The Best Video Editing Software for Designers in 2023


In today's digital age, video editing has emerged as a vital skill for designers. Whether you're a professional videographer or an aspiring content creator, having the right video editing software is crucial to bring your creative vision to life. The market is flooded with numerous options, each offering unique features and capabilities. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some of the top video editing software options available, equipping you with the knowledge to make an informed choice.

Video editing software empowers designers to transform raw footage into captivating visual stories. It provides a plethora of tools and features to edit, enhance, and polish videos, making them visually stunning and engaging. From trimming and rearranging clips to adding special effects and transitions, these software options offer immense creative freedom.

Exploring the Best Video Editing Software Options:

    (Image Credit: Todd Spangler/Adobe)


    Adobe Premiere Pro is a premier video editing software that has become the industry standard for professionals and enthusiasts alike. With its comprehensive set of tools and features, Premiere Pro empowers designers to bring their creative visions to life, delivering stunning videos that captivate audiences.

    Key Features and Benefits:

    1. Advanced Editing Tools: Premiere Pro offers a wide range of advanced editing tools, allowing designers to trim, cut, and arrange clips with precision. The software supports multiple timelines, making it easy to work on complex projects and handle various video and audio tracks simultaneously.

    2. Professional-grade Effects: Enhance your videos with professional-grade visual effects and transitions. Premiere Pro provides an extensive library of built-in effects, including color correction, stabilization, keying, and more. Additionally, you can access a vast collection of third-party plugins to further expand your creative possibilities.

    3. Seamless Integration: As part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, Premiere Pro seamlessly integrates with other Adobe applications like Photoshop and After Effects. This integration enables designers to work efficiently by utilizing the strengths of each software and easily transferring assets between projects

    4. Precise Audio Editing: Premiere Pro offers powerful audio editing capabilities, allowing you to adjust audio levels, remove background noise, and apply audio effects. The software supports multi-channel audio and provides essential tools for achieving high-quality sound in your videos.

    5. Collaboration and Workflow Efficiency: Premiere Pro facilitates collaboration among team members with its collaborative workflows. Multiple editors can work on the same project simultaneously, making it easier to manage complex productions. The software also offers customizable keyboard shortcuts and a streamlined interface to optimize your workflow and improve efficiency.

    Drawbacks or Limitations:

    1. Steep Learning Curve: Premiere Pro has a wide range of features and capabilities, which can make it overwhelming for beginners or those new to video editing. It may require time and effort to fully grasp the software's functionalities and become proficient in using them.

    2. Resource Intensive: Premiere Pro is a resource-intensive application, requiring a powerful computer with high system specifications to run smoothly. It can be demanding on CPU, GPU, and RAM, which means users may need to invest in robust hardware to ensure optimal performance.

    3. Subscription Model: Adobe Premiere Pro operates on a subscription-based pricing model, meaning users must pay a monthly or annual fee to access and use the software. This can be a disadvantage for those who prefer a one-time payment or have budget constraints.

    4. Compatibility Limitations: While Premiere Pro offers broad compatibility with various file formats, there might be occasional compatibility issues with specific codecs or file types. This can sometimes require additional steps or software conversions to work with certain media formats.

    5. Lack of Advanced Motion Graphics: While Premiere Pro offers basic motion graphics capabilities, it may fall short for designers who require advanced motion graphics and animation features. For complex motion graphics projects, dedicated software like Adobe After Effects may be more suitable.

    6. Limited Native Audio Tools: While Premiere Pro provides essential audio editing features, some users may find its audio capabilities to be limited compared to dedicated audio editing software. In-depth audio processing and advanced effects may require additional plugins or integration with external audio editing tools.

    2. Final Cut Pro X:

    (Image Credit: Johnathan Paul /Premium Beat)

    Final Cut Pro x is a professional-grade video editing software developed exclusively for macOS. With its powerful features and intuitive interface, Final Cut Pro has gained popularity among filmmakers, editors, and designers. Let's explore the benefits and notable features of Final Cut Pro:

    Benefits and Features:

    1. Optimized for macOS: Final Cut Pro is designed specifically for macOS, leveraging the hardware and software integration that Apple devices offer. This optimization results in smooth performance, efficient resource utilization, and seamless integration with other Apple applications and services.

    2. Intuitive User Interface: Final Cut Pro boasts a user-friendly and intuitive interface, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced editors. The software provides a customizable workspace, allowing users to arrange and personalize the layout to suit their preferences and workflow.

    3. Powerful Editing Tools: Final Cut Pro offers a comprehensive set of editing tools for precise and efficient video editing. Users can trim, cut, and rearrange clips on multiple timelines, apply transitions and effects, and use advanced features like multi-cam editing and magnetic timeline to streamline the editing process.

    4. High-Quality Video and Audio Effects: With Final Cut Pro, users have access to a wide range of built-in video and audio effects. These include color grading tools, advanced filters, chroma keying, audio enhancements, and more. Users can enhance their videos with stunning visual and audio effects to create a polished final product.

    5. Seamless Integration with Apple Ecosystem: Final Cut Pro seamlessly integrates with other Apple products and services, enhancing the overall editing experience. Users can easily import media from their Photos and Music libraries, utilize iCloud Drive for collaborative editing, and even edit videos directly from their iPhone or iPad using the companion app, iMovie.

    6. Speed and Performance: Final Cut Pro is known for its exceptional performance, leveraging the power of Apple's hardware to handle complex video editing tasks efficiently. Background rendering, real-time playback, and optimized rendering for specific codecs contribute to a smooth editing experience.

    7. Third-Party Plugins and Effects: Final Cut Pro supports a wide range of third-party plugins and effects, allowing users to expand the software's capabilities. These plugins provide additional creative options, specialized effects, and workflow enhancements tailored to specific editing needs.

    Drawbacks or Limitations:

    1. macOS Exclusive: Final Cut Pro X is exclusive to macOS, which means it is not available for Windows or other operating systems. This limits its accessibility to users who work on non-macOS platforms.

    2. Learning Curve: Final Cut Pro X has a unique interface and workflow, which may require a learning curve for those transitioning from other video editing software. It may take some time for users to become familiar with the software's layout and functionality.

    3. Limited Third-Party Plugin Support: Compared to other video editing software, Final Cut Pro X has a more limited selection of third-party plugins and effects available. While it offers built-in effects and transitions, users may find a smaller ecosystem of additional plugins and effects compared to other software options.

    4. Project Compatibility: Final Cut Pro X uses a proprietary file format (.fcpx) for projects. This can pose challenges when collaborating with users who are using different editing software or when sharing projects with individuals who do not have access to Final Cut Pro X.

    5. Hardware Requirements: Final Cut Pro X is resource-intensive, and to ensure smooth performance, users may need a powerful Mac system with high specifications. This can be a limitation for users who have older or less capable hardware, as it may result in slower rendering times or performance issues.

    6. Limited Audio Editing Features: While Final Cut Pro X offers basic audio editing capabilities, it may not be as robust as dedicated audio editing software. Users seeking advanced audio editing features, such as extensive audio effects or detailed audio mixing tools, may need to rely on external audio editing applications.

    3. DaVinci Resolve:


    (Image Credit: Black Magic/Davinci Resolve18 )

    DaVinci Resolve is a powerful video editing and color grading software that has gained significant popularity among professionals in the film and television industry. Offering a comprehensive set of tools and features, DaVinci Resolve has revolutionized the way videos are edited and color corrected. Let's delve into the benefits and notable features of DaVinci Resolve:

    Benefits and Features:

    1. Advanced Color Grading: DaVinci Resolve is renowned for its industry-leading color grading capabilities. It provides a robust set of tools and a dedicated color grading workspace that allows users to achieve precise and stunning color adjustments. With advanced features like color wheels, curves, and node-based grading, users can enhance the visual appeal of their videos and establish specific moods or aesthetics.

    2. Non-Linear Video Editing: DaVinci Resolve offers a non-linear video editing workflow, enabling users to arrange and edit clips on multiple timelines with ease. The software supports trimming, cutting, and rearranging clips, as well as adding transitions, effects, and titles. Its user-friendly interface and intuitive editing tools make the editing process efficient and seamless.

    3. Fusion Visual Effects: DaVinci Resolve incorporates Fusion, a powerful visual effects and motion graphics software, directly within its interface. This integration allows users to create and composite stunning visual effects, motion graphics, and animations without needing separate software. Fusion's node-based interface offers advanced compositing capabilities and opens up a world of creative possibilities.

    4. Audio Post-Production: In addition to video editing and color grading, DaVinci Resolve provides essential audio post-production features. Users can perform audio editing, mixing, and mastering directly within the software. It supports audio effects, noise reduction, audio transitions, and audio keyframes, allowing for precise control over the audio elements of a video project.

    5. Collaboration and Workflow Efficiency: DaVinci Resolve offers collaborative features that streamline teamwork and enhance workflow efficiency. Multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously, making it easier to handle complex productions and distribute tasks. The software also supports version control, annotation tools, and project sharing, facilitating seamless collaboration between team members.

    6. Scalability and Flexibility: DaVinci Resolve is available in multiple versions, including a free version with robust features, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, DaVinci Resolve provides a scalable solution that caters to your specific needs and budget.

    Drawbacks or Limitations:

    1. Steep Learning Curve: DaVinci Resolve has a rich feature set, which can result in a steep learning curve for beginners or users who are new to professional video editing software. The complexity of the software may require some time and effort to master its various tools and functionalities.

    2. Hardware Requirements: DaVinci Resolve is a resource-intensive application, and optimal performance may require high-end hardware configurations. Working with high-resolution footage or complex projects can strain system resources, which may lead to slower rendering times or performance issues on less powerful computers.

    3. Interface Complexity: The interface of DaVinci Resolve, while feature-rich, can be overwhelming for some users. The abundance of options and tools can make it challenging to navigate and find specific features, especially for those who are accustomed to other video editing software.

    4. Limited Integration with Non-Blackmagic Hardware: While DaVinci Resolve works seamlessly with Blackmagic Design's hardware, such as their cameras and control panels, integration with non-Blackmagic hardware may be limited. Users relying on third-party hardware devices may encounter compatibility issues or reduced functionality.

    5. Lack of Broad Plugin Support: While DaVinci Resolve supports some third-party plugins, the ecosystem may be more limited compared to other video editing software options. This can result in fewer options for specialized effects or additional functionality, depending on specific user requirements.

    6. Project Compatibility with Other Software: DaVinci Resolve uses its own proprietary file format (.drp) for projects. While it supports import/export of commonly used formats, there may be compatibility issues when collaborating with users who work with different video editing software. It is essential to ensure smooth project sharing and compatibility when working across different platforms.

    4. iMovie:


    (Image Credit: PCmg/iMovie)


    iMovie is a user-friendly video editing software developed by Apple for macOS and iOS devices. It is designed to provide a straightforward editing experience, making it accessible to beginners and casual video editors. Let's explore the features and benefits of iMovie:

    Benefits and Features:

    1. Intuitive Interface: iMovie features a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to navigate and understand the editing process. The software offers a simple drag-and-drop timeline, allowing users to arrange and edit their video clips effortlessly.

    2. Basic Editing Tools: iMovie provides essential editing tools such as trimming, splitting, and merging clips. Users can add transitions, titles, and effects to enhance their videos. It also supports audio editing, allowing users to adjust volume levels, add background music, or apply sound effects.

    3. Theme and Template Options: iMovie offers a variety of built-in themes and templates that users can apply to their videos. These pre-designed options provide a quick and easy way to add visual styles, transitions, and titles to achieve a professional-looking result without much effort.

    4. Easy Import and Export: iMovie allows users to import media from various sources, including camera footage, photos, and music libraries. It supports popular video file formats, making it convenient to work with existing media. Users can export their edited videos in different resolutions and share them directly to social media platforms or save them to their devices.

    5. Seamless Integration with Apple Ecosystem: iMovie seamlessly integrates with other Apple applications and services. Users can import media directly from their Photos and Music libraries, access their iCloud Drive for file storage, and easily share projects between their macOS and iOS devices. This integration provides a seamless editing experience within the Apple ecosystem.

    6. Mobile Editing: iMovie is also available as a mobile app for iOS devices. This allows users to edit videos on the go, capturing and editing footage directly from their iPhones or iPads. The mobile version offers a simplified interface and a subset of features, making it ideal for quick edits or simple projects.

    7. Cost and Availability: iMovie is free and comes pre-installed on macOS and iOS devices, making it easily accessible to Apple users. There are no additional costs or subscriptions required to use the software, making it an attractive option for casual video editing needs.

    Drawbacks or Limitations:

    1. Basic Editing Features: iMovie is primarily designed for casual or beginner video editing, which means it may lack some advanced features found in professional-grade software. Users looking for advanced editing capabilities, extensive effects, or advanced audio controls may find iMovie's feature set to be limiting.

    2. Limited Customization Options: While iMovie provides pre-designed themes and templates for easy editing, it may lack extensive customization options. Users seeking highly personalized or unique visual styles may find the predefined themes restrictive.

    3. Limited Export Options: iMovie offers limited export options compared to more advanced editing software. Users may find a lack of control over the specific settings for exporting videos, such as custom bitrate settings or specific codec options. This can be a limitation for users with specific requirements for their exported videos.

    4. Mac and iOS Exclusive: iMovie is only available for macOS and iOS devices, limiting its accessibility to users who work on Windows or other operating systems. This can be a disadvantage for users who require cross-platform compatibility or prefer to use a different operating system for their video editing needs.

    5. Performance Limitations: iMovie's performance may be limited when working with large or complex video projects. Users may experience slowdowns, especially on older or less powerful devices, as the software may struggle to handle resource-intensive tasks or high-resolution footage.

    6. Collaboration Challenges: While iMovie allows for basic project sharing between macOS and iOS devices, it may lack advanced collaboration features found in other editing software. Collaborating with multiple users or working on projects simultaneously can be challenging, as iMovie is primarily designed for individual or casual use.

    5. Wondershare Filmora Video Editor


    (Image Credit: En Mi Home Studio/Filmora12)

    Filmora 12 is a popular video editing software known for its user-friendly interface and creative features. It aims to provide a simplified editing experience while offering a range of tools and effects for users to create visually stunning videos. Let's explore the features and benefits of Filmora 12:

    Benefits and Features:

    1. User-Friendly Interface: Filmora 12 features a clean and intuitive interface, making it accessible to beginners and those new to video editing. The software offers a straightforward timeline where users can import, arrange, and edit their video clips with ease.

    2. Wide Range of Effects and Transitions: Filmora 12 provides a vast collection of built-in effects, transitions, filters, and overlays. Users can easily enhance their videos with creative elements, such as text titles, animations, motion graphics, and visual effects. These options allow for a personalized touch and help create visually appealing videos.

    3. Advanced Editing Tools: While maintaining its user-friendly approach, Filmora 12 offers a set of advanced editing tools for more precise control over video editing. Users can perform tasks like trimming, splitting, and merging video clips, adjusting playback speed, and utilizing advanced color grading features for fine-tuning the visual aesthetics.

    4. Audio Editing and Effects: Filmora 12 includes audio editing capabilities, allowing users to adjust volume levels, apply audio effects, and remove background noise. It also provides a library of royalty-free music tracks and sound effects, enabling users to enhance their videos with suitable audio elements.

    5. Support for 4K Editing: Filmora 12 supports editing and exporting videos in 4K resolution, making it suitable for users working with high-quality footage or aspiring to create videos with stunning visual clarity.

    6. Screen Recording and Webcam Capture: Filmora 12 offers built-in screen recording functionality, allowing users to capture their computer screen and create tutorial videos or gameplay footage directly within the software. It also supports webcam capture, enabling users to incorporate live video feeds or create picture-in-picture effects.

    7. Easy Export and Sharing: Filmora 12 provides straightforward options for exporting videos in various formats and resolutions, making it easy to share them on social media platforms, websites, or other devices. The software also offers direct sharing options to popular video hosting platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.

    8. Regular Updates and Technical Support: Filmora 12 benefits from regular updates, ensuring users have access to the latest features and improvements. The software also offers technical support through its website and community forums, providing assistance and guidance for users' inquiries or issues.

    Drawbacks or Limitations:

    1. Limited Advanced Features: Filmora 12 is primarily designed for users seeking a simplified editing process. As a result, it may lack some of the advanced features found in professional-grade editing software. Users requiring complex workflows, advanced audio editing, or extensive color grading capabilities may find Filmora 12's feature set limiting.

    2. Limited Customization: While Filmora 12 provides a wide range of effects, transitions, and overlays, the level of customization for these elements may be limited compared to more advanced editing software. Users seeking extensive control over individual parameters or the ability to create highly personalized effects may find the customization options in Filmora 12 to be limited.

    3. Performance Limitations: Filmora 12's performance may vary depending on the hardware specifications of the computer used. Working with larger or more complex projects, high-resolution footage, or multiple layers of effects may lead to slower rendering times or performance issues, particularly on lower-end or older systems.

    4. Watermarked Export: The free version of Filmora 12 adds a watermark to exported videos, which can be removed by purchasing a license. While the watermark is removed in the paid version, users relying solely on the free version may find this limitation inconvenient, especially when sharing videos professionally or on platforms where watermarked content is not desirable.

    5. Limited Collaboration Features: Filmora 12 may lack robust collaboration features found in other editing software. Collaborating with multiple users or working on the same project simultaneously may be challenging, as the software primarily focuses on individual editing workflows.

    6. Availability and Platform Limitations: Filmora 12 is available for Windows and macOS, but it is not compatible with other operating systems like Linux. This can limit accessibility for users working on non-Windows or non-macOS platforms.

    7. Learning Curve for Advanced Users: While Filmora 12 is user-friendly, users with prior experience in more advanced editing software may need to adapt to the specific workflow and interface of Filmora 12. Advanced users may find the simplified feature set and interface less intuitive or limiting for their specific editing needs.

    How to choose the best video editing software

    There are a number of factors you need to consider when choosing the best video editing software for you. The first is what you want to use it for. If you're a professional, even if you're new to the industry or still studying the discipline, Premiere Pro Final Cut Pro or Da Vinci Resolve are our top picks. These are the only tools on our list with the range of advanced features you need to do your job properly, such as multitrack editing, motion tracking, and advanced colour grading. That said, you might find other software useful for quick tweaks, particularly Premiere Rush if you want to edit while on the move.

    If you're a beginner, however, pro tools will probably be a little overwhelming in their complexity. You'd be better off with a simpler app like Premiere Elements, Pinnacle Studio or Filmora, which offer an easy way to get started. Once you've got some editing experience under your belt, you may need more advanced features, especially if you're creating content for social media or YouTube that needs to look slick and polished. At this point, intermediate software such as Corel VideoStudio Ultimate or CyberLink PowerDirector 365 will be your best bet.

    Beyond that, there are technical considerations to take into account to. Do you want to edit videos on Windows or Mac, or other platforms such as Linux, Android, iOS or in the browser? What export formats do you require, and at what resolution? (HD, 4K, 8K?). Finally, there's the question of budget. While free versions of video editing software exist, to unlock all the watermarks, remove ads and get all the features, you'll generally need to pay. Some video editing software is available for a one-off fee while others require a subscription, so that may factor into your decision too.

    Which software is best for video editing?

    Right now, Premiere Pro from Adobe tops our list of the best video editing software. This industry-standard, subscription-based tool is aimed at professionals and comes packed with sophisticated and powerful tools. And the latest features, released in October 2021, show just how committed Adobe is to continually updating and improving it.

    If you're more of a hobbyist, though, you're probably better off with our second choice, CyberLink PowerDirector 365. It's cheaper and easier to get started with, and it's available to buy via a one-off fee. 

    What is the easiest software to edit videos?

    If you're just starting out in the world of video editing, and using a desktop PC or Mac, our top recommendation is Premiere Elements. It's a simplified version of the more powerful Premiere Pro, so there's not such a steep learning curve, and it's cheaper too. Plus unlike most Adobe tools, it's available for a one-fee rather than a subscription.

    What's the best video editing software for mobile?

    If you want to edit videos on your phone or tablet, we'd suggest checking out Premiere Rush, which makes all the most important bits of Premiere Pro available for iOS and Android devices. Its interface is nice and simple, with large icons and panels that are easier to click on a small touchscreen. But you still get a range of useful features, such as adding videos to the timeline through drag-and-drop and mixing in music. It's nicely integrated with Premiere Pro, too, so you can work on the same footage on your desktop computer and on the move.

    What is the best video editor for free?

    If you have zero cash to spend, then our guide to the best free video editing software will give you lots of options. But bear in mind that many of these tools have serious limitations, such as ads, watermarks or limited features.

    An alternative to these free-but-flawed tools is to opt for a free trial of one of the paid options that we list above. This will enable you to explore your options before making a decision. Just don't forget to cancel your trial if you don't want to be charged!

    How difficult is video editing?

    Learning to edit video isn't something that should intimidate you. If you've ever used any kind of app on web or mobile, you'll be able to use video editing software. You just have to start with the basics and build up your skills from there. Whatever video editing software you use, there are plenty of tutorials online to get you started, and often the best ones are provided free by the makers themselves. Check out our guide to Premiere Pro tutorials to get an idea of what's out there, and read our Premiere Pro tips for further pointers.

    What do most YouTubers use to edit their videos?

    Anecdotally, the most popular video editing software amongst YouTubers are iMovie, Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro. iMovie is a common choice among beginners and casual YouTubers, because it's free, already installed on Apple devices, and does everything you need for basic editing. If you're on Android, though, we'd recommend Adobe's Premiere Rush.

    Pro and semi-pro YouTubers, meanwhile, need something more sophisticated, and so most opt for either Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. For more details, read the best software for editing videos for YouTube.

    How do you edit a video for TikTok?

    You don't need to be a video professional to edit videos for TikTok; nor do you need video editing software. The TikTok app itself offers everything you need to create your video, including editing your footage, adding effects and transitions, adding music or other audio clips, and posting it to TikTok. Find out more in our article on how to edit a video on TikTok. 

    What's the best computer for using video editing software?

    If you're using high-end, pro-level video editing software such as Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro, you do need quite a powerful computer to get the best out of it. In our view, the best desktop computer for video editing right now is the iMac (24 inch, 2021) thanks to its super-fast processor and gorgeous 4.5K display. 

    Alternatively, if you want a little more screen, then the iMac (27 inch, 2020) will also give you the powerful system resources you need to edit video quickly and responsively. If you'd rather use a Windows machine, though, we recommend the Surface Studio 2, boasts a fantastic 28-inch touchscreen display, has a resolution of 4,500 x 3000 pixels, and allows you to switch colour profiles from sRGB to DCI-P3. For more details, see our article the best video editing computer.