5Farticle )

Download the free trial version of Wondershare Filmora for your Mac/Windows version below, start to make your stunning home movies today!

2. Blender

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.

This is free and open-source software, originally designed as a 3D animation suite but also has a use video editor. This editor lets you carry out basic actions like video cutting and video splicing. Hence, it is an easy video cutter and easy video joiner. It can also perform more advanced tasks such as video masking.

3. Lightworks

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Lightworks is a free easy to use video editing software that comes with High precision video trimming, 720p video export for YouTube, Multicam support, and support of a large range of video formats. Its free version has ample features enough for most of the users. Although the paid pro version costs $25 a month.

4. Shotcut

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Shotcut is a free, open-source video editing software, packed with ample features with wide range video formats support, timeline editing, 4K HD resolution support, and have several tutorials video.

filmora box

Wondershare Filmora Video Editor

Filmora - No Watermark Video Editing Software

• Easily edit and export video files without watermark

• offers popular effects and filters for making your video professional

• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)

Try Video Editor without Watermark Try Video Editor without Watermark Try Video Editor without Watermark Learn More >

5. VSDC

Compatibility: Windows

VSDC, an easy video editing software for windows, is a free video editing software, having an easy-to-learn powerful suite of features including audio editing and color correction. Although a paid version, pro, costs $19.99, having visual waveform, image stabilization and voice over support.

6. Machete Lite

Compatibility: Windows

Machete Lite is a free yet the simplest video editing software perfect for simple editing tasks. Only AVI and WMV files are supported in its free version. Its full version costs $19.95 having audio editing and more file type support, unlike the free version.

7. Avidemux

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux

Avoided is the simplest video editing software, perfect for beginners. It allows performing simple editing features like Encoding, simple cutting, and filtering with an easy-to-use interface.

8. Hitfilm Express

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

HitFilm Express is a free video editing software with features ranging from basic editing features like trimming, audio editing, and slicing to advance tools and features. Its free version supports over 180 special effects. There’s a built-in YouTube uploading.

Finding a Way to Edit Video for Free? Try This Out!

Filmora Video Editor brings you all the convenience of editing videos with handy functions. You can make your creative ideas into realize! More importantly, your edited video can export without a watermark!

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >

9. iMovie

Compatibility: Mac

If you are a beginner and searching for a good video editing software to get your hands clean on editing then iMovie editor is perfect for you. It is an easy video editing software for mac having an easy drag and drop interface. Features like Video trimming, split-screen, audio editing, pre-made transitions library, and 4K resolution support.

10. Openshot

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux

It is a free open source video editing software with an easy-to-use interface. Features like unlimited layers and tracks, time-mapping, real-time previews, trimming, snapping, clip resizing, curve-based keyframe animations etc. It offers more than enough features for free software.

11. Movie Maker

Compatibility: Windows

It is an easy video maker and editing software for beginners which can be downloaded from any third-party and use it to make and share high-quality movies.

12. Lumen5

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

It’s a perfect web-based video editing tool, best for Social Media promotion Campaigns with an easy drag-and-drop interface.

filmora logo

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

filmora-02

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

  • 100 Million+ Users
  • 150+ Countries and Regions
  • 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
  • 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

Try It Free

* Secure Download

filmora12

13. Adobe Spark

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

Adobe Sparks is also a web-based easy video editor, similar to Lumen5. It offers an easy user interface but is a little restricted when it comes to offering a bank of images and footage to use.

14. Videopad

Compatibility: Windows

VideoPad is a simple video editing software for beginners, maybe not suitable for professional use. It has features like 3D Video Editing, Sound Effects and pre-made transitions Library, Reduce Camera Shakes and Multiple Resolutions export support.

15. Freemake

Compatibility: Windows

Freemake is a free video converter that is used to convert and alter videos that can modify and convert videos, embed videos to websites, and extract audio from video clips simply and fast. It supports above 500 video file formats and is compatible with multiple audio and image file formats for slideshows and video clip creation.

Basic Features You Need in an Easy Video Editing Software

A software having:

  • Easy montage maker
  • Easy video cutter
  • Easy video joiner
  • Compositing multiple elements together
  • Color grading
  • Motion tracking
  • Stabilization
  • Titles
  • Background replacement
  • Basic color correction
  • Cross dissolves and fade-to-black transitions
  • Audio crossfades
  • Audio level adjustment using keyframes
  • Auto synchronization of additional audio tracks
  • Image position adjustment using keyframes
  • Footage speed adjustments
  • Basic color correction
  • Footage bins for roughly organizing imported footage

Why Video Editing Matters Nowadays?

If videos aren’t a primary focus of your content marketing plan, the probability is it’s soon going to be certain! Every next production is turning into video-based content, be it content marketers or SEOs.

Around 50% of the content marketers are using Facebook and YouTube channels for the sake of video distribution since online activity spent on watching videos is 50%.

Moreover, by 2021, video is going to be projected to account for more than 80% out of all internet traffic.

Therefore, it has become a need to focus on video content if you are looking to grow the organic traffic of your publications.

filmora box

Filmora Free Video Editor

Create AI-Generated Video with Filmora

Filmora Free video editor offers a ChatGPT plug-in and AI tools to enhance your creative vision. Make your idea into reality.

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >

Basic Video Editing Terms You Should Know

Below are some of the important yet basic terms that you should know related to videography in general and video editing in specific as well, whether you are a beginner or professional.

Aspect ratio:

The aspect ratio is the ratio of width and height of a video. Examples of the most used aspect ratios are: 4:3, 16:9, 1.85:1.

Refer to the image given below for a better understanding.

aspec ratio

B-roll:

B-roll facilities one with the flexibility, when editing, to the video editing rules as it is an add-on picture that makes a previously incoherent scene seamless.

As shown in the image below, B-roll is used to insert which can make the transition easy to look on the eyes.

Bit rate:

Bit rate, also known as data rate, refers to the amount of data used for every second within the video. It is most commonly expressed in kilobits per second (kbps).

Close up:

Close-up refers to the shots that frame to subject tightly.

For instance, if it is a person, then the close-up covers solely his face.

Color temperature:

Color temperature refers to the light visibility in a shot. Color temperature is expressed in Kelvin. The scale of color temperature ranges from cool to warm.

color temperature

Composition:

Composition entails the process of combining multiple footages using video editing software.

Compression:

Compression is the process of minimizing the quantity of data utilized in a video file. It helps make in the process of uploading and downloading quite faster. This also leaves you with ample space for more of your publications.

Crop factor:

Crop factor refers to a number that expresses the ratio of the imaging area of a sensor to a full-frame sensor. It typically ranges from 1.3 to 2.0.

Cut-in

Cut-in refers to showing a specific part of a subject in order to emphasize a certain aspect or emotion. For instance, hand gestures may show nervousness, enthusiasm, agitation, etc.

Foley:

Often times the original sound of the scene captured in the video is not captured as naturally as they were supposed to sound like in reality. Hence, Foley is when you reproduce those sounds for that video.

Frame rate:

Frame rate refers to the video capturing by a shutter in a second or shutter cycling rate through opening and closing. Some of the common frame rates are 24, 25, 29.97, 30, etc. The frame rate is expressed in frames per second (fps).

High definition media interface:

HDMI is the connectors that digitally transfer audio and HD video to a television. This is helpful if you intend to work on a bigger screen or wish to share some of your productions.

Resolution:

Resolution refers to the horizontal and vertical pixels of your video. For instance 640×480 for SD and 1280×720 for HD. Sometimes resolution refers only to the number of pixels that paper vertically. For example 480p, 720p, and 1080p respectively.

resolution

J-Cut:

J-cut refers to the editing technique in which the audio from a next scene is overlapped with the image from the previous scene, such that the audio segment of the next scene begins playing prior to its picture.

Jumpcut:

Jumpcut editing techniques refer to an abrupt transition between the two consecutive frames. The entity in the video containing jump cuts appears to jump along with the scene from one place to another. This looks disruptive to the audience.

L-Cut:

L-cut is exactly opposite to J-cut where the audio from the next scene overlays the image from the next scene to play the audio after an image has been displayed in the video.

Lower third:

As the name suggests, the lower third is derived from the rule of third which refers to the type of title, mostly used by vloggers, broadcasters, interviewers, and you tubers.

Memory bank:

You can understand the term by thinking of a memory box where we keep certain things as a memory of the events in someone’s life. Memory bank serves the same purpose through the use of video. It often uses natural sounds, document travel or merely store moments in routine life.

Press kit:

Press kit is used to provide information regarding your productions to the press for promotional purposes. Such information is often background including synopsis, crew, cast’s bios Q&A with the director, production stills and its reviews.

Shot list:

The shot list refers to the checklist related to the shots that a videographer plans to include in his/her content. This may help you save time and gear with efficient planning and handling. This gives a sense of direction to your production.

Storyboard:

A storyboard is a drawing to illustrate the scenes in the video. This gives a direct and organized way to visualize the needs for the shots or animation.

storyboard

Sync:

Synchronization, aka sync, refers to the alignment of audio with video imaging.

Rule of thirds:

The rule of third is a grid that helps you to compose interesting and balanced shots to make your productions aesthetically pleasing. The grid is similar to a tic-tac-toe board since it segregates the picture into 9 segments. It helps bring points of interest to be aligned with the lines or intersection given in the grid.

rule of thirds

Three-point lighting:

This helps one to diminish the shadows for image balancing and provides an appealing contrast. These three lights are commonly known as fill, key, and backlight.

three point lighting

Tilts:

Tilts refer to the vertical transitions that your camera. This is the opposite of pans.

tilts

Pans:

Pans refer to the horizontal movements of your camera. This is exactly contrary to tilts.

White balance:

White balance refers to the process where the unrealistic color casts are removed in order to render a white object to be actually white in your photo, and not have other tints.

white balance

Wide-angle:

A wide-angel lens refers to a short focal length of a lens. This brings more of a subject rather than a subject being captured by a normal lens at equal distances.

wide angle

Non-linear editing:

NLEs is a non-destructive editing technique that allows one to access any frame in a video clip regardless of the sequence in the clip. It gives you the freedom to easily include effects, transitions, fades, etc. which cannot be achieved with linear editing

Pixel aspect ratio:

Pixels are several tiny squares that build up an image in a video. Whereas, aspect ratio refers to the ratio of width to height of a video. Hence, the pixel aspect ratio (PAR) is the ratio of width to height of the pixels.

Conclusion

Be it Instagram stories, YouTube product testimonials, or Facebook ads, using these easy-to-use video editing software will elevate your content into a professional and slick look.

So, I hope you are now ready to get started.

Lights, camera, action!

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>

download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

From Fast to Slow: How to Create Engaging Slow-Motion Videos on Kapwing

Change Video Speed Easily

Wondershare Filmora is one of the most popular video editing software among YouTubers , you can use it to speed up and slow down videos with Speed Ramping or Uniform Speed tools.

Try It Free Try It Free

Kapwing is a web-based video editor that enables you to perform post-production actions on the clips that you upload. In addition, the web app has a timeline at the bottom of the interface that uses the layer-oriented approach to give you an industry-standard ambiance while editing.

With Kapwing, you can even create basic to advanced clips by starting a new project from the scratch. Some of the tasks that Kapwing can do quite efficiently include:

  • Adding text and titles to the videos
  • Reversing the playback
  • Inserting royalty-free video clips and images from its built-in media library
  • Recording computer screen
  • Recording webcam footage
  • Adding audio, etc.

With that said, here you will learn how to slow down the playback speed of a video with Kapwing to give the clip a cinematic effect.

In this article

01 How to Make a Slow Motion Video on Kapwing? [Step by Step]

02 FAQs About Kapwing Online Video Editor

02 Use Kapwing Alternative to Make Slow Motion Video

Part 1: How to Make a Slow Motion Video on Kapwing? [Step by Step]

Note: Before proceeding further, it is imperative to understand that Kapwing adds a watermark to the videos while exporting as long as you are not signed in. This limitation can be removed by signing in using your Google or Facebook ID, or with a different email address provided by some other service provider.

To make a slow-motion video with Kapwing, you must follow the step-by-step instructions that are given below:

Step 1: Sign In and Upload the Source Video to Kapwing

Launch your favorite browser (Google Chrome is used here), go to https://www.kapwing.com/ , and click Sign In from the top-right corner of the web page. Next, use your preferred platform, i.e., Google or Facebook, or use a different email address to sign in. On the next page, click Create New Project.

When the main interface opens up, click Click to upload from the right section, and select and upload the source video that you want to slow down. Alternatively, you can either paste the URL of a published video in the available field, or upload one from your Google Drive or Google Photos storage by clicking their corresponding icons below the Click to upload button.

uploaded watermarked tiktok video kapwing

Step 2: Slow Down the Playback Speed

Ensure that the uploaded video is successfully added to the Timeline at the bottom, click to select the clip if not already selected, confirm that the EDIT tab is selected from the top of the right pane, and use the and + buttons under the SPEED section to decrease and increase the playback speed of the footage respectively.

To make a slow motion with Kapwing, you can click the icon and choose 0.25X, 0.5X and 0.75X slower based on your need. You can see the changes in the timeline when you apply the speed presets.

Note: You can slow down or increase the speed to as low as 0.25x or as high as 4x respectively.

add slow motion effect kapwing online

Step 3: Add Additional Decorations (Optional)

Use the tools available in the toolbox on the left to add other elements like text, stock video clips, images, audio, etc. to make the footage look more professional and appealing.

Step 4: Export and Download the Video

Once everything is done, click the Play button above the Timeline to preview the clip, and once found acceptable, click Export Video from the top-right area to export the footage.

On the next page, click Download from the right to download the slow-motion video to your local hard drive. Alternatively, you can also click the down icon that is present next to the Export Video button, and choose your preferred format from the menu to export the video.

download or share looping video interface kapwing

Note: Kapwing makes the produced videos available for public viewing while using a free account. This privacy vulnerability can be removed by subscribing to a paid plan offered by the web tool. And for free account, your video is limited to 250MB uploading, and 30 minutes long exporting.

There are some other options to slow videos online for free, check our picks of best free online slow motion video editors.

Part 2: FAQs About Kapwing Online Video Editor

1. Is Kapwing really free?

Yes, it is free, and there will be no watermark on videos under 5 minutes. However, upon exporting, the videos remain available for the public which could be a breach of privacy for some users. This limitation can be removed by subscribing to the web tool’s paid membership. You can choose either a $192 per year or $24 per month plan for the subscription.

2. What is the limitation of using the Kapwing free plan?

When you use Kapwing with the free plan:

  • All the videos that you produce remain available for the public viewing;
  • The video files that you upload cannot exceed 250MB in size;
  • Export 3 hours of video per month, and each video is limited to 30 minutes long;
  • The resolution of the videos is restricted to 720p only, etc.

3. How slow can I make it with Kapwing?

You can slow down the playback speed to 0.25x with Kapwing. When increasing the speed, it can go up to 4x.

Conclusion

Kapwing is an efficient online video editor. The best part is, the tool doesn’t add a watermark to the videos even if you are using its free plan. However, certain restrictions like file size limit, resolution threshold, etc. are imposed on you if you are a non-paid user. To get rid of all such barriers, you must subscribe to a monthly or annual plan that is $24 or $192 respectively.

Try It Free Try It Free

Kapwing is a web-based video editor that enables you to perform post-production actions on the clips that you upload. In addition, the web app has a timeline at the bottom of the interface that uses the layer-oriented approach to give you an industry-standard ambiance while editing.

With Kapwing, you can even create basic to advanced clips by starting a new project from the scratch. Some of the tasks that Kapwing can do quite efficiently include:

  • Adding text and titles to the videos
  • Reversing the playback
  • Inserting royalty-free video clips and images from its built-in media library
  • Recording computer screen
  • Recording webcam footage
  • Adding audio, etc.

With that said, here you will learn how to slow down the playback speed of a video with Kapwing to give the clip a cinematic effect.

In this article

01 How to Make a Slow Motion Video on Kapwing? [Step by Step]

02 FAQs About Kapwing Online Video Editor

02 Use Kapwing Alternative to Make Slow Motion Video

Part 1: How to Make a Slow Motion Video on Kapwing? [Step by Step]

Note: Before proceeding further, it is imperative to understand that Kapwing adds a watermark to the videos while exporting as long as you are not signed in. This limitation can be removed by signing in using your Google or Facebook ID, or with a different email address provided by some other service provider.

To make a slow-motion video with Kapwing, you must follow the step-by-step instructions that are given below:

Step 1: Sign In and Upload the Source Video to Kapwing

Launch your favorite browser (Google Chrome is used here), go to https://www.kapwing.com/ , and click Sign In from the top-right corner of the web page. Next, use your preferred platform, i.e., Google or Facebook, or use a different email address to sign in. On the next page, click Create New Project.

When the main interface opens up, click Click to upload from the right section, and select and upload the source video that you want to slow down. Alternatively, you can either paste the URL of a published video in the available field, or upload one from your Google Drive or Google Photos storage by clicking their corresponding icons below the Click to upload button.

uploaded watermarked tiktok video kapwing

Step 2: Slow Down the Playback Speed

Ensure that the uploaded video is successfully added to the Timeline at the bottom, click to select the clip if not already selected, confirm that the EDIT tab is selected from the top of the right pane, and use the and + buttons under the SPEED section to decrease and increase the playback speed of the footage respectively.

To make a slow motion with Kapwing, you can click the icon and choose 0.25X, 0.5X and 0.75X slower based on your need. You can see the changes in the timeline when you apply the speed presets.

Note: You can slow down or increase the speed to as low as 0.25x or as high as 4x respectively.

add slow motion effect kapwing online

Step 3: Add Additional Decorations (Optional)

Use the tools available in the toolbox on the left to add other elements like text, stock video clips, images, audio, etc. to make the footage look more professional and appealing.

Step 4: Export and Download the Video

Once everything is done, click the Play button above the Timeline to preview the clip, and once found acceptable, click Export Video from the top-right area to export the footage.

On the next page, click Download from the right to download the slow-motion video to your local hard drive. Alternatively, you can also click the down icon that is present next to the Export Video button, and choose your preferred format from the menu to export the video.

download or share looping video interface kapwing

Note: Kapwing makes the produced videos available for public viewing while using a free account. This privacy vulnerability can be removed by subscribing to a paid plan offered by the web tool. And for free account, your video is limited to 250MB uploading, and 30 minutes long exporting.

There are some other options to slow videos online for free, check our picks of best free online slow motion video editors.

Part 2: FAQs About Kapwing Online Video Editor

1. Is Kapwing really free?

Yes, it is free, and there will be no watermark on videos under 5 minutes. However, upon exporting, the videos remain available for the public which could be a breach of privacy for some users. This limitation can be removed by subscribing to the web tool’s paid membership. You can choose either a $192 per year or $24 per month plan for the subscription.

2. What is the limitation of using the Kapwing free plan?

When you use Kapwing with the free plan:

  • All the videos that you produce remain available for the public viewing;
  • The video files that you upload cannot exceed 250MB in size;
  • Export 3 hours of video per month, and each video is limited to 30 minutes long;
  • The resolution of the videos is restricted to 720p only, etc.

3. How slow can I make it with Kapwing?

You can slow down the playback speed to 0.25x with Kapwing. When increasing the speed, it can go up to 4x.

Conclusion

Kapwing is an efficient online video editor. The best part is, the tool doesn’t add a watermark to the videos even if you are using its free plan. However, certain restrictions like file size limit, resolution threshold, etc. are imposed on you if you are a non-paid user. To get rid of all such barriers, you must subscribe to a monthly or annual plan that is $24 or $192 respectively.

Try It Free Try It Free

Kapwing is a web-based video editor that enables you to perform post-production actions on the clips that you upload. In addition, the web app has a timeline at the bottom of the interface that uses the layer-oriented approach to give you an industry-standard ambiance while editing.

With Kapwing, you can even create basic to advanced clips by starting a new project from the scratch. Some of the tasks that Kapwing can do quite efficiently include:

  • Adding text and titles to the videos
  • Reversing the playback
  • Inserting royalty-free video clips and images from its built-in media library
  • Recording computer screen
  • Recording webcam footage
  • Adding audio, etc.

With that said, here you will learn how to slow down the playback speed of a video with Kapwing to give the clip a cinematic effect.

In this article

01 How to Make a Slow Motion Video on Kapwing? [Step by Step]

02 FAQs About Kapwing Online Video Editor

02 Use Kapwing Alternative to Make Slow Motion Video

Part 1: How to Make a Slow Motion Video on Kapwing? [Step by Step]

Note: Before proceeding further, it is imperative to understand that Kapwing adds a watermark to the videos while exporting as long as you are not signed in. This limitation can be removed by signing in using your Google or Facebook ID, or with a different email address provided by some other service provider.

To make a slow-motion video with Kapwing, you must follow the step-by-step instructions that are given below:

Step 1: Sign In and Upload the Source Video to Kapwing

Launch your favorite browser (Google Chrome is used here), go to https://www.kapwing.com/ , and click Sign In from the top-right corner of the web page. Next, use your preferred platform, i.e., Google or Facebook, or use a different email address to sign in. On the next page, click Create New Project.

When the main interface opens up, click Click to upload from the right section, and select and upload the source video that you want to slow down. Alternatively, you can either paste the URL of a published video in the available field, or upload one from your Google Drive or Google Photos storage by clicking their corresponding icons below the Click to upload button.

uploaded watermarked tiktok video kapwing

Step 2: Slow Down the Playback Speed

Ensure that the uploaded video is successfully added to the Timeline at the bottom, click to select the clip if not already selected, confirm that the EDIT tab is selected from the top of the right pane, and use the and + buttons under the SPEED section to decrease and increase the playback speed of the footage respectively.

To make a slow motion with Kapwing, you can click the icon and choose 0.25X, 0.5X and 0.75X slower based on your need. You can see the changes in the timeline when you apply the speed presets.

Note: You can slow down or increase the speed to as low as 0.25x or as high as 4x respectively.

add slow motion effect kapwing online

Step 3: Add Additional Decorations (Optional)

Use the tools available in the toolbox on the left to add other elements like text, stock video clips, images, audio, etc. to make the footage look more professional and appealing.

Step 4: Export and Download the Video

Once everything is done, click the Play button above the Timeline to preview the clip, and once found acceptable, click Export Video from the top-right area to export the footage.

On the next page, click Download from the right to download the slow-motion video to your local hard drive. Alternatively, you can also click the down icon that is present next to the Export Video button, and choose your preferred format from the menu to export the video.

download or share looping video interface kapwing

Note: Kapwing makes the produced videos available for public viewing while using a free account. This privacy vulnerability can be removed by subscribing to a paid plan offered by the web tool. And for free account, your video is limited to 250MB uploading, and 30 minutes long exporting.

There are some other options to slow videos online for free, check our picks of best free online slow motion video editors.

Part 2: FAQs About Kapwing Online Video Editor

1. Is Kapwing really free?

Yes, it is free, and there will be no watermark on videos under 5 minutes. However, upon exporting, the videos remain available for the public which could be a breach of privacy for some users. This limitation can be removed by subscribing to the web tool’s paid membership. You can choose either a $192 per year or $24 per month plan for the subscription.

2. What is the limitation of using the Kapwing free plan?

When you use Kapwing with the free plan:

  • All the videos that you produce remain available for the public viewing;
  • The video files that you upload cannot exceed 250MB in size;
  • Export 3 hours of video per month, and each video is limited to 30 minutes long;
  • The resolution of the videos is restricted to 720p only, etc.

3. How slow can I make it with Kapwing?

You can slow down the playback speed to 0.25x with Kapwing. When increasing the speed, it can go up to 4x.

Conclusion

Kapwing is an efficient online video editor. The best part is, the tool doesn’t add a watermark to the videos even if you are using its free plan. However, certain restrictions like file size limit, resolution threshold, etc. are imposed on you if you are a non-paid user. To get rid of all such barriers, you must subscribe to a monthly or annual plan that is $24 or $192 respectively.

Try It Free Try It Free

Kapwing is a web-based video editor that enables you to perform post-production actions on the clips that you upload. In addition, the web app has a timeline at the bottom of the interface that uses the layer-oriented approach to give you an industry-standard ambiance while editing.

With Kapwing, you can even create basic to advanced clips by starting a new project from the scratch. Some of the tasks that Kapwing can do quite efficiently include:

  • Adding text and titles to the videos
  • Reversing the playback
  • Inserting royalty-free video clips and images from its built-in media library
  • Recording computer screen
  • Recording webcam footage
  • Adding audio, etc.

With that said, here you will learn how to slow down the playback speed of a video with Kapwing to give the clip a cinematic effect.

In this article

01 How to Make a Slow Motion Video on Kapwing? [Step by Step]

02 FAQs About Kapwing Online Video Editor

02 Use Kapwing Alternative to Make Slow Motion Video

Part 1: How to Make a Slow Motion Video on Kapwing? [Step by Step]

Note: Before proceeding further, it is imperative to understand that Kapwing adds a watermark to the videos while exporting as long as you are not signed in. This limitation can be removed by signing in using your Google or Facebook ID, or with a different email address provided by some other service provider.

To make a slow-motion video with Kapwing, you must follow the step-by-step instructions that are given below:

Step 1: Sign In and Upload the Source Video to Kapwing

Launch your favorite browser (Google Chrome is used here), go to https://www.kapwing.com/ , and click Sign In from the top-right corner of the web page. Next, use your preferred platform, i.e., Google or Facebook, or use a different email address to sign in. On the next page, click Create New Project.

When the main interface opens up, click Click to upload from the right section, and select and upload the source video that you want to slow down. Alternatively, you can either paste the URL of a published video in the available field, or upload one from your Google Drive or Google Photos storage by clicking their corresponding icons below the Click to upload button.

uploaded watermarked tiktok video kapwing

Step 2: Slow Down the Playback Speed

Ensure that the uploaded video is successfully added to the Timeline at the bottom, click to select the clip if not already selected, confirm that the EDIT tab is selected from the top of the right pane, and use the and + buttons under the SPEED section to decrease and increase the playback speed of the footage respectively.

To make a slow motion with Kapwing, you can click the icon and choose 0.25X, 0.5X and 0.75X slower based on your need. You can see the changes in the timeline when you apply the speed presets.

Note: You can slow down or increase the speed to as low as 0.25x or as high as 4x respectively.

add slow motion effect kapwing online

Step 3: Add Additional Decorations (Optional)

Use the tools available in the toolbox on the left to add other elements like text, stock video clips, images, audio, etc. to make the footage look more professional and appealing.

Step 4: Export and Download the Video

Once everything is done, click the Play button above the Timeline to preview the clip, and once found acceptable, click Export Video from the top-right area to export the footage.

On the next page, click Download from the right to download the slow-motion video to your local hard drive. Alternatively, you can also click the down icon that is present next to the Export Video button, and choose your preferred format from the menu to export the video.

download or share looping video interface kapwing

Note: Kapwing makes the produced videos available for public viewing while using a free account. This privacy vulnerability can be removed by subscribing to a paid plan offered by the web tool. And for free account, your video is limited to 250MB uploading, and 30 minutes long exporting.

There are some other options to slow videos online for free, check our picks of best free online slow motion video editors.

Part 2: FAQs About Kapwing Online Video Editor

1. Is Kapwing really free?

Yes, it is free, and there will be no watermark on videos under 5 minutes. However, upon exporting, the videos remain available for the public which could be a breach of privacy for some users. This limitation can be removed by subscribing to the web tool’s paid membership. You can choose either a $192 per year or $24 per month plan for the subscription.

2. What is the limitation of using the Kapwing free plan?

When you use Kapwing with the free plan:

  • All the videos that you produce remain available for the public viewing;
  • The video files that you upload cannot exceed 250MB in size;
  • Export 3 hours of video per month, and each video is limited to 30 minutes long;
  • The resolution of the videos is restricted to 720p only, etc.

3. How slow can I make it with Kapwing?

You can slow down the playback speed to 0.25x with Kapwing. When increasing the speed, it can go up to 4x.

Conclusion

Kapwing is an efficient online video editor. The best part is, the tool doesn’t add a watermark to the videos even if you are using its free plan. However, certain restrictions like file size limit, resolution threshold, etc. are imposed on you if you are a non-paid user. To get rid of all such barriers, you must subscribe to a monthly or annual plan that is $24 or $192 respectively.

From Basic to Brilliant: Adding Effects in FCP X in 3 Easy Steps

Simple Guide to FCP X: How To Add Effects in 3 Steps

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

There are two broad categories of effects in Final Cut Pro X: Inspector effects and Effects Browser effects.

I’ve written previously about how to use Inspector effects to create a picture-in-picture effect, among many other effects available to us in Final Cut Pro. In this article, I want to show you how to apply an effect to a clip, modify that effect, temporarily turn that effect on or off, or delete it entirely.


This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )


How to Apply Effects to Video in Final Cut Pro X

Find and apply an effect

Here is our clip - a fearsome polar bear.

add effects in fcp

To apply an effect, first select the clip in the Timeline.

add effects in fcp

Then, click this icon in the Toolbar to open the Effects Browser (or type Cmd + 5).

add effects in fcp

The Browser, like all the effects browsers, lists categories of effects on the left, a search box at the bottom to use for searching for the names of effects, and effects for each category on the right.

add effects in fcp

Here, for example, I’ve selected the Blur category, with my cursor near the Gaussian blur effect. (Gaussian blur is the best effect to use when you want a clip to look blurry.)

To apply an effect, do one of two things:

  • Drag the effect from the Browser onto the clip you want to change.
  • If the clip, or clips, are selected, double-click the effect in the Browser to apply it.

Modify an effect

To modify an effect, click this icon in the Toolbar to open the Inspector (or type Cmd + 4).

add effects in fcp

Click the Video tab in the Inspector. Effects from the Effects Browser are always listed at the top of the Inspector.

add effects in fcp

Grab a slider and drag it to see what happens. For example, to make an image blurrier, drag the Amount slider to the right. To lessen the effect, drag it to the left.

add effects in fcp

Disable and delete an effect

To temporarily disable an effect, without deleting it, click the blue box so that it turns gray.

add effects in fcp

To enable an effect, click the gray box so it turns blue again.

To delete an effect, click the name of the effect - in this example: Gaussian - and press the big Delete key.

add effects in fcp

The effect will be deleted from the selected clip.

Extra credit

You can apply, modify, even delete the same effect to multiple clips by first selecting all the clips you want to change in the Timeline then adding, changing the settings, or deleting an effect in the Inspector.

Summary

The process of applying effects is the same for all effects you apply from the Effects Browser. In future articles I’ll show you how to use this technique to create a wide variety of different effects in Final Cut Pro X.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

There are two broad categories of effects in Final Cut Pro X: Inspector effects and Effects Browser effects.

I’ve written previously about how to use Inspector effects to create a picture-in-picture effect, among many other effects available to us in Final Cut Pro. In this article, I want to show you how to apply an effect to a clip, modify that effect, temporarily turn that effect on or off, or delete it entirely.


This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )


How to Apply Effects to Video in Final Cut Pro X

Find and apply an effect

Here is our clip - a fearsome polar bear.

add effects in fcp

To apply an effect, first select the clip in the Timeline.

add effects in fcp

Then, click this icon in the Toolbar to open the Effects Browser (or type Cmd + 5).

add effects in fcp

The Browser, like all the effects browsers, lists categories of effects on the left, a search box at the bottom to use for searching for the names of effects, and effects for each category on the right.

add effects in fcp

Here, for example, I’ve selected the Blur category, with my cursor near the Gaussian blur effect. (Gaussian blur is the best effect to use when you want a clip to look blurry.)

To apply an effect, do one of two things:

  • Drag the effect from the Browser onto the clip you want to change.
  • If the clip, or clips, are selected, double-click the effect in the Browser to apply it.

Modify an effect

To modify an effect, click this icon in the Toolbar to open the Inspector (or type Cmd + 4).

add effects in fcp

Click the Video tab in the Inspector. Effects from the Effects Browser are always listed at the top of the Inspector.

add effects in fcp

Grab a slider and drag it to see what happens. For example, to make an image blurrier, drag the Amount slider to the right. To lessen the effect, drag it to the left.

add effects in fcp

Disable and delete an effect

To temporarily disable an effect, without deleting it, click the blue box so that it turns gray.

add effects in fcp

To enable an effect, click the gray box so it turns blue again.

To delete an effect, click the name of the effect - in this example: Gaussian - and press the big Delete key.

add effects in fcp

The effect will be deleted from the selected clip.

Extra credit

You can apply, modify, even delete the same effect to multiple clips by first selecting all the clips you want to change in the Timeline then adding, changing the settings, or deleting an effect in the Inspector.

Summary

The process of applying effects is the same for all effects you apply from the Effects Browser. In future articles I’ll show you how to use this technique to create a wide variety of different effects in Final Cut Pro X.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

There are two broad categories of effects in Final Cut Pro X: Inspector effects and Effects Browser effects.

I’ve written previously about how to use Inspector effects to create a picture-in-picture effect, among many other effects available to us in Final Cut Pro. In this article, I want to show you how to apply an effect to a clip, modify that effect, temporarily turn that effect on or off, or delete it entirely.


This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )


How to Apply Effects to Video in Final Cut Pro X

Find and apply an effect

Here is our clip - a fearsome polar bear.

add effects in fcp

To apply an effect, first select the clip in the Timeline.

add effects in fcp

Then, click this icon in the Toolbar to open the Effects Browser (or type Cmd + 5).

add effects in fcp

The Browser, like all the effects browsers, lists categories of effects on the left, a search box at the bottom to use for searching for the names of effects, and effects for each category on the right.

add effects in fcp

Here, for example, I’ve selected the Blur category, with my cursor near the Gaussian blur effect. (Gaussian blur is the best effect to use when you want a clip to look blurry.)

To apply an effect, do one of two things:

  • Drag the effect from the Browser onto the clip you want to change.
  • If the clip, or clips, are selected, double-click the effect in the Browser to apply it.

Modify an effect

To modify an effect, click this icon in the Toolbar to open the Inspector (or type Cmd + 4).

add effects in fcp

Click the Video tab in the Inspector. Effects from the Effects Browser are always listed at the top of the Inspector.

add effects in fcp

Grab a slider and drag it to see what happens. For example, to make an image blurrier, drag the Amount slider to the right. To lessen the effect, drag it to the left.

add effects in fcp

Disable and delete an effect

To temporarily disable an effect, without deleting it, click the blue box so that it turns gray.

add effects in fcp

To enable an effect, click the gray box so it turns blue again.

To delete an effect, click the name of the effect - in this example: Gaussian - and press the big Delete key.

add effects in fcp

The effect will be deleted from the selected clip.

Extra credit

You can apply, modify, even delete the same effect to multiple clips by first selecting all the clips you want to change in the Timeline then adding, changing the settings, or deleting an effect in the Inspector.

Summary

The process of applying effects is the same for all effects you apply from the Effects Browser. In future articles I’ll show you how to use this technique to create a wide variety of different effects in Final Cut Pro X.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

There are two broad categories of effects in Final Cut Pro X: Inspector effects and Effects Browser effects.

I’ve written previously about how to use Inspector effects to create a picture-in-picture effect, among many other effects available to us in Final Cut Pro. In this article, I want to show you how to apply an effect to a clip, modify that effect, temporarily turn that effect on or off, or delete it entirely.


This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )


How to Apply Effects to Video in Final Cut Pro X

Find and apply an effect

Here is our clip - a fearsome polar bear.

add effects in fcp

To apply an effect, first select the clip in the Timeline.

add effects in fcp

Then, click this icon in the Toolbar to open the Effects Browser (or type Cmd + 5).

add effects in fcp

The Browser, like all the effects browsers, lists categories of effects on the left, a search box at the bottom to use for searching for the names of effects, and effects for each category on the right.

add effects in fcp

Here, for example, I’ve selected the Blur category, with my cursor near the Gaussian blur effect. (Gaussian blur is the best effect to use when you want a clip to look blurry.)

To apply an effect, do one of two things:

  • Drag the effect from the Browser onto the clip you want to change.
  • If the clip, or clips, are selected, double-click the effect in the Browser to apply it.

Modify an effect

To modify an effect, click this icon in the Toolbar to open the Inspector (or type Cmd + 4).

add effects in fcp

Click the Video tab in the Inspector. Effects from the Effects Browser are always listed at the top of the Inspector.

add effects in fcp

Grab a slider and drag it to see what happens. For example, to make an image blurrier, drag the Amount slider to the right. To lessen the effect, drag it to the left.

add effects in fcp

Disable and delete an effect

To temporarily disable an effect, without deleting it, click the blue box so that it turns gray.

add effects in fcp

To enable an effect, click the gray box so it turns blue again.

To delete an effect, click the name of the effect - in this example: Gaussian - and press the big Delete key.

add effects in fcp

The effect will be deleted from the selected clip.

Extra credit

You can apply, modify, even delete the same effect to multiple clips by first selecting all the clips you want to change in the Timeline then adding, changing the settings, or deleting an effect in the Inspector.

Summary

The process of applying effects is the same for all effects you apply from the Effects Browser. In future articles I’ll show you how to use this technique to create a wide variety of different effects in Final Cut Pro X.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

From Footage to Film: Mastering the Art of Cinematic Video Editing

Full Guide on Making a Big-budget Cinematic Look Video with Final Cut Pro X

author avatar

Caroline Laurent

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Do you enjoy the view of movies? Do you find your videos dull and unexciting? How about giving a cinematic look to your videos?

I bet a lot of editors have been there. However, it won’t take you long to find out that movies are quite different from the video you recorded and edited.

No worries, this article explains why there are differences between self-made videos and movies, as well as simple yet detailed steps to make cinematic look videos with FCPX.

Part 1: Difference between a Cinematic Look and a Normal Video?

The term cinematic is often referred to the black bars or wide-screen frame ratios. Photographers and filmmakers use the term cinematic to describe the look of movies and pictures shot on film.

However, the term has changed its meaning with the advent of digital video and the invention of high-tech devices. With the evolution of the internet across the globe, YouTubers, videographers, and social media influencers have started using this term to describe anything related to cinema and film. In other words, a cinematic look is an unconventional, film-look, and professional appearance of a video that makes a normal clip look elegant and worth watching. See the top 10 movies made by FCPX here.

Blade-Runner-2049-poster

So, here we draw a line between a normal video and the one with a cinematic look. In the latter, you adjust everything that is directly or indirectly linked to the quality of a video, including but not limited to colors, appearance, light, motion, frame rate, composition, and camera movements.

Resolution refers to the horizontal pixel count such as 2K (2.2 megapixels) or 4K (8.8 megapixels). Similarly, the frame rate defines the number of individual images or frames being displayed on the TV screen per second. The universally accepted film frame rate is 24 FPS, which is used to make high-definition videos. However, most TV broadcasts and shows are recorded at 30fps. See more about FPS here .

Thanks to the advanced video editing tools and applications that have made it easier to capture a cinematic look or make HD cinematic look videos with basic camera setups. If you want to get your desired cinematic look, read the following section.

Part 2: How to Make a Cinematic Look Film Video with FCPX?

The latest features and user-friendly dashboard of Final Cut Pro X allow users (even beginners) to add effects and increase the aesthetics of their videos. Follow these four simple steps to make a cinematic look high-resolution video with Final Cut Pro X.

Step 1: 4K Resolution and Low Frame Rate

To achieve ideal cinematic aesthetics, you need high-quality 4K resolution videos, awesome exposure, the right codec, and lighting. Hence, to start with, capture a high-quality 4K Canon RAW shot with the latest high-tech Canon Log 2 camera. You can also use other devices and choose different codecs and color profiles to get the best color grade.

frame-rate

Step 2: Color Grading and Color Correction

After importing your footage, get ready for color corrections to address issues like conversions for LOG formats through white balance adjustments. Color corrections normalize the color of HD videos into a standard format. Here’s how you can do this:

  1. Go to the Inspector Panel and select the Extended Function
  2. Select the C-Log 2 conversion LUT

color-grading

  1. Make minor exposure and white balance adjustments as per your scope
  2. Select the Color Wheels and Color Mask features to custom select specific areas and colors
  3. Adjust your color grade according to your requirements
  4. Use Color Masking to improve the shadow’s appearance and warm-up mid-tones
  5. You will get a strong color contrast in your footage.

Step 3: Use Slow Motion at the Right Timing

Final Cut Pro X allows its users to make both constant and variable speed changes without disturbing the audio’s pitch. By using slow-motion effects at the right timing, you can make your videos adorable and give them a cinematic look.

  • Select your video and click on the Retiming button
  • Tap on the Slow section

slow-motion

  • You will see multiple options to slow down the speed of your clip
  • The smaller number will slow down your footage
  • To apply custom retiming amounts, again click on the Retiming button and select the Custom option
  • Custom the speed of your clip over 100% or less than 100% as you want
  • After selecting a value, your selected clip will become longer on the timeline.

Step 4: Adopt Film Grain to Make Film-look Videos

Film grain overlays give your videos vintage and cinematic look. Follow these steps to use these film grains in Final Cut Pro X:

  1. Import your footage and film grains downloaded from the internet and layer them into your timeline
  2. Place the film grain on top of your clip
  3. Select the clip and go to the FCPX blend mode dropdown menu located on the top-right of your screen
  4. Click on the Overlay and adjust the opacity of the film grain overlay as required.

filmgrain

Part 3: What Other Factors Contribute to Film-Look Videos

While making cinematic-look videos, also considering the following factors:

Framing

While filming, one must be aware of the emotion to be captured in the frame. For this purpose, follow the “Rule of Thirds,” which means to divide your short into three horizontal and vertical sections and select the third shot to produce some effect.

Tilt Shift

Instead of shooting your clips with a UHD camera, you can add cinematic effect with the Tilt-shift feature by setting the focus of your video. For this purpose, right-click on the video, select Power Tool and check the box with the option Apply Tilt-shift to the clip. Use the slider to adjust the focus.

Background Music

Cinematic clips without background music seem to be unexciting and boring. Adding melodious background music makes your videos look more professional and enjoyable. You can add default music or your favorite music downloaded from the internet by clicking on the Music tab.

Titles and Subtitles

Adding subtitles to your videos can make them understandable for viewers who speak a different language. Click on Text/Credit in Filmora and select Subtitles to add subtitles to your video.

Part 4: How to Add Cinematic Look to Your Footage in Easy Ways

Filmora is an advanced video editing tool developed by Wondershare. Its user-friendly and easy-to-understand interface makes it popular among beginners as well as professionals. And the best thing about Filmora is that the editor provides rich options of presets, effects, and filters to add a film look to your video.

Here’s how you can add a cinematic look to your footage with Filmora.

1, choose Effect

2, search for “cinematic” or “film”

filmora

3, drag the effect you like to the timeline

4, done!

Simple steps, right? For more stunning effects and film-look packages, try filmstock !

filmstock

Conclusion

Get rid of unexciting and dull videos with no animations or effects. It’s time to add a cinematic look to your videos to make them look more professional and elegant.

A variety of tools and applications are available to make cinematic look videos such as Final Cut Pro X and Filmora. Both these software offers advanced video editing features and allow you to make high-resolution cinematic-look videos. You can adjust various aspects of your video such as colors, aesthetics, resolution, motion, frame rate, composition, and camera movements with these two applications.

Download Win Version Download Mac Version

author avatar

Caroline Laurent

Caroline Laurent is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Caroline Laurent

Caroline Laurent

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Do you enjoy the view of movies? Do you find your videos dull and unexciting? How about giving a cinematic look to your videos?

I bet a lot of editors have been there. However, it won’t take you long to find out that movies are quite different from the video you recorded and edited.

No worries, this article explains why there are differences between self-made videos and movies, as well as simple yet detailed steps to make cinematic look videos with FCPX.

Part 1: Difference between a Cinematic Look and a Normal Video?

The term cinematic is often referred to the black bars or wide-screen frame ratios. Photographers and filmmakers use the term cinematic to describe the look of movies and pictures shot on film.

However, the term has changed its meaning with the advent of digital video and the invention of high-tech devices. With the evolution of the internet across the globe, YouTubers, videographers, and social media influencers have started using this term to describe anything related to cinema and film. In other words, a cinematic look is an unconventional, film-look, and professional appearance of a video that makes a normal clip look elegant and worth watching. See the top 10 movies made by FCPX here.

Blade-Runner-2049-poster

So, here we draw a line between a normal video and the one with a cinematic look. In the latter, you adjust everything that is directly or indirectly linked to the quality of a video, including but not limited to colors, appearance, light, motion, frame rate, composition, and camera movements.

Resolution refers to the horizontal pixel count such as 2K (2.2 megapixels) or 4K (8.8 megapixels). Similarly, the frame rate defines the number of individual images or frames being displayed on the TV screen per second. The universally accepted film frame rate is 24 FPS, which is used to make high-definition videos. However, most TV broadcasts and shows are recorded at 30fps. See more about FPS here .

Thanks to the advanced video editing tools and applications that have made it easier to capture a cinematic look or make HD cinematic look videos with basic camera setups. If you want to get your desired cinematic look, read the following section.

Part 2: How to Make a Cinematic Look Film Video with FCPX?

The latest features and user-friendly dashboard of Final Cut Pro X allow users (even beginners) to add effects and increase the aesthetics of their videos. Follow these four simple steps to make a cinematic look high-resolution video with Final Cut Pro X.

Step 1: 4K Resolution and Low Frame Rate

To achieve ideal cinematic aesthetics, you need high-quality 4K resolution videos, awesome exposure, the right codec, and lighting. Hence, to start with, capture a high-quality 4K Canon RAW shot with the latest high-tech Canon Log 2 camera. You can also use other devices and choose different codecs and color profiles to get the best color grade.

frame-rate

Step 2: Color Grading and Color Correction

After importing your footage, get ready for color corrections to address issues like conversions for LOG formats through white balance adjustments. Color corrections normalize the color of HD videos into a standard format. Here’s how you can do this:

  1. Go to the Inspector Panel and select the Extended Function
  2. Select the C-Log 2 conversion LUT

color-grading

  1. Make minor exposure and white balance adjustments as per your scope
  2. Select the Color Wheels and Color Mask features to custom select specific areas and colors
  3. Adjust your color grade according to your requirements
  4. Use Color Masking to improve the shadow’s appearance and warm-up mid-tones
  5. You will get a strong color contrast in your footage.

Step 3: Use Slow Motion at the Right Timing

Final Cut Pro X allows its users to make both constant and variable speed changes without disturbing the audio’s pitch. By using slow-motion effects at the right timing, you can make your videos adorable and give them a cinematic look.

  • Select your video and click on the Retiming button
  • Tap on the Slow section

slow-motion

  • You will see multiple options to slow down the speed of your clip
  • The smaller number will slow down your footage
  • To apply custom retiming amounts, again click on the Retiming button and select the Custom option
  • Custom the speed of your clip over 100% or less than 100% as you want
  • After selecting a value, your selected clip will become longer on the timeline.

Step 4: Adopt Film Grain to Make Film-look Videos

Film grain overlays give your videos vintage and cinematic look. Follow these steps to use these film grains in Final Cut Pro X:

  1. Import your footage and film grains downloaded from the internet and layer them into your timeline
  2. Place the film grain on top of your clip
  3. Select the clip and go to the FCPX blend mode dropdown menu located on the top-right of your screen
  4. Click on the Overlay and adjust the opacity of the film grain overlay as required.

filmgrain

Part 3: What Other Factors Contribute to Film-Look Videos

While making cinematic-look videos, also considering the following factors:

Framing

While filming, one must be aware of the emotion to be captured in the frame. For this purpose, follow the “Rule of Thirds,” which means to divide your short into three horizontal and vertical sections and select the third shot to produce some effect.

Tilt Shift

Instead of shooting your clips with a UHD camera, you can add cinematic effect with the Tilt-shift feature by setting the focus of your video. For this purpose, right-click on the video, select Power Tool and check the box with the option Apply Tilt-shift to the clip. Use the slider to adjust the focus.

Background Music

Cinematic clips without background music seem to be unexciting and boring. Adding melodious background music makes your videos look more professional and enjoyable. You can add default music or your favorite music downloaded from the internet by clicking on the Music tab.

Titles and Subtitles

Adding subtitles to your videos can make them understandable for viewers who speak a different language. Click on Text/Credit in Filmora and select Subtitles to add subtitles to your video.

Part 4: How to Add Cinematic Look to Your Footage in Easy Ways

Filmora is an advanced video editing tool developed by Wondershare. Its user-friendly and easy-to-understand interface makes it popular among beginners as well as professionals. And the best thing about Filmora is that the editor provides rich options of presets, effects, and filters to add a film look to your video.

Here’s how you can add a cinematic look to your footage with Filmora.

1, choose Effect

2, search for “cinematic” or “film”

filmora

3, drag the effect you like to the timeline

4, done!

Simple steps, right? For more stunning effects and film-look packages, try filmstock !

filmstock

Conclusion

Get rid of unexciting and dull videos with no animations or effects. It’s time to add a cinematic look to your videos to make them look more professional and elegant.

A variety of tools and applications are available to make cinematic look videos such as Final Cut Pro X and Filmora. Both these software offers advanced video editing features and allow you to make high-resolution cinematic-look videos. You can adjust various aspects of your video such as colors, aesthetics, resolution, motion, frame rate, composition, and camera movements with these two applications.

Download Win Version Download Mac Version

author avatar

Caroline Laurent

Caroline Laurent is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Caroline Laurent

Caroline Laurent

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Do you enjoy the view of movies? Do you find your videos dull and unexciting? How about giving a cinematic look to your videos?

I bet a lot of editors have been there. However, it won’t take you long to find out that movies are quite different from the video you recorded and edited.

No worries, this article explains why there are differences between self-made videos and movies, as well as simple yet detailed steps to make cinematic look videos with FCPX.

Part 1: Difference between a Cinematic Look and a Normal Video?

The term cinematic is often referred to the black bars or wide-screen frame ratios. Photographers and filmmakers use the term cinematic to describe the look of movies and pictures shot on film.

However, the term has changed its meaning with the advent of digital video and the invention of high-tech devices. With the evolution of the internet across the globe, YouTubers, videographers, and social media influencers have started using this term to describe anything related to cinema and film. In other words, a cinematic look is an unconventional, film-look, and professional appearance of a video that makes a normal clip look elegant and worth watching. See the top 10 movies made by FCPX here.

Blade-Runner-2049-poster

So, here we draw a line between a normal video and the one with a cinematic look. In the latter, you adjust everything that is directly or indirectly linked to the quality of a video, including but not limited to colors, appearance, light, motion, frame rate, composition, and camera movements.

Resolution refers to the horizontal pixel count such as 2K (2.2 megapixels) or 4K (8.8 megapixels). Similarly, the frame rate defines the number of individual images or frames being displayed on the TV screen per second. The universally accepted film frame rate is 24 FPS, which is used to make high-definition videos. However, most TV broadcasts and shows are recorded at 30fps. See more about FPS here .

Thanks to the advanced video editing tools and applications that have made it easier to capture a cinematic look or make HD cinematic look videos with basic camera setups. If you want to get your desired cinematic look, read the following section.

Part 2: How to Make a Cinematic Look Film Video with FCPX?

The latest features and user-friendly dashboard of Final Cut Pro X allow users (even beginners) to add effects and increase the aesthetics of their videos. Follow these four simple steps to make a cinematic look high-resolution video with Final Cut Pro X.

Step 1: 4K Resolution and Low Frame Rate

To achieve ideal cinematic aesthetics, you need high-quality 4K resolution videos, awesome exposure, the right codec, and lighting. Hence, to start with, capture a high-quality 4K Canon RAW shot with the latest high-tech Canon Log 2 camera. You can also use other devices and choose different codecs and color profiles to get the best color grade.

frame-rate

Step 2: Color Grading and Color Correction

After importing your footage, get ready for color corrections to address issues like conversions for LOG formats through white balance adjustments. Color corrections normalize the color of HD videos into a standard format. Here’s how you can do this:

  1. Go to the Inspector Panel and select the Extended Function
  2. Select the C-Log 2 conversion LUT

color-grading

  1. Make minor exposure and white balance adjustments as per your scope
  2. Select the Color Wheels and Color Mask features to custom select specific areas and colors
  3. Adjust your color grade according to your requirements
  4. Use Color Masking to improve the shadow’s appearance and warm-up mid-tones
  5. You will get a strong color contrast in your footage.

Step 3: Use Slow Motion at the Right Timing

Final Cut Pro X allows its users to make both constant and variable speed changes without disturbing the audio’s pitch. By using slow-motion effects at the right timing, you can make your videos adorable and give them a cinematic look.

  • Select your video and click on the Retiming button
  • Tap on the Slow section

slow-motion

  • You will see multiple options to slow down the speed of your clip
  • The smaller number will slow down your footage
  • To apply custom retiming amounts, again click on the Retiming button and select the Custom option
  • Custom the speed of your clip over 100% or less than 100% as you want
  • After selecting a value, your selected clip will become longer on the timeline.

Step 4: Adopt Film Grain to Make Film-look Videos

Film grain overlays give your videos vintage and cinematic look. Follow these steps to use these film grains in Final Cut Pro X:

  1. Import your footage and film grains downloaded from the internet and layer them into your timeline
  2. Place the film grain on top of your clip
  3. Select the clip and go to the FCPX blend mode dropdown menu located on the top-right of your screen
  4. Click on the Overlay and adjust the opacity of the film grain overlay as required.

filmgrain

Part 3: What Other Factors Contribute to Film-Look Videos

While making cinematic-look videos, also considering the following factors:

Framing

While filming, one must be aware of the emotion to be captured in the frame. For this purpose, follow the “Rule of Thirds,” which means to divide your short into three horizontal and vertical sections and select the third shot to produce some effect.

Tilt Shift

Instead of shooting your clips with a UHD camera, you can add cinematic effect with the Tilt-shift feature by setting the focus of your video. For this purpose, right-click on the video, select Power Tool and check the box with the option Apply Tilt-shift to the clip. Use the slider to adjust the focus.

Background Music

Cinematic clips without background music seem to be unexciting and boring. Adding melodious background music makes your videos look more professional and enjoyable. You can add default music or your favorite music downloaded from the internet by clicking on the Music tab.

Titles and Subtitles

Adding subtitles to your videos can make them understandable for viewers who speak a different language. Click on Text/Credit in Filmora and select Subtitles to add subtitles to your video.

Part 4: How to Add Cinematic Look to Your Footage in Easy Ways

Filmora is an advanced video editing tool developed by Wondershare. Its user-friendly and easy-to-understand interface makes it popular among beginners as well as professionals. And the best thing about Filmora is that the editor provides rich options of presets, effects, and filters to add a film look to your video.

Here’s how you can add a cinematic look to your footage with Filmora.

1, choose Effect

2, search for “cinematic” or “film”

filmora

3, drag the effect you like to the timeline

4, done!

Simple steps, right? For more stunning effects and film-look packages, try filmstock !

filmstock

Conclusion

Get rid of unexciting and dull videos with no animations or effects. It’s time to add a cinematic look to your videos to make them look more professional and elegant.

A variety of tools and applications are available to make cinematic look videos such as Final Cut Pro X and Filmora. Both these software offers advanced video editing features and allow you to make high-resolution cinematic-look videos. You can adjust various aspects of your video such as colors, aesthetics, resolution, motion, frame rate, composition, and camera movements with these two applications.

Download Win Version Download Mac Version

author avatar

Caroline Laurent

Caroline Laurent is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Caroline Laurent

Caroline Laurent

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Do you enjoy the view of movies? Do you find your videos dull and unexciting? How about giving a cinematic look to your videos?

I bet a lot of editors have been there. However, it won’t take you long to find out that movies are quite different from the video you recorded and edited.

No worries, this article explains why there are differences between self-made videos and movies, as well as simple yet detailed steps to make cinematic look videos with FCPX.

Part 1: Difference between a Cinematic Look and a Normal Video?

The term cinematic is often referred to the black bars or wide-screen frame ratios. Photographers and filmmakers use the term cinematic to describe the look of movies and pictures shot on film.

However, the term has changed its meaning with the advent of digital video and the invention of high-tech devices. With the evolution of the internet across the globe, YouTubers, videographers, and social media influencers have started using this term to describe anything related to cinema and film. In other words, a cinematic look is an unconventional, film-look, and professional appearance of a video that makes a normal clip look elegant and worth watching. See the top 10 movies made by FCPX here.

Blade-Runner-2049-poster

So, here we draw a line between a normal video and the one with a cinematic look. In the latter, you adjust everything that is directly or indirectly linked to the quality of a video, including but not limited to colors, appearance, light, motion, frame rate, composition, and camera movements.

Resolution refers to the horizontal pixel count such as 2K (2.2 megapixels) or 4K (8.8 megapixels). Similarly, the frame rate defines the number of individual images or frames being displayed on the TV screen per second. The universally accepted film frame rate is 24 FPS, which is used to make high-definition videos. However, most TV broadcasts and shows are recorded at 30fps. See more about FPS here .

Thanks to the advanced video editing tools and applications that have made it easier to capture a cinematic look or make HD cinematic look videos with basic camera setups. If you want to get your desired cinematic look, read the following section.

Part 2: How to Make a Cinematic Look Film Video with FCPX?

The latest features and user-friendly dashboard of Final Cut Pro X allow users (even beginners) to add effects and increase the aesthetics of their videos. Follow these four simple steps to make a cinematic look high-resolution video with Final Cut Pro X.

Step 1: 4K Resolution and Low Frame Rate

To achieve ideal cinematic aesthetics, you need high-quality 4K resolution videos, awesome exposure, the right codec, and lighting. Hence, to start with, capture a high-quality 4K Canon RAW shot with the latest high-tech Canon Log 2 camera. You can also use other devices and choose different codecs and color profiles to get the best color grade.

frame-rate

Step 2: Color Grading and Color Correction

After importing your footage, get ready for color corrections to address issues like conversions for LOG formats through white balance adjustments. Color corrections normalize the color of HD videos into a standard format. Here’s how you can do this:

  1. Go to the Inspector Panel and select the Extended Function
  2. Select the C-Log 2 conversion LUT

color-grading

  1. Make minor exposure and white balance adjustments as per your scope
  2. Select the Color Wheels and Color Mask features to custom select specific areas and colors
  3. Adjust your color grade according to your requirements
  4. Use Color Masking to improve the shadow’s appearance and warm-up mid-tones
  5. You will get a strong color contrast in your footage.

Step 3: Use Slow Motion at the Right Timing

Final Cut Pro X allows its users to make both constant and variable speed changes without disturbing the audio’s pitch. By using slow-motion effects at the right timing, you can make your videos adorable and give them a cinematic look.

  • Select your video and click on the Retiming button
  • Tap on the Slow section

slow-motion

  • You will see multiple options to slow down the speed of your clip
  • The smaller number will slow down your footage
  • To apply custom retiming amounts, again click on the Retiming button and select the Custom option
  • Custom the speed of your clip over 100% or less than 100% as you want
  • After selecting a value, your selected clip will become longer on the timeline.

Step 4: Adopt Film Grain to Make Film-look Videos

Film grain overlays give your videos vintage and cinematic look. Follow these steps to use these film grains in Final Cut Pro X:

  1. Import your footage and film grains downloaded from the internet and layer them into your timeline
  2. Place the film grain on top of your clip
  3. Select the clip and go to the FCPX blend mode dropdown menu located on the top-right of your screen
  4. Click on the Overlay and adjust the opacity of the film grain overlay as required.

filmgrain

Part 3: What Other Factors Contribute to Film-Look Videos

While making cinematic-look videos, also considering the following factors:

Framing

While filming, one must be aware of the emotion to be captured in the frame. For this purpose, follow the “Rule of Thirds,” which means to divide your short into three horizontal and vertical sections and select the third shot to produce some effect.

Tilt Shift

Instead of shooting your clips with a UHD camera, you can add cinematic effect with the Tilt-shift feature by setting the focus of your video. For this purpose, right-click on the video, select Power Tool and check the box with the option Apply Tilt-shift to the clip. Use the slider to adjust the focus.

Background Music

Cinematic clips without background music seem to be unexciting and boring. Adding melodious background music makes your videos look more professional and enjoyable. You can add default music or your favorite music downloaded from the internet by clicking on the Music tab.

Titles and Subtitles

Adding subtitles to your videos can make them understandable for viewers who speak a different language. Click on Text/Credit in Filmora and select Subtitles to add subtitles to your video.

Part 4: How to Add Cinematic Look to Your Footage in Easy Ways

Filmora is an advanced video editing tool developed by Wondershare. Its user-friendly and easy-to-understand interface makes it popular among beginners as well as professionals. And the best thing about Filmora is that the editor provides rich options of presets, effects, and filters to add a film look to your video.

Here’s how you can add a cinematic look to your footage with Filmora.

1, choose Effect

2, search for “cinematic” or “film”

filmora

3, drag the effect you like to the timeline

4, done!

Simple steps, right? For more stunning effects and film-look packages, try filmstock !

filmstock

Conclusion

Get rid of unexciting and dull videos with no animations or effects. It’s time to add a cinematic look to your videos to make them look more professional and elegant.

A variety of tools and applications are available to make cinematic look videos such as Final Cut Pro X and Filmora. Both these software offers advanced video editing features and allow you to make high-resolution cinematic-look videos. You can adjust various aspects of your video such as colors, aesthetics, resolution, motion, frame rate, composition, and camera movements with these two applications.

Download Win Version Download Mac Version

author avatar

Caroline Laurent

Caroline Laurent is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Caroline Laurent

Also read:

  • Title: New 2024 Approved 15 Free Video Editing Tools for Starters No Experience Needed
  • Author: Isabella
  • Created at : 2024-05-19 13:03:46
  • Updated at : 2024-05-20 13:03:46
  • Link: https://video-creation-software.techidaily.com/new-2024-approved-15-free-video-editing-tools-for-starters-no-experience-needed/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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New 2024 Approved 15 Free Video Editing Tools for Starters No Experience Needed