Nowadays, almost all video editing is non-linear, allowing for enormous flexibility and the ability to be completed in any sequence. Before the invention of computer editing, linear editing systems, a kind of analog video editing, were supplanted by non-linear editors (NLEs).
A revolution in editing ease, speed, and flexibility was ushered in by computers. Discover why non-linear editing is so much faster and simpler in the next paragraphs, along with a few unexpected things you may still learn from linear editing.
An audio and video file can be placed on numerous tracks in any desired order in a non-linear video editor. As a result, files can be utilized concurrently in the same scene and are not necessarily required to begin one after another.
Non-linearity permeates virtually all offline video editors. VSDC, iMovie, and Davinci Resolve are some of the more well-known free ones. Adobe Premiere, Vegas Pro, and Final Cut Pro are three of the most well-known premium options.
Comparing non-linear video editing to linear video editing is the most effective technique to completely comprehend what it entails.
What precisely sets linear editing apart from non-linear editing?
The number of tracks on the timeline is the key difference between linear and non-linear editing. They would be right: unlike non-linear video editors, linear video editors only have one track.
When actual cassettes were necessary for filming years ago, the linear editing technique was initially used. A filmmaker would really need to cut the unwanted portions from the original video, take what's left, and put them together in a new sequence in order to create a storyline. This method was known as linear since you could only connect components one after the other.
Some of the original video editors employed the same linear method even after the field began to develop and digital cameras became practical.
There was just one audio track and one video track in Movie Maker. This implies that you could only utilize one soundtrack at a time and arrange video clips in a direct sequence.
You may utilize many video and audio tracks using non-linear editing software, which is different from linear video editors. This implies that files may be layered and stacked. For instance, you may place two movies on the timeline, one underneath the other, and they will both play back at the same time. The side-by-side and picture-in-picture effects function in this way.
What advantages does non-linear video editing offer?
The main benefit of non-linear video editing is, as you would have imagined, the creative process's flexibility. In addition to placing different movies and pictures in the scene and displaying them in their original form, you can also mix those videos and photographs to create a new composition.
Non-linear Video Editing Software at its Finest
The most frequent method of video editing is via non-linear editing software (NLE). The majority of video editing software makes use of non-linear technologies. Which non-linear video editing program is the best? The answers to this question may differ from person to person depending on talent, experience, objectives, and other factors.
The next section will introduce you to some of the top free and commercial non-linear video editing tools. You can pick your option based on your preferences.
1. MiniTool Moviemaker (Windows)
If you're looking for free and simple non-linear movie editing software, MiniTool Moviemaker is among your top choices. One of the top Windows video editors without a watermark, adverts, or a package. Despite being entirely free, it has all the fundamental capabilities for video editing.
Even if you have no prior video editing knowledge, you can still edit your films fast and easily using a user-friendly interface. Numerous well-liked music, picture, and video formats are supported. You may upload your media files and then edit your videos on the timeline by dragging and dropping them.
You can use its beautiful transitions, filters, and motion effects in your movies to personalize them and make them spectacular. You can also use it to rotate, flip, divide, trim, clip, and reverse videos. You may also alter the video's brightness, contrast, and saturation.
Most crucially, you may modify the video resolution and format thanks to this free program. After you've finished editing, you may convert your video file to a different format so that it will play on more devices and media players.
2. VSDC Free Video Editor (Windows)
VSDC Free Video Editor, created by Flash-Integro LLC, is a full-featured non-linear video editing program for dealing with your video, audio, and picture files.
It offers a straightforward design that makes it easy for you to edit films. You may add filters and other lovely visual effects to videos. Additionally, you may take advantage of its capabilities, which include blur filters, transition effects, color correction, and object modification.
You may quickly apply sound effects, extract the project's audio tracks, add watermarks to the video, and more while working with it. This program also features a built-in DVD disk burning facility. The video snippets can be burned to a CD.
3. iMovie (macOS)
If you edit your films on a Mac, iMovie is among the greatest non-linear video editing programs. You can interactively edit the same video clip on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac thanks to its user-friendly interface and seamless support for all your Apple devices.
It offers a straightforward drag-and-drop feature and several easy editing tools so that users who are just starting out may modify their imported video clips. Once the video clips have been cropped, trimmed, rotated, and combined, you can add stunning transitions, titles, themes, backdrops, soundtracks, and music to your films.
If you wish to apply special effects, there is support for both blue and green screens. Additionally, there are several templates and trailers available.
4. Adobe Premiere Pro (Windows, macOS)
Adobe Premiere Pro is a very effective non-linear video editing program, and is well-known for its powerful editing features. In the field of video post-production, this adaptable software may now be considered an industry standard.
It offers nearly all of the tools required for professional video editing and creation, including robust video stabilization, sophisticated color correction, a sizable library of video and audio filters, a ton of transitions, and support for 360-degree and virtual reality videos, as well as integration with a variety of plugins.
You can import and play almost any video file format with Premiere Pro. It makes it simple to optimize your footage for playing via social media, streaming services, and Blu-ray by allowing you to export your result videos in any format, resolution, size, or bitrate.
If you are new to video editing, you might need a high learning curve due to its professional capabilities. It is absolutely worth attempting if you have mastered some editing techniques.
5. Avid Media Composer (Windows, macOS)
Avid Media Composer, which was initially designed for non-linear editing, is a reliable option for many experienced editors. It is a powerful and all-purpose non-linear video editing program for use on blockbuster movies and prestigious television programs.
You can handle high-resolution, HDR, and HD editing with dependable media management thanks to its design for handling high-quality mixed media. You may use it to access and edit file-based formats including ARRI, QuickTime, Sony, Panasonic, and others without transcoding or copying files.
You can create magnificent graphics with it. It is simple to give your projects a professional appearance with everything from spectacular visual effects, green screen composites, motion effects, and transitions to color correction, coloring scenes, and generating graphical titles and animations.
6. Final Cut Pro (macOS)
Apple Inc. also publishes Final Cut Pro, a professional non-linear video editing program. For many Mac users, it is a strong and flexible piece of software.
You can create great films quickly since it is simple to use and has intuitive drag-and-drop capabilities. You can drag and drop video footage, photos, audio tracks, and more without too many layers thanks to a streamlined and feature-rich interface.
To assist you in enhancing your video clip, it contains a variety of graphical tools, sound effects, and programmable transitions. Additionally, you may download and set up third-party plugins that operate with it to enhance the creativity and productivity of your work.
It also includes a ton of motion graphics templates that may be used to enhance the film's entertainment value. Because it features an integrated audio editor, there is no need to acquire a separate program in order to edit the sound clips and tracks for the video.
7. Davinci Resolve (Windows, Mac, Linux)
An NLE of the highest calibre, Davinci Resolve is utilized by both Hollywood producers and independent filmmakers. Because of its excellent color correction capabilities and a plethora of useful shortcuts, which are crucial for those dealing with a lot of film on a regular basis, its free edition is incredibly well-liked.
Davinci Resolve's biggest drawback is that it uses a lot of resources; a sluggish computer won't be able to run it without risking a crash. However, bear in mind that if you're serious about your interest in video editing, you could ultimately need to update your computer.
There is even an upgrade available if you're shocked that such a potent NLE is free to use. Resolve's developer, Blackmagic Design, also provides a paid version of the software called DaVinci Resolve Studio.
The program, which unsurprisingly goes by the same name, is made for film production companies and supports resolutions greater than HD, frame rates greater than 60fps, extra OpenX plugins, motion blur, and a few other pro-level capabilities. The cost of the Studio edition is $299 for a single purchase.
Conclusion
This article provides a comprehensive introduction to practically all offline video editors, as well as some of the best non-linear video editing applications for both Windows and macOS.
Second, non-linear video editing allows you to employ several tracks as well as overlay files. Finally, the finest non-linear video editor does not exist. Many are outstanding, and you should select one based on your degree of skill, budget, and computer specifications.
