As the age of content creation evolves, so should our ability to make a high-quality video. While many still read online articles, many prefer to watch videos that catch their attention. Finding the right editing software can be challenging, especially if you’re a beginner.
In this article, we’ll cover ten of the top editing software programs for beginners in 2023. Some of them have new upgrades, while others are new on the market. You’ll see the top features available for each of them.
GOM Mix Max (Editor’s Choice)
While GOM Mix Max provides several video-editing features, one of the top aspects is how easy it is to use and configure. The user-friendly interface lets you change some of the menu locations to meet your needs. You can even alter the hotkeys if a different setup works better for you.
You won’t have to worry about losing too much storage space, as it’s only 191 MB big. That means you don’t need to stress about performance issues when editing your video. Even though GOM Mix Max is easy to use, you’ll still be able to make high-quality videos when saving the format.
Thankfully, GOM Mix Max is more economical when compared to other programs on our list of the top editing programs. While some say they are free, they’re limited in what they can do.
With two free months of the trial, GOM offers a 60% discount, only costing you $19.99 per year instead of $49. And GOM has a Perpetual Plan with a great discount: $49.99 instead of $79
HitFilm Express
If you’re looking to expand your video-editing horizons, HitFilm Express has several features. Some of these include color selection, motion tracking, and cropping. There’s even an automatic stabilizer that removes the shaking of your hand while recording. It comes at a hefty price of $349 for the full package, though.
Besides the price, the only other challenge is that there’s a massive learning curve. While it’s suitable for beginners, the technology and UI are more advanced, leading to struggling in the initial phases. In this way, GOM Mix Max is more user-friendly for beginners.
DaVinci Resolve
This video-editing tool is more helpful when you’re looking for the best post-production tools, especially audio. While the free version has offline and online capabilities, you’ll need to pay for the ultimate suite. The cost of the package is $269, which can be expensive for beginners.
One handy tool that DaVinci Resolve provides is a dual timeline so you can add and edit various content. Sadly, it’s not as user-friendly as GOM Mix Max. Identifying various elements of the menus and tools can be daunting, and many of the features are for more advanced users.
OpenShot
If you’re looking for a really easy video editor to use, it’s OpenShot. The menu and UI are incredibly basic, and the program is free to use. You’ll even find a tutorial on how to use the program, which is ideal for beginners. It lets you make title-card sequences and add words and animation to images.
The only downside to this free option is that it’s limited in what it can do. When you’re paying for one of the other options, you’re getting incredible processing power. While OpenShot is brilliant for beginners learning the basics of video editing, it won’t help when you eventually look for more advanced options.
Vimeo Create
Sometimes, using artificial intelligence will help when you’re really lost with what to do. Vimeo Create connects to your Shopify or other accounts, quickly making a video of your images. It even suggests items, such as transitions, colors, filters, and more. Of course, you’ll need to upgrade from the free to the Pro or Business subscription packages if you want to experience this power.
There are also over 1,000 templates you can choose from when editing your video. While Vimeo certainly streamlines the process, it may feel like you have less control over your editing than with other programs. Also, it’s not ideal if you’re a beginner wanting to learn every aspect of video editing. The AI takes over most of the functions for you.
Animaker
When you want a drag-and-drop system without timelines, Animaker will work for you. It’s a browser application that you don’t need to download so that you can work with it online. Of course, that comes with inherent security issues, so make sure you have a web-security system in place.
Such a simple drag-and-drop system is easy for beginners, but it lacks the video-editing power you need for stunning content. On top of that, you’re looking to pay $120, $228, or $588 per year, depending on which features you’d like to add.
Corel VideoStudio
We’re back at video editing software that includes timelines and layers. Corel is a brand name known the world over for its brilliant features and effects. It even has support for 4K resolution and VR technology. There’s also the ability to track objects throughout your movie, which is helpful when you want to point an arrow at it at some point.
While available at a decent price, you’re going to be frustrated at how much it lags with large videos. The performance drops considerably, especially when you have several layers and effects at play.
Filmora from Wondershare
Here’s a well-known video editor that beginners can quickly learn how to use. It contains layers, effects, and even its own royalty-free music to add to your movie. Transitions are easy to add, and you can load all your content before editing your video.
It’s available at about $156 per year, which will provide most of the features you’ll need to start with. If you don’t pay for the license, you’ll only be able to make short videos in low-quality formats.
CyberLink PowerDirector
CyberLink PowerDirector claims to be one of the fastest video-processing tools available online. Surprisingly, one of its top pros is also its con. It’s a wonderful program for beginners, as it has tutorials with an easy-to-use interface.
So, where’s the disadvantage? Once you get into the effects, layers, transitions, and other options, you’ll easily become lost. There are so many to choose from, you’ll need to spend hours to find your way around.
Adobe Premiere Elements
We’ve decided to include one of the industry leaders when it comes to video editing options. While you’re mostly paying for the brand name, it does have some decent features to use. Also, it guides beginners on how to make the first video with guides.
The most significant downfall is that it doesn’t live up to the power of modern competitors. It lags behind in many areas, such as using multiple cameras, the slow processing speed, and advanced tools, to name a few.
