The Best Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Easy Video Editing
Windows Movie Maker allowed users to simply create, edit, and share movies right on their computer. With easy creation tools such as drag-and-drop, this built-in software served the needs of many users that needed a simple tool to edit home movies. As ubiquitous as it was on older versions of Windows, the built-in Movie Maker is no longer developed and bundled with modern versions like Windows 10. In its wake have come many video editing alternatives both simple and complex, as well as ones that can be found for iOS and Android. For those of you that would prefer editing their audiovisual content in an app they can audit, open source alternatives to Windows Movie Maker are available. If you're searching for a reliable Windows Movie Maker alternative, you're in the right place!
Top Windows Movie Maker Alternatives
While Windows Movie Maker may be a thing of the past, a new generation of video editing tools has emerged, offering everything from simple cuts to professional-grade effects. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced editor, there's a perfect replacement for your needs.
OpenShot
OpenShot is a fantastic open-source Windows Movie Maker alternative, offering cross-platform compatibility for Linux, Mac, and Windows. It provides user-friendly features like quick trimming and slicing, as well as powerful animation and keyframe capabilities for fading, sliding, and bouncing elements. As a free and ad-free tool, it's perfect for users seeking simple yet effective video editing without watermarks, including features like 3D animated titles and Chroma Key (Green Screen).
Kdenlive
Kdenlive stands out as an intuitive and powerful open-source multi-track video editor, making it an excellent Windows Movie Maker alternative. Compatible with most recent video technologies, it's completely free and available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD. Key features include video editing, keyframe animation, Chroma Key (Green Screen), color correction, and real-time filter effects, providing a comprehensive and watermark-free editing experience.
Avidemux
Avidemux is a free and open-source video editor designed for simple cutting, filtering, and encoding tasks, making it a straightforward Windows Movie Maker alternative. It supports numerous file types, including AVI, DVD compatible MPEG files, MP4, and ASF. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD, it offers features such as cutting, merging video files, a built-in video converter, and the ability to embed subtitles into videos. Its simplicity makes it ideal for basic editing needs.
Shotcut
Shotcut is a free, open-source, and cross-platform non-linear video editor that serves as a robust Windows Movie Maker alternative. It supports hundreds of audio and video formats and codecs thanks to FFmpeg, offering native editing without the need for import. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, its features include keyframe animation, Chroma Key (Green Screen), image masking, and a visual timeline, providing a comprehensive suite for more advanced editing tasks.
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a complete suite for editing, color correction, and professional audio post-production, making it a powerful Windows Movie Maker alternative, especially for those seeking advanced capabilities. Available as freemium software on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it's renowned for its color grading tools used in Hollywood. Key features include 8K editing capabilities, advanced trimming, Chroma Key (Green Screen), keyframe animation, and multi-track editing, offering a professional-grade experience.
VideoPad
VideoPad is a professional video editing application that allows you to create movie projects from various video clips, serving as a comprehensive Windows Movie Maker alternative. Available as freemium software on Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS, it supports a wide variety of audio and video file formats. Features include 360 Video Editing, Chroma Key (Green Screen), multi-track editing, transitions, and direct YouTube upload, making it versatile for diverse video projects.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a leading commercial video editing software, offering a robust and connected experience that serves as a high-end Windows Movie Maker alternative. Available on Mac and Windows, it boasts features like a redesigned timeline, improved media management, and streamlined color grading. It includes crash recovery, drag-and-drop functionality, editable animation effects, and multi-track editing, making it ideal for professional users.
Animation Desk
Animation Desk is a perfect tool for animating, storyboarding, and sketching, making it a unique Windows Movie Maker alternative for those interested in animation. Available as freemium software on Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS, it allows users to draw frame-to-frame animation from scratch or create animations upon videos and images. Key features include onion skinning, live screen recording, painting tools, and support for layers, catering to both professional and amateur animators.
MAGIX Vegas Pro
MAGIX Vegas Pro provides state-of-the-art editing tools in a streamlined interface, serving as a powerful commercial Windows Movie Maker alternative for Windows users. It offers full creative freedom for professional video and audio editing projects. Key features include multi-track editing, Chroma Key (Green Screen), integrated codecs, keyframe animation, and a non-linear editor, designed for precise project editing and creative freedom.
iMovie
iMovie for iOS and macOS allows you to enjoy your videos like never before, making it an excellent free Windows Movie Maker alternative for Apple users. It’s easy to browse clips and create Hollywood-style trailers and stunning 4K-resolution movies. Features include audio recording, sync audio & video, Chroma Key (Green Screen), and video overlay, allowing you to start editing on iPhone or iPad and finish on your Mac.
With so many powerful and user-friendly options available, finding the perfect Windows Movie Maker alternative has never been easier. Explore these tools and discover the best fit for your video editing needs, whether you prioritize simplicity, advanced features, or open-source flexibility.