Since then, we’ve had various versions of the app and you’ll find some like the iMovie HD 6, iMovie 10.0.9, and iMovie 10.1.6. This app enables you to stream movies in the iMovie theater and even connect wirelessly to your HDTV and according to Lifewire, you can import your videos, pictures, and music to it, to begin editing. I don’t like how iMovie chooses the music, how long the clips have to be, and how long the trailer is in the first place. I don’t usually write reviews, but this app deserved one. Other than some of my complaints, this was a really good app. Everything is free and available, there are more editing possibilities, and it looks very professional. Get the Best iMovie Alternatives for Mac; Free Video Editing Software for Mac Users; 1. Run this iMovie equivalent for Windows and then import media files to edit. When you run Filmora, just click the 'Import' option to load your wanted video, photo, music files from your computer to the User's album. Free iMovie Alternatives for Mac. There are many alternatives to iMovie for Mac if you are looking for a replacement. The best Mac alternative is OpenShot, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to iMovie and many of them is available for Mac so hopefully you can find a.
Apple iMovie is one of the most popular video editing tools on the market. A rare downside is that the program is only available for macOS and iOS, which means you cannot use it on Windows. That is why we are now focusing on discovering the best apps like iMovie.
We gathered video editing software that could be the most suitable alternative for Apple’s tool. Our team reviewed each of the solutions below, and we also explained how we picked the software. If you can’t use iMovie for any reason, keep reading to check out the alternatives that will meet and exceed your video editing expectations!
Part 1. What is iMovie?
iMovie is a software designed by video editing. The first version of this tool was released by Apple in 1999. More than two decades later, the app still enjoys fantastic popularity among users.
The secret of iMovie might lie in its simplicity. The tool features a simple graphic layout with a timeline that allows you to mix and match footage effortlessly. The interface also contains a window for previewing the videos and adding the desired media. The creators ensured a wide range of transitions, filters, and templates to be added to the video. The green-screen effects and backgrounds allow the users an option to express their creativity.
Apps Related To Imovie
Part 2. Does iMovie Work on Windows?
Apple iMovie is an exclusive tool designed for Apple’s devices. That means you can use it on Mac and iOS, but not on Windows. The developers have their own operating system, and this tool is exclusive. That is why we shouldn’t expect to see it available on other platforms, such as Microsoft Windows, any time soon. Fortunately, we gathered the best iMovie alternatives for Windows in this article, so make sure to check them out.
Part 3. Why You Need Apps Like iMovie for Mac
What are the benefits of finding an iMovie alternative? Regardless of the video editing software you use, these are the advantages that these programs bring:
- Removing a redundant part of the video – if you want to cut only the best parts of the video, it is possible with a video editing tool.
- Combine multiple videos and edit them to your liking – cut, copy, delete, and merge footage as you see fit.
- Add music, audio, and video effects, and graphics – you can add a song in the background of your video, use filters, and other effects, and add animations and other graphics.
- Impress the audience – whether it is your friends and family or business partners who will watch the footage, you can create a perfect video to dazzle them.
- Switching to Mac to Windows – you might have been using iMovie, but you plan on migrating to Windows, and you are looking for a tool that is compatible with that operating system.
Part 4. How We Tested and Picked the Best iMovie Alternatives for Mac and Windows in 2020
If we are looking for the best apps like iMovie for Mac, that means that we are on the hunt for similar features. It is why we considered the following factors when including video editing tools to our list.
Available Functions
The first thing you want to check is the available functions for basic video editing. Those should include splitting and deleting sections of a video, copying, merging, and combining various parts of your footage. Some tools allow you to rotate media, as well as expand or shrink it as necessary. Many apps also allow to add music tracks in the backgrounds or cut audio from specific sections.
Adding Special Effects, Filters, and Titles
Apart from the basic functions, you should consider the special effects, including but not limited to filters and transitions. Filters include color and other effects that could express your creativity, while transitions are an attractive way to move between frames.
Some other additional options include adding titles and captions, as well as inserting intros and various backgrounds.
Easy to Use
Video editing apps like iMovie are about the functions, but also about implementing those features properly. The program should have a user-friendly interface that is intuitive and simple to understand for beginners.
The best video editing tools out there shouldn’t have a learning curve longer than 15-30 minutes. The menus should be well-organized, and it should be easy to find your way around them.
Compatibility
Finally, it is important to confirm that the iMovie alternative you pick is compatible with your machine. Apart from ensuring the compatibility with Windows overall, make sure that the tool suits your version of the operating system. Check out the other system requirements to ensure you have the necessary hardware to run the app.
Part 5. Our Picks: Best iMovie Alternatives for Windows and Mac in 2020
1. Movavi Video Editor
If you are looking for the best iMovie alternative out there, you cannot go wrong with Movavi Video Editor. The tool is available for both Windows and Mac, and the apps are similar.
Here is an overview of the main features offered by the Movavi Video Editor:
- Cut, crop, delete, and merge videos easily–whether you want to trim some footage, merge it, or combine various sections, you can do that easily with this tool.
- An intuitive and easy to use interface – the developers designed the product so that it offers a user-friendly interface that is suitable even for beginners.
- Intros, filters, transitions, and titles – you can add color and other filters, as well as transitions between frames, titles to particular sections, etc.
- Support for full HD and 4K videos – the software is capable of processing high-quality footage.
This alternative to iMovie is available in a free trial and premium edition. The trial version lasts for seven days and adds a watermark to all your output video. It is, however, enough to test the tool.
If you like it, the price of the premium version is as follows:
- Movavi Video Editor – the price of a personal license is $39.95.
- Movavi Video Editor Plus – an advanced version with extra features costs $53.96. It includes a refreshed interface, adding up to 99 tracks on the timeline, and more transitions, backgrounds, and other effects.
Does Movavi Video Editor Really Work? Hands-On Testing
We tested the latest version of this iMovie alternative for Windows by downloading it from the official website. After installing the program, we opened it and noticed an interface with a clean layout and dominating dark colors.
In the file section, you have a shortcut to creating a new project.
It is now time to work on your video. Start by adding the existing footage that you want to use. You can add images, videos, and other files by dragging them to the import section, or clicking the icon and then browsing to the desired file.
It is also possible to drag a particular file directly to the timeline to add it to your video. Use the timeline to see which elements you included in your footage.
Now, notice the shortcuts above the timeline:
These allow simple management of the files added. You can crop a video, cut it into two or more sections, delete and rotate it, and even adjust colors. If you made a wrong move, use the undo and redo arrows on the left.
The main screen offers shortcuts to particular sections on the left.
Once you click these shortcuts, you will notice that Movavi Video Editor opens the available choices in the upper section of the screen.
As an example, we opened the Filters tab. The left-hand menu showed filter categories, and the central part listed the effects of a particular filter. Once you find the desired filter, add it to the timeline by dragging it. You can add the filter to a particular video section. Use the timeline to get the exact time when you want the filter to appear.
Feel free to experiment with transitions, titles, and other additions. The timeline can be zoomed in and out, and it is very intuitive and displays all details about the video you are creating.
Once you get all the details ready, it is time to export the footage. Click on the Export button on the right side of the screen.
Clicking the button will open a pop-up menu like the one in the picture above. You can now choose the desired format from over a dozen of supported formats. Pick the desired destination, title, and quality of the video, or experiment with advanced settings if you know what you are doing.
Finally, click Start to begin creating the video. Movavi Video Editor is fairly quick, although it can take a while to export a large-high-quality video.
The software is fast and reliable, and it doesn’t come as strange it is one of the most popular video editing apps similar to iMovie. You will have a lot of fun experimenting with different features, and the tool allows everyone to express their creativity when creating videos.
Also Read: Movavi Video Editor Review
2. Filmora9
Wondershare Filmora9 is also among the apps similar to iMovie, except it is available for both Windows and Mac. The developers allow you to try the software via the free trial, but only the premium version unlocks all features. You can choose between an annual plan that costs $39.99 and a lifetime license priced at $69.99.
After you open the program, you will notice the following interface:
Everything looks as simple as possible. On the right, you will notice the library of recent projects. The left-hand options allow you to initiate a new project or open an existing one by browsing the computer.
After you choose the desired option, you will be taken to the following interface.
Alternative To Imovie For Mac
Wondershare Filmora9 is an alternative to iMovie since its interface offers similar functions. The bottom part of the screen features a timeline of the video you are creating. You can check out the filters and other effects added video, and audio content, and its order.
You will find the available functions in the toolbar above the timeline. It is possible to crop, cut, but also adjust the video’s speed, which is quite convenient.
In the upper-right part of the screen, Filmora9 features a preview window. You can use it to check it if everything is properly set in your video, and see if anything else needs changing.
The main menu is situated at the top. You will find shortcuts to the following:
- Media – use this screen to add various media to the project and insert it into the video.
- Audio – add songs and other audio effects to the footage.
- Titles – insert titles wherever you see fit to improve your video.
- Transitions – an excellent way to move between the scenes or frames, and make your footage more attractive.
- Effects – pick between a wide range of effects to enhance your video.
- Split-screen – a convenient way to add multiple media at once by splitting the screen.
The entire interface is rather simple, although Filmora9 is loaded with features. You will find it equally easy to work as when using iMovie. The program is reliable and fast at processing videos, and it isn’t prone to crashes.
3. PowerDirector
PowerDirector is more than an iMovie alternative for Windows. It is one of the most powerful video editing apps on the market. Cyberlink describes their software as a professional-grade video editing, and they are right.
The developer included over 200 editing tools, and here is an overview of the main features:
- Professional video editing – from creating a 1:1 square video for social media to creative transition effects, the tool comes with a wide range of editing functions.
- An intuitive interface – you can create stunning videos in only a couple of clicks.
- Action camera center – adjusting the speed of the video, freezing frames, and stabilizing shaky footage will ensure you create a memorable video.
- A wide range of supported formats – the software supports audio and video formats up to 4K.
Cyberlink allows you to pick between monthly and annual subscriptions, or to buy a lifetime license for the PowerDirector. A lifetime plan costs $99-$129, depending on the program version you choose.
4. Adobe Premiere Elements
Adobe is famous for its top-quality solutions, and Premiere Elements is no exception. The tool tries to simplify things and make video editing attractive for newbies. That is why we picked it among the best apps like iMovie for Mac.
Premiere Elements allows you to create exciting collages and slideshows easily. The tool offers guidance to creating exceptional footage and editing imperfections, such as reducing noise and optimizing grainy videos. The app allows you to share your creations on social media and YouTube in a couple of clicks.
Adobe tried to ensure even the beginners enjoy editing videos. You can create memorable footage by using a user-friendly interface with guided edits. From creating animated skies to freezing frames and using glass pane effects, you will have a lot of fun editing your footage.
5. VideoPad Video Editor
NCH Software is the company behind the VideoPad Video Editor. They offer a free version for download, as well as the premium addition with all features unlocked. The program supports a wide range of input formats, including popular video, audio, and image formats. As for the output, you can export videos in various formats, burn to disc, or upload directly to YouTube.
The interface is quite simple, and the tool allows you to both edit and capture videos from other devices. Here are the main features offered by the VideoPad Video Editor:
- Incredible range of effects and transitions – from creating text animations to utilizing chroma key green screen effect, you have full freedom of enhancing your footage the way you see fit.
- Optimize videos – you can trim, crop, split, and combine videos easily, adjust footage speed, and stabilize the videos.
- Audio tools and effects – the app will allow you to record a unique narration but also add effects like distortion, echo, etc.
- 4K resolution supported – sharing is easy, and you can export movies in various resolutions up to 4K.
VideoPad Video Editor requires a 64-bit operating system and Windows 7 or a newer version, and it is also compatible with Mac.
6. VideoStudio Pro
VideoStudio Pro is a versatile tool for editing your footage and creating memorable videos. It supports multiple languages and requires at least Windows 7 to run. The program has somewhat demanding system requirements, but it delivers excellent performance.
The range of supported import formats various from MKV, AVI, and other popular video formats, including even DVD titles without encryption and 360 videos. You can also import audios and images, as well as export them. However, export formats are more limited than the input options.
Caption: VideoStudio Pro – main screen
You can use VideoStudio Pro as a user-friendly video editor. That includes options to add filters, correct videos, create slideshows, etc. The program can also act as a screen recorder to capture memorizing footage, and it offers a DVD burner for burning the content to a disc.
The interface is rather simple, and the tool is fast and reliable. You can use functions like lens and color correction, pan and zoom, split-screen, and templates and overlays to edit 360, 4K, and HD videos.
Conclusion
Apple iMovie is a unique app with numerous handy features. That is why you need to be careful when picking an alternative for this software. The good news is that there are many apps like iMovie for Mac. Your task is to find one that meets your expectations.
Beginners usually focus on ensuring the interface is as simple as possible. Advanced users often look for a huge number of filters and effects and additional functions. No one-size-fits-all formula exists, which is why you should consider your needs. The best app like iMovie is the one that you find the most suitable to your preferences.
Being one of the best professional video editor products, iMovie has managed to capture a lot of loyal users by its ease of use and powerful media processing ability. However, like all of the other applications developed by Apple, iMovie is not liked by everyone for its unique interacting style.
Good thing is, in this highly developed the digital world nowadays, nothing is irreplaceable. If you are not used to using the iMovie as your video editing tool, there are still a lot of iMovie alternatives that you can choose from. And today we are going to introduce some of them.
Part 1: About iMovie
Initially released in 1999, iMovie has been one of the most popular video editings and creating application on the Mac OS for almost two decades. Within these years, iMovie has successfully evolved from a simple video edition tool to powerful multimedia creating center. With iMovie, you can easily realize your creativities in the form of video, image, photo slideshow and more.
iMovie is available on almost all of Apple’s computer or smartphone devices and is preinstalled on both the Mac OS and the iOS system. If you are using an iPhone or a PC that runs the Mac OS, the purple icon with a start and a filming camera on it is the iMovie app.
iMovie s powerful media processing abilities make the app handy for people in different areas. It doesn’t matter if you are a YouTuber trying to make a stunning YouTube video, or just a home guy who wants to make a beautiful family album, iMovie can make it all happen. However, although iMovie is a good app, it’s far from being a perfect one.
Not only does the unique interacting style of iMovie need some time to get used to, but sometimes you also need to pay for the functions you need despite it’s a pre-installed app on your device. So for those who need an iMovie alternative to replace the app, we have some really good suggestions for you in the following for your reference.
Free Apps Like Imovie For Mac Desktop
Part 2: 5 Best iMovie Alternatives for Windows
Leawo Video Converter Ultimate
Leawo Video Converter Ultimate is one of the best media processing application on Windows. Not only is the program powerful and multifunctional, it’s also super easy to use and way more user-friendly than iMovie. Like iMovie, Leawo Video Converter Ultimate can easily perform some video editing tasks from trimming video, cropping video to adding watermark to video, converting video formats etc.
What’s more, Leawo Video Converter Ultimate can also do something that iMovie couldn’t. With Leawo Video Converter, you can easily rip HD videos out of a Blu-ray or DVD disc, download YouTube videos to MP4, burn your own videos to DVD or Blu-ray and do many more advanced multimedia works. If there is one most recommendable iMovie alternative for Windows, then it has to be Leawo Video Converter Ultimate in my opinion.
Adobe Premiere Pro
When it comes to the video production work, Adobe Premiere Pro might be the most professional application that you can possibly have. With tons of powerful media processing functions and uncountable customization options, Adobe Premiere Pro can realize almost any effect you want on your video as long as you know how.
Because of the powerful functions that this product can provide, Adobe Premiere Pro is the first choice for a lot of professionals working in the video production industry. However, the high price and the complicity makes this product not suitable for total beginners.
Pinnacle Studio
Pinnacle Studio is an easy-to-use iMovie alternative for Windows users. If you are overwhelmed by the complicity of iMovie or Adobe Premiere Pro, then Pinnacle Studio might help you out by providing a simple interacting style. Although the program is easy to use, the ability of Pinnacle Studio is still powerful.
Pinnacle Studio offers all of the basic video editing functions plus multi-tract video editing, enhanced color effects panel, multi-camera video editing and many advanced video processing options. The price of Pinnacle Studio starts at $59, which is hardly a bargain, but is also not so overwhelming for beginners.
Sony Vegas Pro 16
Together with iMovie and Adobe Premiere Pro, Sony Vegas Pro is one of the top 3 most popular video producing applications among the video professionals. Sony Vegas Pro 16 has all of the functions that Sony Vegas Pro always have, plus some new features like streamlined editor, hover scrub, extensive file backups, high DPI scaling and more.
Comparing to its counterparts, Sony Vegas Pro 16 provides a detailed audio editing interface, giving you a full control over the audio in your video like no app else. Just as all of its advantages, he disadvantages of Sony Vegas Pro 16 are also obvious. Like its professional counterparts, Sony Vegas Pro 16 is expensive, complicated and need some demanding on computer specs.
Is Imovie For Mac Free
Lightworks
As an open-source video editing program, Lightworks winds its loyal users mainly by its efficiency and speed. The application is designed slightly different from the traditional video editing programs based on timelines. The new design may take you some time to get used to, but once you get the hang of it, the video editing experience that Lightworks provides is enjoyable like no app else.
Another thing that I like about the program is, Lightworks has an official forum. When you have any problem using the product, just turn to the forum and there will be many members that would help.
Part 3: 5 Best iMovie Alternatives for Mac
Leawo Video Converter Ultimate for Mac
In the last part, we have introduced Leawo Video Converter Ultimate as one of the best recommendable iMovie alternatives for Windows. Fortunately, On Mac OS, you can also use Leawo Video Converter Ultimate because Leawo Video Converter Ultimate for Mac is available for anyone who is working on a Mac computer. Leawo Video Converter Ultimate is just as amazing as the Windows version of the program.
By installing Leawo Video Converter Ultimate for Mac, you don’t only get one of the best video editor and converter programs on Mac, but also get one of the best DVD rippers for Mac, one of the best video downloaders on Mac and one of the best DVD burners on Mac, because Leawo Video Converter Ultimate for Mac has all of them integrated into one single app.
Avid Media Composer
Avid Media Composer is a fully featured video editing tool available on both Windows and Mac OS platforms. As a practical video editing application, Avid Media Composer supports most of the mainstream media formats as both input and output and is powerful enough to deal with big and long video creatives.
Although Avid Media Composer is not freeware, it has a free version called Avid Media Composer | First. For beginners, trying out the Avid Media Composer | First before buying the product might be an excellent idea.
Final Cut Pro X
The next iMovie alternative for Mac that I would like to introduce, is another application developed by Apple called Final Cut Pro X. Final Cut Pro X has a similar designing ideology as Adobe Premiere Pro. If you like using Adobe Premiere Pro, you probably would like more using Final Cut Pro X more on Mac because of the higher stability and better performance.
With so many advanced video editing options, Final Cut Pro X is trying to keep itself as easy as possible so that even beginners can quickly get used to the program and starting to creating stunning videos with it. As one part of Apple’s eco-system, you can easily sync your productions with your other Apple devices in Final Cut Pro X, and that’s also one of the biggest advantages of this application.
Free Apps Like Imovie For Mac
OpenShot
The biggest advantage of OpenShot is that the application is completely free of charge. Being available for most of the major operating systems, OpenShot can provide all of the basic video editing functions for your daily video processing tasks.
Although the product is not as powerful as most of the professional iMovie alternatives you can get on Mac OS, the fact that this application is available for multiple systems, easy to use and free of charge makes OpenShot recommendable if you want to replace iMovie on your computer with a simpler application.
DaVinci Resolve 15
DaVinci Resolve 15 is a video editing tool released by Blackmagic Design. Unlike other iMovie alternatives, DaVinci Resolve 15 specializes in not only video editing, but also color correction and other visual effect productions.
Free Apps Like Imovie For Mac Laptop
With some new features added, DaVinci Resolve 15 is now not only capable of doing basic VFX effects, but also some post-productions of audio, visual effects and more. If you need a great color correction function or some visual production tools, DaVinci Resolve 15 should definitely be your choice to replace iMovie.
Part 4: Conclusion
Although iMovie is loved by many Apple users, a decent iMovie alternative is still wanted by a great number of other users. Today we introduced some of the best iMovie alternatives for you. Led by Leawo Video Converter Ultimate and Leawo Video Converter Ultimate for Mac, all of these iMovie alternatives are efficient, practical and recommendable. If you want something other than iMovie to edit or convert your videos, I’m sure these recommendations would help.