4 Video Editing Software Programmes

1. Cyberlink Power Director 365

One of my favourites. It is packed with features and powerful tools, CyberLink PowerDirector is really easy to use. I love the efficient interface which is great for easing you in, growing with you as your skills improve. There’s even an app for video editing on mobiles.

Cyberlink Power Director for beginners
Cyberlink Power Director for beginners

CyberLink PowerDirector stands out as a comprehensive video editing solution tailored for beginners and intermediate editors, packed with a myriad of features and powerful tools. What makes it particularly appealing is its user-friendly interface, designed to ease newcomers into the editing process while remaining robust enough to accommodate advancing skills.

As users gain confidence and proficiency, the software seamlessly adapts to their growing capabilities, ensuring a smooth learning curve. Additionally, the inclusion of a mobile app for video editing means that creativity can flow freely, anytime and anywhere, further enhancing the editing experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced editor, CyberLink PowerDirector provides the versatility and support needed to produce stunning videos.

2.Wondershare Filmora

Filmora is a popular video editing software that offers a range of features suitable for both beginners and intermediate users. Here are some pros and cons of using Filmora:

Pros:

1. User-Friendly Interface: Filmora has an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for beginners who may be new to video editing.

2. Wide Range of Effects: The software includes numerous transitions, filters, and text effects that allow users to enhance their videos creatively.

3. Support for Various Formats: Filmora supports a variety of video and audio formats, making it flexible for users working with different media types.

4. Built-in Music and Sound Effects: A library of royalty-free music and sound effects enables users to add audio elements without worrying about copyright issues.

5. Easy Sharing Options: Users can export their projects easily to social media platforms and YouTube directly from the software.

6. Regular Updates: Filmora frequently updates its software, adding new features and content to keep it modern and relevant.

7. Advanced Features: Although it’s beginner-friendly, Filmora also offers more advanced features like chroma keying, motion tracking, and video stabilization.

Cons:

1. Limited Free Version: While Filmora offers a free trial, it adds a watermark to exported videos, which can be a downside for users seeking a completely free option.

2. Performance Issues: Some users report that Filmora can lag or crash when working with large video files or complex projects.

3. Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While the basic functions are easy to understand, some of the more advanced features may require a bit of learning.

4. Pricing Model: Depending on the subscription plan, Filmora can be perceived as relatively expensive, especially for users who may only need it for occasional editing.

5. Limited Stock Content: Although there are built-in music and effects, some users feel that the stock content library is not as extensive as those in other video editing software.

6. Export Limitations: The maximum output resolution may be limited in certain versions of the software unless the user opts for a more expensive plan.

Overall, Filmora is a solid video editing option for those looking to create visually appealing videos with ease, but users should weigh its limitations against their specific editing needs.

cyberlink power director screenshot
cyberlink power director screenshot

(Image credit: Future)

CyberLink PowerDirector is a popular video editing software known for its user-friendly interface and powerful features. Here are some key features:

1. Intuitive Interface: Easy-to-navigate layout suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

2. Multi-track Editing: Support for multiple video, audio, and image tracks to facilitate complex editing.

3. 360-Degree Video Editing: Tools for editing 360-degree videos, including stabilization and scene trimming.

4. Motion Graphics and Titles: A wide array of customizable titles and effects to enhance video projects.

5. Video Masking: Advanced masking tools that allow for creative effects and transitions.

6. Color Grading Tools: Professional-grade color correction and grading features for enhanced visual appeal.

7. Smart Rendering: Speeds up the rendering process by reusing already rendered sections of the video.

8. Express Projects: Pre-defined templates for quick video creation, perfect for users looking for efficiency.

9. Audio Tools: Built-in audio editing tools, including a voiceover recording feature and sound effects library.

10. Online Content and Cloud Services: Access to an online library of stock videos, images, and music, along with cloud storage options.

11. Export Options: Various formats and resolution settings for exporting videos, including directly to social media platforms.

12. Artificial Intelligence Tools: AI-driven features for text-to-speech, motion tracking, and enhancing video quality.

These features make PowerDirector a comprehensive solution for users looking to create professional-quality videos with ease.

Minimum System Requirements : Mac

OS : 10.14

CPU: Intel Core i-series or Apple M1 or higher

GPU: 128MB VGA VRAM or higher

Memory: 8GB required (16GB + Recommended

Hard Disk Space: 7Gb

Sound Card: Mac OSX compatible

More....

Minimum System Requirements : Windows

OS : 64 bit Microsoft Windows 11*, 10*

CPU: Intel Core™ i-series (4th Generation or above)

GPU: 128 MB VGA VRAM or higher

Memory: 4GB required (8GB or above)

Hard disc Space: 7Gb

More....

Power Director 365 for Windows & Mac

Current Deals December 2024

Screenshot of Filmora
Screenshot of Filmora

Wondershare’s Filmora is one of my top choices for best beginner's video editing software for beginners. I have used it alongside Cyberlink Power Director and love the regular updates for additional features. Filmora is a user-friendly video editing software designed to cater to both beginners and experienced creators.

Developed by Wondershare, it offers a robust set of features that enable users to create stunning videos with ease. From its intuitive drag-and-drop interface to a wide array of effects, transitions, and templates, Filmora allows users to unleash their creativity without the steep learning curve associated with more complex editing programs. With support for various video formats and resolutions, Filmora is ideal for everything from casual home videos to professional-looking projects. Its versatility makes it a popular choice among vloggers, content creators, and anyone looking to enhance their video storytelling.

System Requirements

The system requirements for Wondershare Filmora video editing software are:

  • Operating system: Windows 7–11 or macOS 10.15–14

  • Processor: Intel i3 or better multicore processor, 2 GHz or above

  • RAM: 4 GB RAM, or 8 GB for HD and 4K videos

  • Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5000 or later, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 700 or later, or AMD Radeon R5 or later

  • Disk space: At least 10 GB of free hard-disk space for installation

  • Internet: An internet connection is needed for software registration and online services

Wondershare Filmora 14 For Windows & Mac
filmora pricing
filmora pricing

I personally subscribe to the Advanced plan

3.Movavi Editing Programme

movavi editing software
movavi editing software

Movavi Video Editor is a video editing program with many positive features, including:

  • Easy to use: The user interface is easy to understand, and the program is generally considered to be simple and lightweight

  • Powerful editing tools: Movavi Video Editor has a variety of tools for editing videos, including motion tracking, keyframing, noise removal, and colour adjustment

  • AI-powered background remover: This tool can remove backgrounds from videos, and the results are usually good

  • Chroma-keying: You can use chroma-keying on footage that was captured using a green screen

  • Media bin: You can import multiple files into the media bin at once, and then drag and drop them into your timeline

  • Frame-by-frame preview: You can preview your video frame-by-frame on the timeline

  • Zoom tool: This tool can help you create engaging video presentations

  • Auto contrast and auto saturation: These tools can help you adjust your colours

  • Animation tool: You can add custom animations to your videos

  • Free trial: You can try out the full functionality of the program for free during a 7-day trial period

  • Cost-effective: Movavi Video Editor is a good option for those looking for a simple and cost-effective video editing program

Movavi Video Editor is a versatile and intuitive video editing software designed for users of all skill levels. With its easy-to-use interface, Movavi allows users to quickly edit videos, add effects, and create stunning content without extensive technical knowledge.

The software offers a range of features, including a variety of filters, transitions, and titles, as well as tools for trimming, merging, and enhancing video quality. Ideal for personal projects, social media content, and professional presentations, Movavi Video Editor empowers creators to transform their footage into polished videos effortlessly. Its compatibility with various formats further enhances its appeal, making it a popular choice for both casual users and aspiring filmmakers.

Please note it is not compatible with Apple's MI chip. ( Note: Screenshot credit Movavi/PCMag)

  • Operating System Windows: 7/8/10/11 (64-Bit)

  • Operating System MAC OS X: at least Mac OS X® 10.15.

  • Hardware. At least 4 GB RAM, Intel i3 (or comparable AMD processor), DirectX compatible graphics card, screen resolution 1600x900 (or higher) ...

System Requirements
MOVAVI video editing
MOVAVI video editing
Movavi Video Editor Pricing Plans
  • One Month............. £15.95

  • One Year................ .£64.95

  • Lifetime.................. £78.95

  • Video Suite Plus.... £78.95

4.Adobe Premier Elements

Adobe Premiere Elements is a powerful video editing software designed for amateur filmmakers and hobbyists. Known for its user-friendly interface, it provides an accessible platform for creating and editing videos without the steep learning curve often associated with professional editing software.

The program offers a range of features, including automated editing options, guided edits for beginners, and a variety of effects, transitions, and music tracks to enhance projects. Users can easily organize their media, apply creative filters, and utilize the Smart Trim feature to automatically highlight the best parts of their footage.

While Premiere Elements lacks some advanced features found in its professional counterpart, Adobe Premiere Pro, it excels in delivering a solid video editing experience for those looking to create high-quality content quickly and efficiently. Overall, it's a great choice for anyone seeking a balance between functionality and ease of use in their video editing endeavors.

Adobe Premiere Elements is a video editing software that includes a variety of features, such as:

  • AI and automation: Includes features like automatic highlight reels, auto-reframe, and smart trim

  • Organization: Includes features like automatic sorting and backup, auto-tagging, curation, and face recognition

  • Templates: Includes templates for highlight reels, slideshows, collages, motion titles, and animated social posts

  • Editing modes: Includes quick, guided, and expert modes

  • Audio: Includes features for creating audio tracks and double exposure videos

  • Effects: Includes artistic effects, animated overlays, and real-time effects

  • Color: Includes color match and the ability to adjust shadows and highlights

  • Other features: Includes mask selection with motion tracking, sky replacement, and the ability to produce stop-motion videos

Adobe Premiere Elements is a one-time purchase with a 3-year term license, and no monthly or annual recurring subscription fees.

Windows

  • Intel 6th Generation or newer processor or AMD equivalent with SSE4.2 support

  • Microsoft Windows 10 (version 22H2) or Windows 11 (version 23H2), 64-bit versions only; Windows 7, Windows 8.1 not supported

  • 8 GB of RAM

  • 10 GB of available hard-disc space to install application; additional space required for downloading online content and for temporary files during product installation and usage (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices)

  • 1440 x 900 display resolution (at 100% scale factor)

  • Microsoft DirectX 12 compatible sound and display driver

  • Windows Media Player (required if importing Windows Media files)

MacOS

  • Intel 6th Generation or newer processor; Apple silicon M1 or newer processor

  • macOS 13, macOS 14 (14.4 or later)

  • 8 GB of RAM

  • 10 GB of available hard-disc space to install application; additional space required for downloading online content and for temporary files during product installation and usage (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices)

  • 1440 x 900 display resolution (at 100% scale factor)

System Requirements
Adobe Premier Elements Pricing Plan

There is only one pricing plan which is currently £86.99 for 3 years subscription