Looking for recommendations for free video editing software without watermarks. I’ve tried some options, but most either add a watermark or aren’t compatible with my system. I need something easy to use for basic editing projects.
DaVinci Resolve, hands down. It’s like that one overachieving kid in class—free, super capable, no watermark, and sometimes you wonder why it’s not charging for how powerful it is. Sure, the interface might feel intimidating at first, but honestly, worth it for what you get. You can do basic edits or go crazy with color grading like you’re making an Oscar-nominated movie. Just make sure your computer’s not a potato; it’s a bit demanding on systems. If you’re on Mac, iMovie is another solid option—simple, straightforward, no watermarks, but less fancy.
Avoid Filmora free version like the plague unless you want to rage at the massive watermark covering half your screen. Trust issues after that one. Also, I’ve heard HitFilm offers a watermark-free free version, though I haven’t used it directly. Could be worth checking out if Resolve feels like overkill. Hope one of these works for you.
DaVinci Resolve is great, sure, but let’s be honest: not everyone has a NASA-tier setup to run it smoothly. If your computer isn’t ready to lift-off into space, you might want to try Shotcut instead. It’s free, no watermark nonsense, and way less intimidating than Resolve. Plus, it’s open-source, which feels like a small geek victory every time you use it. The interface might not win any design awards, but it gets the job done for basic editing—and then some.
Another underdog is OpenShot. It’s about as straightforward as it gets, maybe a little too simple for power users, but perfect if you’re looking to snip, cut, and rearrange clips without having to watch hours of tutorials. On the flip side, it can be buggy depending on your system, so your mileage may vary.
@jeff mentioned iMovie for Mac users, but let’s not sugarcoat it—it’s kind of basic. Great if you’re just doing simple stuff but not what I’d call versatile. Just something to keep in mind depending on how creative you’re planning to get. While we’re throwing shade, yeah, avoid Filmora. Tried it once, got ambushed by their watermark, and haven’t forgiven them since.
TL;DR: For low-spec systems, go Shotcut or OpenShot. If power’s not a problem and you don’t mind a learning curve, Resolve really is amazing. But hey, personal preference matters, so experiment and stick with what feels right!
Shotcut deserves more love than it gets, honestly. While DaVinci Resolve and iMovie are awesome, Shotcut strikes that sweet middle ground between fancy features and usability. Unlike Resolve, it doesn’t demand a gaming rig or showcase flashy professional-grade extras you might not need for basic edits. Plus, it’s watermark-free, which is what you’re here for, right? The open-source nature is a bonus for tinkerers. That being said, its interface isn’t the most intuitive—you might have to poke around a bit to learn the ropes.
Now, OpenShot gets mentioned a lot, but here’s where I’d caution. It’s simple, sure, but the simplicity sometimes works against it, especially if you’re looking for something more substantial as you get better at editing. Plus, occasional crashes can ruin your Zen.
Resolve? Great if you’re patient with a steep learning curve and your machine isn’t, as @reveurdenuit put it, “a potato.” HitFilm sounds promising with no watermark on its free tier, but I’ve noticed it can feel sluggish, especially with more complex timelines. Not ideal for everyone.
Overall, if you’re rocking an average PC and want something beginner-friendly, Shotcut should be your first pitstop. Easy transitions into advanced features as you grow, and no looming upgrade-to-premium nags. Perfect for slicing your way out of watermarked misery. Just remember its interface might feel bare at first glance—but the tradeoff in performance and utility? Totally worth it.