If you are a video creator, you have different means available for choosing editing software. You could simply choose by name, and pick one that gets high ratings overall. Operating system will almost certainly be a factor, unless you choose a web-based program. For the most part, the wisest choices are made based on features, and which features are most appropriate to which users.
What you should do is have a list of things in mind that you want to accomplish with your videos and look for descriptions of them in this article. While some names might be confusing, we will describe what each function means in reality for video creators. Let’s take a closer look.
Think Carefully About The Nature of Your Project
Your choice of software will vary considerably depending on your overall purpose. Do you want a wide range of color choices, for example? While some programs offer really sophisticated color gradient options and might even use AI to blend video colors together in the right way, if your project is simple you might not need this function.
The best way to start is to write down an actual outline of your project and see what pops up when you use the appropriate keywords. Look at programs that are available with these features and see what kinds of reviews they get. Among the review elements that you should look for are the following:
- Overall reviews (numbers of stars, etc)
- Quality of software. A program can have really great features, but if it tends to get buggy it will likely end up frustrating you in the end.
- Comments from people in your industry about the appropriateness of industry-specific tools that the software offers. General usability is not necessarily the same as usability for a particular industry.
- See which programs have test versions. Being able to sample something yourself is the best way of making an accurate assessment about it.
- Instructions on how to put countdown on video, which you might need for time-sensitive pieces.
Resolution Level
If you are a professional, you absolutely must use software that will give you a high resolution. While the jargon can be confusing, you should look for 4K and higher resolution. Depending on your purpose, you might also look for a program that offers 3D video editing. This feature ensures that you leave no angle in your video untouched, and that it will jump out of the screen at your viewers in just the way you desire.
One thing to keep in mind is that paid programs tend to be much better than free ones. This might sound like a no-brainer, but people can generally sense the amateurish nature of free editing programs. This doesn’t mean that you have to run out and buy the most expensive program on the market simply because of its price, but this is a general principle to keep in mind.
Number Of Videos That You Will Make
Another consideration is frequency. If you plan to make many videos within a short period of time, you should investigate the amount that your desired programs will give you within a given time period.
Some programs are great, but if you are limited in the number of videos that you can make with them then it might not be the right program for you.
Editing Features
Of course editing features themselves are critical. You need to decide which features you need, which ones you might like to use occasionally, and which ones are not suitable for your purposes at all.
The types of editing features you can look for include:
- Cropping, cutting and pasting
- Adding special effects
- Adding background audio or mixing audio
- On-screen typing and captions
- AI-created images or movement
There are an infinite range of features that you can look for these days. Again, making the right decision requires research and careful decision-making.
Remember The Size Of The Most Common Screen
Finally, you want to keep in mind the size of the screen that most of your audience will likely be viewing on. If your research indicates that most potential viewers will be using mobile devices, this makes a big difference in terms of what to include. Look at what your competitors are doing and it will help you make the best decision possible.
