Best Free Video Editing Software for Beginners on macOS

When it comes to beginner friendly, easy-to-learn video editing applications - I argue that Apple defined, possibly created, and certainly popularized this class of creative software. So, if you have a Mac, the choice is easy.

iMovie

Beginning editors should start with iMovie. Since its initial release way back in the late 1990’s, iMovie along with its big brother, Final Cut Pro are amongst the most attractive benefits of committing to Apple’s macOS platform. Final Cut Pro is not free, and therefore does not qualify as one of our candidates. But since 2017, iMovie has been included for free with the purchase of any Mac or iOS device.

Because of its well-established brand, intuitive interface, smooth handling of 4K video even on relativity low-end Macs, Hollywood-style trailer creation with simple templates, a high level of compatibility with the iOS version, and powerful effects like filters, stabilization, and even green-screen - iMovie is the best free software for beginners who want to edit video on their Mac.

Plus, when you are ready to take your work to the next level, a solid understanding of iMovie makes graduating to Final Cut Pro even easier. It’s almost like Apple had that in mind all along.

Drawbacks

One of the drawbacks to iMovie is its relativity limited range of supported video codecs and formats. Like most Apple products, what iMovie supports works extremely well. However, if your need is not supported, you have little choice other than changing your workflow or finding another tool.

With that being said, iMovie is still a fantastic choice for the workflows that most beginners are likely to be using.

App Store

If your Mac is a 2017 model or newer, you can download iMovie for free from the App Store.

Now if you don’t already have a Mac, don’t buy one just for iMovie. There are also solid video editing tools available for both Windows and Linux.

Closing

Thank you so much for visiting and until next time, I wish you the very best with all of your filmmaking endeavors!