Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Best Video Editing Software in 2021
Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Best Video Editing Software in 2021
There are different excellent video editing software on the market; determining one as the absolute best is quite unlikely. This guide puts that decision in your hands.
Here, you find a list of important factors to consider when deciding which video editing software is the best for you. These factors include:
- The software price and whether it matches your budget and needs.
- How easy the software is to learn and use, and whether adequate learning support is provided.
- The media input formats (video/audio) supported, and whether they match those of your recording devices as well as the destination media.
- Whether your computer has the minimum system requirements for the software to work.
- The degree of support provided by the software owners as well as the independent community of users.
Price and Your Budget
There are free options to consider, but their features are often limited compared to their paid counterparts. Most people would get by with average and amateur features on cheap or even free software for light editing projects. However, advanced video editors would obviously have to shell out more money for more editing options.
What matters is that whatever software you choose matches your budget and your needs. That’s assuming you set a realistic budget.
Ease of Use
Editing videos can be such a challenge for beginners and non-professionals in particular. The software that you are operating on can even make this much worse. Whether you are new to video editing entirely, or you simply want to switch software, it is important to choose an application that is easy to use, offers flexibility, and can be learned quickly.
Most importantly, the owners of the software should provide sufficient support to new users. Besides tips and tutorials, though, check the templates available and features like an auto mode that allows you to create a whole video with minimal input on your end.
Media Input Formats
Source – Filestack
This is one mistake that many people make, especially new editors. There are several raw video input formats, and it’s a huge disappointment to discover that your software does not support the video output format from your camera.
Before choosing your software, check the formats that it supports – both input and output. Particularly, ensure that the video format required by the media platform on which the video would be hosted (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) is supported by the software. Likewise, don’t forget to verify the audio input and output formats supported.
Editing Features
Source – Wondershare
Like every other factor, this consideration depends on your exact needs. However, anyone would love their video editing software to stand out in innovation and functionality.
Video editing is a creative process, and no matter what your needs or skills are, you require an editing application that allows you to explore your artistry without bounds.
Beyond the basic video manipulation features of transitions, filters, motion elements, and other special effects, look out for features that allow you to make your videos stand out. For instance, video editors like Wondershare Filmora offer special features like Green Screen (changing backgrounds smoothly), split-screen, speed control, color grading, etc.
System Requirements
Another important factor to consider is whether your computer is compatible with the software. You don’t want to end up buying software that you can’t use without changing your computer.
In terms of memory, most of the popular desktop apps require the system to have at least 4 GB of RAM and a minimum of 10GB free hard-disk space. Confirm other features such as processor and processing speed, supported OS, GPU (graphics card), and so on that they match your computer’s specifications before committing funds to any.
Help, Support, Community
In your search for the best video editing software, look out for one that guarantees quick and effective support. But support should not be limited to tech support. It also extends to actionable tutorials to help users master the software, as well as a sense of community where each user can glean from the knowledge of other users.
Creativity requires community, a group of people who learn from each other’s experiences. There is immense benefit in connecting with other users of the same video editing software. Look out for applications that have a huge following on social media; when you are stuck, it’d be easier to find help.
Conclusion
Amidst all these, though, the utmost factor in determining which video editing software is your need for video editing.
Ask yourself questions like:
What’s my current skill level?
What type of videos do I need to edit?
What’s the expected outcome for the edited videos?
What are my goals in video editing?
These questions would help put your unique situation into a proper perspective and guide you towards the best decision for you. And when you do, how would you know that you have found the best video editing software? The application should make your editing process seamless and smart, no matter your skill level.
Top Image Credit: bryan snaadt; unsplash
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