Free Editing Software

 

The array of tools that come bundled with new computers these days is enormous.  Part of that bundled software just about always includes a video editing application.  HP, Dell and Toshiba pack a program called WinDVD Creator, Apple has iMovie, Windows have Movie Maker and the list goes on.  Some of these tools are stripped down versions of their big brothers, or software by new programmers trying to get a foothold in the industry. They're all pretty basic in comparison to fully priced versions, but in comparison to what used to cost you tens of thousands of dollars years ago, they're remarkable.  So if you're stuck for an edit suite, or have a simple job that doesn't need a multitude of layers and effects, these applications are well worth a look.

AVID Free DV.  You know the name, you know the product and now you can get it for free.  This a ploy Digidesign used about six years ago to get everyone onto Pro-Tools.  It worked.  But once you move up to the next level, you'll have to cough up about $650.00 for AVID Xpress DV.

This tool only has two video and two audio tracks, with two layers.  Sixteen effects only.  Not a lot to it, but you can import and export DV easily.

 

Windows Movie Maker. This comes as standard with Windows XP.  It has over one hundred and thirty effects, transitions and titles.  Can easily import and export DV and you have quite a choice of compression settings for windows media.  It's a bit clunky to use, but good for the price.

 

ddClip Free.  This one is built by a company called SoftLab-NSK, based in Russia.  It comes with known problems (such as not wanting to be installed on large capacity hard drives!), and the company don't run any support for it and will not improve it.  The way they talk about it on their web site, it seems more of an audio editor than a vision editor, or at least the vision side seems an after thought. 

Sound like one for those who want some grief.  Good luck.

 

 

HyperEngine-AV.  Built by Arboretum (music software), this is a handy tool for the Mac.  It supports a bunch of formats, both video and graphic and has a unique interface that doesn't have 'tracks' as you would expect.  Each track creates it's own magnetic grid.  Interesting.  You can use Quicktime effects as standard. 

On the audio side it comes with a huge array of effects, in fact, its a plug in we used to use years ago that cost about two thousand dollars then!!!!  Now its free.

 

Apple iMovie HD6. The one thing you can say about Mac and their 'i' software is, it all works and looks great.  This version now supports HD and 16:9. Lots of effects, for both audio and video.  A good interface, good support.  And using its sister program, iDVD, you can burn straight to DVD. 

You can also finish your movie as a video podcast and upload it to Apple.  iMovie HD6 is free with your new Mac, or about one hundred dollars to upgrade.

 

So there you have a selection of completely free video editing software.  Each year these free applications become more powerful and integrate into more applications.  Where will it end?  How will manufacturers of pro applications survive?  If the market determines that it can be done for less, clients will expect it. It's already happening. The bedroom editing suite is alive and looking for business.  Maybe skill will be the factor, but on a lot of jobs, even that will be dismissed.  Time will tell.  For the moment, enjoy your free editor!