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How do I Choose the Best Free Video Editing Software?

By G. Wiesen
Updated May 17, 2024
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When looking for free video editing software, you should consider what your exact needs are from such software and look for programs that can fulfill those needs. You should consider any specific file types you need to work with, as well as consider the abilities of the computer you are going to be working on, as some editing software can require some decent equipment to run properly. It can also be helpful to have an idea of your own computer experience and knowledge of video editing techniques, so you can look for free video editing software that best suits your abilities and growth potential.

Free video editing software is a computer program that allows you to download and use the program for free to edit various types of video files. Often also referred to as freeware, these types of programs are free to use, typically without a trial period but instead provided as a free program for users. This type of free video editing software may not be quite as powerful as what is available for a great deal more money, but a user can still create impressive results using the tools included in the program.

As you are trying to choose a free video editing software program, you should start by considering what it is you really need from such a program. One important consideration is video file types you may want or need to work with. If you are importing video from a digital camera, for example, then you should be aware of how those videos will be saved on your computer, and be sure that whatever program you use can handle that file type. You should similarly look for what types of files the program can save or export your final work as, or if you will be able to burn your work directly to a compact disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD) from the program you choose.

It can be helpful to look for free video editing software programs that will provide you with the tools you want, but not overwhelm you with more options than you can handle. While it may seem like a “too much of a good thing” type of problem, having too many options can be a major problem, especially if you are just beginning to learn how to edit video. On the other hand, you should also ensure any free video editing software you consider using does have the features you need for whatever project you are working on.

You should also look at system requirements for various programs to ensure your computer can run the program. Finding user reviews of free video editing software can be helpful, as you can see if others have had issues with a program you might also encounter. You should also consider how much memory or graphical power a program requires to perform different tasks, as you may meet minimum requirements to run the program, but not be able to actually do the specific work you require on your computer.

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