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Updated 2024 Approved IMovie on a Budget The Best Free Online Video Editing Alternatives
IMovie on a Budget: The Best Free Online Video Editing Alternatives
6 Best Free Online iMovie Alternatives
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
You don’t have to spend a single cent if you would like to perform basic video editing tasks on devices that run iOS and macOS operating systems, since iMovie has all the features you are going to need to create a captivating video.
The situation for PC owners changed recently, as Microsoft ended the support for the last version of Windows7 that featured the Windows Movie Maker. In the previous article, we have covered the desktop-based replacements for iMovie you can use on Windows 10 , but each of the options we presented requires you to go through the software installation process.
So, in this article, we are going to take you through the best five free iMovie alternatives you can use online without downloading and installing any programs. Let’s get started.
If you prefer iMovie alternatives for Windows or Mac, you can try Filmora video editor . Compared with those expensive and sophisticated video editing software, Wondershare Filmora video editor is undoubtedly a great choice for the average home or novice users or semi-pros.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
Whether you want to edit home movies to send to family and friends or upload to YouTube and Vimeo for sharing, this video editor from Wondershare Filmora can help take your videos to a higher level effortlessly. Here, let’s take a look at the main features of this video editing software.
Filmora is compatible with the Filmstock effects store, an online stock media including video effects, va library for your video projects,video footage, music, sound effects, and stock images as well.
The 5 Best Free iMovie Online Alternatives
The amount of time you are going to need to upload your footage to an online video editing platform depends on the size of each clip you want to include in your video. Furthermore, some online video editors have video size limits, and you must make sure that all video clips you want to edit meet the platform’s demands before you can start working on your project. Here are some of the best free online iMovie alternatives.
1. ClipChamp
This online iMovie alternative is a perfect option for digital marketers and all other video content creators who don’t have the time to edit their footage with professional video editing software . ClipChamp lets you create videos that are optimized for social networks like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, but you can also use this platform to create slideshows or any other type of video.
Besides enabling you to upload your own audio, video, and image files, ClipChamp also grants you access to huge stock footage and music libraries. However, if you opt for the free version of this platform you will have to pay for all stock audio and video footage you use in your projects.
Furthermore, you can only use the video templates this platform offers if you purchase the Creator subscription model. The maximum resolution of the videos you can create with the free version of ClipChamp is limited to 480p, and you must make an additional payment if you would like to export a project in 720p or 1080p resolution.
Pros:
- Equipped with a versatile set of video editing tools
- Makes the process of creating social media videos easier
- You can create an unlimited number of videos each month
- The quick and easy upload process
Cons:
- Videos produced with the free version of ClipChamp are watermarked
- The fees for the right to use the stock footage are expensive
Click to use this online video editing tool >>
2. Magisto
Magisto is yet another popular destination for digital marketers who frequently post their videos on social media. Creating YouTube ads, Instagram videos , or editing photos are just a few among the numerous options this video editing platform offers. You must create an account before you start using Magisto’s services, and you will have access to a limited range of features if you decide to create your videos with the free version of the platform.
The process of making a video with Magisto can be completed in three easy steps, as you just have to upload the video clips, select the editing style and pick a song for the soundtrack.
You cannot create videos longer than ten minutes even if you purchase the Business subscription model, while you must opt for at least the Professional pricing option if you want to export your videos in 720p resolution. Adding your own branding or using the platform’s cloud storage isn’t possible unless you choose Professional or Business subscription plans.
Pros:
- The fast and simple video editing process
- Magisto grants you access to huge stock footage libraries
- You can choose from a broad range of video editing styles
- Offers email marketing tools
Cons:
- Creating videos that are longer than ten minutes is not possible
- The video editing process is automatic
Click to use Magisto to create a video.
3. Adobe Spark
Adobe Spark was first released in 2016, and in just four years it has become one of the most popular online destinations for video editors. Adobe Spark is included in the Creative Cloud, but you can also use it as an individual app in case you have no intention of editing your videos in Premiere Pro or After Effects.
You don’t need advanced video editing skills to create a video with Adobe Spark, but you must create an account on this platform before you can start working on a new project.
Besides making videos, you can use Adobe Spark to edit photos and create Facebook covers , Instagram posts in just a few clicks, since the platform offers more than 20,000 different templates. Adobe Spark lets you share all of your creations on social media, but you should keep in mind that you can only customize your branding if you purchase one of the available subscription plans.
Pros:
- A perfect social media marketing tool
- No previous video editing experience required
- Excellent social sharing options
- Offers both video and photo editing tools
Cons:
- Collaborating with other Adobe Spark users isn’t possible with the free version of the app
- Provides only basic video editing options
4. Kizoa
Creating videos for private, professional, or business purposes with Kizoa doesn’t take too much time or effort. The platform lets you combine audio, image, and video files which gives you almost unlimited creative freedom. In addition, you can also apply transitions and visual effects to your footage, and send it to your friends and colleagues via email or share it on social media.
However, you won’t be able to create videos longer than one minute or export videos in resolutions larger than 720p if you opt for the free version of Kizoa. If you choose the Business version of this video editing platform, you will be able to create 4K videos, and you’ll have access to unlimited cloud storage space.
Moreover, selecting this pricing model will enable you to use RAW format images in all your projects and burn your videos to DVDs. Keep in mind that the maximum duration of the video you can create with Kizoa depends on the type of license you choose.
Pros:
- Supports 4K video editing
- Features hundreds of video templates
- Lets users choose the aspect ratio of their videos
- Equipped with powerful photo editing tools
Cons:
- You cannot create videos longer than 1 minute with the free version of Kizoa
- More expensive than its competitors
5. WeVideo
Video content creators in need of an online video editing platform they can use for private, professional, and educational purposes are going to love using WeVideo .
This web-based video editor is stacked with features that enable you to create captivating videos with ease. In addition to impressive video editing capabilities, WeVideo also enables you to capture your computer’s screen or optimize your videos for playback on different devices.
However, the free version of this online video editor only allows you to export five minutes of video per month while limiting the resolution to just 480p. That’s why choosing the Unlimited, Professional, or Business subscription plans that have no publish time or cloud storage restrictions is a much better option.
Moreover, if you opt for either of these plans, you will be able to export all of your videos in 4K resolution and you’ll have access to premium video editing tools.
Pros:
- Rich stock footage libraries
- Allows users to export audio files
- Offers screencasting tools
- Provides social media marketing options
Cons:
- Limited social sharing capabilities
- Adjusting a video’s frame rate is only possible if you purchase the Business subscription plan
Conclusion
Finding an online alternative to iMovie isn’t difficult, because there are a lot of web-based video editing platforms that enable you to perform simple video editing tasks.
Nonetheless, the free versions of online video editors often offer a limited scope of the tools you need to create videos that can attract the attention of online audiences. Still, each of the video editing platform we included in this article can be used to create different types of videos. Which of the five best free iMovie alternatives are you going to choose? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
You don’t have to spend a single cent if you would like to perform basic video editing tasks on devices that run iOS and macOS operating systems, since iMovie has all the features you are going to need to create a captivating video.
The situation for PC owners changed recently, as Microsoft ended the support for the last version of Windows7 that featured the Windows Movie Maker. In the previous article, we have covered the desktop-based replacements for iMovie you can use on Windows 10 , but each of the options we presented requires you to go through the software installation process.
So, in this article, we are going to take you through the best five free iMovie alternatives you can use online without downloading and installing any programs. Let’s get started.
If you prefer iMovie alternatives for Windows or Mac, you can try Filmora video editor . Compared with those expensive and sophisticated video editing software, Wondershare Filmora video editor is undoubtedly a great choice for the average home or novice users or semi-pros.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
Whether you want to edit home movies to send to family and friends or upload to YouTube and Vimeo for sharing, this video editor from Wondershare Filmora can help take your videos to a higher level effortlessly. Here, let’s take a look at the main features of this video editing software.
Filmora is compatible with the Filmstock effects store, an online stock media including video effects, va library for your video projects,video footage, music, sound effects, and stock images as well.
The 5 Best Free iMovie Online Alternatives
The amount of time you are going to need to upload your footage to an online video editing platform depends on the size of each clip you want to include in your video. Furthermore, some online video editors have video size limits, and you must make sure that all video clips you want to edit meet the platform’s demands before you can start working on your project. Here are some of the best free online iMovie alternatives.
1. ClipChamp
This online iMovie alternative is a perfect option for digital marketers and all other video content creators who don’t have the time to edit their footage with professional video editing software . ClipChamp lets you create videos that are optimized for social networks like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, but you can also use this platform to create slideshows or any other type of video.
Besides enabling you to upload your own audio, video, and image files, ClipChamp also grants you access to huge stock footage and music libraries. However, if you opt for the free version of this platform you will have to pay for all stock audio and video footage you use in your projects.
Furthermore, you can only use the video templates this platform offers if you purchase the Creator subscription model. The maximum resolution of the videos you can create with the free version of ClipChamp is limited to 480p, and you must make an additional payment if you would like to export a project in 720p or 1080p resolution.
Pros:
- Equipped with a versatile set of video editing tools
- Makes the process of creating social media videos easier
- You can create an unlimited number of videos each month
- The quick and easy upload process
Cons:
- Videos produced with the free version of ClipChamp are watermarked
- The fees for the right to use the stock footage are expensive
Click to use this online video editing tool >>
2. Magisto
Magisto is yet another popular destination for digital marketers who frequently post their videos on social media. Creating YouTube ads, Instagram videos , or editing photos are just a few among the numerous options this video editing platform offers. You must create an account before you start using Magisto’s services, and you will have access to a limited range of features if you decide to create your videos with the free version of the platform.
The process of making a video with Magisto can be completed in three easy steps, as you just have to upload the video clips, select the editing style and pick a song for the soundtrack.
You cannot create videos longer than ten minutes even if you purchase the Business subscription model, while you must opt for at least the Professional pricing option if you want to export your videos in 720p resolution. Adding your own branding or using the platform’s cloud storage isn’t possible unless you choose Professional or Business subscription plans.
Pros:
- The fast and simple video editing process
- Magisto grants you access to huge stock footage libraries
- You can choose from a broad range of video editing styles
- Offers email marketing tools
Cons:
- Creating videos that are longer than ten minutes is not possible
- The video editing process is automatic
Click to use Magisto to create a video.
3. Adobe Spark
Adobe Spark was first released in 2016, and in just four years it has become one of the most popular online destinations for video editors. Adobe Spark is included in the Creative Cloud, but you can also use it as an individual app in case you have no intention of editing your videos in Premiere Pro or After Effects.
You don’t need advanced video editing skills to create a video with Adobe Spark, but you must create an account on this platform before you can start working on a new project.
Besides making videos, you can use Adobe Spark to edit photos and create Facebook covers , Instagram posts in just a few clicks, since the platform offers more than 20,000 different templates. Adobe Spark lets you share all of your creations on social media, but you should keep in mind that you can only customize your branding if you purchase one of the available subscription plans.
Pros:
- A perfect social media marketing tool
- No previous video editing experience required
- Excellent social sharing options
- Offers both video and photo editing tools
Cons:
- Collaborating with other Adobe Spark users isn’t possible with the free version of the app
- Provides only basic video editing options
4. Kizoa
Creating videos for private, professional, or business purposes with Kizoa doesn’t take too much time or effort. The platform lets you combine audio, image, and video files which gives you almost unlimited creative freedom. In addition, you can also apply transitions and visual effects to your footage, and send it to your friends and colleagues via email or share it on social media.
However, you won’t be able to create videos longer than one minute or export videos in resolutions larger than 720p if you opt for the free version of Kizoa. If you choose the Business version of this video editing platform, you will be able to create 4K videos, and you’ll have access to unlimited cloud storage space.
Moreover, selecting this pricing model will enable you to use RAW format images in all your projects and burn your videos to DVDs. Keep in mind that the maximum duration of the video you can create with Kizoa depends on the type of license you choose.
Pros:
- Supports 4K video editing
- Features hundreds of video templates
- Lets users choose the aspect ratio of their videos
- Equipped with powerful photo editing tools
Cons:
- You cannot create videos longer than 1 minute with the free version of Kizoa
- More expensive than its competitors
5. WeVideo
Video content creators in need of an online video editing platform they can use for private, professional, and educational purposes are going to love using WeVideo .
This web-based video editor is stacked with features that enable you to create captivating videos with ease. In addition to impressive video editing capabilities, WeVideo also enables you to capture your computer’s screen or optimize your videos for playback on different devices.
However, the free version of this online video editor only allows you to export five minutes of video per month while limiting the resolution to just 480p. That’s why choosing the Unlimited, Professional, or Business subscription plans that have no publish time or cloud storage restrictions is a much better option.
Moreover, if you opt for either of these plans, you will be able to export all of your videos in 4K resolution and you’ll have access to premium video editing tools.
Pros:
- Rich stock footage libraries
- Allows users to export audio files
- Offers screencasting tools
- Provides social media marketing options
Cons:
- Limited social sharing capabilities
- Adjusting a video’s frame rate is only possible if you purchase the Business subscription plan
Conclusion
Finding an online alternative to iMovie isn’t difficult, because there are a lot of web-based video editing platforms that enable you to perform simple video editing tasks.
Nonetheless, the free versions of online video editors often offer a limited scope of the tools you need to create videos that can attract the attention of online audiences. Still, each of the video editing platform we included in this article can be used to create different types of videos. Which of the five best free iMovie alternatives are you going to choose? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
You don’t have to spend a single cent if you would like to perform basic video editing tasks on devices that run iOS and macOS operating systems, since iMovie has all the features you are going to need to create a captivating video.
The situation for PC owners changed recently, as Microsoft ended the support for the last version of Windows7 that featured the Windows Movie Maker. In the previous article, we have covered the desktop-based replacements for iMovie you can use on Windows 10 , but each of the options we presented requires you to go through the software installation process.
So, in this article, we are going to take you through the best five free iMovie alternatives you can use online without downloading and installing any programs. Let’s get started.
If you prefer iMovie alternatives for Windows or Mac, you can try Filmora video editor . Compared with those expensive and sophisticated video editing software, Wondershare Filmora video editor is undoubtedly a great choice for the average home or novice users or semi-pros.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
Whether you want to edit home movies to send to family and friends or upload to YouTube and Vimeo for sharing, this video editor from Wondershare Filmora can help take your videos to a higher level effortlessly. Here, let’s take a look at the main features of this video editing software.
Filmora is compatible with the Filmstock effects store, an online stock media including video effects, va library for your video projects,video footage, music, sound effects, and stock images as well.
The 5 Best Free iMovie Online Alternatives
The amount of time you are going to need to upload your footage to an online video editing platform depends on the size of each clip you want to include in your video. Furthermore, some online video editors have video size limits, and you must make sure that all video clips you want to edit meet the platform’s demands before you can start working on your project. Here are some of the best free online iMovie alternatives.
1. ClipChamp
This online iMovie alternative is a perfect option for digital marketers and all other video content creators who don’t have the time to edit their footage with professional video editing software . ClipChamp lets you create videos that are optimized for social networks like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, but you can also use this platform to create slideshows or any other type of video.
Besides enabling you to upload your own audio, video, and image files, ClipChamp also grants you access to huge stock footage and music libraries. However, if you opt for the free version of this platform you will have to pay for all stock audio and video footage you use in your projects.
Furthermore, you can only use the video templates this platform offers if you purchase the Creator subscription model. The maximum resolution of the videos you can create with the free version of ClipChamp is limited to 480p, and you must make an additional payment if you would like to export a project in 720p or 1080p resolution.
Pros:
- Equipped with a versatile set of video editing tools
- Makes the process of creating social media videos easier
- You can create an unlimited number of videos each month
- The quick and easy upload process
Cons:
- Videos produced with the free version of ClipChamp are watermarked
- The fees for the right to use the stock footage are expensive
Click to use this online video editing tool >>
2. Magisto
Magisto is yet another popular destination for digital marketers who frequently post their videos on social media. Creating YouTube ads, Instagram videos , or editing photos are just a few among the numerous options this video editing platform offers. You must create an account before you start using Magisto’s services, and you will have access to a limited range of features if you decide to create your videos with the free version of the platform.
The process of making a video with Magisto can be completed in three easy steps, as you just have to upload the video clips, select the editing style and pick a song for the soundtrack.
You cannot create videos longer than ten minutes even if you purchase the Business subscription model, while you must opt for at least the Professional pricing option if you want to export your videos in 720p resolution. Adding your own branding or using the platform’s cloud storage isn’t possible unless you choose Professional or Business subscription plans.
Pros:
- The fast and simple video editing process
- Magisto grants you access to huge stock footage libraries
- You can choose from a broad range of video editing styles
- Offers email marketing tools
Cons:
- Creating videos that are longer than ten minutes is not possible
- The video editing process is automatic
Click to use Magisto to create a video.
3. Adobe Spark
Adobe Spark was first released in 2016, and in just four years it has become one of the most popular online destinations for video editors. Adobe Spark is included in the Creative Cloud, but you can also use it as an individual app in case you have no intention of editing your videos in Premiere Pro or After Effects.
You don’t need advanced video editing skills to create a video with Adobe Spark, but you must create an account on this platform before you can start working on a new project.
Besides making videos, you can use Adobe Spark to edit photos and create Facebook covers , Instagram posts in just a few clicks, since the platform offers more than 20,000 different templates. Adobe Spark lets you share all of your creations on social media, but you should keep in mind that you can only customize your branding if you purchase one of the available subscription plans.
Pros:
- A perfect social media marketing tool
- No previous video editing experience required
- Excellent social sharing options
- Offers both video and photo editing tools
Cons:
- Collaborating with other Adobe Spark users isn’t possible with the free version of the app
- Provides only basic video editing options
4. Kizoa
Creating videos for private, professional, or business purposes with Kizoa doesn’t take too much time or effort. The platform lets you combine audio, image, and video files which gives you almost unlimited creative freedom. In addition, you can also apply transitions and visual effects to your footage, and send it to your friends and colleagues via email or share it on social media.
However, you won’t be able to create videos longer than one minute or export videos in resolutions larger than 720p if you opt for the free version of Kizoa. If you choose the Business version of this video editing platform, you will be able to create 4K videos, and you’ll have access to unlimited cloud storage space.
Moreover, selecting this pricing model will enable you to use RAW format images in all your projects and burn your videos to DVDs. Keep in mind that the maximum duration of the video you can create with Kizoa depends on the type of license you choose.
Pros:
- Supports 4K video editing
- Features hundreds of video templates
- Lets users choose the aspect ratio of their videos
- Equipped with powerful photo editing tools
Cons:
- You cannot create videos longer than 1 minute with the free version of Kizoa
- More expensive than its competitors
5. WeVideo
Video content creators in need of an online video editing platform they can use for private, professional, and educational purposes are going to love using WeVideo .
This web-based video editor is stacked with features that enable you to create captivating videos with ease. In addition to impressive video editing capabilities, WeVideo also enables you to capture your computer’s screen or optimize your videos for playback on different devices.
However, the free version of this online video editor only allows you to export five minutes of video per month while limiting the resolution to just 480p. That’s why choosing the Unlimited, Professional, or Business subscription plans that have no publish time or cloud storage restrictions is a much better option.
Moreover, if you opt for either of these plans, you will be able to export all of your videos in 4K resolution and you’ll have access to premium video editing tools.
Pros:
- Rich stock footage libraries
- Allows users to export audio files
- Offers screencasting tools
- Provides social media marketing options
Cons:
- Limited social sharing capabilities
- Adjusting a video’s frame rate is only possible if you purchase the Business subscription plan
Conclusion
Finding an online alternative to iMovie isn’t difficult, because there are a lot of web-based video editing platforms that enable you to perform simple video editing tasks.
Nonetheless, the free versions of online video editors often offer a limited scope of the tools you need to create videos that can attract the attention of online audiences. Still, each of the video editing platform we included in this article can be used to create different types of videos. Which of the five best free iMovie alternatives are you going to choose? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
You don’t have to spend a single cent if you would like to perform basic video editing tasks on devices that run iOS and macOS operating systems, since iMovie has all the features you are going to need to create a captivating video.
The situation for PC owners changed recently, as Microsoft ended the support for the last version of Windows7 that featured the Windows Movie Maker. In the previous article, we have covered the desktop-based replacements for iMovie you can use on Windows 10 , but each of the options we presented requires you to go through the software installation process.
So, in this article, we are going to take you through the best five free iMovie alternatives you can use online without downloading and installing any programs. Let’s get started.
If you prefer iMovie alternatives for Windows or Mac, you can try Filmora video editor . Compared with those expensive and sophisticated video editing software, Wondershare Filmora video editor is undoubtedly a great choice for the average home or novice users or semi-pros.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
Whether you want to edit home movies to send to family and friends or upload to YouTube and Vimeo for sharing, this video editor from Wondershare Filmora can help take your videos to a higher level effortlessly. Here, let’s take a look at the main features of this video editing software.
Filmora is compatible with the Filmstock effects store, an online stock media including video effects, va library for your video projects,video footage, music, sound effects, and stock images as well.
The 5 Best Free iMovie Online Alternatives
The amount of time you are going to need to upload your footage to an online video editing platform depends on the size of each clip you want to include in your video. Furthermore, some online video editors have video size limits, and you must make sure that all video clips you want to edit meet the platform’s demands before you can start working on your project. Here are some of the best free online iMovie alternatives.
1. ClipChamp
This online iMovie alternative is a perfect option for digital marketers and all other video content creators who don’t have the time to edit their footage with professional video editing software . ClipChamp lets you create videos that are optimized for social networks like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, but you can also use this platform to create slideshows or any other type of video.
Besides enabling you to upload your own audio, video, and image files, ClipChamp also grants you access to huge stock footage and music libraries. However, if you opt for the free version of this platform you will have to pay for all stock audio and video footage you use in your projects.
Furthermore, you can only use the video templates this platform offers if you purchase the Creator subscription model. The maximum resolution of the videos you can create with the free version of ClipChamp is limited to 480p, and you must make an additional payment if you would like to export a project in 720p or 1080p resolution.
Pros:
- Equipped with a versatile set of video editing tools
- Makes the process of creating social media videos easier
- You can create an unlimited number of videos each month
- The quick and easy upload process
Cons:
- Videos produced with the free version of ClipChamp are watermarked
- The fees for the right to use the stock footage are expensive
Click to use this online video editing tool >>
2. Magisto
Magisto is yet another popular destination for digital marketers who frequently post their videos on social media. Creating YouTube ads, Instagram videos , or editing photos are just a few among the numerous options this video editing platform offers. You must create an account before you start using Magisto’s services, and you will have access to a limited range of features if you decide to create your videos with the free version of the platform.
The process of making a video with Magisto can be completed in three easy steps, as you just have to upload the video clips, select the editing style and pick a song for the soundtrack.
You cannot create videos longer than ten minutes even if you purchase the Business subscription model, while you must opt for at least the Professional pricing option if you want to export your videos in 720p resolution. Adding your own branding or using the platform’s cloud storage isn’t possible unless you choose Professional or Business subscription plans.
Pros:
- The fast and simple video editing process
- Magisto grants you access to huge stock footage libraries
- You can choose from a broad range of video editing styles
- Offers email marketing tools
Cons:
- Creating videos that are longer than ten minutes is not possible
- The video editing process is automatic
Click to use Magisto to create a video.
3. Adobe Spark
Adobe Spark was first released in 2016, and in just four years it has become one of the most popular online destinations for video editors. Adobe Spark is included in the Creative Cloud, but you can also use it as an individual app in case you have no intention of editing your videos in Premiere Pro or After Effects.
You don’t need advanced video editing skills to create a video with Adobe Spark, but you must create an account on this platform before you can start working on a new project.
Besides making videos, you can use Adobe Spark to edit photos and create Facebook covers , Instagram posts in just a few clicks, since the platform offers more than 20,000 different templates. Adobe Spark lets you share all of your creations on social media, but you should keep in mind that you can only customize your branding if you purchase one of the available subscription plans.
Pros:
- A perfect social media marketing tool
- No previous video editing experience required
- Excellent social sharing options
- Offers both video and photo editing tools
Cons:
- Collaborating with other Adobe Spark users isn’t possible with the free version of the app
- Provides only basic video editing options
4. Kizoa
Creating videos for private, professional, or business purposes with Kizoa doesn’t take too much time or effort. The platform lets you combine audio, image, and video files which gives you almost unlimited creative freedom. In addition, you can also apply transitions and visual effects to your footage, and send it to your friends and colleagues via email or share it on social media.
However, you won’t be able to create videos longer than one minute or export videos in resolutions larger than 720p if you opt for the free version of Kizoa. If you choose the Business version of this video editing platform, you will be able to create 4K videos, and you’ll have access to unlimited cloud storage space.
Moreover, selecting this pricing model will enable you to use RAW format images in all your projects and burn your videos to DVDs. Keep in mind that the maximum duration of the video you can create with Kizoa depends on the type of license you choose.
Pros:
- Supports 4K video editing
- Features hundreds of video templates
- Lets users choose the aspect ratio of their videos
- Equipped with powerful photo editing tools
Cons:
- You cannot create videos longer than 1 minute with the free version of Kizoa
- More expensive than its competitors
5. WeVideo
Video content creators in need of an online video editing platform they can use for private, professional, and educational purposes are going to love using WeVideo .
This web-based video editor is stacked with features that enable you to create captivating videos with ease. In addition to impressive video editing capabilities, WeVideo also enables you to capture your computer’s screen or optimize your videos for playback on different devices.
However, the free version of this online video editor only allows you to export five minutes of video per month while limiting the resolution to just 480p. That’s why choosing the Unlimited, Professional, or Business subscription plans that have no publish time or cloud storage restrictions is a much better option.
Moreover, if you opt for either of these plans, you will be able to export all of your videos in 4K resolution and you’ll have access to premium video editing tools.
Pros:
- Rich stock footage libraries
- Allows users to export audio files
- Offers screencasting tools
- Provides social media marketing options
Cons:
- Limited social sharing capabilities
- Adjusting a video’s frame rate is only possible if you purchase the Business subscription plan
Conclusion
Finding an online alternative to iMovie isn’t difficult, because there are a lot of web-based video editing platforms that enable you to perform simple video editing tasks.
Nonetheless, the free versions of online video editors often offer a limited scope of the tools you need to create videos that can attract the attention of online audiences. Still, each of the video editing platform we included in this article can be used to create different types of videos. Which of the five best free iMovie alternatives are you going to choose? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Effortless Video Editing: How to Split and Merge Clips in Windows Live Movie Maker
How to Split Videos in Windows Live Movie Maker
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
If you have a video and just want to get part of it, what will you do? Well, you need to cut or split the large videos to get the part you like. There are many video editing software that can help you do it and here we will tell you how to split video in Windows Live Movie Maker easily and fast so that you can share your most liked video on youtube with family and friends.
Before you start, please make sure you have installed Windows Live Movie Maker. If not, you can download it from its official website. Open your Windows Live Movie Maker and follow the below guide to use Windows Live Movie Maker split functions to cut your large video files.
How to split large video files in Windows Live Movie Maker
Step 1. Add photos and videos to Windows Live Movie Maker
Click “Add videos and photos” to browse and select videos and photos from your computer to add. You can also drag and drop videos and photos to the storyboard.
Step 2. Split videos in Windows Live Movie Maker
There are two ways to use Windows Live Movie Maker split function: 1. Choose the video point where you want to split, right-click the video clip, and click “split”. 2. Select the video point you will split. Under “Video Tools”, click the “Edit” tab, and then click the “split” button.
After that, your video will be split into separate sections. And you can edit separate videos as you like and drag and drop to move the location.
Step 3. Save and share your videos
Click the icon at the top left, then choose Save movie. There are four output video qualities to choose from. When you place your mouse cursor on each option, you can see the output video display size, aspect ratio, etc. You can also burn the videos to DVD by clicking Burn a DVD item and select a destination folder to save your video file.
If you want to share your video on YouTube with more people, you can click Publish movie and choose to Publish on YouTube, enter your YouTube account information and share your video work directly.
Conclusion
For more powerful moviemakers to split videos, you can try the free trial version of Wondershare Filmora , which can help you split, trim, crop, rotate, and flip videos freely and smoothly. Find your preferred version of Windows or Mac below.
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
If you have a video and just want to get part of it, what will you do? Well, you need to cut or split the large videos to get the part you like. There are many video editing software that can help you do it and here we will tell you how to split video in Windows Live Movie Maker easily and fast so that you can share your most liked video on youtube with family and friends.
Before you start, please make sure you have installed Windows Live Movie Maker. If not, you can download it from its official website. Open your Windows Live Movie Maker and follow the below guide to use Windows Live Movie Maker split functions to cut your large video files.
How to split large video files in Windows Live Movie Maker
Step 1. Add photos and videos to Windows Live Movie Maker
Click “Add videos and photos” to browse and select videos and photos from your computer to add. You can also drag and drop videos and photos to the storyboard.
Step 2. Split videos in Windows Live Movie Maker
There are two ways to use Windows Live Movie Maker split function: 1. Choose the video point where you want to split, right-click the video clip, and click “split”. 2. Select the video point you will split. Under “Video Tools”, click the “Edit” tab, and then click the “split” button.
After that, your video will be split into separate sections. And you can edit separate videos as you like and drag and drop to move the location.
Step 3. Save and share your videos
Click the icon at the top left, then choose Save movie. There are four output video qualities to choose from. When you place your mouse cursor on each option, you can see the output video display size, aspect ratio, etc. You can also burn the videos to DVD by clicking Burn a DVD item and select a destination folder to save your video file.
If you want to share your video on YouTube with more people, you can click Publish movie and choose to Publish on YouTube, enter your YouTube account information and share your video work directly.
Conclusion
For more powerful moviemakers to split videos, you can try the free trial version of Wondershare Filmora , which can help you split, trim, crop, rotate, and flip videos freely and smoothly. Find your preferred version of Windows or Mac below.
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
If you have a video and just want to get part of it, what will you do? Well, you need to cut or split the large videos to get the part you like. There are many video editing software that can help you do it and here we will tell you how to split video in Windows Live Movie Maker easily and fast so that you can share your most liked video on youtube with family and friends.
Before you start, please make sure you have installed Windows Live Movie Maker. If not, you can download it from its official website. Open your Windows Live Movie Maker and follow the below guide to use Windows Live Movie Maker split functions to cut your large video files.
How to split large video files in Windows Live Movie Maker
Step 1. Add photos and videos to Windows Live Movie Maker
Click “Add videos and photos” to browse and select videos and photos from your computer to add. You can also drag and drop videos and photos to the storyboard.
Step 2. Split videos in Windows Live Movie Maker
There are two ways to use Windows Live Movie Maker split function: 1. Choose the video point where you want to split, right-click the video clip, and click “split”. 2. Select the video point you will split. Under “Video Tools”, click the “Edit” tab, and then click the “split” button.
After that, your video will be split into separate sections. And you can edit separate videos as you like and drag and drop to move the location.
Step 3. Save and share your videos
Click the icon at the top left, then choose Save movie. There are four output video qualities to choose from. When you place your mouse cursor on each option, you can see the output video display size, aspect ratio, etc. You can also burn the videos to DVD by clicking Burn a DVD item and select a destination folder to save your video file.
If you want to share your video on YouTube with more people, you can click Publish movie and choose to Publish on YouTube, enter your YouTube account information and share your video work directly.
Conclusion
For more powerful moviemakers to split videos, you can try the free trial version of Wondershare Filmora , which can help you split, trim, crop, rotate, and flip videos freely and smoothly. Find your preferred version of Windows or Mac below.
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
If you have a video and just want to get part of it, what will you do? Well, you need to cut or split the large videos to get the part you like. There are many video editing software that can help you do it and here we will tell you how to split video in Windows Live Movie Maker easily and fast so that you can share your most liked video on youtube with family and friends.
Before you start, please make sure you have installed Windows Live Movie Maker. If not, you can download it from its official website. Open your Windows Live Movie Maker and follow the below guide to use Windows Live Movie Maker split functions to cut your large video files.
How to split large video files in Windows Live Movie Maker
Step 1. Add photos and videos to Windows Live Movie Maker
Click “Add videos and photos” to browse and select videos and photos from your computer to add. You can also drag and drop videos and photos to the storyboard.
Step 2. Split videos in Windows Live Movie Maker
There are two ways to use Windows Live Movie Maker split function: 1. Choose the video point where you want to split, right-click the video clip, and click “split”. 2. Select the video point you will split. Under “Video Tools”, click the “Edit” tab, and then click the “split” button.
After that, your video will be split into separate sections. And you can edit separate videos as you like and drag and drop to move the location.
Step 3. Save and share your videos
Click the icon at the top left, then choose Save movie. There are four output video qualities to choose from. When you place your mouse cursor on each option, you can see the output video display size, aspect ratio, etc. You can also burn the videos to DVD by clicking Burn a DVD item and select a destination folder to save your video file.
If you want to share your video on YouTube with more people, you can click Publish movie and choose to Publish on YouTube, enter your YouTube account information and share your video work directly.
Conclusion
For more powerful moviemakers to split videos, you can try the free trial version of Wondershare Filmora , which can help you split, trim, crop, rotate, and flip videos freely and smoothly. Find your preferred version of Windows or Mac below.
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Animate for Free: Top 12 Options for Windows and Mac Users
Best 12 Free Download Animation Software for Windows and Mac
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
In your search for quality animation software, you may have found that many of the programs cost a lot of money no matter it is 2D animation software or 3D animation editor. The good news is that you can choose free animation tools to make different animation types easily.
That is why we created a list of the best animation software on both Mac and Windows. Whether you are a professional editor or just a beginner to start making animation, you will find the tools listed below are easy to use without watermark and won’t cost money to improve your skills.
The best part is you will find these free animation programs are also very useful for content creation on Mac and Windows. Besides, we have listed the pros and cons of each software. Keep reading!
- Part 1: Best Free Animation Software for Mac
- Part 2: Best Free Animation Software for Windows
- Part 3: FAQ about Animation Software for Windows and Mac
Here we have made a table of 12 free animation software without watermark on Windows and macOS. Take a look.
6 Free Animation Software for macOS
5K-3DMiddleIt is a great tool for 3D artists6KritaDifficultPerfect software for 2D animation
| Number | Software | Difficulty Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Synfig Studio | Easy | Calculate vector shape to animation automatically |
| 2 | Pencil2D Animation | Easiest | Straightforward interface for beginners |
| 3 | Tupi | Middle | Its community is active to offer solutions |
| 4 | Blender | Difficult | It is a powerful animation tool to render and make modeling |
6 Free Animation Software for Windows
| Number | Software | Difficulty Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DAZ Studio | Difficult | For professional users with the fast animation process |
| 2 | Terragen | Middle | It can make realistic CG environments |
| 3 | Anim8or | Difficult | 3D animation is Anim8or’s main function |
| 4 | Seamless3d | Easy | It has many features for 3d modeling |
| 5 | OpenToonz | Middle | Make cartoon animation with plugins |
| 6 | Stykz | Easy | Quickly make animation if you have used Pivot StickFigure Animator |
Best Animation Software on Windows and Mac - Filmora
Looking for a simple while powerful Mac video editing tool ? We recommend using Wondershare Filmora. You can use it to create 2D/3D animated texts, shapes, or anything you like for YouTube videos.
The keyframing features will help you make animation effects smooth and precise. When exporting, you can also make it transparent.
Besides, various title templates and transitions are also available for you. Download it now to have a try! Or learn more from Wondershare Video Community .
Key features
- Create various shapes that you like
- Add keyframing to make it move
- Fine-tuning to make it smooth
- Add visual effects/text/color before export it
You can even create photo cut animation which has been very trendy on Tiktok and Instagram. Here is a video to present you how you can do it in Filmora.
Part 1 Best Free Animation Software for Mac
Listed below is free animation software on Mac. Take a look.
01 Synfig Studio - Mac Software to Animate Video
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: You can create many layers once a time and sync audio for your animation.
Con: This one needs much time to learn, especially for beginners.
An open-source 2D animation software that works on Macs, Synfig Studio delivers multiple players while you are creating content. Whether you want to add geometric, filters, distortions, or transformations, it is all possible! And thanks to the high-end bone system, you can create cut-out videos using bitmap images!
The thoughtful part is there are two download versions on the homepage: the stable version and the development version. If you want to enjoy a stable and smooth animation editing experience, choose the stable one. However, the development package gives you access to the use of the latest features.
For a novice, you can learn Synfig from step by step guide in Wikipedia and video tutorials. Four languages are available including English, Russian, Dutch, and French for a video course.
You can free download its latest version 1.3.11. The upcoming version is 1.4.
Features:
- It offers support for many layers within the animation.
- The program’s bone system means that you can easily create animations with bitmap images or vector artwork.
- It allows you to sync your creative work with any sound that you want. Has a full-featured audio editor.
02 Pencil2D Animation - Animation Program for 2D Pencil Lover
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Pro: Easy to start and make animation as the interface is user-friendly for many people.
Con: You need to set your preference every time to open it up, so it takes up some time
Pencil2D Animation is one of the simplest 2D hand-drawn tools available. It will work flawlessly on Mac computers. It is ideal for beginners, as the commands and interface are very easy to understand.
Whether you want to create a simple one, or you want something with many layers for videos on YouTube, you can use Pencil2D animation to get it done. Its timeline is easy to use at first glance. You can add and duplicate different frames on a different track.
The frequency of releasing the new version is very fast as Pencil2D is committed to bringing the lasted features to each user. The newest version is v0.6.4 (as of August 2019). Its user guide is informative with video tutorials, FAQs, and manual material.
Features:
- Lightweight and minimalistic design that makes it very easy for beginners.
- Features raster and vector workflows, with easy switching between them. You can paint and sketch as you want!
- Will run on all platforms - Mac, Windows, and Linux.
- Completely free and open source.
03 TupiTube - Free Animation Application for Mac Users
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: It supports vector illustrations. Besides, various formats are available.
Con: If you want to make 3D animation, it will fail. You can only make 2D effects.
A free software application for YouTube, Tupi will allow you to create 2D animations to your heart’s content. The tool was started by animators who wanted to create something that others could use.
It is an open-source tool, which means that users can make tweaks to the program if they have some interesting ideas. The program works on both Windows and Mac. You need to use Tupi and Papagayo to make lip-sync animation with different mouth shapes.
It also offers a solution for schools with related features including academic license, technical support, and ads-free, so many schools choose to use this one to teach kids how to make an animation video.
Features:
- Support for vector illustrations. You can add rectangles, lines, polygons, and other shapes as you please. To fill areas, just use the paint bucket.
- You can import raster images using this program.
- You can export all your finished images into different file formats.
- Support for tweeting positions, scale, shear, and rotations.
04 Blender - Need Some Time to Learn This Animation Tool
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Really powerful software that you can make for professional users.
Con: It is not easy to make image animation as it focuses on 3D.
Blender is an open-source 3D animation creation suite without a watermark. If you find that 2D is a little bit limiting, we think that you will be very happy with what this free program offers. You can take your projects to a whole new level when you can use this program on your Mac.
You can use Blender to make a video game, modeling, and high-quality animation. However, it involves a steep learning curve. Luckily, there are many tutorials to guide you through the journey. You can also ask for help in the Blender community that millions of talented people like you are there.
Features:
- Creating renders is no problem with this program.
- Modeling, such as sculpting, retopology, and creating curves is not an issue either.
- VFX and animation features are better than any option on the market.
- It offers powerful simulation tools.
- Integration with pipeline tools is easy.
05 K-3D - Best for Animation and Modeling in 3D
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: Ideal for designing simple 3D animations and models.
Con: It has an old-fashioned interface. Also, the built-render (RenderMan) feature is difficult to use by beginners.
K-3D is an animation and 3D modeling software. You can download this tool for free on your Mac. Besides, you can also install and run it on your Windows and Linux systems. If you look at the design, you will find that the software is quite old. But don’t judge a book by its cover. Why so? It is because K-3D is one of the strongest and most versatile tools for 3D artists with many options.
For example, K-3D offers extremely systematic and methodological workflows. You can easily adjust the properties of the features in real-time and get instant results. It has a node-oriented visualization pipeline to enjoy more freedom. That means you can create animation using a variety of combinations.
One of the best things about K-3D is that it has three subdivisions of animation. You can work on your model on one side while showing the other side in a mirrored form. Then, experience the final result combined together. And in case you need to make the changes to the end results, you can simply work on the first subdivision and savor automatic changes to the results.
K-3D has an advanced redo and undo mechanism to ensure you can go back or move forward to make corrections or amendments without limits. Additionally, the tool is developed keeping in mind all the industrial standards. For instance, it has complete support and integration of native RenderMan™ to its user interface. This is an excellent feature because most free animation software for Mac requires third-party render plugins.
Features:
- Parametric workflow.
- 2D and 3D animation tools.
- Allows Python and K3DScript scripting.
06 Krita - For Professional 2D Animators
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Advanced tools with numerous animation options and online training material.
Con: Not suitable for beginners.
If you love 2D animation, then you’ll surely love Krita. It is entirely free software available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Also, it offers a full platform for drawing and frame-by-frame animation.
The number one reason for adoring Krita is its brush library. There are more than 100 professional brushes to give you a wide range of effects. Moreover, the strokes are pretty amazing and similar to Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.
Another great thing about Krita is the brush stabilization feature designed for shaky hands. You can add a stabilizer to your chosen brush to smoothen its flow. Besides, there’s a special Dynamic Brush tool to make animation more fun. At the same time, you can also customize your brushes through different brush engines, including filter engines, color smudge engines, and many more.
Apart from the basic brush options, the preloaded vector tools are next to admire. These tools help you make great comic panels. All you need to do is choose and drag the word bubble template on your canvas. Then, make changes with the anchor point to make new shapes. At the same time, you can also add text to your animation by using the text tool.
Last but not least, there’s a wrap-around mode to create seamless patterns and textures. That means the image or drawing makes its own references along the x-axis and y-axis. This gives you the freedom to continue painting and enjoy updates to your animation instantly.
Features:
- HDR painting.
- PSD support.
- Python scripting.
- Selection and transformation tools.
- Proper group, filter, vector, and file layer management.
- Complete color management for extraordinary results.
- Drawing assistant to help you with straight lines and vanishing points.
Part 2 Best Free Animation Software for Windows
Below is free animation software on Windows. Keep reading.
01 Anireel - Easy to Use Animation Software
Difficulty Level: Easy
Anireel is a simple yet powerful Video Creativity tool used to make 2D animated explainer videos. Developed by Wondershare, one of the most popular Windows software and tool developers, Anireel uses rich, ready-to-use, and diverse assets to help one effortlessly make animated videos.
Features:
- There are tons of drag and drop characters, actions, props, text, and audio assets.
- Easy Text-to-Speech conversion via deep studying technology.
- Animate integrated and imported assets.
- Tons of templates that match many script types.
02 DAZ Studio - Free Software for 3D Lovers
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: You can make game animation for fun. It also supports GPU accelerated real-time rendering.
Con: It has a high demand for the device, but owns a steep learning curve.
Daz 3d is a powerful and completely free 3D creation tool that will let you create the short videos that you want. Whether you are using this for business or pleasure, you will find the program is very easy to understand. Within a day, you will be completely used to its interface.
3D effects are the core focus of DAZ Studio. You can build a model, render, and pose animation within the skin texture level. It has a high requirement for the device. For Windows 64 bits, its recommended RAM is 3G.
Features:
- Options for 3D morphing, animation, and rendering.
- GPU accelerated real-time rendering, which delivers the best results.
- Interactive tutorials to help you become a better 3D artist.
- Everything you make is yours, royalty-free!
03 Terragen - Use It to Make CG Animation
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: The recently updated version is the best one. Ray-traced preview is a great function to help us make animation.
Con: The interface looks complicated, but it gets easy to know after you are familiar with it.
A completely free program that you can download and install on all Windows computers and tablets, Terragen is the ideal program for you to create the 3D animations and environments that you want. If you want a photo-realistic CG environment, using Terragen is the best way to do it!
Releasing imagination instantly, Terragen Creative is the one tool you’d like to consider. You can use it to make beautiful scenery.
For advanced tools, you can choose FBX to make animation quickly. The featured image gallery on its homepage will give you a deep understanding of the final outcome you can achieve with Terragen.
Features:
- Ray-traced preview. Without watermark after exporting
- Photo-realistic clouds and ozone simulation
- Rendering is twice as fast as the previous version of the program.
- Adding terrain, objects, and shader to your final product is very easy with the intuitive interface.
04 Anim8or - Free Tool to Make 3D Modeling
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Anim8or supports 3D modeler and TrueType fonts to meet advanced needs.
Con: Beginners will find it difficult to learn.
Anim8or is a free 3D modeling program that will let you create the unique work that you want. It is a personal project from an animator, but the program does get regular updates and troubleshooting.
It is not going to give you the same features as something like Studio Max or Maya, but you will get the basics. Beginners who are getting into animations will love this program.
Anim8or is a great tool to step into 3D animation ff you think other software is too different to start. In some way, it means you need to give up some advanced features. But all in all, it’s still recommended for you.
Features:
- A full 3D modeler that allows you to create spheres, cylinders, platonic solids, and any other objects that you want.
- Features support for TrueType fonts.
- Easy to create 3D scenes and output them as video files or images.
05 Seamless3d - Open-source Free Software
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: It is an open-source 3D modeling package. The good thing is the handy infinite Undo/Redo operation.
Con: Some advanced features are missing like drawing.
Seamless3d, an open-source 3D modeling software that you can download, is among the best animation worktables if you want to create specialized images, animated videos, or 3D characters.
It supports FFmpeg video format, so you can use AVI, MP4, and more. Besides, the forum is not active compared with before, but you still can find answers from many tutorials .
Features:
- It comes with infinite undo and redo options for complete flexibility to correct mistakes.
- It allows for partitioned and seamless texture mapping for YouTube videos.
- Has a specialized tree view interface.
06 OpenToonz - Support Plug in to Make Animation Freely
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: It is open-source software, so you can change the code freely.
Con: The plug-in effects are limited.
This animation program is made for beginners on Windows. It is among the best 2D animation software in the market. You can use plug-in effects to change image style, add lights, and distort details. It supports Windows 7/8/10 only for 64 bit.
Features:
- You can add provisional colors to make your animation more colorful.
- Smooth correction without frame losing.
- Compatible with black-and-white, colored, or without binarization scanning.
7 Stykz - Simple to Use Animation Program for Beginners
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: It is the best stick figure animation if you want to make this kind of video.
Con: The UI is not modern to use and needs time to adapt to using it.
Stykz is completely free to use and without a watermark. If you have used Pivot StickFigure Animator, then you will find Stykz is similar to it, but you can import the previous .stk files to animate it again. You can use it to make animation smooth frame by frame.
With its frame-based feature, Stykz is easy to customize each frame. You can change previous and current frames to get what you want. You can download it to have a try considering its easy-to-use features.
Features:
- There is some animes file on this website, so you can have a reference.
- Edit animation in the software without using another editing window.
- You can share the final work with others including information.
Part 3 FAQ about Animation Software for Windows and Mac
01 Are Macs good for animation?
To be frank, Mac is a better choice to make animation if you want to have a smooth animation experience. For example, screen resolution is a crucial factor to make excellent animation. The good is Mac’s screen will never let you disappointed.
02 What is the best animation software for Mac?
The best animation software on mac includes Synfig Studio, Pencil2D Animation, Tupi, Blender, and more. Mentioned are free-to-use. Maya is also worth considering animation software if you are a professional user. Maya offers a 1-month free trial. After it is ended, the paid plans are month, 1-year, and 3-year.
03 Can you animate in Photoshop?
Yes, you can make basic animation in Photoshop. However, it only supports frame-based animation making. In this case, you need to use other professional software to make animation. But, you still can use Photoshop to meet your needs if you are a beginner.
Conclusion
With any of these free animation maker programs on Mac and Windows, you will have an easy time creating your next 2D or 3D video. Ensure you choose the program that has the features and compatibility that you desire. Then it is up to your creative mind to come up with stunning animations! If you want to make animation easily, you can also find inspiration through classical animated cartoon types with examples .
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
In your search for quality animation software, you may have found that many of the programs cost a lot of money no matter it is 2D animation software or 3D animation editor. The good news is that you can choose free animation tools to make different animation types easily.
That is why we created a list of the best animation software on both Mac and Windows. Whether you are a professional editor or just a beginner to start making animation, you will find the tools listed below are easy to use without watermark and won’t cost money to improve your skills.
The best part is you will find these free animation programs are also very useful for content creation on Mac and Windows. Besides, we have listed the pros and cons of each software. Keep reading!
- Part 1: Best Free Animation Software for Mac
- Part 2: Best Free Animation Software for Windows
- Part 3: FAQ about Animation Software for Windows and Mac
Here we have made a table of 12 free animation software without watermark on Windows and macOS. Take a look.
6 Free Animation Software for macOS
5K-3DMiddleIt is a great tool for 3D artists6KritaDifficultPerfect software for 2D animation
| Number | Software | Difficulty Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Synfig Studio | Easy | Calculate vector shape to animation automatically |
| 2 | Pencil2D Animation | Easiest | Straightforward interface for beginners |
| 3 | Tupi | Middle | Its community is active to offer solutions |
| 4 | Blender | Difficult | It is a powerful animation tool to render and make modeling |
6 Free Animation Software for Windows
| Number | Software | Difficulty Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DAZ Studio | Difficult | For professional users with the fast animation process |
| 2 | Terragen | Middle | It can make realistic CG environments |
| 3 | Anim8or | Difficult | 3D animation is Anim8or’s main function |
| 4 | Seamless3d | Easy | It has many features for 3d modeling |
| 5 | OpenToonz | Middle | Make cartoon animation with plugins |
| 6 | Stykz | Easy | Quickly make animation if you have used Pivot StickFigure Animator |
Best Animation Software on Windows and Mac - Filmora
Looking for a simple while powerful Mac video editing tool ? We recommend using Wondershare Filmora. You can use it to create 2D/3D animated texts, shapes, or anything you like for YouTube videos.
The keyframing features will help you make animation effects smooth and precise. When exporting, you can also make it transparent.
Besides, various title templates and transitions are also available for you. Download it now to have a try! Or learn more from Wondershare Video Community .
Key features
- Create various shapes that you like
- Add keyframing to make it move
- Fine-tuning to make it smooth
- Add visual effects/text/color before export it
You can even create photo cut animation which has been very trendy on Tiktok and Instagram. Here is a video to present you how you can do it in Filmora.
Part 1 Best Free Animation Software for Mac
Listed below is free animation software on Mac. Take a look.
01 Synfig Studio - Mac Software to Animate Video
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: You can create many layers once a time and sync audio for your animation.
Con: This one needs much time to learn, especially for beginners.
An open-source 2D animation software that works on Macs, Synfig Studio delivers multiple players while you are creating content. Whether you want to add geometric, filters, distortions, or transformations, it is all possible! And thanks to the high-end bone system, you can create cut-out videos using bitmap images!
The thoughtful part is there are two download versions on the homepage: the stable version and the development version. If you want to enjoy a stable and smooth animation editing experience, choose the stable one. However, the development package gives you access to the use of the latest features.
For a novice, you can learn Synfig from step by step guide in Wikipedia and video tutorials. Four languages are available including English, Russian, Dutch, and French for a video course.
You can free download its latest version 1.3.11. The upcoming version is 1.4.
Features:
- It offers support for many layers within the animation.
- The program’s bone system means that you can easily create animations with bitmap images or vector artwork.
- It allows you to sync your creative work with any sound that you want. Has a full-featured audio editor.
02 Pencil2D Animation - Animation Program for 2D Pencil Lover
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Pro: Easy to start and make animation as the interface is user-friendly for many people.
Con: You need to set your preference every time to open it up, so it takes up some time
Pencil2D Animation is one of the simplest 2D hand-drawn tools available. It will work flawlessly on Mac computers. It is ideal for beginners, as the commands and interface are very easy to understand.
Whether you want to create a simple one, or you want something with many layers for videos on YouTube, you can use Pencil2D animation to get it done. Its timeline is easy to use at first glance. You can add and duplicate different frames on a different track.
The frequency of releasing the new version is very fast as Pencil2D is committed to bringing the lasted features to each user. The newest version is v0.6.4 (as of August 2019). Its user guide is informative with video tutorials, FAQs, and manual material.
Features:
- Lightweight and minimalistic design that makes it very easy for beginners.
- Features raster and vector workflows, with easy switching between them. You can paint and sketch as you want!
- Will run on all platforms - Mac, Windows, and Linux.
- Completely free and open source.
03 TupiTube - Free Animation Application for Mac Users
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: It supports vector illustrations. Besides, various formats are available.
Con: If you want to make 3D animation, it will fail. You can only make 2D effects.
A free software application for YouTube, Tupi will allow you to create 2D animations to your heart’s content. The tool was started by animators who wanted to create something that others could use.
It is an open-source tool, which means that users can make tweaks to the program if they have some interesting ideas. The program works on both Windows and Mac. You need to use Tupi and Papagayo to make lip-sync animation with different mouth shapes.
It also offers a solution for schools with related features including academic license, technical support, and ads-free, so many schools choose to use this one to teach kids how to make an animation video.
Features:
- Support for vector illustrations. You can add rectangles, lines, polygons, and other shapes as you please. To fill areas, just use the paint bucket.
- You can import raster images using this program.
- You can export all your finished images into different file formats.
- Support for tweeting positions, scale, shear, and rotations.
04 Blender - Need Some Time to Learn This Animation Tool
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Really powerful software that you can make for professional users.
Con: It is not easy to make image animation as it focuses on 3D.
Blender is an open-source 3D animation creation suite without a watermark. If you find that 2D is a little bit limiting, we think that you will be very happy with what this free program offers. You can take your projects to a whole new level when you can use this program on your Mac.
You can use Blender to make a video game, modeling, and high-quality animation. However, it involves a steep learning curve. Luckily, there are many tutorials to guide you through the journey. You can also ask for help in the Blender community that millions of talented people like you are there.
Features:
- Creating renders is no problem with this program.
- Modeling, such as sculpting, retopology, and creating curves is not an issue either.
- VFX and animation features are better than any option on the market.
- It offers powerful simulation tools.
- Integration with pipeline tools is easy.
05 K-3D - Best for Animation and Modeling in 3D
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: Ideal for designing simple 3D animations and models.
Con: It has an old-fashioned interface. Also, the built-render (RenderMan) feature is difficult to use by beginners.
K-3D is an animation and 3D modeling software. You can download this tool for free on your Mac. Besides, you can also install and run it on your Windows and Linux systems. If you look at the design, you will find that the software is quite old. But don’t judge a book by its cover. Why so? It is because K-3D is one of the strongest and most versatile tools for 3D artists with many options.
For example, K-3D offers extremely systematic and methodological workflows. You can easily adjust the properties of the features in real-time and get instant results. It has a node-oriented visualization pipeline to enjoy more freedom. That means you can create animation using a variety of combinations.
One of the best things about K-3D is that it has three subdivisions of animation. You can work on your model on one side while showing the other side in a mirrored form. Then, experience the final result combined together. And in case you need to make the changes to the end results, you can simply work on the first subdivision and savor automatic changes to the results.
K-3D has an advanced redo and undo mechanism to ensure you can go back or move forward to make corrections or amendments without limits. Additionally, the tool is developed keeping in mind all the industrial standards. For instance, it has complete support and integration of native RenderMan™ to its user interface. This is an excellent feature because most free animation software for Mac requires third-party render plugins.
Features:
- Parametric workflow.
- 2D and 3D animation tools.
- Allows Python and K3DScript scripting.
06 Krita - For Professional 2D Animators
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Advanced tools with numerous animation options and online training material.
Con: Not suitable for beginners.
If you love 2D animation, then you’ll surely love Krita. It is entirely free software available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Also, it offers a full platform for drawing and frame-by-frame animation.
The number one reason for adoring Krita is its brush library. There are more than 100 professional brushes to give you a wide range of effects. Moreover, the strokes are pretty amazing and similar to Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.
Another great thing about Krita is the brush stabilization feature designed for shaky hands. You can add a stabilizer to your chosen brush to smoothen its flow. Besides, there’s a special Dynamic Brush tool to make animation more fun. At the same time, you can also customize your brushes through different brush engines, including filter engines, color smudge engines, and many more.
Apart from the basic brush options, the preloaded vector tools are next to admire. These tools help you make great comic panels. All you need to do is choose and drag the word bubble template on your canvas. Then, make changes with the anchor point to make new shapes. At the same time, you can also add text to your animation by using the text tool.
Last but not least, there’s a wrap-around mode to create seamless patterns and textures. That means the image or drawing makes its own references along the x-axis and y-axis. This gives you the freedom to continue painting and enjoy updates to your animation instantly.
Features:
- HDR painting.
- PSD support.
- Python scripting.
- Selection and transformation tools.
- Proper group, filter, vector, and file layer management.
- Complete color management for extraordinary results.
- Drawing assistant to help you with straight lines and vanishing points.
Part 2 Best Free Animation Software for Windows
Below is free animation software on Windows. Keep reading.
01 Anireel - Easy to Use Animation Software
Difficulty Level: Easy
Anireel is a simple yet powerful Video Creativity tool used to make 2D animated explainer videos. Developed by Wondershare, one of the most popular Windows software and tool developers, Anireel uses rich, ready-to-use, and diverse assets to help one effortlessly make animated videos.
Features:
- There are tons of drag and drop characters, actions, props, text, and audio assets.
- Easy Text-to-Speech conversion via deep studying technology.
- Animate integrated and imported assets.
- Tons of templates that match many script types.
02 DAZ Studio - Free Software for 3D Lovers
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: You can make game animation for fun. It also supports GPU accelerated real-time rendering.
Con: It has a high demand for the device, but owns a steep learning curve.
Daz 3d is a powerful and completely free 3D creation tool that will let you create the short videos that you want. Whether you are using this for business or pleasure, you will find the program is very easy to understand. Within a day, you will be completely used to its interface.
3D effects are the core focus of DAZ Studio. You can build a model, render, and pose animation within the skin texture level. It has a high requirement for the device. For Windows 64 bits, its recommended RAM is 3G.
Features:
- Options for 3D morphing, animation, and rendering.
- GPU accelerated real-time rendering, which delivers the best results.
- Interactive tutorials to help you become a better 3D artist.
- Everything you make is yours, royalty-free!
03 Terragen - Use It to Make CG Animation
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: The recently updated version is the best one. Ray-traced preview is a great function to help us make animation.
Con: The interface looks complicated, but it gets easy to know after you are familiar with it.
A completely free program that you can download and install on all Windows computers and tablets, Terragen is the ideal program for you to create the 3D animations and environments that you want. If you want a photo-realistic CG environment, using Terragen is the best way to do it!
Releasing imagination instantly, Terragen Creative is the one tool you’d like to consider. You can use it to make beautiful scenery.
For advanced tools, you can choose FBX to make animation quickly. The featured image gallery on its homepage will give you a deep understanding of the final outcome you can achieve with Terragen.
Features:
- Ray-traced preview. Without watermark after exporting
- Photo-realistic clouds and ozone simulation
- Rendering is twice as fast as the previous version of the program.
- Adding terrain, objects, and shader to your final product is very easy with the intuitive interface.
04 Anim8or - Free Tool to Make 3D Modeling
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Anim8or supports 3D modeler and TrueType fonts to meet advanced needs.
Con: Beginners will find it difficult to learn.
Anim8or is a free 3D modeling program that will let you create the unique work that you want. It is a personal project from an animator, but the program does get regular updates and troubleshooting.
It is not going to give you the same features as something like Studio Max or Maya, but you will get the basics. Beginners who are getting into animations will love this program.
Anim8or is a great tool to step into 3D animation ff you think other software is too different to start. In some way, it means you need to give up some advanced features. But all in all, it’s still recommended for you.
Features:
- A full 3D modeler that allows you to create spheres, cylinders, platonic solids, and any other objects that you want.
- Features support for TrueType fonts.
- Easy to create 3D scenes and output them as video files or images.
05 Seamless3d - Open-source Free Software
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: It is an open-source 3D modeling package. The good thing is the handy infinite Undo/Redo operation.
Con: Some advanced features are missing like drawing.
Seamless3d, an open-source 3D modeling software that you can download, is among the best animation worktables if you want to create specialized images, animated videos, or 3D characters.
It supports FFmpeg video format, so you can use AVI, MP4, and more. Besides, the forum is not active compared with before, but you still can find answers from many tutorials .
Features:
- It comes with infinite undo and redo options for complete flexibility to correct mistakes.
- It allows for partitioned and seamless texture mapping for YouTube videos.
- Has a specialized tree view interface.
06 OpenToonz - Support Plug in to Make Animation Freely
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: It is open-source software, so you can change the code freely.
Con: The plug-in effects are limited.
This animation program is made for beginners on Windows. It is among the best 2D animation software in the market. You can use plug-in effects to change image style, add lights, and distort details. It supports Windows 7/8/10 only for 64 bit.
Features:
- You can add provisional colors to make your animation more colorful.
- Smooth correction without frame losing.
- Compatible with black-and-white, colored, or without binarization scanning.
7 Stykz - Simple to Use Animation Program for Beginners
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: It is the best stick figure animation if you want to make this kind of video.
Con: The UI is not modern to use and needs time to adapt to using it.
Stykz is completely free to use and without a watermark. If you have used Pivot StickFigure Animator, then you will find Stykz is similar to it, but you can import the previous .stk files to animate it again. You can use it to make animation smooth frame by frame.
With its frame-based feature, Stykz is easy to customize each frame. You can change previous and current frames to get what you want. You can download it to have a try considering its easy-to-use features.
Features:
- There is some animes file on this website, so you can have a reference.
- Edit animation in the software without using another editing window.
- You can share the final work with others including information.
Part 3 FAQ about Animation Software for Windows and Mac
01 Are Macs good for animation?
To be frank, Mac is a better choice to make animation if you want to have a smooth animation experience. For example, screen resolution is a crucial factor to make excellent animation. The good is Mac’s screen will never let you disappointed.
02 What is the best animation software for Mac?
The best animation software on mac includes Synfig Studio, Pencil2D Animation, Tupi, Blender, and more. Mentioned are free-to-use. Maya is also worth considering animation software if you are a professional user. Maya offers a 1-month free trial. After it is ended, the paid plans are month, 1-year, and 3-year.
03 Can you animate in Photoshop?
Yes, you can make basic animation in Photoshop. However, it only supports frame-based animation making. In this case, you need to use other professional software to make animation. But, you still can use Photoshop to meet your needs if you are a beginner.
Conclusion
With any of these free animation maker programs on Mac and Windows, you will have an easy time creating your next 2D or 3D video. Ensure you choose the program that has the features and compatibility that you desire. Then it is up to your creative mind to come up with stunning animations! If you want to make animation easily, you can also find inspiration through classical animated cartoon types with examples .
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
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Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
In your search for quality animation software, you may have found that many of the programs cost a lot of money no matter it is 2D animation software or 3D animation editor. The good news is that you can choose free animation tools to make different animation types easily.
That is why we created a list of the best animation software on both Mac and Windows. Whether you are a professional editor or just a beginner to start making animation, you will find the tools listed below are easy to use without watermark and won’t cost money to improve your skills.
The best part is you will find these free animation programs are also very useful for content creation on Mac and Windows. Besides, we have listed the pros and cons of each software. Keep reading!
- Part 1: Best Free Animation Software for Mac
- Part 2: Best Free Animation Software for Windows
- Part 3: FAQ about Animation Software for Windows and Mac
Here we have made a table of 12 free animation software without watermark on Windows and macOS. Take a look.
6 Free Animation Software for macOS
5K-3DMiddleIt is a great tool for 3D artists6KritaDifficultPerfect software for 2D animation
| Number | Software | Difficulty Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Synfig Studio | Easy | Calculate vector shape to animation automatically |
| 2 | Pencil2D Animation | Easiest | Straightforward interface for beginners |
| 3 | Tupi | Middle | Its community is active to offer solutions |
| 4 | Blender | Difficult | It is a powerful animation tool to render and make modeling |
6 Free Animation Software for Windows
| Number | Software | Difficulty Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DAZ Studio | Difficult | For professional users with the fast animation process |
| 2 | Terragen | Middle | It can make realistic CG environments |
| 3 | Anim8or | Difficult | 3D animation is Anim8or’s main function |
| 4 | Seamless3d | Easy | It has many features for 3d modeling |
| 5 | OpenToonz | Middle | Make cartoon animation with plugins |
| 6 | Stykz | Easy | Quickly make animation if you have used Pivot StickFigure Animator |
Best Animation Software on Windows and Mac - Filmora
Looking for a simple while powerful Mac video editing tool ? We recommend using Wondershare Filmora. You can use it to create 2D/3D animated texts, shapes, or anything you like for YouTube videos.
The keyframing features will help you make animation effects smooth and precise. When exporting, you can also make it transparent.
Besides, various title templates and transitions are also available for you. Download it now to have a try! Or learn more from Wondershare Video Community .
Key features
- Create various shapes that you like
- Add keyframing to make it move
- Fine-tuning to make it smooth
- Add visual effects/text/color before export it
You can even create photo cut animation which has been very trendy on Tiktok and Instagram. Here is a video to present you how you can do it in Filmora.
Part 1 Best Free Animation Software for Mac
Listed below is free animation software on Mac. Take a look.
01 Synfig Studio - Mac Software to Animate Video
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: You can create many layers once a time and sync audio for your animation.
Con: This one needs much time to learn, especially for beginners.
An open-source 2D animation software that works on Macs, Synfig Studio delivers multiple players while you are creating content. Whether you want to add geometric, filters, distortions, or transformations, it is all possible! And thanks to the high-end bone system, you can create cut-out videos using bitmap images!
The thoughtful part is there are two download versions on the homepage: the stable version and the development version. If you want to enjoy a stable and smooth animation editing experience, choose the stable one. However, the development package gives you access to the use of the latest features.
For a novice, you can learn Synfig from step by step guide in Wikipedia and video tutorials. Four languages are available including English, Russian, Dutch, and French for a video course.
You can free download its latest version 1.3.11. The upcoming version is 1.4.
Features:
- It offers support for many layers within the animation.
- The program’s bone system means that you can easily create animations with bitmap images or vector artwork.
- It allows you to sync your creative work with any sound that you want. Has a full-featured audio editor.
02 Pencil2D Animation - Animation Program for 2D Pencil Lover
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Pro: Easy to start and make animation as the interface is user-friendly for many people.
Con: You need to set your preference every time to open it up, so it takes up some time
Pencil2D Animation is one of the simplest 2D hand-drawn tools available. It will work flawlessly on Mac computers. It is ideal for beginners, as the commands and interface are very easy to understand.
Whether you want to create a simple one, or you want something with many layers for videos on YouTube, you can use Pencil2D animation to get it done. Its timeline is easy to use at first glance. You can add and duplicate different frames on a different track.
The frequency of releasing the new version is very fast as Pencil2D is committed to bringing the lasted features to each user. The newest version is v0.6.4 (as of August 2019). Its user guide is informative with video tutorials, FAQs, and manual material.
Features:
- Lightweight and minimalistic design that makes it very easy for beginners.
- Features raster and vector workflows, with easy switching between them. You can paint and sketch as you want!
- Will run on all platforms - Mac, Windows, and Linux.
- Completely free and open source.
03 TupiTube - Free Animation Application for Mac Users
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: It supports vector illustrations. Besides, various formats are available.
Con: If you want to make 3D animation, it will fail. You can only make 2D effects.
A free software application for YouTube, Tupi will allow you to create 2D animations to your heart’s content. The tool was started by animators who wanted to create something that others could use.
It is an open-source tool, which means that users can make tweaks to the program if they have some interesting ideas. The program works on both Windows and Mac. You need to use Tupi and Papagayo to make lip-sync animation with different mouth shapes.
It also offers a solution for schools with related features including academic license, technical support, and ads-free, so many schools choose to use this one to teach kids how to make an animation video.
Features:
- Support for vector illustrations. You can add rectangles, lines, polygons, and other shapes as you please. To fill areas, just use the paint bucket.
- You can import raster images using this program.
- You can export all your finished images into different file formats.
- Support for tweeting positions, scale, shear, and rotations.
04 Blender - Need Some Time to Learn This Animation Tool
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Really powerful software that you can make for professional users.
Con: It is not easy to make image animation as it focuses on 3D.
Blender is an open-source 3D animation creation suite without a watermark. If you find that 2D is a little bit limiting, we think that you will be very happy with what this free program offers. You can take your projects to a whole new level when you can use this program on your Mac.
You can use Blender to make a video game, modeling, and high-quality animation. However, it involves a steep learning curve. Luckily, there are many tutorials to guide you through the journey. You can also ask for help in the Blender community that millions of talented people like you are there.
Features:
- Creating renders is no problem with this program.
- Modeling, such as sculpting, retopology, and creating curves is not an issue either.
- VFX and animation features are better than any option on the market.
- It offers powerful simulation tools.
- Integration with pipeline tools is easy.
05 K-3D - Best for Animation and Modeling in 3D
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: Ideal for designing simple 3D animations and models.
Con: It has an old-fashioned interface. Also, the built-render (RenderMan) feature is difficult to use by beginners.
K-3D is an animation and 3D modeling software. You can download this tool for free on your Mac. Besides, you can also install and run it on your Windows and Linux systems. If you look at the design, you will find that the software is quite old. But don’t judge a book by its cover. Why so? It is because K-3D is one of the strongest and most versatile tools for 3D artists with many options.
For example, K-3D offers extremely systematic and methodological workflows. You can easily adjust the properties of the features in real-time and get instant results. It has a node-oriented visualization pipeline to enjoy more freedom. That means you can create animation using a variety of combinations.
One of the best things about K-3D is that it has three subdivisions of animation. You can work on your model on one side while showing the other side in a mirrored form. Then, experience the final result combined together. And in case you need to make the changes to the end results, you can simply work on the first subdivision and savor automatic changes to the results.
K-3D has an advanced redo and undo mechanism to ensure you can go back or move forward to make corrections or amendments without limits. Additionally, the tool is developed keeping in mind all the industrial standards. For instance, it has complete support and integration of native RenderMan™ to its user interface. This is an excellent feature because most free animation software for Mac requires third-party render plugins.
Features:
- Parametric workflow.
- 2D and 3D animation tools.
- Allows Python and K3DScript scripting.
06 Krita - For Professional 2D Animators
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Advanced tools with numerous animation options and online training material.
Con: Not suitable for beginners.
If you love 2D animation, then you’ll surely love Krita. It is entirely free software available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Also, it offers a full platform for drawing and frame-by-frame animation.
The number one reason for adoring Krita is its brush library. There are more than 100 professional brushes to give you a wide range of effects. Moreover, the strokes are pretty amazing and similar to Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.
Another great thing about Krita is the brush stabilization feature designed for shaky hands. You can add a stabilizer to your chosen brush to smoothen its flow. Besides, there’s a special Dynamic Brush tool to make animation more fun. At the same time, you can also customize your brushes through different brush engines, including filter engines, color smudge engines, and many more.
Apart from the basic brush options, the preloaded vector tools are next to admire. These tools help you make great comic panels. All you need to do is choose and drag the word bubble template on your canvas. Then, make changes with the anchor point to make new shapes. At the same time, you can also add text to your animation by using the text tool.
Last but not least, there’s a wrap-around mode to create seamless patterns and textures. That means the image or drawing makes its own references along the x-axis and y-axis. This gives you the freedom to continue painting and enjoy updates to your animation instantly.
Features:
- HDR painting.
- PSD support.
- Python scripting.
- Selection and transformation tools.
- Proper group, filter, vector, and file layer management.
- Complete color management for extraordinary results.
- Drawing assistant to help you with straight lines and vanishing points.
Part 2 Best Free Animation Software for Windows
Below is free animation software on Windows. Keep reading.
01 Anireel - Easy to Use Animation Software
Difficulty Level: Easy
Anireel is a simple yet powerful Video Creativity tool used to make 2D animated explainer videos. Developed by Wondershare, one of the most popular Windows software and tool developers, Anireel uses rich, ready-to-use, and diverse assets to help one effortlessly make animated videos.
Features:
- There are tons of drag and drop characters, actions, props, text, and audio assets.
- Easy Text-to-Speech conversion via deep studying technology.
- Animate integrated and imported assets.
- Tons of templates that match many script types.
02 DAZ Studio - Free Software for 3D Lovers
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: You can make game animation for fun. It also supports GPU accelerated real-time rendering.
Con: It has a high demand for the device, but owns a steep learning curve.
Daz 3d is a powerful and completely free 3D creation tool that will let you create the short videos that you want. Whether you are using this for business or pleasure, you will find the program is very easy to understand. Within a day, you will be completely used to its interface.
3D effects are the core focus of DAZ Studio. You can build a model, render, and pose animation within the skin texture level. It has a high requirement for the device. For Windows 64 bits, its recommended RAM is 3G.
Features:
- Options for 3D morphing, animation, and rendering.
- GPU accelerated real-time rendering, which delivers the best results.
- Interactive tutorials to help you become a better 3D artist.
- Everything you make is yours, royalty-free!
03 Terragen - Use It to Make CG Animation
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: The recently updated version is the best one. Ray-traced preview is a great function to help us make animation.
Con: The interface looks complicated, but it gets easy to know after you are familiar with it.
A completely free program that you can download and install on all Windows computers and tablets, Terragen is the ideal program for you to create the 3D animations and environments that you want. If you want a photo-realistic CG environment, using Terragen is the best way to do it!
Releasing imagination instantly, Terragen Creative is the one tool you’d like to consider. You can use it to make beautiful scenery.
For advanced tools, you can choose FBX to make animation quickly. The featured image gallery on its homepage will give you a deep understanding of the final outcome you can achieve with Terragen.
Features:
- Ray-traced preview. Without watermark after exporting
- Photo-realistic clouds and ozone simulation
- Rendering is twice as fast as the previous version of the program.
- Adding terrain, objects, and shader to your final product is very easy with the intuitive interface.
04 Anim8or - Free Tool to Make 3D Modeling
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Anim8or supports 3D modeler and TrueType fonts to meet advanced needs.
Con: Beginners will find it difficult to learn.
Anim8or is a free 3D modeling program that will let you create the unique work that you want. It is a personal project from an animator, but the program does get regular updates and troubleshooting.
It is not going to give you the same features as something like Studio Max or Maya, but you will get the basics. Beginners who are getting into animations will love this program.
Anim8or is a great tool to step into 3D animation ff you think other software is too different to start. In some way, it means you need to give up some advanced features. But all in all, it’s still recommended for you.
Features:
- A full 3D modeler that allows you to create spheres, cylinders, platonic solids, and any other objects that you want.
- Features support for TrueType fonts.
- Easy to create 3D scenes and output them as video files or images.
05 Seamless3d - Open-source Free Software
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: It is an open-source 3D modeling package. The good thing is the handy infinite Undo/Redo operation.
Con: Some advanced features are missing like drawing.
Seamless3d, an open-source 3D modeling software that you can download, is among the best animation worktables if you want to create specialized images, animated videos, or 3D characters.
It supports FFmpeg video format, so you can use AVI, MP4, and more. Besides, the forum is not active compared with before, but you still can find answers from many tutorials .
Features:
- It comes with infinite undo and redo options for complete flexibility to correct mistakes.
- It allows for partitioned and seamless texture mapping for YouTube videos.
- Has a specialized tree view interface.
06 OpenToonz - Support Plug in to Make Animation Freely
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: It is open-source software, so you can change the code freely.
Con: The plug-in effects are limited.
This animation program is made for beginners on Windows. It is among the best 2D animation software in the market. You can use plug-in effects to change image style, add lights, and distort details. It supports Windows 7/8/10 only for 64 bit.
Features:
- You can add provisional colors to make your animation more colorful.
- Smooth correction without frame losing.
- Compatible with black-and-white, colored, or without binarization scanning.
7 Stykz - Simple to Use Animation Program for Beginners
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: It is the best stick figure animation if you want to make this kind of video.
Con: The UI is not modern to use and needs time to adapt to using it.
Stykz is completely free to use and without a watermark. If you have used Pivot StickFigure Animator, then you will find Stykz is similar to it, but you can import the previous .stk files to animate it again. You can use it to make animation smooth frame by frame.
With its frame-based feature, Stykz is easy to customize each frame. You can change previous and current frames to get what you want. You can download it to have a try considering its easy-to-use features.
Features:
- There is some animes file on this website, so you can have a reference.
- Edit animation in the software without using another editing window.
- You can share the final work with others including information.
Part 3 FAQ about Animation Software for Windows and Mac
01 Are Macs good for animation?
To be frank, Mac is a better choice to make animation if you want to have a smooth animation experience. For example, screen resolution is a crucial factor to make excellent animation. The good is Mac’s screen will never let you disappointed.
02 What is the best animation software for Mac?
The best animation software on mac includes Synfig Studio, Pencil2D Animation, Tupi, Blender, and more. Mentioned are free-to-use. Maya is also worth considering animation software if you are a professional user. Maya offers a 1-month free trial. After it is ended, the paid plans are month, 1-year, and 3-year.
03 Can you animate in Photoshop?
Yes, you can make basic animation in Photoshop. However, it only supports frame-based animation making. In this case, you need to use other professional software to make animation. But, you still can use Photoshop to meet your needs if you are a beginner.
Conclusion
With any of these free animation maker programs on Mac and Windows, you will have an easy time creating your next 2D or 3D video. Ensure you choose the program that has the features and compatibility that you desire. Then it is up to your creative mind to come up with stunning animations! If you want to make animation easily, you can also find inspiration through classical animated cartoon types with examples .
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
In your search for quality animation software, you may have found that many of the programs cost a lot of money no matter it is 2D animation software or 3D animation editor. The good news is that you can choose free animation tools to make different animation types easily.
That is why we created a list of the best animation software on both Mac and Windows. Whether you are a professional editor or just a beginner to start making animation, you will find the tools listed below are easy to use without watermark and won’t cost money to improve your skills.
The best part is you will find these free animation programs are also very useful for content creation on Mac and Windows. Besides, we have listed the pros and cons of each software. Keep reading!
- Part 1: Best Free Animation Software for Mac
- Part 2: Best Free Animation Software for Windows
- Part 3: FAQ about Animation Software for Windows and Mac
Here we have made a table of 12 free animation software without watermark on Windows and macOS. Take a look.
6 Free Animation Software for macOS
5K-3DMiddleIt is a great tool for 3D artists6KritaDifficultPerfect software for 2D animation
| Number | Software | Difficulty Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Synfig Studio | Easy | Calculate vector shape to animation automatically |
| 2 | Pencil2D Animation | Easiest | Straightforward interface for beginners |
| 3 | Tupi | Middle | Its community is active to offer solutions |
| 4 | Blender | Difficult | It is a powerful animation tool to render and make modeling |
6 Free Animation Software for Windows
| Number | Software | Difficulty Level | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DAZ Studio | Difficult | For professional users with the fast animation process |
| 2 | Terragen | Middle | It can make realistic CG environments |
| 3 | Anim8or | Difficult | 3D animation is Anim8or’s main function |
| 4 | Seamless3d | Easy | It has many features for 3d modeling |
| 5 | OpenToonz | Middle | Make cartoon animation with plugins |
| 6 | Stykz | Easy | Quickly make animation if you have used Pivot StickFigure Animator |
Best Animation Software on Windows and Mac - Filmora
Looking for a simple while powerful Mac video editing tool ? We recommend using Wondershare Filmora. You can use it to create 2D/3D animated texts, shapes, or anything you like for YouTube videos.
The keyframing features will help you make animation effects smooth and precise. When exporting, you can also make it transparent.
Besides, various title templates and transitions are also available for you. Download it now to have a try! Or learn more from Wondershare Video Community .
Key features
- Create various shapes that you like
- Add keyframing to make it move
- Fine-tuning to make it smooth
- Add visual effects/text/color before export it
You can even create photo cut animation which has been very trendy on Tiktok and Instagram. Here is a video to present you how you can do it in Filmora.
Part 1 Best Free Animation Software for Mac
Listed below is free animation software on Mac. Take a look.
01 Synfig Studio - Mac Software to Animate Video
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: You can create many layers once a time and sync audio for your animation.
Con: This one needs much time to learn, especially for beginners.
An open-source 2D animation software that works on Macs, Synfig Studio delivers multiple players while you are creating content. Whether you want to add geometric, filters, distortions, or transformations, it is all possible! And thanks to the high-end bone system, you can create cut-out videos using bitmap images!
The thoughtful part is there are two download versions on the homepage: the stable version and the development version. If you want to enjoy a stable and smooth animation editing experience, choose the stable one. However, the development package gives you access to the use of the latest features.
For a novice, you can learn Synfig from step by step guide in Wikipedia and video tutorials. Four languages are available including English, Russian, Dutch, and French for a video course.
You can free download its latest version 1.3.11. The upcoming version is 1.4.
Features:
- It offers support for many layers within the animation.
- The program’s bone system means that you can easily create animations with bitmap images or vector artwork.
- It allows you to sync your creative work with any sound that you want. Has a full-featured audio editor.
02 Pencil2D Animation - Animation Program for 2D Pencil Lover
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Pro: Easy to start and make animation as the interface is user-friendly for many people.
Con: You need to set your preference every time to open it up, so it takes up some time
Pencil2D Animation is one of the simplest 2D hand-drawn tools available. It will work flawlessly on Mac computers. It is ideal for beginners, as the commands and interface are very easy to understand.
Whether you want to create a simple one, or you want something with many layers for videos on YouTube, you can use Pencil2D animation to get it done. Its timeline is easy to use at first glance. You can add and duplicate different frames on a different track.
The frequency of releasing the new version is very fast as Pencil2D is committed to bringing the lasted features to each user. The newest version is v0.6.4 (as of August 2019). Its user guide is informative with video tutorials, FAQs, and manual material.
Features:
- Lightweight and minimalistic design that makes it very easy for beginners.
- Features raster and vector workflows, with easy switching between them. You can paint and sketch as you want!
- Will run on all platforms - Mac, Windows, and Linux.
- Completely free and open source.
03 TupiTube - Free Animation Application for Mac Users
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: It supports vector illustrations. Besides, various formats are available.
Con: If you want to make 3D animation, it will fail. You can only make 2D effects.
A free software application for YouTube, Tupi will allow you to create 2D animations to your heart’s content. The tool was started by animators who wanted to create something that others could use.
It is an open-source tool, which means that users can make tweaks to the program if they have some interesting ideas. The program works on both Windows and Mac. You need to use Tupi and Papagayo to make lip-sync animation with different mouth shapes.
It also offers a solution for schools with related features including academic license, technical support, and ads-free, so many schools choose to use this one to teach kids how to make an animation video.
Features:
- Support for vector illustrations. You can add rectangles, lines, polygons, and other shapes as you please. To fill areas, just use the paint bucket.
- You can import raster images using this program.
- You can export all your finished images into different file formats.
- Support for tweeting positions, scale, shear, and rotations.
04 Blender - Need Some Time to Learn This Animation Tool
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Really powerful software that you can make for professional users.
Con: It is not easy to make image animation as it focuses on 3D.
Blender is an open-source 3D animation creation suite without a watermark. If you find that 2D is a little bit limiting, we think that you will be very happy with what this free program offers. You can take your projects to a whole new level when you can use this program on your Mac.
You can use Blender to make a video game, modeling, and high-quality animation. However, it involves a steep learning curve. Luckily, there are many tutorials to guide you through the journey. You can also ask for help in the Blender community that millions of talented people like you are there.
Features:
- Creating renders is no problem with this program.
- Modeling, such as sculpting, retopology, and creating curves is not an issue either.
- VFX and animation features are better than any option on the market.
- It offers powerful simulation tools.
- Integration with pipeline tools is easy.
05 K-3D - Best for Animation and Modeling in 3D
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: Ideal for designing simple 3D animations and models.
Con: It has an old-fashioned interface. Also, the built-render (RenderMan) feature is difficult to use by beginners.
K-3D is an animation and 3D modeling software. You can download this tool for free on your Mac. Besides, you can also install and run it on your Windows and Linux systems. If you look at the design, you will find that the software is quite old. But don’t judge a book by its cover. Why so? It is because K-3D is one of the strongest and most versatile tools for 3D artists with many options.
For example, K-3D offers extremely systematic and methodological workflows. You can easily adjust the properties of the features in real-time and get instant results. It has a node-oriented visualization pipeline to enjoy more freedom. That means you can create animation using a variety of combinations.
One of the best things about K-3D is that it has three subdivisions of animation. You can work on your model on one side while showing the other side in a mirrored form. Then, experience the final result combined together. And in case you need to make the changes to the end results, you can simply work on the first subdivision and savor automatic changes to the results.
K-3D has an advanced redo and undo mechanism to ensure you can go back or move forward to make corrections or amendments without limits. Additionally, the tool is developed keeping in mind all the industrial standards. For instance, it has complete support and integration of native RenderMan™ to its user interface. This is an excellent feature because most free animation software for Mac requires third-party render plugins.
Features:
- Parametric workflow.
- 2D and 3D animation tools.
- Allows Python and K3DScript scripting.
06 Krita - For Professional 2D Animators
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Advanced tools with numerous animation options and online training material.
Con: Not suitable for beginners.
If you love 2D animation, then you’ll surely love Krita. It is entirely free software available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Also, it offers a full platform for drawing and frame-by-frame animation.
The number one reason for adoring Krita is its brush library. There are more than 100 professional brushes to give you a wide range of effects. Moreover, the strokes are pretty amazing and similar to Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.
Another great thing about Krita is the brush stabilization feature designed for shaky hands. You can add a stabilizer to your chosen brush to smoothen its flow. Besides, there’s a special Dynamic Brush tool to make animation more fun. At the same time, you can also customize your brushes through different brush engines, including filter engines, color smudge engines, and many more.
Apart from the basic brush options, the preloaded vector tools are next to admire. These tools help you make great comic panels. All you need to do is choose and drag the word bubble template on your canvas. Then, make changes with the anchor point to make new shapes. At the same time, you can also add text to your animation by using the text tool.
Last but not least, there’s a wrap-around mode to create seamless patterns and textures. That means the image or drawing makes its own references along the x-axis and y-axis. This gives you the freedom to continue painting and enjoy updates to your animation instantly.
Features:
- HDR painting.
- PSD support.
- Python scripting.
- Selection and transformation tools.
- Proper group, filter, vector, and file layer management.
- Complete color management for extraordinary results.
- Drawing assistant to help you with straight lines and vanishing points.
Part 2 Best Free Animation Software for Windows
Below is free animation software on Windows. Keep reading.
01 Anireel - Easy to Use Animation Software
Difficulty Level: Easy
Anireel is a simple yet powerful Video Creativity tool used to make 2D animated explainer videos. Developed by Wondershare, one of the most popular Windows software and tool developers, Anireel uses rich, ready-to-use, and diverse assets to help one effortlessly make animated videos.
Features:
- There are tons of drag and drop characters, actions, props, text, and audio assets.
- Easy Text-to-Speech conversion via deep studying technology.
- Animate integrated and imported assets.
- Tons of templates that match many script types.
02 DAZ Studio - Free Software for 3D Lovers
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: You can make game animation for fun. It also supports GPU accelerated real-time rendering.
Con: It has a high demand for the device, but owns a steep learning curve.
Daz 3d is a powerful and completely free 3D creation tool that will let you create the short videos that you want. Whether you are using this for business or pleasure, you will find the program is very easy to understand. Within a day, you will be completely used to its interface.
3D effects are the core focus of DAZ Studio. You can build a model, render, and pose animation within the skin texture level. It has a high requirement for the device. For Windows 64 bits, its recommended RAM is 3G.
Features:
- Options for 3D morphing, animation, and rendering.
- GPU accelerated real-time rendering, which delivers the best results.
- Interactive tutorials to help you become a better 3D artist.
- Everything you make is yours, royalty-free!
03 Terragen - Use It to Make CG Animation
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: The recently updated version is the best one. Ray-traced preview is a great function to help us make animation.
Con: The interface looks complicated, but it gets easy to know after you are familiar with it.
A completely free program that you can download and install on all Windows computers and tablets, Terragen is the ideal program for you to create the 3D animations and environments that you want. If you want a photo-realistic CG environment, using Terragen is the best way to do it!
Releasing imagination instantly, Terragen Creative is the one tool you’d like to consider. You can use it to make beautiful scenery.
For advanced tools, you can choose FBX to make animation quickly. The featured image gallery on its homepage will give you a deep understanding of the final outcome you can achieve with Terragen.
Features:
- Ray-traced preview. Without watermark after exporting
- Photo-realistic clouds and ozone simulation
- Rendering is twice as fast as the previous version of the program.
- Adding terrain, objects, and shader to your final product is very easy with the intuitive interface.
04 Anim8or - Free Tool to Make 3D Modeling
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Pro: Anim8or supports 3D modeler and TrueType fonts to meet advanced needs.
Con: Beginners will find it difficult to learn.
Anim8or is a free 3D modeling program that will let you create the unique work that you want. It is a personal project from an animator, but the program does get regular updates and troubleshooting.
It is not going to give you the same features as something like Studio Max or Maya, but you will get the basics. Beginners who are getting into animations will love this program.
Anim8or is a great tool to step into 3D animation ff you think other software is too different to start. In some way, it means you need to give up some advanced features. But all in all, it’s still recommended for you.
Features:
- A full 3D modeler that allows you to create spheres, cylinders, platonic solids, and any other objects that you want.
- Features support for TrueType fonts.
- Easy to create 3D scenes and output them as video files or images.
05 Seamless3d - Open-source Free Software
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: It is an open-source 3D modeling package. The good thing is the handy infinite Undo/Redo operation.
Con: Some advanced features are missing like drawing.
Seamless3d, an open-source 3D modeling software that you can download, is among the best animation worktables if you want to create specialized images, animated videos, or 3D characters.
It supports FFmpeg video format, so you can use AVI, MP4, and more. Besides, the forum is not active compared with before, but you still can find answers from many tutorials .
Features:
- It comes with infinite undo and redo options for complete flexibility to correct mistakes.
- It allows for partitioned and seamless texture mapping for YouTube videos.
- Has a specialized tree view interface.
06 OpenToonz - Support Plug in to Make Animation Freely
Difficulty Level: Middle
Pro: It is open-source software, so you can change the code freely.
Con: The plug-in effects are limited.
This animation program is made for beginners on Windows. It is among the best 2D animation software in the market. You can use plug-in effects to change image style, add lights, and distort details. It supports Windows 7/8/10 only for 64 bit.
Features:
- You can add provisional colors to make your animation more colorful.
- Smooth correction without frame losing.
- Compatible with black-and-white, colored, or without binarization scanning.
7 Stykz - Simple to Use Animation Program for Beginners
Difficulty Level: Easy
Pro: It is the best stick figure animation if you want to make this kind of video.
Con: The UI is not modern to use and needs time to adapt to using it.
Stykz is completely free to use and without a watermark. If you have used Pivot StickFigure Animator, then you will find Stykz is similar to it, but you can import the previous .stk files to animate it again. You can use it to make animation smooth frame by frame.
With its frame-based feature, Stykz is easy to customize each frame. You can change previous and current frames to get what you want. You can download it to have a try considering its easy-to-use features.
Features:
- There is some animes file on this website, so you can have a reference.
- Edit animation in the software without using another editing window.
- You can share the final work with others including information.
Part 3 FAQ about Animation Software for Windows and Mac
01 Are Macs good for animation?
To be frank, Mac is a better choice to make animation if you want to have a smooth animation experience. For example, screen resolution is a crucial factor to make excellent animation. The good is Mac’s screen will never let you disappointed.
02 What is the best animation software for Mac?
The best animation software on mac includes Synfig Studio, Pencil2D Animation, Tupi, Blender, and more. Mentioned are free-to-use. Maya is also worth considering animation software if you are a professional user. Maya offers a 1-month free trial. After it is ended, the paid plans are month, 1-year, and 3-year.
03 Can you animate in Photoshop?
Yes, you can make basic animation in Photoshop. However, it only supports frame-based animation making. In this case, you need to use other professional software to make animation. But, you still can use Photoshop to meet your needs if you are a beginner.
Conclusion
With any of these free animation maker programs on Mac and Windows, you will have an easy time creating your next 2D or 3D video. Ensure you choose the program that has the features and compatibility that you desire. Then it is up to your creative mind to come up with stunning animations! If you want to make animation easily, you can also find inspiration through classical animated cartoon types with examples .
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
‘S Best Video Editors for High-Resolution Proxy Video Editing
Top 8 Video Editing Apps for 4K Proxy Video Editing
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Shooting videos in high resolutions can help you create visually impressive content your followers on social media are going to adore. The only trouble is that the size of 4K videos can slow you down during the video editing process if your computer doesn’t have enough RAM memory or processing power. Additionally, quite a few inexpensive or free video editing apps don’t allow their users to create low-resolution proxy files that make the process of editing 4K videos much faster. That’s why in this article we are going to take you through the best 8 video editors you can use for 4K proxy video editing.
The Best Video Editing Apps for Proxy Editing in 2020
Some of the video editing apps we featured in this article can only run on computers that already have the advanced hardware setups. However, even if you have a computer setup that can easily support processing of the 4K video files, proxy editing can still be useful as it can reduce the amount of time you will have to spend on performing complex video editing tasks. Let’s take a look at some of the best video editors that support proxy editing.
1. Filmora
Price: Free version available, subscription plans start at $49.99 per year
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
The wide range of video editing options, support for nearly all popular video file formats or quick and simple exporting process are only a few reasons why Filmora is one of the best video editors you can use this year. Creating proxy files in Filmora is not a difficult task, because the software generates them automatically for you. You just have to choose between the 1280x720p or 1920x1080p resolutions and Filmora will create proxies for all media files that are larger than the resolution you’ve selected. However, the amount of time Filmora is going to need to create proxies depends on your computer’s processing power, but also on the size and the number of the RAW files you imported into a project.
2. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Price: $20,99 per month, different subscription plans available
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
This is probably one of the best, if not the best non-linear video editing software ever created, so it is hardly surprising that you can easily create proxy files for all videos you use in a project you create in Adobe Premiere Pro. So, to create proxy files you just need to open the folder that contains those files from the Media Browser and then click on the Ingest button. You should then click on the wrench tool and pick the Create Proxies option from the drop-down menu located next to the Ingest option. Afterward, you should select one of the available resolution presets and proceed to import the footage into the project. However, before you can start editing with proxies you have to click on the Toggle Proxy button.
3. Final Cut Pro X
Price: Free trial available, $299,99
Compatibility: macOS
Transcoding media with FCPX doesn’t require too much effort, as the software offers a couple of options that make the editing process faster. You can opt to generate optimized media files by transcoding the original video clips into Apple ProRes 422 codec format that shortens the amount of time needed for rendering and provides excellent quality of color that is required for compositing. The proxy media files will also be created by transcoding the videos to Apple ProRes 422 codec format that retains original aspect ratio and frame rate of the video clips you transcoded. It is also worth noting that FCPX transcodes all mp3 files you import into a project to MOV audio files.
4. Vegas Pro
Price: Subscription plans start from $249,00
Compatibility: Windows
This video editor is often overlooked in conversations about the most powerful video editing apps, but the tools it offers are powerful enough to enable you to edit videos at a professional level. Creating proxy files in Vegas Pro is remarkably easy, as you just have to import the files into a new project, select each file you want to transcode and then choose the Create Video Proxy option from the right-click menu. Just keep in mind that you must create proxy files before you do any actual editing because otherwise, the transcoding process is not going work.
5. Blender
Price: Free
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows
Blender is a 3D modeling and VFX software that lets you track objects or use 3D painting tools among numerous other options. Even though creating proxies with this app is not a particularly complicated process, you still have to be familiar with Blender in order to make full use of its transcoding options. The software allows you to generate proxy files whose size is only 25% of the video’s original size, although you can also create proxies that have 50% and 75% of the video’s original size. After you’ve adjusted the transcoding settings you should simply click on the Rebuild Proxy and Timecode Indices button.
6. Shotcut
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
Despite the fact that this cross-platform video editor supports 4K and ProRes files that can cause it to lag at times, creating proxies in Shotcut is a highly technical process. In case you decide to make a proxy file by yourself, you will have to export a version of the file that is two or four times smaller than the original. You must also remember that you have to go through the entire process of creating proxies before you make any edits. The trick to creating proxies in Shotcut is to make a project file with the larger version of the video, then replace the larger version of the file with a smaller version of that same video file, before you actually start editing. Once you’ve completed the editing process, you can then once again add the larger source file to the project and export your video in high resolution.
7. Lightworks
Price: Free trial available, subscription plans start at $24,99 per month
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows
The process of creating proxies in Lightworks is rather simple since you just have to import the video files you’d like to edit into the software and make sure they are selected before you right-click on them. Once the right-click menu appears on the screen you should click on the Media submenu and select the Make Proxies option. The amount of time Lightworks is going to need to generate the proxy files depends on the number of the source files and their size. You can then proceed to add the proxies to the timeline, edit them and Lightworks will automatically use the source files instead of proxies during the rendering process.
8. HitFilm Express
Price: Free
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Once you create a new project and import all video clips you want to use in that project into the editor you should just go to the Assets menu that is located in the Media panel and click on the Make Proxy option. You will be able to continue editing while the transcoding process is still in progress, and after the source files are transcoded they will be replaced by proxies. However, making adjustments to a proxy version of a composite shot will invalidate that proxy file, which is why it is important to make all edits on that shot before you create its proxy.
Conclusion
Reducing the size of video clips you use in your projects is going to save you a lot of time during the video editing process. Each video editing software we featured in this article allows its users to generate proxy files effortlessly. Which video editor are you going to be using for proxy video editing? Leave a comment below and let us know.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Shooting videos in high resolutions can help you create visually impressive content your followers on social media are going to adore. The only trouble is that the size of 4K videos can slow you down during the video editing process if your computer doesn’t have enough RAM memory or processing power. Additionally, quite a few inexpensive or free video editing apps don’t allow their users to create low-resolution proxy files that make the process of editing 4K videos much faster. That’s why in this article we are going to take you through the best 8 video editors you can use for 4K proxy video editing.
The Best Video Editing Apps for Proxy Editing in 2020
Some of the video editing apps we featured in this article can only run on computers that already have the advanced hardware setups. However, even if you have a computer setup that can easily support processing of the 4K video files, proxy editing can still be useful as it can reduce the amount of time you will have to spend on performing complex video editing tasks. Let’s take a look at some of the best video editors that support proxy editing.
1. Filmora
Price: Free version available, subscription plans start at $49.99 per year
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
The wide range of video editing options, support for nearly all popular video file formats or quick and simple exporting process are only a few reasons why Filmora is one of the best video editors you can use this year. Creating proxy files in Filmora is not a difficult task, because the software generates them automatically for you. You just have to choose between the 1280x720p or 1920x1080p resolutions and Filmora will create proxies for all media files that are larger than the resolution you’ve selected. However, the amount of time Filmora is going to need to create proxies depends on your computer’s processing power, but also on the size and the number of the RAW files you imported into a project.
2. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Price: $20,99 per month, different subscription plans available
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
This is probably one of the best, if not the best non-linear video editing software ever created, so it is hardly surprising that you can easily create proxy files for all videos you use in a project you create in Adobe Premiere Pro. So, to create proxy files you just need to open the folder that contains those files from the Media Browser and then click on the Ingest button. You should then click on the wrench tool and pick the Create Proxies option from the drop-down menu located next to the Ingest option. Afterward, you should select one of the available resolution presets and proceed to import the footage into the project. However, before you can start editing with proxies you have to click on the Toggle Proxy button.
3. Final Cut Pro X
Price: Free trial available, $299,99
Compatibility: macOS
Transcoding media with FCPX doesn’t require too much effort, as the software offers a couple of options that make the editing process faster. You can opt to generate optimized media files by transcoding the original video clips into Apple ProRes 422 codec format that shortens the amount of time needed for rendering and provides excellent quality of color that is required for compositing. The proxy media files will also be created by transcoding the videos to Apple ProRes 422 codec format that retains original aspect ratio and frame rate of the video clips you transcoded. It is also worth noting that FCPX transcodes all mp3 files you import into a project to MOV audio files.
4. Vegas Pro
Price: Subscription plans start from $249,00
Compatibility: Windows
This video editor is often overlooked in conversations about the most powerful video editing apps, but the tools it offers are powerful enough to enable you to edit videos at a professional level. Creating proxy files in Vegas Pro is remarkably easy, as you just have to import the files into a new project, select each file you want to transcode and then choose the Create Video Proxy option from the right-click menu. Just keep in mind that you must create proxy files before you do any actual editing because otherwise, the transcoding process is not going work.
5. Blender
Price: Free
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows
Blender is a 3D modeling and VFX software that lets you track objects or use 3D painting tools among numerous other options. Even though creating proxies with this app is not a particularly complicated process, you still have to be familiar with Blender in order to make full use of its transcoding options. The software allows you to generate proxy files whose size is only 25% of the video’s original size, although you can also create proxies that have 50% and 75% of the video’s original size. After you’ve adjusted the transcoding settings you should simply click on the Rebuild Proxy and Timecode Indices button.
6. Shotcut
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
Despite the fact that this cross-platform video editor supports 4K and ProRes files that can cause it to lag at times, creating proxies in Shotcut is a highly technical process. In case you decide to make a proxy file by yourself, you will have to export a version of the file that is two or four times smaller than the original. You must also remember that you have to go through the entire process of creating proxies before you make any edits. The trick to creating proxies in Shotcut is to make a project file with the larger version of the video, then replace the larger version of the file with a smaller version of that same video file, before you actually start editing. Once you’ve completed the editing process, you can then once again add the larger source file to the project and export your video in high resolution.
7. Lightworks
Price: Free trial available, subscription plans start at $24,99 per month
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows
The process of creating proxies in Lightworks is rather simple since you just have to import the video files you’d like to edit into the software and make sure they are selected before you right-click on them. Once the right-click menu appears on the screen you should click on the Media submenu and select the Make Proxies option. The amount of time Lightworks is going to need to generate the proxy files depends on the number of the source files and their size. You can then proceed to add the proxies to the timeline, edit them and Lightworks will automatically use the source files instead of proxies during the rendering process.
8. HitFilm Express
Price: Free
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Once you create a new project and import all video clips you want to use in that project into the editor you should just go to the Assets menu that is located in the Media panel and click on the Make Proxy option. You will be able to continue editing while the transcoding process is still in progress, and after the source files are transcoded they will be replaced by proxies. However, making adjustments to a proxy version of a composite shot will invalidate that proxy file, which is why it is important to make all edits on that shot before you create its proxy.
Conclusion
Reducing the size of video clips you use in your projects is going to save you a lot of time during the video editing process. Each video editing software we featured in this article allows its users to generate proxy files effortlessly. Which video editor are you going to be using for proxy video editing? Leave a comment below and let us know.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Shooting videos in high resolutions can help you create visually impressive content your followers on social media are going to adore. The only trouble is that the size of 4K videos can slow you down during the video editing process if your computer doesn’t have enough RAM memory or processing power. Additionally, quite a few inexpensive or free video editing apps don’t allow their users to create low-resolution proxy files that make the process of editing 4K videos much faster. That’s why in this article we are going to take you through the best 8 video editors you can use for 4K proxy video editing.
The Best Video Editing Apps for Proxy Editing in 2020
Some of the video editing apps we featured in this article can only run on computers that already have the advanced hardware setups. However, even if you have a computer setup that can easily support processing of the 4K video files, proxy editing can still be useful as it can reduce the amount of time you will have to spend on performing complex video editing tasks. Let’s take a look at some of the best video editors that support proxy editing.
1. Filmora
Price: Free version available, subscription plans start at $49.99 per year
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
The wide range of video editing options, support for nearly all popular video file formats or quick and simple exporting process are only a few reasons why Filmora is one of the best video editors you can use this year. Creating proxy files in Filmora is not a difficult task, because the software generates them automatically for you. You just have to choose between the 1280x720p or 1920x1080p resolutions and Filmora will create proxies for all media files that are larger than the resolution you’ve selected. However, the amount of time Filmora is going to need to create proxies depends on your computer’s processing power, but also on the size and the number of the RAW files you imported into a project.
2. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Price: $20,99 per month, different subscription plans available
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
This is probably one of the best, if not the best non-linear video editing software ever created, so it is hardly surprising that you can easily create proxy files for all videos you use in a project you create in Adobe Premiere Pro. So, to create proxy files you just need to open the folder that contains those files from the Media Browser and then click on the Ingest button. You should then click on the wrench tool and pick the Create Proxies option from the drop-down menu located next to the Ingest option. Afterward, you should select one of the available resolution presets and proceed to import the footage into the project. However, before you can start editing with proxies you have to click on the Toggle Proxy button.
3. Final Cut Pro X
Price: Free trial available, $299,99
Compatibility: macOS
Transcoding media with FCPX doesn’t require too much effort, as the software offers a couple of options that make the editing process faster. You can opt to generate optimized media files by transcoding the original video clips into Apple ProRes 422 codec format that shortens the amount of time needed for rendering and provides excellent quality of color that is required for compositing. The proxy media files will also be created by transcoding the videos to Apple ProRes 422 codec format that retains original aspect ratio and frame rate of the video clips you transcoded. It is also worth noting that FCPX transcodes all mp3 files you import into a project to MOV audio files.
4. Vegas Pro
Price: Subscription plans start from $249,00
Compatibility: Windows
This video editor is often overlooked in conversations about the most powerful video editing apps, but the tools it offers are powerful enough to enable you to edit videos at a professional level. Creating proxy files in Vegas Pro is remarkably easy, as you just have to import the files into a new project, select each file you want to transcode and then choose the Create Video Proxy option from the right-click menu. Just keep in mind that you must create proxy files before you do any actual editing because otherwise, the transcoding process is not going work.
5. Blender
Price: Free
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows
Blender is a 3D modeling and VFX software that lets you track objects or use 3D painting tools among numerous other options. Even though creating proxies with this app is not a particularly complicated process, you still have to be familiar with Blender in order to make full use of its transcoding options. The software allows you to generate proxy files whose size is only 25% of the video’s original size, although you can also create proxies that have 50% and 75% of the video’s original size. After you’ve adjusted the transcoding settings you should simply click on the Rebuild Proxy and Timecode Indices button.
6. Shotcut
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
Despite the fact that this cross-platform video editor supports 4K and ProRes files that can cause it to lag at times, creating proxies in Shotcut is a highly technical process. In case you decide to make a proxy file by yourself, you will have to export a version of the file that is two or four times smaller than the original. You must also remember that you have to go through the entire process of creating proxies before you make any edits. The trick to creating proxies in Shotcut is to make a project file with the larger version of the video, then replace the larger version of the file with a smaller version of that same video file, before you actually start editing. Once you’ve completed the editing process, you can then once again add the larger source file to the project and export your video in high resolution.
7. Lightworks
Price: Free trial available, subscription plans start at $24,99 per month
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows
The process of creating proxies in Lightworks is rather simple since you just have to import the video files you’d like to edit into the software and make sure they are selected before you right-click on them. Once the right-click menu appears on the screen you should click on the Media submenu and select the Make Proxies option. The amount of time Lightworks is going to need to generate the proxy files depends on the number of the source files and their size. You can then proceed to add the proxies to the timeline, edit them and Lightworks will automatically use the source files instead of proxies during the rendering process.
8. HitFilm Express
Price: Free
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Once you create a new project and import all video clips you want to use in that project into the editor you should just go to the Assets menu that is located in the Media panel and click on the Make Proxy option. You will be able to continue editing while the transcoding process is still in progress, and after the source files are transcoded they will be replaced by proxies. However, making adjustments to a proxy version of a composite shot will invalidate that proxy file, which is why it is important to make all edits on that shot before you create its proxy.
Conclusion
Reducing the size of video clips you use in your projects is going to save you a lot of time during the video editing process. Each video editing software we featured in this article allows its users to generate proxy files effortlessly. Which video editor are you going to be using for proxy video editing? Leave a comment below and let us know.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Shooting videos in high resolutions can help you create visually impressive content your followers on social media are going to adore. The only trouble is that the size of 4K videos can slow you down during the video editing process if your computer doesn’t have enough RAM memory or processing power. Additionally, quite a few inexpensive or free video editing apps don’t allow their users to create low-resolution proxy files that make the process of editing 4K videos much faster. That’s why in this article we are going to take you through the best 8 video editors you can use for 4K proxy video editing.
The Best Video Editing Apps for Proxy Editing in 2020
Some of the video editing apps we featured in this article can only run on computers that already have the advanced hardware setups. However, even if you have a computer setup that can easily support processing of the 4K video files, proxy editing can still be useful as it can reduce the amount of time you will have to spend on performing complex video editing tasks. Let’s take a look at some of the best video editors that support proxy editing.
1. Filmora
Price: Free version available, subscription plans start at $49.99 per year
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
The wide range of video editing options, support for nearly all popular video file formats or quick and simple exporting process are only a few reasons why Filmora is one of the best video editors you can use this year. Creating proxy files in Filmora is not a difficult task, because the software generates them automatically for you. You just have to choose between the 1280x720p or 1920x1080p resolutions and Filmora will create proxies for all media files that are larger than the resolution you’ve selected. However, the amount of time Filmora is going to need to create proxies depends on your computer’s processing power, but also on the size and the number of the RAW files you imported into a project.
2. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Price: $20,99 per month, different subscription plans available
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
This is probably one of the best, if not the best non-linear video editing software ever created, so it is hardly surprising that you can easily create proxy files for all videos you use in a project you create in Adobe Premiere Pro. So, to create proxy files you just need to open the folder that contains those files from the Media Browser and then click on the Ingest button. You should then click on the wrench tool and pick the Create Proxies option from the drop-down menu located next to the Ingest option. Afterward, you should select one of the available resolution presets and proceed to import the footage into the project. However, before you can start editing with proxies you have to click on the Toggle Proxy button.
3. Final Cut Pro X
Price: Free trial available, $299,99
Compatibility: macOS
Transcoding media with FCPX doesn’t require too much effort, as the software offers a couple of options that make the editing process faster. You can opt to generate optimized media files by transcoding the original video clips into Apple ProRes 422 codec format that shortens the amount of time needed for rendering and provides excellent quality of color that is required for compositing. The proxy media files will also be created by transcoding the videos to Apple ProRes 422 codec format that retains original aspect ratio and frame rate of the video clips you transcoded. It is also worth noting that FCPX transcodes all mp3 files you import into a project to MOV audio files.
4. Vegas Pro
Price: Subscription plans start from $249,00
Compatibility: Windows
This video editor is often overlooked in conversations about the most powerful video editing apps, but the tools it offers are powerful enough to enable you to edit videos at a professional level. Creating proxy files in Vegas Pro is remarkably easy, as you just have to import the files into a new project, select each file you want to transcode and then choose the Create Video Proxy option from the right-click menu. Just keep in mind that you must create proxy files before you do any actual editing because otherwise, the transcoding process is not going work.
5. Blender
Price: Free
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows
Blender is a 3D modeling and VFX software that lets you track objects or use 3D painting tools among numerous other options. Even though creating proxies with this app is not a particularly complicated process, you still have to be familiar with Blender in order to make full use of its transcoding options. The software allows you to generate proxy files whose size is only 25% of the video’s original size, although you can also create proxies that have 50% and 75% of the video’s original size. After you’ve adjusted the transcoding settings you should simply click on the Rebuild Proxy and Timecode Indices button.
6. Shotcut
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
Despite the fact that this cross-platform video editor supports 4K and ProRes files that can cause it to lag at times, creating proxies in Shotcut is a highly technical process. In case you decide to make a proxy file by yourself, you will have to export a version of the file that is two or four times smaller than the original. You must also remember that you have to go through the entire process of creating proxies before you make any edits. The trick to creating proxies in Shotcut is to make a project file with the larger version of the video, then replace the larger version of the file with a smaller version of that same video file, before you actually start editing. Once you’ve completed the editing process, you can then once again add the larger source file to the project and export your video in high resolution.
7. Lightworks
Price: Free trial available, subscription plans start at $24,99 per month
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows
The process of creating proxies in Lightworks is rather simple since you just have to import the video files you’d like to edit into the software and make sure they are selected before you right-click on them. Once the right-click menu appears on the screen you should click on the Media submenu and select the Make Proxies option. The amount of time Lightworks is going to need to generate the proxy files depends on the number of the source files and their size. You can then proceed to add the proxies to the timeline, edit them and Lightworks will automatically use the source files instead of proxies during the rendering process.
8. HitFilm Express
Price: Free
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Once you create a new project and import all video clips you want to use in that project into the editor you should just go to the Assets menu that is located in the Media panel and click on the Make Proxy option. You will be able to continue editing while the transcoding process is still in progress, and after the source files are transcoded they will be replaced by proxies. However, making adjustments to a proxy version of a composite shot will invalidate that proxy file, which is why it is important to make all edits on that shot before you create its proxy.
Conclusion
Reducing the size of video clips you use in your projects is going to save you a lot of time during the video editing process. Each video editing software we featured in this article allows its users to generate proxy files effortlessly. Which video editor are you going to be using for proxy video editing? Leave a comment below and let us know.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
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- Title: Updated 2024 Approved IMovie on a Budget The Best Free Online Video Editing Alternatives
- Author: Ava
- Created at : 2024-04-29 13:17:41
- Updated at : 2024-04-30 13:17:41
- Link: https://video-content-creator.techidaily.com/updated-2024-approved-imovie-on-a-budget-the-best-free-online-video-editing-alternatives/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
