Free Editing Software for Beginner Editors!
By Kevin Waczek
I have compiled a list of free editing software and programs for beginner and experienced editors because being an independent filmmaker can be taxing both physically, mentally, and economically. So why not alleviate (some of) that financial burden by trying out these free programs that will improve your productivity as an editor while leaving your precious paycheck unharmed.
Number #1: Post Haste
Organization is one of the most important principles of editing. Having your files organized helps your workflow go smoothly, and if you’re working with other editors, it helps increase productivity.
For beginner editors, media organization is an often forgotten step. For the more experienced, it’s a boring (yet essential) hassle that takes up way too much time. Lucky for them (and for you), Post Haste is a program that makes file management easy. This project management tool lets users create an unlimited number folder templates which keeps files and assets organized. With a click of a button, the program will create the custom folder structure and save it wherever the user wants. It’s customizable, easy to use, available for both Mac and Windows, and it’s 100% free.
Download here (For Mac and Windows): https://www.digitalrebellion.com/posthaste/
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Number #2: Story Boarder
Storyboarding is typically viewed as something you do in pre-production, and is often overlooked during the editing stage. However, storyboards and animatics are helpful in previsualization for VFX, and for making placeholder cuts for unfilmed shots during editing.
Storyboarder by Wonder Unit is an accessible storyboarding program with a plethora of features. It easily integrates with Photoshop as well as exports to Premiere, Final Cut and Avid. And for those who prefer drawing on paper, Storyboarder has got your back. The program lets you print storyboarding worksheets with a scannable QR Code to draw on. Simply take a picture of your drawings with your phone and Storyboarder will transform it into an animatic.
If drawing isn’t your thing, the software comes with a shot generator which will construct pre-made scenes for you based off a brief description.
This program has the simplicity and ease of use that is perfect for beginners and the versatility to suit the needs for more established veterans.
Download Here (For Mac, Windows, and Linux): https://wonderunit.com/storyboarder/
Number #3: Hand Brake
There are a countless amounts of video formats that exist, and some editing softwares don’t play nice with certain file types causing a plethora of error messages and frustration. Handbrake is a free and open source video transcoder, which can convert a surplus of video codecs into a more manageable format for the user. Handbrake can also fix the rare (yet highly annoying) problem of variable frame rates in footage, thus preventing potential audio sync issues during editing. Editors of all experience levels can use Handbrake in a multitude of ways, including ripping video files from DVDs and Blu Rays.
Download Here (For Mac, Windows, and Linux): https://handbrake.fr/
Number #4: Recuva
In the hectic world of filmmaking, mistakes can and will be made. No other mistake will deflate your self-worth more than realizing that you’ve accidentally deleted footage that your crew worked so hard to get. Well have no fear, because Recuva by Piriform aims to reduce your stress by recovering deleted files (so long as you haven’t written over them yet). There is a free version and a paid version, but Recuva free includes its advanced recovery feature which is more than enough for your filmmaking needs. If you would like to kick in 20 bucks to get the Premium version, it includes virtual hard drive support and automatic updates.
Download Here (For Windows): https://www.ccleaner.com/recuva
Try out these free programs and increase your productivity and efficiency in the editing room! If you liked this blog post make sure to give it a like! What free program are you ready to use?!