How to Edit Videos on Windows and macOS for free

Just follow this step-by-step guide on how to edit your videos on Windows and macOS.

· Updated December 16, 2020
How to Edit Videos on Windows and macOS for free

Did you know that you can edit video clips for FREE on both Windows and macOS? Built right into the operating systems are video editing software programs that can get the job done for you in minutes.

How to Edit Videos on Windows

Let's start with Windows. Your first step is to transfer the videos to your computer. If they are on a phone or camera, you can use a USB connection to move them over. Once you have the video file located, follow the steps below to edit it.

windows_movie

  • Right-mouse click on the video and look for the "Open with" option.
  • From the pop-out window, choose Photos.
  • Now at the top of your screen, select "Edit and Create."
  • Doing this will show another pop-out menu, choose "Create a movie with text." You can now name the video.
  • Drag your video from the top-left down to the "Storyboard" area.
  • From here you can try a variety of editing options such as trim, resize, filters, title and motion. You can also choose from a selection of pre-set themes at the top of your screen. You may also want to add some background music to your video to add that finishing touch.
  • Once you are done editing, click the "Export or share" button at the top to save your new video.

Another free windows video editor could be found on our website.


How to Edit Videos on macOS

Now let's talk about how to edit videos on a Mac. Every macOS and iOS device comes standard with iMovie. It is Apple's basic video editing software, and for most people, it has all the right options and features.

imovie

Follow the steps below to edit your first video using iMovie.

  1. 1. Open iMovie.
  2. <li>
    	<img src="/content/images/2019/09/2.webp" /> 
    	<strong>2. </strong> Click create new movie or trailer.
    </li>
    
    <li>
    	<img src="/content/images/2019/09/3.webp" /> 
    	<strong>3.</strong> Import media that you want to use for your future video.
    </li>
    <li>
    	<img src="/content/images/2019/09/4.webp" /> 
    	<strong>4.</strong> Drag and drop your video and photos from the top-left of the screen in iMovie to the video editing area at the bottom.
    </li>
    
    <li>
    	<img src="/content/images/2019/09/5.webp" /> 
    	<strong>5.</strong> To quickly add music, simply click the Audio button at the top of iMovie. Find your song and drag it into the video editing area at the bottom where your video clip is.
    </li>
    
    <li>
    	<img src="/content/images/2019/09/6.webp" /> 
    	<strong>6.</strong> Use the "titles" tab to enter text to specific moments throughout your video.
    </li>
    
    <li>
    	<img src="/content/images/2019/09/7.webp" /> 
    	<strong>7.</strong> You can also select a section of the video and delete it by using the CMD + B key to choose the beginning and ending cuts.
    </li>
    
    <li>
    	<img src="/content/images/2019/09/8.webp" /> 
      <strong>8.</strong> You can also edit the length of your video clip or apply a theme style from the top menu.
    </li>
    
    <li>
    	<img src="/content/images/2019/09/9.webp" /> 
    	<strong>9.</strong> When you are done editing the video, select File from the top menu in iMovie and click Share, then File. Here, you can select the perfect resolution options and give your new video a name before saving.
        </li><!--kg-card-end: html--><h2 id="other-options">Other Options</h2><!--kg-card-begin: html--><p>If you want more sophisticated features than the built-in software offers you, there are a variety of feature-packed video editing software programs like <a href="https://www.adobe.com/products/premiere.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Adobe Premiere Pro</a>, <a href="https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">DaVinci Resolve</a>, and <a href="https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro X</a>. However, these apps usually come with a pretty steep price tag, and they can require extensive hardware resources to run.</p><!--kg-card-end: html--><p>You could find <a href="/best-video-editing-software/">best video editor</a> on our website.</p><h2 id="wrap-up">Wrap Up</h2><p>The built-in software works great for students, business professionals, and novices, but if you are looking to create a masterpiece, you might want to consider one of the higher-end software programs that offer a greater feature-set or even try <a href="/best-online-video-editors/">video editor online</a>. Regardless of whether you are working on a Windows PC or a Mac, you now know how to easily edit videos like a pro.</p>