Best Video Editing Software for Mac The Mac ecosystem boasts a plethora of efficient, sophisticated video editing software. These applications range from basic tools for novice users to professional-grade solutions that cater to advanced filmmakers. Here, we’ve curated a list of the top 12 video editing software for Mac users in 2023. Disclaimer: Criteria for Software Selection The video editing software listed in our top picks have been chosen based on a combination of extensive research, firsthand experience, industry reputation, and user reviews. However, it’s important to note the following: Subjectivity: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of our selections, software preference can be highly subjective. What works best for one individual or project might not be ideal for another. Not Exhaustive: This list is by no means exhaustive. There are numerous video editing software options available for Mac, and we’ve chosen to highlight a subset that we believe offers a good mix of features, usability, and performance. No Affiliation: We have no direct affiliation or partnerships with any of the software vendors mentioned in this list. Our selection is unbiased and is not influenced by any third-party interests. Updates & Versions: The software landscape is constantly evolving. Features, interfaces, and capabilities can change with updates, so it’s always a good idea to explore the latest version or consult the official website of a particular software before making a decision. User Needs: Always assess your specific needs, skill level, hardware capabilities, and budget constraints before choosing a software. A tool that’s perfect for a professional might be overwhelming for a beginner and vice versa. We encourage readers to consider this list as a starting point and to carry out further research to find the best fit for their individual needs and preferences. List of Best Video Editors for Mac Final Cut Pro Apple’s flagship video editor. As Apple’s premium video editing software, Final Cut Pro offers a robust, efficient, and versatile suite of tools. It’s specially optimized for the Mac hardware ensuring speedy rendering and playback. The Magnetic Timeline is not just innovative but also offers flexibility and fluidity, allowing layers of clips to be visually organized in a non-linear manner. Professionals often vouch for its advanced color grading tools and 360-degree VR editing capabilities. Features: Magnetic Timeline Advanced color grading 360-degree VR editing Built-in audio editing tools ProRes RAW format support Adobe Premiere Pro Industry-standard editing software. Adobe Premiere Pro, a pillar in the video editing world, is synonymous with professional-grade editing. It offers unmatched integration with other Adobe products, creating a seamless workflow, especially between After Effects and Audition. With extensive support for multiple codecs and formats, it’s a favorite among industry professionals who handle diverse projects. Features: Multi-cam editing VR editing support Lumetri Color tools Seamless integration with Adobe apps Automatic speech to text conversion iMovie Great for beginners and casual users. iMovie serves as an introductory platform for many budding video editors. Its intuitive design simplifies the process of video creation, making storytelling accessible. While it may lack the high-end features of professional software, it’s perfect for creating polished videos quickly, with built-in templates and styles to enhance productions. Features: Pre-built movie themes Built-in music and sound effects 4K resolution support Green screen effects Direct upload to social media DaVinci Resolve Professional color correction and audio post-production. DaVinci Resolve has long been recognized for its unparalleled color correction tools. In recent iterations, Blackmagic Design has expanded its features, making it a full-fledged video editor, combined with advanced audio post-production capabilities. It’s a comprehensive tool that caters to both video editors and colorists alike. Features: Advanced color correction Fairlight audio post-production Fusion VFX tools integrated Multi-user collaboration HDR grading tools Lightworks Hollywood-proven video editor. With a history spanning over 25 years, Lightworks has been used in some of the finest films in cinema history. Its professional-level tools, combined with a streamlined workflow, make it a popular choice among film professionals. The software’s ability to handle multilayered, complex timelines sets it apart. Features: Professional NLE for editing Real-time collaboration Boris FX plug-in integration High-quality trimming tools Supports a wide range of file formats CyberLink PowerDirector Rapid performance with intuitive tools. CyberLink PowerDirector has garnered attention for its sleek interface combined with a powerful set of tools that make video editing both efficient and creative. Catering to both beginners and seasoned editors, PowerDirector offers a gamut of features from basic trims and transitions to intricate special effects and color grading. Its adaptability makes it a go-to solution for various video editing needs. Features: 360-degree video editing Motion tracking and video stabilization Magic Style templates for quick edits Chroma key and multicam editing AI Style Transfer to transform videos into moving artworks Integrated Action Camera Center for footage corrections Filmora User-friendly video editor with a touch of creativity. Filmora bridges the gap between basic and professional video editing software. With its vibrant user interface, it offers a plethora of creative options that inspire even the novice user. Its extensive library of effects, transitions, and royalty-free music gives users the resources to produce captivating videos. Features: Intuitive drag-and-drop interface Music library Trendy effects and transitions 4K editing support GIF support Shotcut Open-source video editor for Mac. As a free, open-source solution, Shotcut offers features often seen in premium software. Its support for a broad spectrum of formats, combined with a rich set of tools, makes it a notable option for budget-conscious video editors who don’t want to compromise on capabilities. Features: Wide-format support Multi-format timeline Audio scopes for volume, peaks, and spectrum Video scopes for lumetri, histogram, and waveform Filter effects Avid Media Composer High-end video editor for pros. In the sphere of professional filmmaking and broadcast, Avid Media Composer stands as a titan. It’s designed to handle vast projects with tons of raw footage, making it ideal for feature films and TV shows. Its advanced media management tools, along with the ability to integrate scripts and metadata, make it a comprehensive solution for top-tier productions. Features: Advanced media management Immersive audio with Dolby Atmos High-res to HD workflows ScriptSync and PhraseFind Multicam editing HitFilm Express Combining video editing and visual effects. Offering a blend of video editing and visual effects compositing, HitFilm Express is a boon for indie filmmakers and VFX enthusiasts. Its unique structure allows users to seamlessly transition between editing and effects, ensuring creative freedom without the need to switch between software. Features: VFX toolkit Composite shots for visual layers Animation tools Color correction and grading Audio tools Blender More than just 3D modeling. While Blender is primarily renowned for its 3D modeling and animation capabilities, its video editing component is a hidden gem. The Video Sequence Editor (VSE) in Blender is a full-featured editor, suitable for basic to intermediate projects. It’s a fantastic tool for those already familiar with Blender’s ecosystem. Features: Built-in video editor Live preview, luma waveform, and chroma vectorscope Speed control, adjustment layers, and transitions Filters, and more Fully customizable interface Nero Video Simple yet effective video editing. Nero Video might not be the first name that springs to mind when discussing video editors, but its simplicity and effectiveness make it worth a look. Beyond basic editing, it offers a suite of tools for disc authoring, making it ideal for creating DVDs and Blu-ray discs with interactive menus. Features: Drag-and-drop editing Over 1000 movie themes and effects Export and burn directly to disc Multi-track editing Motion text effects Tips for Creative Video Editing Edit Backwards: Start from the end of your footage and work your way to the beginning. This unconventional approach can offer a fresh perspective, especially when you’re stuck or want to ensure that your story concludes strongly. Sound Design First: Before diving into visuals, work on your audio. Create an audio landscape that evokes the desired emotion, then layer your visuals on top. This can make your video more immersive. Pace with Breath: Watch your edited sequence and notice when you naturally want to take a breath or pause. Often, this instinctual cue can be a great spot to make a cut or transition. Color Palette Consistency: Think in terms of color themes. Use consistent color palettes or tones throughout the video to evoke specific moods or themes, making the video feel more cohesive. Dynamic J-Cuts and L-Cuts: Instead of always cutting video and audio simultaneously, let audio from the next scene start before the video (J-cut) or let video change while the previous scene’s audio still plays (L-cut). It’s a subtle way to smooth transitions and keep the audience engaged. Play with Speed: Intermittently use slow-motion or fast-forward effects, but not just for the spectacle. Use them to emphasize, to create tension, or to transition between scenes. Natural Transitions: Instead of relying on digital transitions, use natural elements like a person walking across the frame, light changes, or objects moving to transition between scenes. Limit “Fancy” Effects: While it’s tempting to use every new transition or effect you learn, often less is more. Overusing can detract from the story you’re trying to tell. Use Silence: It’s powerful. A deliberate pause or moment of silence can accentuate a message, create tension, or provide viewers a moment to reflect. The ‘Rule of Six’: Walter Murch’s renowned “Rule of Six” suggests that the ideal cut should achieve, in order of importance: emotion, story, rhythm, eye-trace (keeping the audience’s focus), two-dimensional plane continuity, and three-dimensional space continuity. If a cut satisfies the first three, the rest can often be overlooked. Subtle Sound Effects: Background noise, ambient sounds, or subtle foley can significantly elevate a scene. Sometimes, what you hear (or don’t) can be as impactful as what you see. Environment Reflects Mood: Adjust the environment to reflect the mood of the scene. This can be done by subtle color grading, adjusting light, or adding specific ambient sounds. Learn to Kill Your Darlings: This phrase, borrowed from the world of writing, means you should be prepared to cut footage, even if you love it, when it doesn’t serve the overall narrative or flow of the video. Revisit After a Break: Once you think you’re done, take a break — a few hours or even a day. Return with fresh eyes and watch your video again. You’ll often notice things you missed or want to adjust. Exporting and Sharing: Getting Your Video Out There Creating a stunning video is only half the battle. Once you’ve completed your masterpiece, the next critical steps involve exporting it in the right format and sharing it with your intended audience. This section will provide insights on how to export your video project seamlessly and the platforms and channels where you can share your final video for maximum impact. Exporting Your Video Choose the Right Format: The most common video file format is MP4, which offers a good balance of quality and file size. However, depending on your project or the platform where it will be displayed, other formats like MOV, AVI, or MKV might be more appropriate. Resolution Matters: If you’ve edited in 4K, you might not always want to export in 4K, especially if your target audience will be viewing it on platforms that don’t support high resolutions. However, always consider the future; 4K is becoming a standard. Bitrate Settings: A higher bitrate means better quality but also a larger file size. It’s essential to find a balance. For most online platforms, a bitrate between 5,000 to 10,000 kbps is sufficient for HD. Export with Audio: Always ensure you’re exporting with audio settings that don’t compress your sound too much. A bitrate of at least 320 kbps is recommended for music and voice. Consider Compression: Tools like Handbrake can help compress videos without a noticeable loss in quality, making them easier to upload or share online. Add Metadata: Some software allows you to add metadata during the export process. This can include titles, descriptions, tags, and more. Metadata can improve searchability, especially if you’re uploading to platforms like YouTube. Sharing Your Video Online Platforms: Websites like YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion are popular choices. Consider the audience on each platform – Vimeo, for example, has a more professional audience compared to YouTube. Social Media: Sharing snippets or entire videos on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter can provide excellent visibility. Remember, each platform has its own recommended video specifications. Embed on Websites: If you have a website, embed your video on relevant pages. Platforms like YouTube and Vimeo provide easy embed options that you can integrate into your site. Email Campaigns: Share your video in newsletters or promotional email campaigns. Use a captivating thumbnail to encourage clicks. Collaborative Platforms: For projects that require feedback, platforms like Frame.io or Wipster allow you to share drafts with stakeholders who can provide real-time feedback. Offline Sharing: Don’t forget the power of offline sharing. Export your video on USB drives, DVDs, or even on dedicated screens during events or showcases. Optimize for Search: If uploading to YouTube or similar platforms, invest time in keyword research, compelling titles, descriptions, and tags. Properly optimized videos are more likely to appear in search results and get more views. Summary In conclusion, Mac users have an abundance of choices when it comes to video editing software. From novices to professionals, there’s a tool for every level of expertise. Choosing the best software ultimately depends on individual needs, budget, and the complexity of the project at hand. Doris Anderson Doris T. Anderson is a food blogger and social media lover who runs her own website dedicated to posting on social media, photography, and videography. Join her as she shares tips and tricks for creating captivating visuals and enhancing your online presence.