What is iMovie?
iMovie is an Apple video editing software which only runs on the Macintosh operating system. As the basic video editing solution from Apple, it is quite novice-friendly and allows users to create movies from a number of different sources including digital video cameras, DV-encoded files, and images and do various simple tasks to the videos like add video titles, perform simple transitions etc.
Pros and Cons of iMoive
- Resort to iMovie alternative like VideoProc, which would do more things than iMovie and more importantly it doesn't do any harm to your video quality.
- IMovie '06 didn't displace iMovie '08. I can use them separately. I have an iMac running Leopard with iLife 08. It came out in spring or late '07. So mine is also (over) 2 years old. I have no problems running FCE. (I hate iMovie '08, and I downloaded iMovie 06 when it was available. Much better to use.) But I'm not sure about your macbook.
- This program is far better than a basic video editor needs to be, but does leave Windows users at a bit of a loss: Is there any free, entry-level PC editing software as good as iMovie?
Pros:
1. User friendly and easy to use and learn. Even if you are a newbie, you can start editing videos with iMovie right away, however time would be taken if you want to get the hang of it. You are allowed to add some effects and background music, combine several photos at once, and organize your videos to experience great function of this video editing software.
2. Friendly interface. The organized function layout and design on its friendly interface give you great convenience when you are editing your videos.
3. Convenient videos sharing. You are allowed to share and publish your edited videos on videos sites like YouTube, Facebook and Vimeo directly with iMovie.
Cons
1. According to most Apple's products owners, not all varieties of MP4 are supported by iMovie due to its incompatibility, in addition to many other video formats. This issue is no doubt quite annoying as MP4 today is one of the most popular and most used video formats.
2. The storage space is quite limited which leads to difficulty if you have large number of projects. So you will need external hard drive soon.
3. iMovie doesn't perform quite stably. Sometimes, iMovie keeps crashing when editing videos on Mac and iOS devices.
Import YouTube video files to iMovie
Convert MKV video to iMovie
Import MTS video to iMovie
Effortlessly put AVI to iMovie
Again filmora9 perform better than imovie Because of more number of transitions. Wondershare will have 214 pre-made transitions. Imovie has just 24. Movavi Video Editor can easily save files in more than 180 formats – MOV, AVI, MPEG, WMV; MP3, WAV, AAC, FLAC, and many others. The software can perfectly is a program equivalent to iMovie.
Do you want to sharpen your video editing skills?
iMovie is the primary video editor software for mac. But, it provides minimum features, and there isn't much to explore. To brush up your talent, you need to notch up on the platform too.
But, it could be confusing to directly skip to elite video editing applications like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
We bring you the top iMovie alternatives with even better features to help you grow.
So, leaving the fuss behind, let's begin.
What Are the Best Alternatives for Imovie in Mac
1. Movavi Video Editor
If you are looking for basic level video editing tools, then proceed with Movavi.
Movavi is a creator's solution with everything that it takes to
become a multimedia production hub. It practically lets you import any media like pictures, videos, audios, and much more.
You have access to essential video editing tools like trimming, cutting, joining, rotating the clip, and related functions. All you have to do is to place your media files on the timeline and synchronize the audio, respectively. It also lets you share your content everywhere.
You get some helpful stickers, transitions, and special effects preloaded in this software. The free version permits you to create six tracks at a point, which is sufficient for basic video editing.
If you are used to iMovie, then you might notice the user interface slightly different. However, the functions operate all the same. Still, it might demand some time to get a hold on it.
Movavi is compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 or higher.
2. Shotcut
If you fancy keyboard shortcuts, then give Shotcut a try.
Shotcut is an open-source video editing software. It is made around keyboard shortcuts and allows you to go through your clips with ease and speed. It will enable you to import videos with a mixture of formats. Since you can utilize a keyboard for almost every task in this app, it let you modify videos with excellent speed.
Support for any video composition and bulk of video and sound filters makes Shotcut one of the most reliable video editors in the industry. It also presents a multi-format timeline and quality features that you should demand from a premium video editor for free.
You can use this software online or through the app, according to your suitability. The site isn't well managed compared to its competitors. Still, the app is significant enough to use as an alternative to iMovie.
3. Filmora
If you are looking for better flexibility than iMovie, then you should try Filmora.
Something Better Than Imovie
Filmora by Wondershare occupy the middle spot between iMovie and Premiere Elements. The application is simple enough to get the grip quickly.
You can import media in existing folders from your hard drive, supported cameras, iTunes and Photos library, and even your social media accounts. After that, add your media to the timeline by simply dragging and dropping. Or click on the plus symbol on the clip. You can rearrange them here, similar to iMovie.
Filmora presents you with a storyboard look so that you can arrange your media in any order while giving you full control over the effects. Whereas, the timeline view is compatible with trimming and titles. It also provides dedicated tracks for video and audio.
A simple Video and Audio Inspector window provide you some automatic controls, unlike those in iMovie. In contrast, more superior tools give you additional control over the color – including a series of Look Up Tables and presets, namely 'Game of Thrones,' 'House of Cards,' and 'Star Wars.' Word version 15 32.
For exporting options, unlike iMovie, you can export your video to be compatible with any platform. It includes all of your Apple devices, PlayStation, social media, and DVD. You can choose to export your video up to 4K.
Filmora has its quirks, and if you are bored with iMovie and want to try advanced features, then you should give it a shot. You can try the free version for getting used to it and buy it for $59.99.
4. Lightworks
If you have practiced video editing tools and have a desire to try a powerful yet free program for the same, then try Lightworks.
Some of the well-known movies like Pulp Fiction, The King's Speech, and The Wolf of Wall Street are all produced using this application. It feels incredible to notice such software available for free. But, there's a catch, you can only export in .mp4 format with the free version. It's still better than most. You can buy the premium version for $25 per month, $175 per year, or $438 forever. You also get an additional editing software with annual purchase.
Lightwork lets you use varied transitions, over 40 special effects, advanced color correction, and transformation choice. Apart from that, you get excellent features like workflow, real-time waveform, project management, and vectorscope. With Lightworks, you can produce professional-looking videos with comfort. Being a compelling video editing tool, it can take some time for you to learn it if you don't already have editing knowledge. It's the best alternative for iMovie if you want to create expert videos.
5. DaVinci Resolve 16
If you want to taste some real movie editing skills, then try DaVinci Resolve 16.
Its initial design was to create the most excellent color correction tool for the film industry. But after acquisition by Blackmagic Design in 2009, it changed its path into becoming a full-fledged video editor. Since Blackmagic Design built upon existing code, DaVinci Resolve 16 still provides mindblowing color correction.
Similar to Lightworks, it also comes in two versions. DaVinci Resolve Studio is the paid version, which can cost you up to USD 299. Another is an entirely free version named DaVinci Resolve 16. However, the free version limits many aspects as compared to the full version.
DaVinci Resolve operates like any other video editor, and most of the features are easy to understand. However, if you are new to editing, then it can be a little overwhelming. There aren't any home screen guide to direct you in a proper direction, but that is merely an issue since you can always take help from the internet.
There are some robust organizational tools such as Smart Bins, Power Bins, and comprehensive metadata support. You can also preview your media by scanning across it, similarly to iMovie.
Since the original idea behind this software was to make a color correction tool, most of its effects are on the color page. Still, it lacks the option to drag and drop effects directly onto the media. Therefore you need to learn how every effect impacts your video and adjusts them accordingly. We won't say it is impossible to learn all this stuff. But it certainly might take some time.
Overall speaking, Davinci Resolve stays in the sweet spot between iMovie and Final Cut Pro. If you want original color grading effects, then you should use DaVinci Resolve.
What to Look for in a Video Editor?
Well, it depends upon your skills and how familiar you are to editing terms. Considering you are here to find the best alternative to iMovie, we assume you have basic editing knowledge.
The next thing to look for is your budget. There are some honorable editing programs available for free, but not all of them can satisfy you. Above that, it would be tiring to use a different program for every different need. Cura 4 2 settings.
At last, you should always see if you feel compatible to work on the platform using a trial version. There are more things to look for in a video editor, but these are the important ones.
Video Editing Tips for Beginners
Most people don't have a proper training guide to learn something. It eventually wastes a lot of time. Video editing is nothing different if you don't know what you are doing. To learn video editing first thing to note is using proper editing software. Don't jump directly to high-end applications, or you may get confused. Start with basic and free programs. Once you get hold of the tools, you can go further. To learn more beginners' tips, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Better Than Imovie
Can I Get an Older Version of iMovie?
Yes, Apple's official website provides all previous versions of the app, so you don't have to go anywhere else. You can download your desired version of iMovie here.
Is iMovie Better than Final Cut Pro?
iMovie is a basic level editor that comes inbuilt in every mac. If you want to cut or join a video or add text to it, it is a great app. Apart from that, it is effortless to understand and take no time to create your video.
On the other hand, Final Cut Pro is a premium movie editing software. Popular movies have used Final Cut Pro in their post-production. It requires high skills to operate this application with ease. In short, there is no comparison between the two.
Conclusion
iMovie is a remarkable product of Apple. But it is limited to many video editing features. There is still scope for further improvement, and we hope that will inevitably happen. However, developers have created many astonishing video editors that you can use as an alternative to iMovie.
If you find it unproductive to try every second option, we suggest you go for Movavi Video Editor since it is most similar to iMovie.
If you have known of some better options, then feel free to drop a comment.
