This article was contributed by Ben Jacklin who is an expert tech writer at Movavi Media blog.
Video editing software isn’t automatically the best for you just because it is highly rated. There are a number of different factors that you need to consider when it comes to choosing the best software.
Everyone has their own specific needs from video editing tools. If you are looking for a more advanced video editor then of course, you are going to need something that can handle the more advanced features and functions needed, such as visual effects. If you are just looking to do the basics, the advanced software might be overwhelming and stop you from being so productive.
In this guide, we’re exploring how to choose a video editor that perfectly suits your needs.
Compatibility
The video editing software market is already huge and is predicted to grow in the coming years. That means even more software, aimed at different devices and operating systems.
Already, you can choose to edit videos on phones and tablets. Smartphone editing has even been named as one of the biggest trends in the industry in 2023. You can use the more traditional method of editing on PC, or on Mac, as well as even running the software on a Linux system.
Your operating system is just one of the components of compatibility that you need to consider. The software you are running needs to be compatible with the exact version of the OS, and the hardware you are using. For instance, some older software is not compatible with new M1 chips that are used in newer generation Macs.
On top of this, compatibility also covers things like RAM and memory. Does your computer have enough RMA and meet the minimum system requirements for the software? These may be the boring questions that you need to answer before you even buy some video editing tools.
Layout and Ease of Use
We’ve all been there at some point in our life. We open up a new piece of software and simply do not understand the interface staring back at us.
In the world of video editing, things should feel simple and intuitive. A quality layout can help you to ensure that it is easier (and faster) to organize your media and create a quality video, making the required cuts, layering, and altering video as required.
If you are just looking for a video editor for beginners, you shouldn’t need to spend hours with your head buried in a manual to understand what is going on. The simplest software options make it easy to drag clips together, add cuts and titles, and create a professional video without having to spend too much of your time working out the nuances of the software.
Editing Basics
The very basics of editing should be easy to access and simple to use. By this, we mean things like cutting video clips (it should be really easy to insert and cut a video clip to the desired length).
Other editing basics include a lot of audio functionality, such as being able to add your own voiceovers to video clips, add music, or change audio effects. These are all things that good video editing software should facilitate.
AI Features
Yes, we live in the age of AI. Some modern software such as this video editor by Movavi now uses AI to make editing a lot more intuitive and simple. It can take a lot of the monotonous jobs out of video editing.
For instance, Movavi Video Editor is able to get rid of unwanted audio such as wind and background noise using state-of-the-art technology to keep only the sounds you need. Movavi also uses the power of AI to remove backgrounds from certain videos, which opens up a lot of possibilities for adding your own custom videos and making it appear that your actors are somewhere else entirely.
Titles and Captions
The options to add titles and captions are a must for most videos. Though some online tools will provide you with automated captions, we’ve all seen how inaccurate they can be sometimes. Accurate titles and captions help to make your video content much more accessible and can also make it more impactful.
Effects
Okay, you’re not going to produce a movie that looks like a new Marvel film from the comfort of your own home, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t create some great videos that use effects. It is amazing what kind of video editing tools we have access to in this day and age, and even a budding videographer working alone can create something really impressive.
Simple effects like chroma key make it possible to use the green screen effect and replace a green or blue background. Filters and transitions also help to make your video appear a lot more interesting and allow you to experiment with the sort of effects used in the movie industry. Filters can even make your video look like it was shot at another time in history.
Other effects can be much more functional. For example, a stabilization effect can help to take footage that was shot by hand, with a lot of shaking, and turn it into a smooth video. These features can all help to increase the quality of the end product.
Export Options
When you’ve spent a lot of time and effort getting your video exactly the way you want it, then it is time to export it ready for delivery or upload. For example, you may want to upload it directly to a platform like TikTok or YouTube. The data tells us that YouTube is still huge all over the world, so having the option to export in the ideal format, or upload videos to YouTube directly, is a great feature.
On top of that, the option to export and convert video to different aspect ratios and device settings is perfect for the modern age of phones and tablets. Some of the best video editing software is able to provide presets and templates, letting you provide perfect videos suitable for your needs, whether you’re making Reels for Instagram or a full feature film.
Summary
The best way to approach finding a video editor that suits your needs is to work out exactly what those needs are. What do you need to be able to do with your software?
All of the features, functions, and considerations on this list should come into your thinking before you take the plunge and buy your software, ensuring you end up with the perfect end product, and making it much easier for you to make brilliant videos.
About the author
Ben Jacklin is an expert tech writer at Movavi Media blog. With expert knowledge in Media and Music Technology, Ben provides reliable insight into interesting topics like gaming, educational apps, software, and more. Constantly exploring new technologies and trends within the world of media, he ensures his readers can find useful programs and resources with ease. You can follow him on his personal Twitter and Linkedin.
Last Updated on August 16, 2023 10:52 am CEST
