Since the advent of video content platforms, such as YouTube or more recently TikTok and Instagram reels, video editing tools have become widely available. Formerly reserved for advanced users, the software has gradually evolved towards more intuitive solutions, with an easier to use interface (drag-and-drop type). Today, you don't need to be an expert in video editing to make an entertaining clip or make a film of the best moments of your life.
Today there are many video editors, free or proprietary, for all platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux and even for smartphones). Most of this software relies on a timeline , on which we come to deposit our various rushes (the raw video files), between which it is possible to insert transitions, which allow the different shots to be linked together in a fluid and natural way. Cropping tools allow you to quickly remove any unwanted images.
A good video editor of course integrates special effects, which can influence the brightness of the image, the colors, or give an original aspect to the titles. This type of software obviously includes a text tool, to add title and subtitles to your work. A preview window generally allows you to observe the rendering of the various settings in real time. Finally, most video editors being multi-track, it is possible to work in several layers (sounds, images and videos) and to play on this overlay for even more effect.
How to choose your video editor? One of the first criteria to consider is the type of format (audio, video and image) supported by the software. In particular, it must be compatible with recent standards such as the HEVC compression format (High Efficiency Video Coding ), HDR (High Dynamic Range ) and VR (virtual reality ); it must also support 4K video. Be careful not to confuse 4K and HDR:4K is a definition, while HDR corresponds to an image dynamic.
You will then have to look at the features offered (number of supported tracks, range of effects and transitions, cutting and cropping tools, etc.). If you are new to this, it is better to opt for free software (Movavi Video Editor Plus, VSDC Free Video Editor, Hitfilm Express, etc.) which will allow you to familiarize yourself with the main features without paying a penny. To help you in your choice, you will find on Clubic a selection of the best free video editing software.
As for free and open-source software, OpenShot Video Editor, Kdenlive or Shotcut – all three available for Windows, macOS and Linux – have also proven themselves and allow fairly advanced video editing. Quite often, more complex (and paid) editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Apple's Final Cut Pro, offers additional features that are unnecessary outside of the professional setting. Note that these same editing software are sometimes available in a more accessible version for the general public.
Finally, smartphones also have their favorite tools, starting with CapCut, a free all-in-one video editing application that is very easy to use. It comes with a lot of filters and effects, as well as an audio library, to create amazing videos very quickly. Driven by TikTok, CapCut exceeded 250 million installations worldwide at the end of May 2021, reports the Journal du Net. Application stores are full of other similar tools:YouCut, Cool Video Editor, InShot, VivaVideo, etc.
Among the “stand-out” features, multicam has become a trend in amateur videos. Formerly reserved for professional users, this function consists of switching between several angles of view, several cameras having filmed the same scene. Another impressive and particularly useful effect is "motion tracking":this consists of attaching an effect (or an object, such as a text box for example) to a moving element of your video - typically, this is this effect which is used to blur the face of people wishing to remain anonymous.
Another popular feature:LUTs (for Look-Up Table ), which transform the color and tone of an image. They are for example used to give a vintage look to images or to give a cinematic rendering with a very specific atmosphere (dark, joyful, scary, etc.); there are all kinds, to download on dedicated sites. Some editing software also includes some LUTs.
Regarding the tools and effects available, however, remember that the best is the enemy of the good. Even if all of them seem to enhance your video, you will have to stick to the bare minimum. A frequent error consists, for example, in multiplying the transitions and in addition exploiting all the possible types (crossfade, zoom, sweep, dissolve, iris, etc.), which leads to a final rendering that is relatively painful to watch. For the same reasons, avoid overloading your clip/movie with too many visual elements and special effects. In case of difficulties when getting started, apart from the documentation that accompanies the software, you will find many tutorials online detailing how to make your first assembly.
