DaVinci Resolve
Many will have heard of Adobe Premiere as being a heavyweight for video editing, but DaVinci Resolve by Black Magic Design is an alternative high-end solution that is in use by many of Hollywood's finest. It includes hundreds of video effects and professional level colour grading. Best of all, there's a free version that includes all the features that anyone performing basic editing will need. It's available for Windows (x86/ARM platforms), Mac OS X and Linux.
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Pros:
- High-quality video editing capabilities comparable to premium software.
- Includes advanced colour grading tools to enhance drone visuals.
- Supports 4K video editing in the free version.
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Cons:
- Steep learning curve for beginners.
- Requires a powerful computer to run smoothly.
GIMP (GNU Image manipulation Program
GIMP is a cross-platform image editor available for GNU/Linux, macOS and Windows operating systems. It includes many of the features you will find in products such as Photoshop, including retouching or restoring images, colour correction, layer masks, and more. While the interface may look a little dated, don't be fooled into thinking that this undermines its features. GIMP has been around 30 years, so it's an extremely mature product. If you need high-end features, then it's worth taking some time to get to know its features.
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Pros:
- Extensive tools for image manipulation, including layers and masks.
- Fully customisable interface with a range of plugins.
- Completely free with no watermarking or subscription.
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Cons:
- Interface can feel outdated and less intuitive.
- Advanced features require time to master.
CANVA (free version)
CANVA is really a 'one tool for multiple jobs' kind of app. It's primarily used through the web browser, but also includes iOS and Android apps for tablets and mobile devices. Not only can you use it for quickly editing or titling a video, but it is also extremely flexible for creating digital or print content - from flyers, business cards and brochures through to YouTube thumbnails or LinkedIn posts. The paid account gives you access to more features, such as royalty free photos, videos and more graphics, but the free version is a great tool if you already have the assets you need and just need a tool to put them all together.
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Pros:
- Drag-and-drop interface is easy for beginners.
- Includes pre-designed templates and stock images.
- Cloud-based, so no installation required, although you can also use the downloadable apps.
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Cons:
- Limited customisation and export options in the free plan.
- Free version applies watermarks to some premium features.
- All content stored online, so you're out of luck if you have no internet connection
Lightworks (free version)
If DaVinci Resolve isn't cutting it for you and you aren't working in high resolution, the free version of Lightworks might be a solution. It has all the basic features you'd need for trimming videos, or applying effects and transitions, but the free version cripples output to 720p (1280 x 720). This will be OK for content aimed at social media that will be primarily viewed on a phone, or video content that will be displayed within a window on a website, rather than full screen.
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Pros:
- Sleek interface with advanced editing tools.
- Real-time effects and colour correction.
- Free version is powerful enough for most hobbyists.
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Cons:
- Free version limits export resolution to 720p.
- Can still be overwhelming for first-time editors.
- Users will regularly hit the paywall for more advanced features.
Snapseed
Snapseed is a professional-grade photo editing app that offers powerful tools and filters for enhancing images on mobile devices. Available for Windows, iOS or Android devices. It includes all the features you'd expect in an above-average photo editing system, including artistic effective, high quality RAW file support and non-destructive editing.
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Pros:
- Intuitive, touch-friendly interface.
- Powerful tools like selective adjustments and HDR effects.
- Supports non-destructive editing.
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Cons:
- May lack advanced features for professional work.
Shotcut
Another open source, cross-platform video editing suite that has been around for 20+ years. It supports most audio and video formats, as well as some animations from Lottie, rawr, Rive and After Effects. e
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Pros:
- Supports a wide range of video formats.
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
- No watermarking or hidden costs.
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Cons:
- Some advanced tools are less polished.
- Rendering times can be slow.
iMovie
If you have an Apple Mac, iPhone or iPad and want to use either device, you already have a powerful editing suite installed when you buy it. iMovie is included on all Apple devices, however the iPhone and iPad versions only include a limited subset of functions around editing, basic colour correction and adding titles/music. The desktop version includes more advanced features, such as image stabilisation.
- Pros:
- Already on Apple devices
- Easier to use than many desktop equivalents
- Built in themes, transitions and music
- Cons:
- Limited functionality in comparison to more heavyweight packages
- Only available for Apple ecosystem. No Windows or Linux support
Lightcut
Lightcut is a free mobile app designed for quick and intuitive video editing, particularly suited for action cameras, drones, and vlogs. It features AI-powered tools that streamline the editing process by automatically selecting highlights from your footage and assembling them into dynamic edits. LightCut integrates seamlessly with DJI drones, allowing users to edit directly from the camera without transferring files. If you simply want to pull in some clips and let AI build a short movie, this is the one to go for!
Pros:
- Quick and user-friendly for beginners.
- Saves time with AI editing.
- Free with no watermarking on exported videos.
Cons:
- Limited advanced editing features compared to desktop software.
- Works best within the DJI ecosystem.
- Designed to work only in portrait mode