Choosing Which Editing Program to Use
Editing is arguably the most important part of filmmaking. It’s where all the parts come together to create a masterpiece, so it’s important to know which program to use!
iMovie: One of the simplest programs available for basic editing. iMovie is great for someone just learning the basics of editing, allowing for some special effects and transitions, but not much else. If all you need to do is compile photos or clips together, this program is likely the one to use.
Windows Movie Maker: Another very simple editing program. It’s great for basic editing, but cannot perform as well as some of the heavier programs. If you have a Windows system and need to edit together a simple video with minor effects, Movie Maker is a good choice.
Camtasia: This is an excellent program for teachers to use. It’s quick and easy, allowing for professors to edit together films even if it’s their first time ever editing. Camtasia is amazing for longer films involving professors lecturing with Powerpoints, as the professor can record themselves in the program while giving their lecture. Basically you can edit as you go, and add minor transitions and effects later. Camtasia is not good for editing together loads of small clips, and is only really good for Powerpoint lectures.
Final Cut Pro: It’s a good middle-ground between iMovie and Adobe Premiere, as it’s able to do significantly more than iMovie, but not as much as Premiere. If you have a project needing minor effects added, Final Cut is a good choice. However, you should not rely on it, as the program is predicted to die out soon due to it’s failure to update.
Avid: Avid is a very old editing program and it shows. Things that are simple in Premiere and Final Cut require a few clicks in Avid. However, if you learn all the shortcuts, Avid is by far the fastest editing method. Another great benefit is the ability to work on the same project on many different computers. Avid is still widely used in many film businesses, so it’s important to know if you’re aiming for a job in editing. If you need projects done fast or with a group, Avid is a great program to use.
Adobe Premiere: This program is certainly my favorite and is quickly becomming the most popular in the industry. It’s simple for beginners, but has hundreds of specialties for an advanced editor to master. Premiere is often used to complete professional films and commercials, as well as basic school projects or compilations. Unlike all other programs, Premiere actually has a fantastic titling tool, allowing the editor to quickly, efficiently, and creatively add titles to their project. Premiere’s fault is being unable for multiple editors to work on the same project, as well as being unable to create some of the cutting edge effects.
Adobe After Effects: This program is a monster in the best way. It allows the user so much creative control, but at a cost of being extremely unforgiving and difficult for beginners. After Effects is best used for special effects rather than actually editing a video, as most editors will make the effect here, then export it into a separate Premiere timeline. If you need captivating effects for your project, After Effects is a fantastic choice.
Still not sure which program to use? Come by the Digital Scholarship Lab and we’ll get you started!
