Updated 2024 Approved Reshape Your Videos A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated 2024 Approved Reshape Your Videos A Step-by-Step Guide

Charlotte Lv12

Reshape Your Videos: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Change Shape of a Video?

author avatar

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

While most videos nowadays are rectangular, and are recorded in either landscape or portrait orientation, there are some social media platforms that require the clips to be square shaped. If you want to upload your footages on such websites, it is essential to learn how to change video shape.

Another benefit of changing the shape of the recorded films is that they can be adjusted in limited amount of space, especially if they are to be posted on a website. Furthermore, some fancy designs such as star-shaped or circle-shaped videos attract more attention when used in digital marketing campaigns.

With that said, here you will learn how to change the shape of a video using one of the most advanced and versatile post-production tools, Wondershare Filmora.

Want to learn more about aspect ratio of your video? Click here!

Or, you just want to transfer your video into vertical.

Part 1: How to Change Video Shape from Rectangle to Square

Depending on the recording device and the target audiences a video is intended to be distributed to, the aspect ratio of the produced footage could be 16:9, 4:3, or 21:9 that makes the film rectangular-shaped. Given that, the aspect ratio can be modified to change the film shape from rectangle to square.

The instructions given below explain how to change video shape from rectangle to square in Wondershare Filmora:

Step 1: Import Video to Timeline

Launch Wondershare Filmora on your PC (a Windows 10 computer is used here), click the Add Files icon from the center of the Media window present at the upper-left section, and use the Open box that appears to select and import the source video to Filmora. Next, drag the video from the Media window to the Timeline, and select your preferred option when/if the Project Setting confirmation box appears.

Step 2: Change Aspect Ratio

Select the video in the Timeline, and click the Crop and Zoom icon from the upper-left area of the Timeline itself. On the Crop and Zoom window that opens next, select 1:1 from the Ratio drop-down list, and click OK to save the new setting.

Step 3: Export the Video

Click EXPORT from the top-center area of the interface, go to the Local tab on the Export box, select your preferred format from the Format list in the left pane, optionally click SETTINGS from the right window to make other adjustments if necessary, and click EXPORT from the bottom-right corner of the box.

For more details, please refer to this article: How to Resize a Video to Right Aspect Ratio and Size.

Part 2: Change Video Shape by Cropping

If your preferred aspect ratio isn’t available in the ‘Ratio’ drop-down list of the ‘Crop and Zoom’ window, Wondershare Filmora allows you to manually change the video to a custom shape.

crop-video-9

You can learn how to change the shape of a video to an unlisted aspect ratio by following the instructions given below:

Step 1: Import the Video and Get to the Crop and Zoom Window

Follow the method explained in Step 1 of Part 1 to import a video to Wondershare Filmora, and then add it to the Timeline.

Step 2: Select Custom Ratio

Select the video in the Timeline, and click the Crop and Zoom icon as explained earlier to open its window. Next, select Custom from the Ratio drop-down list to be able to crop the videos unproportionally.

Step 3: Crop the Video Manually

Drag the cropping handles from any one edge of the video. Repeat this process for all the four sides to select the area of interest. Click OK to save the changes.

Step 4: Export the Video

Follow the process explained in Step 3 of Part 1 to export the modified video.

Part 3: Change Video Shape to Circle or Other Shapes in Filmora

Another, rather better way of changing videos to custom shapes is with the help of image or shape masking.

In Filmora you can apply image masks either from the existing presets, i.e. circle, star, diamond, etc., or you can add custom photos if need be. Professionals generally use custom pictures to create fancy logos and titles.

Download Win Version Download Mac Version

On the other hand, shape masking allows you to mask a background video with a foreground footage in a custom shape.

Although the basic concept of both types of masking is same, the options available under each can be used to produce effective outputs.

That said, following are the instructions to apply both types of masking to your videos:

Image Masking

The steps given below explain how to change video shape with image masking in Filmora:

Step 1: Add Clip to Timeline

Use the method explained in the previous sections to import a clip and add it to the Timeline.

Step 2: Add Image Mask

Click Effects from the standard toolbar at the top, select Utility from the left pane, drag Image Mask from the Utility window, and drop it on top of the video itself in the Timeline. Notice how the fx icon appears on the video layer showing that the effect has been successfully added.

Step 3: Customize Image Mask

On the Timeline, double-click the video layer you applied Image Mask to, and notice all the available shapes available under the Preset Mask section on the Video Effects > Image Mask window that appears at the upper-left area. You can double-click any of the available shape presets to apply it to the video layer. In addition, drag the X and Y, and Width, Height, and Feather sliders to adjust the mask’s position, size, and edge smoothness respectively. You can also check the Invert Mask box to reverse the masking effect on the video. Finally, click OK to save the changes, and follow the method explained in earlier parts to export the video.

Shape Masking

The following steps explain how to change the shape of a video with shape masks in Filmora:

Step 1: Get to the Utility Window

Add at two footages on their individual layers in the Timeline (make sure to place the second layer above the first one), and follow the method explained above to get to the Effects > Utility window.

Step 2: Add Shape Mask

Drag Shape Mask from the Utility window, and drop it on top of the video itself in the Timeline. Confirm that the fx icon appears on the video layer to ensure that the effect has been applied.

Step 3: Customize Shape Mask

Double-click the video layer in the Timeline you applied shape mask to. On the Video Effects > Shape Mask window, use the X and Y, and Width, Height, and Feather sliders to adjust the mask’s position, size and edge smoothness respectively. Optionally check the Invert Mask box to reverse the masking effect, and click OK to save the settings. Next, follow the method explained earlier to export the video.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between Image Mask and Shape Mask in Filmora?

A) In Filmora, Image Mask allows you to use an image (or any available preset) for masking so that the background footage is cropped to the shape of the picture. This is generally used to create logos and dynamic titles for movies or documentaries. On the other hand, Shape Mask enables you to mask the background clip with the foreground footage in the form of a shape that could be positioned and customized using the available sliders.

2. How many image masks are available in Filmora?

A) At the time of this writing, Wondershare Filmora has around 40 image mask presets. In addition, it also allows you to add custom images from your PC for more dynamic approach.

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

While most videos nowadays are rectangular, and are recorded in either landscape or portrait orientation, there are some social media platforms that require the clips to be square shaped. If you want to upload your footages on such websites, it is essential to learn how to change video shape.

Another benefit of changing the shape of the recorded films is that they can be adjusted in limited amount of space, especially if they are to be posted on a website. Furthermore, some fancy designs such as star-shaped or circle-shaped videos attract more attention when used in digital marketing campaigns.

With that said, here you will learn how to change the shape of a video using one of the most advanced and versatile post-production tools, Wondershare Filmora.

Want to learn more about aspect ratio of your video? Click here!

Or, you just want to transfer your video into vertical.

Part 1: How to Change Video Shape from Rectangle to Square

Depending on the recording device and the target audiences a video is intended to be distributed to, the aspect ratio of the produced footage could be 16:9, 4:3, or 21:9 that makes the film rectangular-shaped. Given that, the aspect ratio can be modified to change the film shape from rectangle to square.

The instructions given below explain how to change video shape from rectangle to square in Wondershare Filmora:

Step 1: Import Video to Timeline

Launch Wondershare Filmora on your PC (a Windows 10 computer is used here), click the Add Files icon from the center of the Media window present at the upper-left section, and use the Open box that appears to select and import the source video to Filmora. Next, drag the video from the Media window to the Timeline, and select your preferred option when/if the Project Setting confirmation box appears.

Step 2: Change Aspect Ratio

Select the video in the Timeline, and click the Crop and Zoom icon from the upper-left area of the Timeline itself. On the Crop and Zoom window that opens next, select 1:1 from the Ratio drop-down list, and click OK to save the new setting.

Step 3: Export the Video

Click EXPORT from the top-center area of the interface, go to the Local tab on the Export box, select your preferred format from the Format list in the left pane, optionally click SETTINGS from the right window to make other adjustments if necessary, and click EXPORT from the bottom-right corner of the box.

For more details, please refer to this article: How to Resize a Video to Right Aspect Ratio and Size.

Part 2: Change Video Shape by Cropping

If your preferred aspect ratio isn’t available in the ‘Ratio’ drop-down list of the ‘Crop and Zoom’ window, Wondershare Filmora allows you to manually change the video to a custom shape.

crop-video-9

You can learn how to change the shape of a video to an unlisted aspect ratio by following the instructions given below:

Step 1: Import the Video and Get to the Crop and Zoom Window

Follow the method explained in Step 1 of Part 1 to import a video to Wondershare Filmora, and then add it to the Timeline.

Step 2: Select Custom Ratio

Select the video in the Timeline, and click the Crop and Zoom icon as explained earlier to open its window. Next, select Custom from the Ratio drop-down list to be able to crop the videos unproportionally.

Step 3: Crop the Video Manually

Drag the cropping handles from any one edge of the video. Repeat this process for all the four sides to select the area of interest. Click OK to save the changes.

Step 4: Export the Video

Follow the process explained in Step 3 of Part 1 to export the modified video.

Part 3: Change Video Shape to Circle or Other Shapes in Filmora

Another, rather better way of changing videos to custom shapes is with the help of image or shape masking.

In Filmora you can apply image masks either from the existing presets, i.e. circle, star, diamond, etc., or you can add custom photos if need be. Professionals generally use custom pictures to create fancy logos and titles.

Download Win Version Download Mac Version

On the other hand, shape masking allows you to mask a background video with a foreground footage in a custom shape.

Although the basic concept of both types of masking is same, the options available under each can be used to produce effective outputs.

That said, following are the instructions to apply both types of masking to your videos:

Image Masking

The steps given below explain how to change video shape with image masking in Filmora:

Step 1: Add Clip to Timeline

Use the method explained in the previous sections to import a clip and add it to the Timeline.

Step 2: Add Image Mask

Click Effects from the standard toolbar at the top, select Utility from the left pane, drag Image Mask from the Utility window, and drop it on top of the video itself in the Timeline. Notice how the fx icon appears on the video layer showing that the effect has been successfully added.

Step 3: Customize Image Mask

On the Timeline, double-click the video layer you applied Image Mask to, and notice all the available shapes available under the Preset Mask section on the Video Effects > Image Mask window that appears at the upper-left area. You can double-click any of the available shape presets to apply it to the video layer. In addition, drag the X and Y, and Width, Height, and Feather sliders to adjust the mask’s position, size, and edge smoothness respectively. You can also check the Invert Mask box to reverse the masking effect on the video. Finally, click OK to save the changes, and follow the method explained in earlier parts to export the video.

Shape Masking

The following steps explain how to change the shape of a video with shape masks in Filmora:

Step 1: Get to the Utility Window

Add at two footages on their individual layers in the Timeline (make sure to place the second layer above the first one), and follow the method explained above to get to the Effects > Utility window.

Step 2: Add Shape Mask

Drag Shape Mask from the Utility window, and drop it on top of the video itself in the Timeline. Confirm that the fx icon appears on the video layer to ensure that the effect has been applied.

Step 3: Customize Shape Mask

Double-click the video layer in the Timeline you applied shape mask to. On the Video Effects > Shape Mask window, use the X and Y, and Width, Height, and Feather sliders to adjust the mask’s position, size and edge smoothness respectively. Optionally check the Invert Mask box to reverse the masking effect, and click OK to save the settings. Next, follow the method explained earlier to export the video.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between Image Mask and Shape Mask in Filmora?

A) In Filmora, Image Mask allows you to use an image (or any available preset) for masking so that the background footage is cropped to the shape of the picture. This is generally used to create logos and dynamic titles for movies or documentaries. On the other hand, Shape Mask enables you to mask the background clip with the foreground footage in the form of a shape that could be positioned and customized using the available sliders.

2. How many image masks are available in Filmora?

A) At the time of this writing, Wondershare Filmora has around 40 image mask presets. In addition, it also allows you to add custom images from your PC for more dynamic approach.

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

While most videos nowadays are rectangular, and are recorded in either landscape or portrait orientation, there are some social media platforms that require the clips to be square shaped. If you want to upload your footages on such websites, it is essential to learn how to change video shape.

Another benefit of changing the shape of the recorded films is that they can be adjusted in limited amount of space, especially if they are to be posted on a website. Furthermore, some fancy designs such as star-shaped or circle-shaped videos attract more attention when used in digital marketing campaigns.

With that said, here you will learn how to change the shape of a video using one of the most advanced and versatile post-production tools, Wondershare Filmora.

Want to learn more about aspect ratio of your video? Click here!

Or, you just want to transfer your video into vertical.

Part 1: How to Change Video Shape from Rectangle to Square

Depending on the recording device and the target audiences a video is intended to be distributed to, the aspect ratio of the produced footage could be 16:9, 4:3, or 21:9 that makes the film rectangular-shaped. Given that, the aspect ratio can be modified to change the film shape from rectangle to square.

The instructions given below explain how to change video shape from rectangle to square in Wondershare Filmora:

Step 1: Import Video to Timeline

Launch Wondershare Filmora on your PC (a Windows 10 computer is used here), click the Add Files icon from the center of the Media window present at the upper-left section, and use the Open box that appears to select and import the source video to Filmora. Next, drag the video from the Media window to the Timeline, and select your preferred option when/if the Project Setting confirmation box appears.

Step 2: Change Aspect Ratio

Select the video in the Timeline, and click the Crop and Zoom icon from the upper-left area of the Timeline itself. On the Crop and Zoom window that opens next, select 1:1 from the Ratio drop-down list, and click OK to save the new setting.

Step 3: Export the Video

Click EXPORT from the top-center area of the interface, go to the Local tab on the Export box, select your preferred format from the Format list in the left pane, optionally click SETTINGS from the right window to make other adjustments if necessary, and click EXPORT from the bottom-right corner of the box.

For more details, please refer to this article: How to Resize a Video to Right Aspect Ratio and Size.

Part 2: Change Video Shape by Cropping

If your preferred aspect ratio isn’t available in the ‘Ratio’ drop-down list of the ‘Crop and Zoom’ window, Wondershare Filmora allows you to manually change the video to a custom shape.

crop-video-9

You can learn how to change the shape of a video to an unlisted aspect ratio by following the instructions given below:

Step 1: Import the Video and Get to the Crop and Zoom Window

Follow the method explained in Step 1 of Part 1 to import a video to Wondershare Filmora, and then add it to the Timeline.

Step 2: Select Custom Ratio

Select the video in the Timeline, and click the Crop and Zoom icon as explained earlier to open its window. Next, select Custom from the Ratio drop-down list to be able to crop the videos unproportionally.

Step 3: Crop the Video Manually

Drag the cropping handles from any one edge of the video. Repeat this process for all the four sides to select the area of interest. Click OK to save the changes.

Step 4: Export the Video

Follow the process explained in Step 3 of Part 1 to export the modified video.

Part 3: Change Video Shape to Circle or Other Shapes in Filmora

Another, rather better way of changing videos to custom shapes is with the help of image or shape masking.

In Filmora you can apply image masks either from the existing presets, i.e. circle, star, diamond, etc., or you can add custom photos if need be. Professionals generally use custom pictures to create fancy logos and titles.

Download Win Version Download Mac Version

On the other hand, shape masking allows you to mask a background video with a foreground footage in a custom shape.

Although the basic concept of both types of masking is same, the options available under each can be used to produce effective outputs.

That said, following are the instructions to apply both types of masking to your videos:

Image Masking

The steps given below explain how to change video shape with image masking in Filmora:

Step 1: Add Clip to Timeline

Use the method explained in the previous sections to import a clip and add it to the Timeline.

Step 2: Add Image Mask

Click Effects from the standard toolbar at the top, select Utility from the left pane, drag Image Mask from the Utility window, and drop it on top of the video itself in the Timeline. Notice how the fx icon appears on the video layer showing that the effect has been successfully added.

Step 3: Customize Image Mask

On the Timeline, double-click the video layer you applied Image Mask to, and notice all the available shapes available under the Preset Mask section on the Video Effects > Image Mask window that appears at the upper-left area. You can double-click any of the available shape presets to apply it to the video layer. In addition, drag the X and Y, and Width, Height, and Feather sliders to adjust the mask’s position, size, and edge smoothness respectively. You can also check the Invert Mask box to reverse the masking effect on the video. Finally, click OK to save the changes, and follow the method explained in earlier parts to export the video.

Shape Masking

The following steps explain how to change the shape of a video with shape masks in Filmora:

Step 1: Get to the Utility Window

Add at two footages on their individual layers in the Timeline (make sure to place the second layer above the first one), and follow the method explained above to get to the Effects > Utility window.

Step 2: Add Shape Mask

Drag Shape Mask from the Utility window, and drop it on top of the video itself in the Timeline. Confirm that the fx icon appears on the video layer to ensure that the effect has been applied.

Step 3: Customize Shape Mask

Double-click the video layer in the Timeline you applied shape mask to. On the Video Effects > Shape Mask window, use the X and Y, and Width, Height, and Feather sliders to adjust the mask’s position, size and edge smoothness respectively. Optionally check the Invert Mask box to reverse the masking effect, and click OK to save the settings. Next, follow the method explained earlier to export the video.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between Image Mask and Shape Mask in Filmora?

A) In Filmora, Image Mask allows you to use an image (or any available preset) for masking so that the background footage is cropped to the shape of the picture. This is generally used to create logos and dynamic titles for movies or documentaries. On the other hand, Shape Mask enables you to mask the background clip with the foreground footage in the form of a shape that could be positioned and customized using the available sliders.

2. How many image masks are available in Filmora?

A) At the time of this writing, Wondershare Filmora has around 40 image mask presets. In addition, it also allows you to add custom images from your PC for more dynamic approach.

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

While most videos nowadays are rectangular, and are recorded in either landscape or portrait orientation, there are some social media platforms that require the clips to be square shaped. If you want to upload your footages on such websites, it is essential to learn how to change video shape.

Another benefit of changing the shape of the recorded films is that they can be adjusted in limited amount of space, especially if they are to be posted on a website. Furthermore, some fancy designs such as star-shaped or circle-shaped videos attract more attention when used in digital marketing campaigns.

With that said, here you will learn how to change the shape of a video using one of the most advanced and versatile post-production tools, Wondershare Filmora.

Want to learn more about aspect ratio of your video? Click here!

Or, you just want to transfer your video into vertical.

Part 1: How to Change Video Shape from Rectangle to Square

Depending on the recording device and the target audiences a video is intended to be distributed to, the aspect ratio of the produced footage could be 16:9, 4:3, or 21:9 that makes the film rectangular-shaped. Given that, the aspect ratio can be modified to change the film shape from rectangle to square.

The instructions given below explain how to change video shape from rectangle to square in Wondershare Filmora:

Step 1: Import Video to Timeline

Launch Wondershare Filmora on your PC (a Windows 10 computer is used here), click the Add Files icon from the center of the Media window present at the upper-left section, and use the Open box that appears to select and import the source video to Filmora. Next, drag the video from the Media window to the Timeline, and select your preferred option when/if the Project Setting confirmation box appears.

Step 2: Change Aspect Ratio

Select the video in the Timeline, and click the Crop and Zoom icon from the upper-left area of the Timeline itself. On the Crop and Zoom window that opens next, select 1:1 from the Ratio drop-down list, and click OK to save the new setting.

Step 3: Export the Video

Click EXPORT from the top-center area of the interface, go to the Local tab on the Export box, select your preferred format from the Format list in the left pane, optionally click SETTINGS from the right window to make other adjustments if necessary, and click EXPORT from the bottom-right corner of the box.

For more details, please refer to this article: How to Resize a Video to Right Aspect Ratio and Size.

Part 2: Change Video Shape by Cropping

If your preferred aspect ratio isn’t available in the ‘Ratio’ drop-down list of the ‘Crop and Zoom’ window, Wondershare Filmora allows you to manually change the video to a custom shape.

crop-video-9

You can learn how to change the shape of a video to an unlisted aspect ratio by following the instructions given below:

Step 1: Import the Video and Get to the Crop and Zoom Window

Follow the method explained in Step 1 of Part 1 to import a video to Wondershare Filmora, and then add it to the Timeline.

Step 2: Select Custom Ratio

Select the video in the Timeline, and click the Crop and Zoom icon as explained earlier to open its window. Next, select Custom from the Ratio drop-down list to be able to crop the videos unproportionally.

Step 3: Crop the Video Manually

Drag the cropping handles from any one edge of the video. Repeat this process for all the four sides to select the area of interest. Click OK to save the changes.

Step 4: Export the Video

Follow the process explained in Step 3 of Part 1 to export the modified video.

Part 3: Change Video Shape to Circle or Other Shapes in Filmora

Another, rather better way of changing videos to custom shapes is with the help of image or shape masking.

In Filmora you can apply image masks either from the existing presets, i.e. circle, star, diamond, etc., or you can add custom photos if need be. Professionals generally use custom pictures to create fancy logos and titles.

Download Win Version Download Mac Version

On the other hand, shape masking allows you to mask a background video with a foreground footage in a custom shape.

Although the basic concept of both types of masking is same, the options available under each can be used to produce effective outputs.

That said, following are the instructions to apply both types of masking to your videos:

Image Masking

The steps given below explain how to change video shape with image masking in Filmora:

Step 1: Add Clip to Timeline

Use the method explained in the previous sections to import a clip and add it to the Timeline.

Step 2: Add Image Mask

Click Effects from the standard toolbar at the top, select Utility from the left pane, drag Image Mask from the Utility window, and drop it on top of the video itself in the Timeline. Notice how the fx icon appears on the video layer showing that the effect has been successfully added.

Step 3: Customize Image Mask

On the Timeline, double-click the video layer you applied Image Mask to, and notice all the available shapes available under the Preset Mask section on the Video Effects > Image Mask window that appears at the upper-left area. You can double-click any of the available shape presets to apply it to the video layer. In addition, drag the X and Y, and Width, Height, and Feather sliders to adjust the mask’s position, size, and edge smoothness respectively. You can also check the Invert Mask box to reverse the masking effect on the video. Finally, click OK to save the changes, and follow the method explained in earlier parts to export the video.

Shape Masking

The following steps explain how to change the shape of a video with shape masks in Filmora:

Step 1: Get to the Utility Window

Add at two footages on their individual layers in the Timeline (make sure to place the second layer above the first one), and follow the method explained above to get to the Effects > Utility window.

Step 2: Add Shape Mask

Drag Shape Mask from the Utility window, and drop it on top of the video itself in the Timeline. Confirm that the fx icon appears on the video layer to ensure that the effect has been applied.

Step 3: Customize Shape Mask

Double-click the video layer in the Timeline you applied shape mask to. On the Video Effects > Shape Mask window, use the X and Y, and Width, Height, and Feather sliders to adjust the mask’s position, size and edge smoothness respectively. Optionally check the Invert Mask box to reverse the masking effect, and click OK to save the settings. Next, follow the method explained earlier to export the video.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between Image Mask and Shape Mask in Filmora?

A) In Filmora, Image Mask allows you to use an image (or any available preset) for masking so that the background footage is cropped to the shape of the picture. This is generally used to create logos and dynamic titles for movies or documentaries. On the other hand, Shape Mask enables you to mask the background clip with the foreground footage in the form of a shape that could be positioned and customized using the available sliders.

2. How many image masks are available in Filmora?

A) At the time of this writing, Wondershare Filmora has around 40 image mask presets. In addition, it also allows you to add custom images from your PC for more dynamic approach.

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Download Filmora 13 Editor for Free: Latest Version 2024

Filmora 13 Editor Download for Free [2024]

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

With modern video editing software, almost anyone can make a good video, with or without experience. Although many great video editing software programs can provide you with the tools you need to edit and share your videos around the world, you need to find and download the best video editor, which can meet your needs better. Here, we sincerely recommend you download the Filmora video editor and try it for free.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

How to Download & Install Filmora Video Editor for Free? [Windows & Mac]

Filmora is available on computers with Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.14 or later. You can click the Free Download button below to download the latest version of Filmora to experience amazing new features, such as auto reframe, motion tracking, keyframing, AI Portrait, AR stickers, animated split-screen, and Preview Render.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

The downloaded file size is less than 2 MB on Windows and about 3 MB on Mac. You can click it to install directly.

Compared with that 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.

Filmora video editor editing interface

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.

Download and try this easy-to-use yet powerful enough video editor that everyone can master in a few minutes for making superior videos at a fast speed.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download


Benefits of Downloading & Using Filmora Video Editor

If you’re wondering if Wondershare Filmora is worth downloading and buying, here are some more reasons:

1 Easy-to-use Video Editor

Filmora Video Editor comes with a modern, intuitive, and user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for anyone to become a great video editor. Simply drag and drop your media files to the timeline, then you can easily edit your clips and rearrange sequences of clips anytime you want. Everything is made easy, simple, and fast with Wondershare Filmora video editor. That’s the first reason that I recommend you to download the Filmora video editor.

video editor software download

You will see those big menu at the top: Media, Audio, Titles, Transition, Effects, Elements, Split Screen, and Export, which follows the basic video editing working flow. Double-click the clip in the timeline to use some advanced settings and editing features to adjust the video, audio, color, and apply motion effects as well.

Besides, Filmora now features the Smart Render feature, which can render the video preview in real-time as you make some changes, so that see what you will get on the clips you are editing. This, in turn, pushes the users’ imagination as it products a more creative way of video editing experience.

If you are creating videos shared on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, or other social media platforms, Filmora helps you to make videos in a faster way. You can select the project ratio aspect such as 1:1 aspect ratio for Instagram , 9:16 portrait, 4:3 standard, 21:9 cinema videos, and 16:9 widescreen video aspect ratio at the beginning of creating projects or changing the aspect ratio later. And export and share the made video to YouTube and Vimeo directly or select the built-in saving options for a mobile device to watch on your phones.

2 All-in-one Video Editor

I’ve summarized some frequently used basic and advanced tools in the Filmora video editor. If you find your favorite tools are not listed, leave a comment below so I can add them accordingly.

 Filmora Video Editor Basic Tools

Basic Tools in Filmora video editor

 Filmora Video Editor Advanced Tools

Advanced Tools in Filmora video editor

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

1) Basic & Advanced Video Editing Ability

As one of the best video editing software for beginners and semi-pros, the Filmora video editor allows you to do some basic video editing such as trimming and cutting, splitting, rotating and flipping, merging, and combining. Besides, as a powerful video editor, it has the ability to control video and audio speed, play videos and audio in reverse, pan and zoom video frames , detect scenes to quick split, record screen activities , take a high-quality snapshot and fix shaky videos. You can personalize your video by adding background music, record voice, composite chroma keying videos as you like.

 Filmora Editing

The enhanced chroma key and video stabilization features give you more control. You can select the color to be transparent, the offset and tolerance, the edge thickness and edge feather, even the alpha channel.

2) Built-in Video Templates, Audio Library & Various Filters, Overlays, Transitions, and Text Presets

Filmora has some sample color videos which include 15 colors video presets and sample countdown videos built-in as well as royalty-free music tracks and sound effects. (Note: the built-in audio library is for personal use only). So you can use the built-in stock media in the Filmora video editor without downloading from somewhere else.

 Filmora video editor audio library

Filmora also has tons of numerous transitions, titles, lower 3rds, subtitles, opener intros and end credits preset, and more special effects like filters, overlays, face-off, mosaic, image masks, and tilt-shift effects, which will definitely make your videos more stunning. Besides, if you are looking for more video effects and media resources, you can click the Filmstock icon to visit the Filmstock effects and stock media shop.

 Filmora Effects

Aside from the video editing functionalities, it can record screens and capture them in real-time.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

3) Audio Editing Ability

Filmora also allows you toremove and mute the video audio and remove the background noise with one click. You can also add fade in and fade out to make a ducking effect. There is even an audio Equalizer and audio Mixer to edit the audio further.

filmora audio editing

Filmora also allows you to add volume keyframes and edit audio cues with a more visible audio waveform. You can adjust the track height to get a better waveform view and add audio keyframes to adjust the volume of different segments of one audio clip in the timeline.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

4) Basic Color Grading Features

You can also do some basic color grading in Filmora, such as adjusting brightness, saturation, white balance, tint, and color temperature, or apply the built-in 3D LUT effects with one click. For more details about Filmora color grading, you can check color grading in post video creation.

 filmora color correction

3 Save and Share Your Videos with the World

Wondershare Filmora video editor provides various methods for you to save and share your videos with the world. You can directly upload them to YouTube and Vimeo. It’s also able to save videos in different types of movie formats, including MP4, MPEG2, FLV, and HD videos for iPhone, iPod, iPad, PSP, and lots more. Besides, it can also burn files into DVD discs with the built-in DVD tool for playing on TV or a home DVD player. You can also share on Filmora User Gallery which showcases user-created content around the world.

filmora Output

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Making and editing videos with the Filmora video editor is easy since it provides almost all the features that you will need to make movies in a professional way. We’re working on the new Filmora video editing software tutorials, but you can check the previous tutorial to get the basic video editing workflow in Filmora. Remember to download the free trial version of Filmora and let me what kind of video tutorial you need most.

To improve your video editing and create a more stunning video, you can use the package Filmora & Filmstock video templates”, click the image below to see how to make your storytelling more engaging.

Filmstock Stock Media Library ](https://filmstock.wondershare.com/creative-theme-tutorial?spm=rs.filmora%5Fweb&source%5Fchannel=seo%5Farticle )

FAQs About Filmora Video Editor

1. How can I get Filmora for free?

You can download the latest version of Filmora for free by clicking the Free Download button on the page, or you can get the free trial version on the Filmora Home page or the Filmora product page directly.

2. Is Filmora free?

The full-featured editing tools and in-built effects and templates in Filmora are totally free to use, but there will be a watermark in the exported video. If you want to remove the watermark from the video , you need to subscribe.

3. What is the latest version of Wondershare Filmora video editor?

At the time of writing (ie, 12/02/2023), the latest Filmora version that you can download is 12. This latest version has added some interesting features such as open-fx, instant mode, stock media, and mask. You can check our New Version Release page to learn more details about each version update.

4. Where can I download the Filmora?

We have fixed some bugs in Filmora and upgraded Filmora to Filmora 12. If you want to use a previous version of Filmora, please contact our support team.

5. What video ideas can I empower from Filmora?

Filmora has created many video empowerment columns designed explicitly for video creators. You can access user-created video content worldwide from User Gallery and learn how to deconstruct special effects videos from DIY Special Effects .

filmora logo

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

filmora-02

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

  • 100 Million+ Users
  • 150+ Countries and Regions
  • 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
  • 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

Try It Free

* Secure Download

filmora12

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

With modern video editing software, almost anyone can make a good video, with or without experience. Although many great video editing software programs can provide you with the tools you need to edit and share your videos around the world, you need to find and download the best video editor, which can meet your needs better. Here, we sincerely recommend you download the Filmora video editor and try it for free.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

How to Download & Install Filmora Video Editor for Free? [Windows & Mac]

Filmora is available on computers with Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.14 or later. You can click the Free Download button below to download the latest version of Filmora to experience amazing new features, such as auto reframe, motion tracking, keyframing, AI Portrait, AR stickers, animated split-screen, and Preview Render.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

The downloaded file size is less than 2 MB on Windows and about 3 MB on Mac. You can click it to install directly.

Compared with that 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.

Filmora video editor editing interface

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.

Download and try this easy-to-use yet powerful enough video editor that everyone can master in a few minutes for making superior videos at a fast speed.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download


Benefits of Downloading & Using Filmora Video Editor

If you’re wondering if Wondershare Filmora is worth downloading and buying, here are some more reasons:

1 Easy-to-use Video Editor

Filmora Video Editor comes with a modern, intuitive, and user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for anyone to become a great video editor. Simply drag and drop your media files to the timeline, then you can easily edit your clips and rearrange sequences of clips anytime you want. Everything is made easy, simple, and fast with Wondershare Filmora video editor. That’s the first reason that I recommend you to download the Filmora video editor.

video editor software download

You will see those big menu at the top: Media, Audio, Titles, Transition, Effects, Elements, Split Screen, and Export, which follows the basic video editing working flow. Double-click the clip in the timeline to use some advanced settings and editing features to adjust the video, audio, color, and apply motion effects as well.

Besides, Filmora now features the Smart Render feature, which can render the video preview in real-time as you make some changes, so that see what you will get on the clips you are editing. This, in turn, pushes the users’ imagination as it products a more creative way of video editing experience.

If you are creating videos shared on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, or other social media platforms, Filmora helps you to make videos in a faster way. You can select the project ratio aspect such as 1:1 aspect ratio for Instagram , 9:16 portrait, 4:3 standard, 21:9 cinema videos, and 16:9 widescreen video aspect ratio at the beginning of creating projects or changing the aspect ratio later. And export and share the made video to YouTube and Vimeo directly or select the built-in saving options for a mobile device to watch on your phones.

2 All-in-one Video Editor

I’ve summarized some frequently used basic and advanced tools in the Filmora video editor. If you find your favorite tools are not listed, leave a comment below so I can add them accordingly.

 Filmora Video Editor Basic Tools

Basic Tools in Filmora video editor

 Filmora Video Editor Advanced Tools

Advanced Tools in Filmora video editor

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

1) Basic & Advanced Video Editing Ability

As one of the best video editing software for beginners and semi-pros, the Filmora video editor allows you to do some basic video editing such as trimming and cutting, splitting, rotating and flipping, merging, and combining. Besides, as a powerful video editor, it has the ability to control video and audio speed, play videos and audio in reverse, pan and zoom video frames , detect scenes to quick split, record screen activities , take a high-quality snapshot and fix shaky videos. You can personalize your video by adding background music, record voice, composite chroma keying videos as you like.

 Filmora Editing

The enhanced chroma key and video stabilization features give you more control. You can select the color to be transparent, the offset and tolerance, the edge thickness and edge feather, even the alpha channel.

2) Built-in Video Templates, Audio Library & Various Filters, Overlays, Transitions, and Text Presets

Filmora has some sample color videos which include 15 colors video presets and sample countdown videos built-in as well as royalty-free music tracks and sound effects. (Note: the built-in audio library is for personal use only). So you can use the built-in stock media in the Filmora video editor without downloading from somewhere else.

 Filmora video editor audio library

Filmora also has tons of numerous transitions, titles, lower 3rds, subtitles, opener intros and end credits preset, and more special effects like filters, overlays, face-off, mosaic, image masks, and tilt-shift effects, which will definitely make your videos more stunning. Besides, if you are looking for more video effects and media resources, you can click the Filmstock icon to visit the Filmstock effects and stock media shop.

 Filmora Effects

Aside from the video editing functionalities, it can record screens and capture them in real-time.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

3) Audio Editing Ability

Filmora also allows you toremove and mute the video audio and remove the background noise with one click. You can also add fade in and fade out to make a ducking effect. There is even an audio Equalizer and audio Mixer to edit the audio further.

filmora audio editing

Filmora also allows you to add volume keyframes and edit audio cues with a more visible audio waveform. You can adjust the track height to get a better waveform view and add audio keyframes to adjust the volume of different segments of one audio clip in the timeline.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

4) Basic Color Grading Features

You can also do some basic color grading in Filmora, such as adjusting brightness, saturation, white balance, tint, and color temperature, or apply the built-in 3D LUT effects with one click. For more details about Filmora color grading, you can check color grading in post video creation.

 filmora color correction

3 Save and Share Your Videos with the World

Wondershare Filmora video editor provides various methods for you to save and share your videos with the world. You can directly upload them to YouTube and Vimeo. It’s also able to save videos in different types of movie formats, including MP4, MPEG2, FLV, and HD videos for iPhone, iPod, iPad, PSP, and lots more. Besides, it can also burn files into DVD discs with the built-in DVD tool for playing on TV or a home DVD player. You can also share on Filmora User Gallery which showcases user-created content around the world.

filmora Output

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Making and editing videos with the Filmora video editor is easy since it provides almost all the features that you will need to make movies in a professional way. We’re working on the new Filmora video editing software tutorials, but you can check the previous tutorial to get the basic video editing workflow in Filmora. Remember to download the free trial version of Filmora and let me what kind of video tutorial you need most.

To improve your video editing and create a more stunning video, you can use the package Filmora & Filmstock video templates”, click the image below to see how to make your storytelling more engaging.

Filmstock Stock Media Library ](https://filmstock.wondershare.com/creative-theme-tutorial?spm=rs.filmora%5Fweb&source%5Fchannel=seo%5Farticle )

FAQs About Filmora Video Editor

1. How can I get Filmora for free?

You can download the latest version of Filmora for free by clicking the Free Download button on the page, or you can get the free trial version on the Filmora Home page or the Filmora product page directly.

2. Is Filmora free?

The full-featured editing tools and in-built effects and templates in Filmora are totally free to use, but there will be a watermark in the exported video. If you want to remove the watermark from the video , you need to subscribe.

3. What is the latest version of Wondershare Filmora video editor?

At the time of writing (ie, 12/02/2023), the latest Filmora version that you can download is 12. This latest version has added some interesting features such as open-fx, instant mode, stock media, and mask. You can check our New Version Release page to learn more details about each version update.

4. Where can I download the Filmora?

We have fixed some bugs in Filmora and upgraded Filmora to Filmora 12. If you want to use a previous version of Filmora, please contact our support team.

5. What video ideas can I empower from Filmora?

Filmora has created many video empowerment columns designed explicitly for video creators. You can access user-created video content worldwide from User Gallery and learn how to deconstruct special effects videos from DIY Special Effects .

filmora logo

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

filmora-02

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

  • 100 Million+ Users
  • 150+ Countries and Regions
  • 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
  • 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

Try It Free

* Secure Download

filmora12

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

With modern video editing software, almost anyone can make a good video, with or without experience. Although many great video editing software programs can provide you with the tools you need to edit and share your videos around the world, you need to find and download the best video editor, which can meet your needs better. Here, we sincerely recommend you download the Filmora video editor and try it for free.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

How to Download & Install Filmora Video Editor for Free? [Windows & Mac]

Filmora is available on computers with Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.14 or later. You can click the Free Download button below to download the latest version of Filmora to experience amazing new features, such as auto reframe, motion tracking, keyframing, AI Portrait, AR stickers, animated split-screen, and Preview Render.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

The downloaded file size is less than 2 MB on Windows and about 3 MB on Mac. You can click it to install directly.

Compared with that 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.

Filmora video editor editing interface

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.

Download and try this easy-to-use yet powerful enough video editor that everyone can master in a few minutes for making superior videos at a fast speed.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download


Benefits of Downloading & Using Filmora Video Editor

If you’re wondering if Wondershare Filmora is worth downloading and buying, here are some more reasons:

1 Easy-to-use Video Editor

Filmora Video Editor comes with a modern, intuitive, and user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for anyone to become a great video editor. Simply drag and drop your media files to the timeline, then you can easily edit your clips and rearrange sequences of clips anytime you want. Everything is made easy, simple, and fast with Wondershare Filmora video editor. That’s the first reason that I recommend you to download the Filmora video editor.

video editor software download

You will see those big menu at the top: Media, Audio, Titles, Transition, Effects, Elements, Split Screen, and Export, which follows the basic video editing working flow. Double-click the clip in the timeline to use some advanced settings and editing features to adjust the video, audio, color, and apply motion effects as well.

Besides, Filmora now features the Smart Render feature, which can render the video preview in real-time as you make some changes, so that see what you will get on the clips you are editing. This, in turn, pushes the users’ imagination as it products a more creative way of video editing experience.

If you are creating videos shared on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, or other social media platforms, Filmora helps you to make videos in a faster way. You can select the project ratio aspect such as 1:1 aspect ratio for Instagram , 9:16 portrait, 4:3 standard, 21:9 cinema videos, and 16:9 widescreen video aspect ratio at the beginning of creating projects or changing the aspect ratio later. And export and share the made video to YouTube and Vimeo directly or select the built-in saving options for a mobile device to watch on your phones.

2 All-in-one Video Editor

I’ve summarized some frequently used basic and advanced tools in the Filmora video editor. If you find your favorite tools are not listed, leave a comment below so I can add them accordingly.

 Filmora Video Editor Basic Tools

Basic Tools in Filmora video editor

 Filmora Video Editor Advanced Tools

Advanced Tools in Filmora video editor

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

1) Basic & Advanced Video Editing Ability

As one of the best video editing software for beginners and semi-pros, the Filmora video editor allows you to do some basic video editing such as trimming and cutting, splitting, rotating and flipping, merging, and combining. Besides, as a powerful video editor, it has the ability to control video and audio speed, play videos and audio in reverse, pan and zoom video frames , detect scenes to quick split, record screen activities , take a high-quality snapshot and fix shaky videos. You can personalize your video by adding background music, record voice, composite chroma keying videos as you like.

 Filmora Editing

The enhanced chroma key and video stabilization features give you more control. You can select the color to be transparent, the offset and tolerance, the edge thickness and edge feather, even the alpha channel.

2) Built-in Video Templates, Audio Library & Various Filters, Overlays, Transitions, and Text Presets

Filmora has some sample color videos which include 15 colors video presets and sample countdown videos built-in as well as royalty-free music tracks and sound effects. (Note: the built-in audio library is for personal use only). So you can use the built-in stock media in the Filmora video editor without downloading from somewhere else.

 Filmora video editor audio library

Filmora also has tons of numerous transitions, titles, lower 3rds, subtitles, opener intros and end credits preset, and more special effects like filters, overlays, face-off, mosaic, image masks, and tilt-shift effects, which will definitely make your videos more stunning. Besides, if you are looking for more video effects and media resources, you can click the Filmstock icon to visit the Filmstock effects and stock media shop.

 Filmora Effects

Aside from the video editing functionalities, it can record screens and capture them in real-time.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

3) Audio Editing Ability

Filmora also allows you toremove and mute the video audio and remove the background noise with one click. You can also add fade in and fade out to make a ducking effect. There is even an audio Equalizer and audio Mixer to edit the audio further.

filmora audio editing

Filmora also allows you to add volume keyframes and edit audio cues with a more visible audio waveform. You can adjust the track height to get a better waveform view and add audio keyframes to adjust the volume of different segments of one audio clip in the timeline.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

4) Basic Color Grading Features

You can also do some basic color grading in Filmora, such as adjusting brightness, saturation, white balance, tint, and color temperature, or apply the built-in 3D LUT effects with one click. For more details about Filmora color grading, you can check color grading in post video creation.

 filmora color correction

3 Save and Share Your Videos with the World

Wondershare Filmora video editor provides various methods for you to save and share your videos with the world. You can directly upload them to YouTube and Vimeo. It’s also able to save videos in different types of movie formats, including MP4, MPEG2, FLV, and HD videos for iPhone, iPod, iPad, PSP, and lots more. Besides, it can also burn files into DVD discs with the built-in DVD tool for playing on TV or a home DVD player. You can also share on Filmora User Gallery which showcases user-created content around the world.

filmora Output

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Making and editing videos with the Filmora video editor is easy since it provides almost all the features that you will need to make movies in a professional way. We’re working on the new Filmora video editing software tutorials, but you can check the previous tutorial to get the basic video editing workflow in Filmora. Remember to download the free trial version of Filmora and let me what kind of video tutorial you need most.

To improve your video editing and create a more stunning video, you can use the package Filmora & Filmstock video templates”, click the image below to see how to make your storytelling more engaging.

Filmstock Stock Media Library ](https://filmstock.wondershare.com/creative-theme-tutorial?spm=rs.filmora%5Fweb&source%5Fchannel=seo%5Farticle )

FAQs About Filmora Video Editor

1. How can I get Filmora for free?

You can download the latest version of Filmora for free by clicking the Free Download button on the page, or you can get the free trial version on the Filmora Home page or the Filmora product page directly.

2. Is Filmora free?

The full-featured editing tools and in-built effects and templates in Filmora are totally free to use, but there will be a watermark in the exported video. If you want to remove the watermark from the video , you need to subscribe.

3. What is the latest version of Wondershare Filmora video editor?

At the time of writing (ie, 12/02/2023), the latest Filmora version that you can download is 12. This latest version has added some interesting features such as open-fx, instant mode, stock media, and mask. You can check our New Version Release page to learn more details about each version update.

4. Where can I download the Filmora?

We have fixed some bugs in Filmora and upgraded Filmora to Filmora 12. If you want to use a previous version of Filmora, please contact our support team.

5. What video ideas can I empower from Filmora?

Filmora has created many video empowerment columns designed explicitly for video creators. You can access user-created video content worldwide from User Gallery and learn how to deconstruct special effects videos from DIY Special Effects .

filmora logo

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

filmora-02

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

  • 100 Million+ Users
  • 150+ Countries and Regions
  • 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
  • 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

Try It Free

* Secure Download

filmora12

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

With modern video editing software, almost anyone can make a good video, with or without experience. Although many great video editing software programs can provide you with the tools you need to edit and share your videos around the world, you need to find and download the best video editor, which can meet your needs better. Here, we sincerely recommend you download the Filmora video editor and try it for free.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

How to Download & Install Filmora Video Editor for Free? [Windows & Mac]

Filmora is available on computers with Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.14 or later. You can click the Free Download button below to download the latest version of Filmora to experience amazing new features, such as auto reframe, motion tracking, keyframing, AI Portrait, AR stickers, animated split-screen, and Preview Render.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

The downloaded file size is less than 2 MB on Windows and about 3 MB on Mac. You can click it to install directly.

Compared with that 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.

Filmora video editor editing interface

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.

Download and try this easy-to-use yet powerful enough video editor that everyone can master in a few minutes for making superior videos at a fast speed.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download


Benefits of Downloading & Using Filmora Video Editor

If you’re wondering if Wondershare Filmora is worth downloading and buying, here are some more reasons:

1 Easy-to-use Video Editor

Filmora Video Editor comes with a modern, intuitive, and user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for anyone to become a great video editor. Simply drag and drop your media files to the timeline, then you can easily edit your clips and rearrange sequences of clips anytime you want. Everything is made easy, simple, and fast with Wondershare Filmora video editor. That’s the first reason that I recommend you to download the Filmora video editor.

video editor software download

You will see those big menu at the top: Media, Audio, Titles, Transition, Effects, Elements, Split Screen, and Export, which follows the basic video editing working flow. Double-click the clip in the timeline to use some advanced settings and editing features to adjust the video, audio, color, and apply motion effects as well.

Besides, Filmora now features the Smart Render feature, which can render the video preview in real-time as you make some changes, so that see what you will get on the clips you are editing. This, in turn, pushes the users’ imagination as it products a more creative way of video editing experience.

If you are creating videos shared on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, or other social media platforms, Filmora helps you to make videos in a faster way. You can select the project ratio aspect such as 1:1 aspect ratio for Instagram , 9:16 portrait, 4:3 standard, 21:9 cinema videos, and 16:9 widescreen video aspect ratio at the beginning of creating projects or changing the aspect ratio later. And export and share the made video to YouTube and Vimeo directly or select the built-in saving options for a mobile device to watch on your phones.

2 All-in-one Video Editor

I’ve summarized some frequently used basic and advanced tools in the Filmora video editor. If you find your favorite tools are not listed, leave a comment below so I can add them accordingly.

 Filmora Video Editor Basic Tools

Basic Tools in Filmora video editor

 Filmora Video Editor Advanced Tools

Advanced Tools in Filmora video editor

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

1) Basic & Advanced Video Editing Ability

As one of the best video editing software for beginners and semi-pros, the Filmora video editor allows you to do some basic video editing such as trimming and cutting, splitting, rotating and flipping, merging, and combining. Besides, as a powerful video editor, it has the ability to control video and audio speed, play videos and audio in reverse, pan and zoom video frames , detect scenes to quick split, record screen activities , take a high-quality snapshot and fix shaky videos. You can personalize your video by adding background music, record voice, composite chroma keying videos as you like.

 Filmora Editing

The enhanced chroma key and video stabilization features give you more control. You can select the color to be transparent, the offset and tolerance, the edge thickness and edge feather, even the alpha channel.

2) Built-in Video Templates, Audio Library & Various Filters, Overlays, Transitions, and Text Presets

Filmora has some sample color videos which include 15 colors video presets and sample countdown videos built-in as well as royalty-free music tracks and sound effects. (Note: the built-in audio library is for personal use only). So you can use the built-in stock media in the Filmora video editor without downloading from somewhere else.

 Filmora video editor audio library

Filmora also has tons of numerous transitions, titles, lower 3rds, subtitles, opener intros and end credits preset, and more special effects like filters, overlays, face-off, mosaic, image masks, and tilt-shift effects, which will definitely make your videos more stunning. Besides, if you are looking for more video effects and media resources, you can click the Filmstock icon to visit the Filmstock effects and stock media shop.

 Filmora Effects

Aside from the video editing functionalities, it can record screens and capture them in real-time.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

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3) Audio Editing Ability

Filmora also allows you toremove and mute the video audio and remove the background noise with one click. You can also add fade in and fade out to make a ducking effect. There is even an audio Equalizer and audio Mixer to edit the audio further.

filmora audio editing

Filmora also allows you to add volume keyframes and edit audio cues with a more visible audio waveform. You can adjust the track height to get a better waveform view and add audio keyframes to adjust the volume of different segments of one audio clip in the timeline.

Free Download

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

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Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

4) Basic Color Grading Features

You can also do some basic color grading in Filmora, such as adjusting brightness, saturation, white balance, tint, and color temperature, or apply the built-in 3D LUT effects with one click. For more details about Filmora color grading, you can check color grading in post video creation.

 filmora color correction

3 Save and Share Your Videos with the World

Wondershare Filmora video editor provides various methods for you to save and share your videos with the world. You can directly upload them to YouTube and Vimeo. It’s also able to save videos in different types of movie formats, including MP4, MPEG2, FLV, and HD videos for iPhone, iPod, iPad, PSP, and lots more. Besides, it can also burn files into DVD discs with the built-in DVD tool for playing on TV or a home DVD player. You can also share on Filmora User Gallery which showcases user-created content around the world.

filmora Output

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For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Free Download

For macOS 10.14 or later

Filmora secure download Secure Download

Making and editing videos with the Filmora video editor is easy since it provides almost all the features that you will need to make movies in a professional way. We’re working on the new Filmora video editing software tutorials, but you can check the previous tutorial to get the basic video editing workflow in Filmora. Remember to download the free trial version of Filmora and let me what kind of video tutorial you need most.

To improve your video editing and create a more stunning video, you can use the package Filmora & Filmstock video templates”, click the image below to see how to make your storytelling more engaging.

Filmstock Stock Media Library ](https://filmstock.wondershare.com/creative-theme-tutorial?spm=rs.filmora%5Fweb&source%5Fchannel=seo%5Farticle )

FAQs About Filmora Video Editor

1. How can I get Filmora for free?

You can download the latest version of Filmora for free by clicking the Free Download button on the page, or you can get the free trial version on the Filmora Home page or the Filmora product page directly.

2. Is Filmora free?

The full-featured editing tools and in-built effects and templates in Filmora are totally free to use, but there will be a watermark in the exported video. If you want to remove the watermark from the video , you need to subscribe.

3. What is the latest version of Wondershare Filmora video editor?

At the time of writing (ie, 12/02/2023), the latest Filmora version that you can download is 12. This latest version has added some interesting features such as open-fx, instant mode, stock media, and mask. You can check our New Version Release page to learn more details about each version update.

4. Where can I download the Filmora?

We have fixed some bugs in Filmora and upgraded Filmora to Filmora 12. If you want to use a previous version of Filmora, please contact our support team.

5. What video ideas can I empower from Filmora?

Filmora has created many video empowerment columns designed explicitly for video creators. You can access user-created video content worldwide from User Gallery and learn how to deconstruct special effects videos from DIY Special Effects .

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A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

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Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

  • 100 Million+ Users
  • 150+ Countries and Regions
  • 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
  • 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

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author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Cropping Images in FCPX: Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices

Final Cut Pro X: How to Crop an Image

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Cropping an image means to remove a portion of the image, either to hide something you don’t want the audience to see or emphasize different elements within the image. Just as Photoshop allows us to crop still images, Final Cut Pro X allows us to crop moving video clips, as you’ll learn in this article.


This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )


How to Crop an Image in Final Cut Pro X

However, before I show how this is done, I need to explain one really important fact about video: all video uses what’s called “fixed resolution.” Fixed resolution means that high-definition video is always displayed at one of two sizes:

You May Also Like: How to Crop GIF Images >>

  • 1920 x 1080 pixels
  • 1920 x 1080 pixels

Unlike still images which can be thousands of pixels on a side, video clips are locked into one of these two sizes. This means that if you crop a video clip, to remove something you don’t like, the remaining pixels are often enlarged to fill the frame. Crop too much and your video clip will look blurry, blocky, and edges will look stair-stepped.

I’ll show you two ways to crop a video clip in this article, one that maintains a high image quality but reduces the size of the frame (called “trimming”) and the other that fills the frame with the image but reduces image quality (called “cropping”). You get to pick which one works the best for you.

TRIMMING

Trimming is the process of removing portions of a video clip without changing the size of the clip. This retains the highest amount of image quality.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

For instance, here an image - courtesy of Pond5 (<www.pond5.com>). Let’s say that we want to emphasize the barn and not the sky.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

The easiest way to do this is to click the icon in the lower left corner of the Viewer and choose “Crop.”

how to crop an image with final cut pro

This displays the cropping tools in the Viewer.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Click the Trim button to turn on Trim mode. (This article discusses Trim and Crop. I’ll cover the Ken Burns effect in a future article.)

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Grab one of the blue dots and drag to hide portions of the frame. I generally grab a corner, but any blue dot will do.

NOTE: Press and hold the Option key while dragging to drag opposite edges or corners. Press and hold the Shift key to constrain the trim to the same aspect ratio as the frame.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Drag other corners or edges to further trim the image.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

When you have trimmed the image the way you want, click the “Done” button in the top right corner to exit trimming mode.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

If no other clip is below the trimmed clip, the background will be black.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

But, it actually isn’t black, it’s transparent. If you put another clip below it, you’ll see the lower clip underneath the trimmed image.

Trimming allows us to hide portions of a video clip, without changing the image quality of the clip that remains. However, trimming always creates transparent sections within an image.

CROPPING

Cropping allows us to select just a portion of a video clip, without creating any transparent sections, BUT, it degrades image quality.

There are several ways we can choose to crop an image:

how to crop an image with final cut pro

  • Click the Crop icon, as we illustrated above

how to crop an image with final cut pro

  • Right-mouse click (or Control-click) inside the Viewer and choose
  • Type Shift+C

how to crop an image with final cut pro

* In the Inspector > Video tab > Crop (this option provides the most precision, but is the least intuitive to use)

how to crop an image with final cut pro

If you selected any option except the Inspector, click the Crop button in the Viewer.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Now, drag a blue button in one of the corners. Because cropping, unlike trimming, fills the frame with the portion of the image we select, we can only move corners and the image is always sized to match the aspect ratio of our sequence.

Final Cut displays numbers at the top of the Viewer indicating how much the image has been cropped.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Reposition the frame by grabbing inside the rectangle and dragging.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

When you are happy with the results, click the Done button in the top right corner.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Notice that the selected portion of the image now fills the frame. Even though there is a clip below our cropped clip, we don’t see it.

And, if you look closely, you’ll see that the cropped image is softer (blurrier) than the original and edges are more likely to be stair-stepped.

RESET

how to crop an image with final cut pro

To reset a cropped image back to its default settings, open the Inspector and click the small curved arrow to the right of the word “Crop.”

SUMMARY

Trimming is used to hide portions of an image and superimpose it over another image.

Cropping is used to reframe an image, say from a medium shot to a close-up, but runs the risk of overly softening an image. The general rule is that cropping a little is OK, but don’t crop too much.

I use both these techniques frequently in my own editing.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Cropping an image means to remove a portion of the image, either to hide something you don’t want the audience to see or emphasize different elements within the image. Just as Photoshop allows us to crop still images, Final Cut Pro X allows us to crop moving video clips, as you’ll learn in this article.


This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )


How to Crop an Image in Final Cut Pro X

However, before I show how this is done, I need to explain one really important fact about video: all video uses what’s called “fixed resolution.” Fixed resolution means that high-definition video is always displayed at one of two sizes:

You May Also Like: How to Crop GIF Images >>

  • 1920 x 1080 pixels
  • 1920 x 1080 pixels

Unlike still images which can be thousands of pixels on a side, video clips are locked into one of these two sizes. This means that if you crop a video clip, to remove something you don’t like, the remaining pixels are often enlarged to fill the frame. Crop too much and your video clip will look blurry, blocky, and edges will look stair-stepped.

I’ll show you two ways to crop a video clip in this article, one that maintains a high image quality but reduces the size of the frame (called “trimming”) and the other that fills the frame with the image but reduces image quality (called “cropping”). You get to pick which one works the best for you.

TRIMMING

Trimming is the process of removing portions of a video clip without changing the size of the clip. This retains the highest amount of image quality.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

For instance, here an image - courtesy of Pond5 (<www.pond5.com>). Let’s say that we want to emphasize the barn and not the sky.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

The easiest way to do this is to click the icon in the lower left corner of the Viewer and choose “Crop.”

how to crop an image with final cut pro

This displays the cropping tools in the Viewer.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Click the Trim button to turn on Trim mode. (This article discusses Trim and Crop. I’ll cover the Ken Burns effect in a future article.)

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Grab one of the blue dots and drag to hide portions of the frame. I generally grab a corner, but any blue dot will do.

NOTE: Press and hold the Option key while dragging to drag opposite edges or corners. Press and hold the Shift key to constrain the trim to the same aspect ratio as the frame.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Drag other corners or edges to further trim the image.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

When you have trimmed the image the way you want, click the “Done” button in the top right corner to exit trimming mode.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

If no other clip is below the trimmed clip, the background will be black.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

But, it actually isn’t black, it’s transparent. If you put another clip below it, you’ll see the lower clip underneath the trimmed image.

Trimming allows us to hide portions of a video clip, without changing the image quality of the clip that remains. However, trimming always creates transparent sections within an image.

CROPPING

Cropping allows us to select just a portion of a video clip, without creating any transparent sections, BUT, it degrades image quality.

There are several ways we can choose to crop an image:

how to crop an image with final cut pro

  • Click the Crop icon, as we illustrated above

how to crop an image with final cut pro

  • Right-mouse click (or Control-click) inside the Viewer and choose
  • Type Shift+C

how to crop an image with final cut pro

* In the Inspector > Video tab > Crop (this option provides the most precision, but is the least intuitive to use)

how to crop an image with final cut pro

If you selected any option except the Inspector, click the Crop button in the Viewer.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Now, drag a blue button in one of the corners. Because cropping, unlike trimming, fills the frame with the portion of the image we select, we can only move corners and the image is always sized to match the aspect ratio of our sequence.

Final Cut displays numbers at the top of the Viewer indicating how much the image has been cropped.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Reposition the frame by grabbing inside the rectangle and dragging.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

When you are happy with the results, click the Done button in the top right corner.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Notice that the selected portion of the image now fills the frame. Even though there is a clip below our cropped clip, we don’t see it.

And, if you look closely, you’ll see that the cropped image is softer (blurrier) than the original and edges are more likely to be stair-stepped.

RESET

how to crop an image with final cut pro

To reset a cropped image back to its default settings, open the Inspector and click the small curved arrow to the right of the word “Crop.”

SUMMARY

Trimming is used to hide portions of an image and superimpose it over another image.

Cropping is used to reframe an image, say from a medium shot to a close-up, but runs the risk of overly softening an image. The general rule is that cropping a little is OK, but don’t crop too much.

I use both these techniques frequently in my own editing.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Cropping an image means to remove a portion of the image, either to hide something you don’t want the audience to see or emphasize different elements within the image. Just as Photoshop allows us to crop still images, Final Cut Pro X allows us to crop moving video clips, as you’ll learn in this article.


This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )


How to Crop an Image in Final Cut Pro X

However, before I show how this is done, I need to explain one really important fact about video: all video uses what’s called “fixed resolution.” Fixed resolution means that high-definition video is always displayed at one of two sizes:

You May Also Like: How to Crop GIF Images >>

  • 1920 x 1080 pixels
  • 1920 x 1080 pixels

Unlike still images which can be thousands of pixels on a side, video clips are locked into one of these two sizes. This means that if you crop a video clip, to remove something you don’t like, the remaining pixels are often enlarged to fill the frame. Crop too much and your video clip will look blurry, blocky, and edges will look stair-stepped.

I’ll show you two ways to crop a video clip in this article, one that maintains a high image quality but reduces the size of the frame (called “trimming”) and the other that fills the frame with the image but reduces image quality (called “cropping”). You get to pick which one works the best for you.

TRIMMING

Trimming is the process of removing portions of a video clip without changing the size of the clip. This retains the highest amount of image quality.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

For instance, here an image - courtesy of Pond5 (<www.pond5.com>). Let’s say that we want to emphasize the barn and not the sky.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

The easiest way to do this is to click the icon in the lower left corner of the Viewer and choose “Crop.”

how to crop an image with final cut pro

This displays the cropping tools in the Viewer.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Click the Trim button to turn on Trim mode. (This article discusses Trim and Crop. I’ll cover the Ken Burns effect in a future article.)

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Grab one of the blue dots and drag to hide portions of the frame. I generally grab a corner, but any blue dot will do.

NOTE: Press and hold the Option key while dragging to drag opposite edges or corners. Press and hold the Shift key to constrain the trim to the same aspect ratio as the frame.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Drag other corners or edges to further trim the image.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

When you have trimmed the image the way you want, click the “Done” button in the top right corner to exit trimming mode.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

If no other clip is below the trimmed clip, the background will be black.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

But, it actually isn’t black, it’s transparent. If you put another clip below it, you’ll see the lower clip underneath the trimmed image.

Trimming allows us to hide portions of a video clip, without changing the image quality of the clip that remains. However, trimming always creates transparent sections within an image.

CROPPING

Cropping allows us to select just a portion of a video clip, without creating any transparent sections, BUT, it degrades image quality.

There are several ways we can choose to crop an image:

how to crop an image with final cut pro

  • Click the Crop icon, as we illustrated above

how to crop an image with final cut pro

  • Right-mouse click (or Control-click) inside the Viewer and choose
  • Type Shift+C

how to crop an image with final cut pro

* In the Inspector > Video tab > Crop (this option provides the most precision, but is the least intuitive to use)

how to crop an image with final cut pro

If you selected any option except the Inspector, click the Crop button in the Viewer.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Now, drag a blue button in one of the corners. Because cropping, unlike trimming, fills the frame with the portion of the image we select, we can only move corners and the image is always sized to match the aspect ratio of our sequence.

Final Cut displays numbers at the top of the Viewer indicating how much the image has been cropped.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Reposition the frame by grabbing inside the rectangle and dragging.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

When you are happy with the results, click the Done button in the top right corner.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Notice that the selected portion of the image now fills the frame. Even though there is a clip below our cropped clip, we don’t see it.

And, if you look closely, you’ll see that the cropped image is softer (blurrier) than the original and edges are more likely to be stair-stepped.

RESET

how to crop an image with final cut pro

To reset a cropped image back to its default settings, open the Inspector and click the small curved arrow to the right of the word “Crop.”

SUMMARY

Trimming is used to hide portions of an image and superimpose it over another image.

Cropping is used to reframe an image, say from a medium shot to a close-up, but runs the risk of overly softening an image. The general rule is that cropping a little is OK, but don’t crop too much.

I use both these techniques frequently in my own editing.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Cropping an image means to remove a portion of the image, either to hide something you don’t want the audience to see or emphasize different elements within the image. Just as Photoshop allows us to crop still images, Final Cut Pro X allows us to crop moving video clips, as you’ll learn in this article.


This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )


How to Crop an Image in Final Cut Pro X

However, before I show how this is done, I need to explain one really important fact about video: all video uses what’s called “fixed resolution.” Fixed resolution means that high-definition video is always displayed at one of two sizes:

You May Also Like: How to Crop GIF Images >>

  • 1920 x 1080 pixels
  • 1920 x 1080 pixels

Unlike still images which can be thousands of pixels on a side, video clips are locked into one of these two sizes. This means that if you crop a video clip, to remove something you don’t like, the remaining pixels are often enlarged to fill the frame. Crop too much and your video clip will look blurry, blocky, and edges will look stair-stepped.

I’ll show you two ways to crop a video clip in this article, one that maintains a high image quality but reduces the size of the frame (called “trimming”) and the other that fills the frame with the image but reduces image quality (called “cropping”). You get to pick which one works the best for you.

TRIMMING

Trimming is the process of removing portions of a video clip without changing the size of the clip. This retains the highest amount of image quality.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

For instance, here an image - courtesy of Pond5 (<www.pond5.com>). Let’s say that we want to emphasize the barn and not the sky.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

The easiest way to do this is to click the icon in the lower left corner of the Viewer and choose “Crop.”

how to crop an image with final cut pro

This displays the cropping tools in the Viewer.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Click the Trim button to turn on Trim mode. (This article discusses Trim and Crop. I’ll cover the Ken Burns effect in a future article.)

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Grab one of the blue dots and drag to hide portions of the frame. I generally grab a corner, but any blue dot will do.

NOTE: Press and hold the Option key while dragging to drag opposite edges or corners. Press and hold the Shift key to constrain the trim to the same aspect ratio as the frame.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Drag other corners or edges to further trim the image.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

When you have trimmed the image the way you want, click the “Done” button in the top right corner to exit trimming mode.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

If no other clip is below the trimmed clip, the background will be black.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

But, it actually isn’t black, it’s transparent. If you put another clip below it, you’ll see the lower clip underneath the trimmed image.

Trimming allows us to hide portions of a video clip, without changing the image quality of the clip that remains. However, trimming always creates transparent sections within an image.

CROPPING

Cropping allows us to select just a portion of a video clip, without creating any transparent sections, BUT, it degrades image quality.

There are several ways we can choose to crop an image:

how to crop an image with final cut pro

  • Click the Crop icon, as we illustrated above

how to crop an image with final cut pro

  • Right-mouse click (or Control-click) inside the Viewer and choose
  • Type Shift+C

how to crop an image with final cut pro

* In the Inspector > Video tab > Crop (this option provides the most precision, but is the least intuitive to use)

how to crop an image with final cut pro

If you selected any option except the Inspector, click the Crop button in the Viewer.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Now, drag a blue button in one of the corners. Because cropping, unlike trimming, fills the frame with the portion of the image we select, we can only move corners and the image is always sized to match the aspect ratio of our sequence.

Final Cut displays numbers at the top of the Viewer indicating how much the image has been cropped.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Reposition the frame by grabbing inside the rectangle and dragging.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

When you are happy with the results, click the Done button in the top right corner.

how to crop an image with final cut pro

Notice that the selected portion of the image now fills the frame. Even though there is a clip below our cropped clip, we don’t see it.

And, if you look closely, you’ll see that the cropped image is softer (blurrier) than the original and edges are more likely to be stair-stepped.

RESET

how to crop an image with final cut pro

To reset a cropped image back to its default settings, open the Inspector and click the small curved arrow to the right of the word “Crop.”

SUMMARY

Trimming is used to hide portions of an image and superimpose it over another image.

Cropping is used to reframe an image, say from a medium shot to a close-up, but runs the risk of overly softening an image. The general rule is that cropping a little is OK, but don’t crop too much.

I use both these techniques frequently in my own editing.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

‘S Top-Rated Free Home Security Camera Apps

10 Best Free Security Camera Software

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Figuring out which is the best security camera software is never easy. This is because most of the software you find online says it is free…until you download their software and it tries to charge you.

Here is a review of the best security camera software, and every single one has a free option. Share this article on social media if you find the right camera software for you.

But if you are new in this field, then you might want to know some basic technique terms introduced following, before we jump to choose the best security camera software.

What Is an IP Camera?

When people say, “IP camera,” they usually mean a camera that uses the Internet in some way so that it may do its job. A typical CCTV camera connects a camera to a computer via a wire. An IP camera can connect over the Internet.

Sometimes, the connection is remote. This means that the camera may be in one location and still be connected to another computer that is miles away.

However, many IP cameras are installed in a home and only travel a few feet/meters to the nearest computer. In short, an IP camera doesn’t need a local recording device because the signal can be sent over the Internet or with a Wi-Fi connection.

What Is Camera Software Used for?

Most people and businesses use camera software to connect their cameras to their computers or their Smartphones. This is often cheaper than buying dedicated recording hardware. The camera and its software are usually used to monitor camera feeds that are life, and to records them onto a hard drive or to the Cloud.

How Do You Pick the Best Security Camera Software?

In most cases, the best software is simply the software that works with your cameras, and that offers all the functions you need. Compatibility is the first concern, but you also want it to work well with your device. For example, if your cameras have a zoom function, but your software doesn’t allow zooming, then that piece of software is not the best one for you.

For example, if you are using Linux, then you want Linux security camera software. And, some people insist that their software allows them to monitor their cameras from their Smartphones. The great thing about free security camera software is that you can test it out first without the risk of losing your money.

If You Need to Edit Your Videos , Which Is the Best Video Editor?

Exporting or downloading content from your camera software is a messy job. You often need a good video editor and trimmer to make your video clips usable.

This is especially true when video recordings can go on for as long as 90 days at a time. If you are looking for a high-quality and flexible video editor, then Filmora is your only real and viable choice. Learn more from Wondershare Video Community .

Filmora takes users’ needs into consideration and comes up with a variety of useful features to make editing easy for people of different levels. Let’s have a look at the useful features of Filmora to better understand how powerful Filmora is.

  • Auto Synchronization: This allows you to sync video and audio easily.
  • Plenty of transitions, effects, elements make your videos more interesting.
  • Audio Ducking: Automatically reduce the volume of the background music to make the dialogue stand out.
  • Wondershare Drive: Upload video or project to Wondershare Drive and download it to complete anywhere you want.
  • Motion Tracking: Attach an element to a moving object in your video easily with auto motion tracking.
  • Keyframing: Customize animation by adding keyframes to change the position, rotation, scale, and opacity of a clip.
  • Color Match: Match the color of selected clips to another frame from another clip.

Download Filmora Win Version Download Filmora Mac Version

10 Best Free Security Camera Software

Now let’s have a look at the 10 best free security camera software with very comprehensive choosing details.

1. NetCam Studio

best free security camera software

There is a free version of NetCam Studio, but if you want something more powerful, then you can buy one of their licenses. These licenses allow you to use the software for as long as you like, and they will update the software for up to two years after purchase.

After the two-year period, you can keep the software running as normal, but if you want upgrades, then you will have to buy them. Upgrades shouldn’t be needed unless you buy a new piece of camera hardware and it requires a new type of camera software.

The NetCam Studio Features

If you go for the free version of NetCam Studio, then you get to use a camera feed from two sources. There is a watermark added to the camera images, and you get five-day notifications. There is also community support.

The paid features include up to 64 sources, no watermarks, 250-day notifications, and you get priority support. After the 250 days is up, you may buy upgrades in order to keep the notification system going.

Pros

The free version does not expire in any way besides the notifications

You are able to use this software with a wide variety of camera brands

Updates are frequent enough to tackle most system-breaking bugs

Cons

The interface needs updating to make it more user friendly

They need to better explain the “Add Source” procedure

Troubleshooting audio problems is very difficult

2. Security Eye

best free security camera software

The reason Security Eye ranks so highly is that it is a professional piece of software that somebody decided should be free. It is not open source security camera software, but the developers have decided that it should be free. There used to be a free version where you would get 2 hours of free surveillance per day for free, but in 2019 the company removed its payment system. Will they keep it up or go back to paid subscriptions? Who knows, but you should get it while it is still free (if you can).

Security Eye Features

You can use a timer to determine when the video feed should start. You can capture images as JPEGs and then compress them. The system also allows you to receive alerts via a loudspeaker. It works with motion-detection devices too.

Pros

It comes with the Xvid MPEG-4 Codec

The full version has no nag screen or recording limit

The Security Eye interface is pretty modern for what is essentially a free piece of software

Cons

Demands 1GB of RAM and 2GB of HHD space

Requires at least an Intel Pentium 1.8 processor

The icons should be more intuitive

3. Perfect Surveillance

best free security camera software

There are three types of free security camera software for you to choose from. There is one for IP cameras, one for web cameras, and there is a piece of viewing software that people may use if they do not have something like VLC video viewer installed.

Perfect Surveillance Features

Simple icons and a clear interface is a great benefits. Determine when the cameras start monitoring and set up your own layouts to suit your viewing style.

Pros

A simple program that works in a very uncomplicated manner

Most of its icons are intuitive to where you can guess what they do

The Perfect Surveillance system has motion detection and allows you to monitor up to 64 devices

Cons

Installing seems overly long and bloated

There are not enough instructions on how to get your cameras connected

They do not explain how to capture and export screenshots

4. iVideon

best free security camera software

There are times when a piece of free software simply does its job good enough to warrant no complaints, and that is exactly what iVideon offers. There are plenty of ways it can be improved, but there is nothing about it that demands harsh criticism.

iVideon Features

One of its most advertised features is facial recognition, but it is not very accurate. It does allow for very good mobile usage. You can view live and recorded footage on your desktop or mobile device. It is also available for Mac OS X and Linux.

Pros

Online home use and access is completely full-featured and freeware

It has smart notifications and has its own desktop and mobile apps

it doesn’t take long to learn how to use the iVideon interface

Cons

Seems rather light on features

Installing and connecting cameras requires a better tutorial

Embedding live video on your website is trickier than it first seems

5. Xeoma

best free security camera software

This program has plenty of features, but most of them are locked off to free users. It takes over too long to learn how to use the system, but it may be worth it if you have many cameras. The paid version has all sorts of perks from SMS texts to system health monitoring.

Xeoma Features

The lite version is the free version. It allows you to add four cameras with up to six modules in each chain. You can test out and use the lite version as long as you like, or you can get a free trial of the larger fully-featured program.

Pros

Record and monitor from four cameras

Updates are very frequent

This software works with mostly every type of camera

Cons

Around 90% of features are locked off to free users.

Xeoma is difficult to learn and set up

Connecting many cameras is difficult because the system is difficult to learn as a whole

6. Genius Vision

best free security camera software

The Genius Vision system is a fairly advanced piece of software that is probably best used for businesses. If used at home, then there are many features that may never be used. It also works on mobile devices too.

Genius Vision Features

There are plenty of features to play with, including a massive array of settings to fit the many types of camera that this program can be used with. You can even support the company through Patreon and get more extensions on the program.

Pros

Works in-depth with many types of camera

The tools are very sophisticated and accurate

The drop-down menus are complicated while also being thoughtfully laid out

Cons

Getting paid upgrades is trickier than just buying on their website

Setting up the remote features is difficult

You have to figure out most of how to use the program based on which camera you have connected

7. Deskshare IP Camera Viewer

best free security camera software

The Deskshare IP Camera Viewer company has a great piece of security camera software that they repackage into many different names and then give away on their website. They do this because the software comes with lots of unwanted bloatware that the company is paid to promote. The sad part is that many other websites will replace this bloatware with Trojan viruses, which means it is difficult to get a clean version of this program.

Deskshare IP Camera Viewer Features

Live recording, playback, and split-screen is all available. You can use up to 4 cameras at a time, and it works with 2200 different camera models. If your hardware allows it, then you can pan, tilt and zoom your camera.

Pros

It is compatible with many types of camera brand

You can set up floating surveillance windows if you want

Adjust the properties of each camera individually

Cons

Installing is very difficult to do correctly

Comes with bloatware and/or unwanted content

The IP software has the least features of all the Deskshare camera software

8. Anycam

best free security camera software

The Anycam system is a very average piece of software, but it works with most any type of camera. The interface is basic but easy to use and easy to set up. You will discover that the free version is only limited in terms of record time, you can still use all its features.

Anycam Features

Anycam is mostly featureless. It works with motion-detection cameras. It allows for video recording and playback. Plus, you can watch a live feed. Other than that, there is very little you can do with this basic-but-effective piece of software.

Pros

The program seems to work with any type of camera

Anycam has a paid version where you only make a one-time payment and get free lifetime updates

Installing and setup is very easy

Cons

Trying to find specific events on the timeline is very fiddly

The free version only allows two cameras to be linked

The recording is very limited with the free version

9. ContaCam

best free security camera software

In the strictest terms, this piece of software is not free. The developers ask you for a donation, but there is nothing forcing you to give them one. Plus, you can try the software, and then if it turns out to be brilliant, then you can always go back and donate to them.

ContaCam Features

Despite seeming very complicated, the interface is actually very self-explanatory. At first glance, it looks overly condensed and full of features, but each explains itself very well. You can configure the cameras very precisely to the point where you can even specify within which seconds it starts and stops.

Pros

A rather advanced piece of software

The interface layout is very condensed without being confusing

You can use web servers, the Internet, or intranet to receive live feeds

Cons

The interface has no aesthetic decoration at all

ContaCam takes a long time to learn through trial and error testing

The developers say this will never work with mobile devices

10. Agent DVR

best free security camera software

The great thing about Agent DVR is that it is completely free because it is freeware. The sad part is that it was created by a developer who went on to finer things and left the program lodged on a few high-use servers. It is now being passed around freeware websites, which means it is sometimes difficult to find a clean version. Nevertheless, it is a fine piece of camera software that still works for many types of cameras.

Agent DVR Features

The Agent DVR software allows for video surveillance with a live feed, and for recording. You can use it with motion-detection software, and it still works for many different types of cameras. It uses a reliable SSL algorithm for its signal encryption, and it is very lightweight, which means it is not a big drain on your device’s CPU.

Pros

A very simple and lightweight piece of software

Works all the way back to Windows 7

It still works with motion detection systems

Cons

Agent DVR will become more obsolete as newer cameras appear over the coming years

Updates will never occur beyond Windows 10

The interface looks very dated compared to the modern camera software

Conclusion

As you can tell by this article, getting good security camera software is difficult because there is so much to choose from. Plus, installing is often an issue, as is companies trying to nag-free users into paying. There is also the issue of connecting cameras and the problem with tagged-on viruses and bloatware.

Nevertheless, there is plenty to try without having to pay, so that is a positive. What do you think?

Have any of these worked for you? Ask your friends on social media, start a discussion, and share this article to help others discover the best free security camera software.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Figuring out which is the best security camera software is never easy. This is because most of the software you find online says it is free…until you download their software and it tries to charge you.

Here is a review of the best security camera software, and every single one has a free option. Share this article on social media if you find the right camera software for you.

But if you are new in this field, then you might want to know some basic technique terms introduced following, before we jump to choose the best security camera software.

What Is an IP Camera?

When people say, “IP camera,” they usually mean a camera that uses the Internet in some way so that it may do its job. A typical CCTV camera connects a camera to a computer via a wire. An IP camera can connect over the Internet.

Sometimes, the connection is remote. This means that the camera may be in one location and still be connected to another computer that is miles away.

However, many IP cameras are installed in a home and only travel a few feet/meters to the nearest computer. In short, an IP camera doesn’t need a local recording device because the signal can be sent over the Internet or with a Wi-Fi connection.

What Is Camera Software Used for?

Most people and businesses use camera software to connect their cameras to their computers or their Smartphones. This is often cheaper than buying dedicated recording hardware. The camera and its software are usually used to monitor camera feeds that are life, and to records them onto a hard drive or to the Cloud.

How Do You Pick the Best Security Camera Software?

In most cases, the best software is simply the software that works with your cameras, and that offers all the functions you need. Compatibility is the first concern, but you also want it to work well with your device. For example, if your cameras have a zoom function, but your software doesn’t allow zooming, then that piece of software is not the best one for you.

For example, if you are using Linux, then you want Linux security camera software. And, some people insist that their software allows them to monitor their cameras from their Smartphones. The great thing about free security camera software is that you can test it out first without the risk of losing your money.

If You Need to Edit Your Videos , Which Is the Best Video Editor?

Exporting or downloading content from your camera software is a messy job. You often need a good video editor and trimmer to make your video clips usable.

This is especially true when video recordings can go on for as long as 90 days at a time. If you are looking for a high-quality and flexible video editor, then Filmora is your only real and viable choice. Learn more from Wondershare Video Community .

Filmora takes users’ needs into consideration and comes up with a variety of useful features to make editing easy for people of different levels. Let’s have a look at the useful features of Filmora to better understand how powerful Filmora is.

  • Auto Synchronization: This allows you to sync video and audio easily.
  • Plenty of transitions, effects, elements make your videos more interesting.
  • Audio Ducking: Automatically reduce the volume of the background music to make the dialogue stand out.
  • Wondershare Drive: Upload video or project to Wondershare Drive and download it to complete anywhere you want.
  • Motion Tracking: Attach an element to a moving object in your video easily with auto motion tracking.
  • Keyframing: Customize animation by adding keyframes to change the position, rotation, scale, and opacity of a clip.
  • Color Match: Match the color of selected clips to another frame from another clip.

Download Filmora Win Version Download Filmora Mac Version

10 Best Free Security Camera Software

Now let’s have a look at the 10 best free security camera software with very comprehensive choosing details.

1. NetCam Studio

best free security camera software

There is a free version of NetCam Studio, but if you want something more powerful, then you can buy one of their licenses. These licenses allow you to use the software for as long as you like, and they will update the software for up to two years after purchase.

After the two-year period, you can keep the software running as normal, but if you want upgrades, then you will have to buy them. Upgrades shouldn’t be needed unless you buy a new piece of camera hardware and it requires a new type of camera software.

The NetCam Studio Features

If you go for the free version of NetCam Studio, then you get to use a camera feed from two sources. There is a watermark added to the camera images, and you get five-day notifications. There is also community support.

The paid features include up to 64 sources, no watermarks, 250-day notifications, and you get priority support. After the 250 days is up, you may buy upgrades in order to keep the notification system going.

Pros

The free version does not expire in any way besides the notifications

You are able to use this software with a wide variety of camera brands

Updates are frequent enough to tackle most system-breaking bugs

Cons

The interface needs updating to make it more user friendly

They need to better explain the “Add Source” procedure

Troubleshooting audio problems is very difficult

2. Security Eye

best free security camera software

The reason Security Eye ranks so highly is that it is a professional piece of software that somebody decided should be free. It is not open source security camera software, but the developers have decided that it should be free. There used to be a free version where you would get 2 hours of free surveillance per day for free, but in 2019 the company removed its payment system. Will they keep it up or go back to paid subscriptions? Who knows, but you should get it while it is still free (if you can).

Security Eye Features

You can use a timer to determine when the video feed should start. You can capture images as JPEGs and then compress them. The system also allows you to receive alerts via a loudspeaker. It works with motion-detection devices too.

Pros

It comes with the Xvid MPEG-4 Codec

The full version has no nag screen or recording limit

The Security Eye interface is pretty modern for what is essentially a free piece of software

Cons

Demands 1GB of RAM and 2GB of HHD space

Requires at least an Intel Pentium 1.8 processor

The icons should be more intuitive

3. Perfect Surveillance

best free security camera software

There are three types of free security camera software for you to choose from. There is one for IP cameras, one for web cameras, and there is a piece of viewing software that people may use if they do not have something like VLC video viewer installed.

Perfect Surveillance Features

Simple icons and a clear interface is a great benefits. Determine when the cameras start monitoring and set up your own layouts to suit your viewing style.

Pros

A simple program that works in a very uncomplicated manner

Most of its icons are intuitive to where you can guess what they do

The Perfect Surveillance system has motion detection and allows you to monitor up to 64 devices

Cons

Installing seems overly long and bloated

There are not enough instructions on how to get your cameras connected

They do not explain how to capture and export screenshots

4. iVideon

best free security camera software

There are times when a piece of free software simply does its job good enough to warrant no complaints, and that is exactly what iVideon offers. There are plenty of ways it can be improved, but there is nothing about it that demands harsh criticism.

iVideon Features

One of its most advertised features is facial recognition, but it is not very accurate. It does allow for very good mobile usage. You can view live and recorded footage on your desktop or mobile device. It is also available for Mac OS X and Linux.

Pros

Online home use and access is completely full-featured and freeware

It has smart notifications and has its own desktop and mobile apps

it doesn’t take long to learn how to use the iVideon interface

Cons

Seems rather light on features

Installing and connecting cameras requires a better tutorial

Embedding live video on your website is trickier than it first seems

5. Xeoma

best free security camera software

This program has plenty of features, but most of them are locked off to free users. It takes over too long to learn how to use the system, but it may be worth it if you have many cameras. The paid version has all sorts of perks from SMS texts to system health monitoring.

Xeoma Features

The lite version is the free version. It allows you to add four cameras with up to six modules in each chain. You can test out and use the lite version as long as you like, or you can get a free trial of the larger fully-featured program.

Pros

Record and monitor from four cameras

Updates are very frequent

This software works with mostly every type of camera

Cons

Around 90% of features are locked off to free users.

Xeoma is difficult to learn and set up

Connecting many cameras is difficult because the system is difficult to learn as a whole

6. Genius Vision

best free security camera software

The Genius Vision system is a fairly advanced piece of software that is probably best used for businesses. If used at home, then there are many features that may never be used. It also works on mobile devices too.

Genius Vision Features

There are plenty of features to play with, including a massive array of settings to fit the many types of camera that this program can be used with. You can even support the company through Patreon and get more extensions on the program.

Pros

Works in-depth with many types of camera

The tools are very sophisticated and accurate

The drop-down menus are complicated while also being thoughtfully laid out

Cons

Getting paid upgrades is trickier than just buying on their website

Setting up the remote features is difficult

You have to figure out most of how to use the program based on which camera you have connected

7. Deskshare IP Camera Viewer

best free security camera software

The Deskshare IP Camera Viewer company has a great piece of security camera software that they repackage into many different names and then give away on their website. They do this because the software comes with lots of unwanted bloatware that the company is paid to promote. The sad part is that many other websites will replace this bloatware with Trojan viruses, which means it is difficult to get a clean version of this program.

Deskshare IP Camera Viewer Features

Live recording, playback, and split-screen is all available. You can use up to 4 cameras at a time, and it works with 2200 different camera models. If your hardware allows it, then you can pan, tilt and zoom your camera.

Pros

It is compatible with many types of camera brand

You can set up floating surveillance windows if you want

Adjust the properties of each camera individually

Cons

Installing is very difficult to do correctly

Comes with bloatware and/or unwanted content

The IP software has the least features of all the Deskshare camera software

8. Anycam

best free security camera software

The Anycam system is a very average piece of software, but it works with most any type of camera. The interface is basic but easy to use and easy to set up. You will discover that the free version is only limited in terms of record time, you can still use all its features.

Anycam Features

Anycam is mostly featureless. It works with motion-detection cameras. It allows for video recording and playback. Plus, you can watch a live feed. Other than that, there is very little you can do with this basic-but-effective piece of software.

Pros

The program seems to work with any type of camera

Anycam has a paid version where you only make a one-time payment and get free lifetime updates

Installing and setup is very easy

Cons

Trying to find specific events on the timeline is very fiddly

The free version only allows two cameras to be linked

The recording is very limited with the free version

9. ContaCam

best free security camera software

In the strictest terms, this piece of software is not free. The developers ask you for a donation, but there is nothing forcing you to give them one. Plus, you can try the software, and then if it turns out to be brilliant, then you can always go back and donate to them.

ContaCam Features

Despite seeming very complicated, the interface is actually very self-explanatory. At first glance, it looks overly condensed and full of features, but each explains itself very well. You can configure the cameras very precisely to the point where you can even specify within which seconds it starts and stops.

Pros

A rather advanced piece of software

The interface layout is very condensed without being confusing

You can use web servers, the Internet, or intranet to receive live feeds

Cons

The interface has no aesthetic decoration at all

ContaCam takes a long time to learn through trial and error testing

The developers say this will never work with mobile devices

10. Agent DVR

best free security camera software

The great thing about Agent DVR is that it is completely free because it is freeware. The sad part is that it was created by a developer who went on to finer things and left the program lodged on a few high-use servers. It is now being passed around freeware websites, which means it is sometimes difficult to find a clean version. Nevertheless, it is a fine piece of camera software that still works for many types of cameras.

Agent DVR Features

The Agent DVR software allows for video surveillance with a live feed, and for recording. You can use it with motion-detection software, and it still works for many different types of cameras. It uses a reliable SSL algorithm for its signal encryption, and it is very lightweight, which means it is not a big drain on your device’s CPU.

Pros

A very simple and lightweight piece of software

Works all the way back to Windows 7

It still works with motion detection systems

Cons

Agent DVR will become more obsolete as newer cameras appear over the coming years

Updates will never occur beyond Windows 10

The interface looks very dated compared to the modern camera software

Conclusion

As you can tell by this article, getting good security camera software is difficult because there is so much to choose from. Plus, installing is often an issue, as is companies trying to nag-free users into paying. There is also the issue of connecting cameras and the problem with tagged-on viruses and bloatware.

Nevertheless, there is plenty to try without having to pay, so that is a positive. What do you think?

Have any of these worked for you? Ask your friends on social media, start a discussion, and share this article to help others discover the best free security camera software.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Figuring out which is the best security camera software is never easy. This is because most of the software you find online says it is free…until you download their software and it tries to charge you.

Here is a review of the best security camera software, and every single one has a free option. Share this article on social media if you find the right camera software for you.

But if you are new in this field, then you might want to know some basic technique terms introduced following, before we jump to choose the best security camera software.

What Is an IP Camera?

When people say, “IP camera,” they usually mean a camera that uses the Internet in some way so that it may do its job. A typical CCTV camera connects a camera to a computer via a wire. An IP camera can connect over the Internet.

Sometimes, the connection is remote. This means that the camera may be in one location and still be connected to another computer that is miles away.

However, many IP cameras are installed in a home and only travel a few feet/meters to the nearest computer. In short, an IP camera doesn’t need a local recording device because the signal can be sent over the Internet or with a Wi-Fi connection.

What Is Camera Software Used for?

Most people and businesses use camera software to connect their cameras to their computers or their Smartphones. This is often cheaper than buying dedicated recording hardware. The camera and its software are usually used to monitor camera feeds that are life, and to records them onto a hard drive or to the Cloud.

How Do You Pick the Best Security Camera Software?

In most cases, the best software is simply the software that works with your cameras, and that offers all the functions you need. Compatibility is the first concern, but you also want it to work well with your device. For example, if your cameras have a zoom function, but your software doesn’t allow zooming, then that piece of software is not the best one for you.

For example, if you are using Linux, then you want Linux security camera software. And, some people insist that their software allows them to monitor their cameras from their Smartphones. The great thing about free security camera software is that you can test it out first without the risk of losing your money.

If You Need to Edit Your Videos , Which Is the Best Video Editor?

Exporting or downloading content from your camera software is a messy job. You often need a good video editor and trimmer to make your video clips usable.

This is especially true when video recordings can go on for as long as 90 days at a time. If you are looking for a high-quality and flexible video editor, then Filmora is your only real and viable choice. Learn more from Wondershare Video Community .

Filmora takes users’ needs into consideration and comes up with a variety of useful features to make editing easy for people of different levels. Let’s have a look at the useful features of Filmora to better understand how powerful Filmora is.

  • Auto Synchronization: This allows you to sync video and audio easily.
  • Plenty of transitions, effects, elements make your videos more interesting.
  • Audio Ducking: Automatically reduce the volume of the background music to make the dialogue stand out.
  • Wondershare Drive: Upload video or project to Wondershare Drive and download it to complete anywhere you want.
  • Motion Tracking: Attach an element to a moving object in your video easily with auto motion tracking.
  • Keyframing: Customize animation by adding keyframes to change the position, rotation, scale, and opacity of a clip.
  • Color Match: Match the color of selected clips to another frame from another clip.

Download Filmora Win Version Download Filmora Mac Version

10 Best Free Security Camera Software

Now let’s have a look at the 10 best free security camera software with very comprehensive choosing details.

1. NetCam Studio

best free security camera software

There is a free version of NetCam Studio, but if you want something more powerful, then you can buy one of their licenses. These licenses allow you to use the software for as long as you like, and they will update the software for up to two years after purchase.

After the two-year period, you can keep the software running as normal, but if you want upgrades, then you will have to buy them. Upgrades shouldn’t be needed unless you buy a new piece of camera hardware and it requires a new type of camera software.

The NetCam Studio Features

If you go for the free version of NetCam Studio, then you get to use a camera feed from two sources. There is a watermark added to the camera images, and you get five-day notifications. There is also community support.

The paid features include up to 64 sources, no watermarks, 250-day notifications, and you get priority support. After the 250 days is up, you may buy upgrades in order to keep the notification system going.

Pros

The free version does not expire in any way besides the notifications

You are able to use this software with a wide variety of camera brands

Updates are frequent enough to tackle most system-breaking bugs

Cons

The interface needs updating to make it more user friendly

They need to better explain the “Add Source” procedure

Troubleshooting audio problems is very difficult

2. Security Eye

best free security camera software

The reason Security Eye ranks so highly is that it is a professional piece of software that somebody decided should be free. It is not open source security camera software, but the developers have decided that it should be free. There used to be a free version where you would get 2 hours of free surveillance per day for free, but in 2019 the company removed its payment system. Will they keep it up or go back to paid subscriptions? Who knows, but you should get it while it is still free (if you can).

Security Eye Features

You can use a timer to determine when the video feed should start. You can capture images as JPEGs and then compress them. The system also allows you to receive alerts via a loudspeaker. It works with motion-detection devices too.

Pros

It comes with the Xvid MPEG-4 Codec

The full version has no nag screen or recording limit

The Security Eye interface is pretty modern for what is essentially a free piece of software

Cons

Demands 1GB of RAM and 2GB of HHD space

Requires at least an Intel Pentium 1.8 processor

The icons should be more intuitive

3. Perfect Surveillance

best free security camera software

There are three types of free security camera software for you to choose from. There is one for IP cameras, one for web cameras, and there is a piece of viewing software that people may use if they do not have something like VLC video viewer installed.

Perfect Surveillance Features

Simple icons and a clear interface is a great benefits. Determine when the cameras start monitoring and set up your own layouts to suit your viewing style.

Pros

A simple program that works in a very uncomplicated manner

Most of its icons are intuitive to where you can guess what they do

The Perfect Surveillance system has motion detection and allows you to monitor up to 64 devices

Cons

Installing seems overly long and bloated

There are not enough instructions on how to get your cameras connected

They do not explain how to capture and export screenshots

4. iVideon

best free security camera software

There are times when a piece of free software simply does its job good enough to warrant no complaints, and that is exactly what iVideon offers. There are plenty of ways it can be improved, but there is nothing about it that demands harsh criticism.

iVideon Features

One of its most advertised features is facial recognition, but it is not very accurate. It does allow for very good mobile usage. You can view live and recorded footage on your desktop or mobile device. It is also available for Mac OS X and Linux.

Pros

Online home use and access is completely full-featured and freeware

It has smart notifications and has its own desktop and mobile apps

it doesn’t take long to learn how to use the iVideon interface

Cons

Seems rather light on features

Installing and connecting cameras requires a better tutorial

Embedding live video on your website is trickier than it first seems

5. Xeoma

best free security camera software

This program has plenty of features, but most of them are locked off to free users. It takes over too long to learn how to use the system, but it may be worth it if you have many cameras. The paid version has all sorts of perks from SMS texts to system health monitoring.

Xeoma Features

The lite version is the free version. It allows you to add four cameras with up to six modules in each chain. You can test out and use the lite version as long as you like, or you can get a free trial of the larger fully-featured program.

Pros

Record and monitor from four cameras

Updates are very frequent

This software works with mostly every type of camera

Cons

Around 90% of features are locked off to free users.

Xeoma is difficult to learn and set up

Connecting many cameras is difficult because the system is difficult to learn as a whole

6. Genius Vision

best free security camera software

The Genius Vision system is a fairly advanced piece of software that is probably best used for businesses. If used at home, then there are many features that may never be used. It also works on mobile devices too.

Genius Vision Features

There are plenty of features to play with, including a massive array of settings to fit the many types of camera that this program can be used with. You can even support the company through Patreon and get more extensions on the program.

Pros

Works in-depth with many types of camera

The tools are very sophisticated and accurate

The drop-down menus are complicated while also being thoughtfully laid out

Cons

Getting paid upgrades is trickier than just buying on their website

Setting up the remote features is difficult

You have to figure out most of how to use the program based on which camera you have connected

7. Deskshare IP Camera Viewer

best free security camera software

The Deskshare IP Camera Viewer company has a great piece of security camera software that they repackage into many different names and then give away on their website. They do this because the software comes with lots of unwanted bloatware that the company is paid to promote. The sad part is that many other websites will replace this bloatware with Trojan viruses, which means it is difficult to get a clean version of this program.

Deskshare IP Camera Viewer Features

Live recording, playback, and split-screen is all available. You can use up to 4 cameras at a time, and it works with 2200 different camera models. If your hardware allows it, then you can pan, tilt and zoom your camera.

Pros

It is compatible with many types of camera brand

You can set up floating surveillance windows if you want

Adjust the properties of each camera individually

Cons

Installing is very difficult to do correctly

Comes with bloatware and/or unwanted content

The IP software has the least features of all the Deskshare camera software

8. Anycam

best free security camera software

The Anycam system is a very average piece of software, but it works with most any type of camera. The interface is basic but easy to use and easy to set up. You will discover that the free version is only limited in terms of record time, you can still use all its features.

Anycam Features

Anycam is mostly featureless. It works with motion-detection cameras. It allows for video recording and playback. Plus, you can watch a live feed. Other than that, there is very little you can do with this basic-but-effective piece of software.

Pros

The program seems to work with any type of camera

Anycam has a paid version where you only make a one-time payment and get free lifetime updates

Installing and setup is very easy

Cons

Trying to find specific events on the timeline is very fiddly

The free version only allows two cameras to be linked

The recording is very limited with the free version

9. ContaCam

best free security camera software

In the strictest terms, this piece of software is not free. The developers ask you for a donation, but there is nothing forcing you to give them one. Plus, you can try the software, and then if it turns out to be brilliant, then you can always go back and donate to them.

ContaCam Features

Despite seeming very complicated, the interface is actually very self-explanatory. At first glance, it looks overly condensed and full of features, but each explains itself very well. You can configure the cameras very precisely to the point where you can even specify within which seconds it starts and stops.

Pros

A rather advanced piece of software

The interface layout is very condensed without being confusing

You can use web servers, the Internet, or intranet to receive live feeds

Cons

The interface has no aesthetic decoration at all

ContaCam takes a long time to learn through trial and error testing

The developers say this will never work with mobile devices

10. Agent DVR

best free security camera software

The great thing about Agent DVR is that it is completely free because it is freeware. The sad part is that it was created by a developer who went on to finer things and left the program lodged on a few high-use servers. It is now being passed around freeware websites, which means it is sometimes difficult to find a clean version. Nevertheless, it is a fine piece of camera software that still works for many types of cameras.

Agent DVR Features

The Agent DVR software allows for video surveillance with a live feed, and for recording. You can use it with motion-detection software, and it still works for many different types of cameras. It uses a reliable SSL algorithm for its signal encryption, and it is very lightweight, which means it is not a big drain on your device’s CPU.

Pros

A very simple and lightweight piece of software

Works all the way back to Windows 7

It still works with motion detection systems

Cons

Agent DVR will become more obsolete as newer cameras appear over the coming years

Updates will never occur beyond Windows 10

The interface looks very dated compared to the modern camera software

Conclusion

As you can tell by this article, getting good security camera software is difficult because there is so much to choose from. Plus, installing is often an issue, as is companies trying to nag-free users into paying. There is also the issue of connecting cameras and the problem with tagged-on viruses and bloatware.

Nevertheless, there is plenty to try without having to pay, so that is a positive. What do you think?

Have any of these worked for you? Ask your friends on social media, start a discussion, and share this article to help others discover the best free security camera software.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Figuring out which is the best security camera software is never easy. This is because most of the software you find online says it is free…until you download their software and it tries to charge you.

Here is a review of the best security camera software, and every single one has a free option. Share this article on social media if you find the right camera software for you.

But if you are new in this field, then you might want to know some basic technique terms introduced following, before we jump to choose the best security camera software.

What Is an IP Camera?

When people say, “IP camera,” they usually mean a camera that uses the Internet in some way so that it may do its job. A typical CCTV camera connects a camera to a computer via a wire. An IP camera can connect over the Internet.

Sometimes, the connection is remote. This means that the camera may be in one location and still be connected to another computer that is miles away.

However, many IP cameras are installed in a home and only travel a few feet/meters to the nearest computer. In short, an IP camera doesn’t need a local recording device because the signal can be sent over the Internet or with a Wi-Fi connection.

What Is Camera Software Used for?

Most people and businesses use camera software to connect their cameras to their computers or their Smartphones. This is often cheaper than buying dedicated recording hardware. The camera and its software are usually used to monitor camera feeds that are life, and to records them onto a hard drive or to the Cloud.

How Do You Pick the Best Security Camera Software?

In most cases, the best software is simply the software that works with your cameras, and that offers all the functions you need. Compatibility is the first concern, but you also want it to work well with your device. For example, if your cameras have a zoom function, but your software doesn’t allow zooming, then that piece of software is not the best one for you.

For example, if you are using Linux, then you want Linux security camera software. And, some people insist that their software allows them to monitor their cameras from their Smartphones. The great thing about free security camera software is that you can test it out first without the risk of losing your money.

If You Need to Edit Your Videos , Which Is the Best Video Editor?

Exporting or downloading content from your camera software is a messy job. You often need a good video editor and trimmer to make your video clips usable.

This is especially true when video recordings can go on for as long as 90 days at a time. If you are looking for a high-quality and flexible video editor, then Filmora is your only real and viable choice. Learn more from Wondershare Video Community .

Filmora takes users’ needs into consideration and comes up with a variety of useful features to make editing easy for people of different levels. Let’s have a look at the useful features of Filmora to better understand how powerful Filmora is.

  • Auto Synchronization: This allows you to sync video and audio easily.
  • Plenty of transitions, effects, elements make your videos more interesting.
  • Audio Ducking: Automatically reduce the volume of the background music to make the dialogue stand out.
  • Wondershare Drive: Upload video or project to Wondershare Drive and download it to complete anywhere you want.
  • Motion Tracking: Attach an element to a moving object in your video easily with auto motion tracking.
  • Keyframing: Customize animation by adding keyframes to change the position, rotation, scale, and opacity of a clip.
  • Color Match: Match the color of selected clips to another frame from another clip.

Download Filmora Win Version Download Filmora Mac Version

10 Best Free Security Camera Software

Now let’s have a look at the 10 best free security camera software with very comprehensive choosing details.

1. NetCam Studio

best free security camera software

There is a free version of NetCam Studio, but if you want something more powerful, then you can buy one of their licenses. These licenses allow you to use the software for as long as you like, and they will update the software for up to two years after purchase.

After the two-year period, you can keep the software running as normal, but if you want upgrades, then you will have to buy them. Upgrades shouldn’t be needed unless you buy a new piece of camera hardware and it requires a new type of camera software.

The NetCam Studio Features

If you go for the free version of NetCam Studio, then you get to use a camera feed from two sources. There is a watermark added to the camera images, and you get five-day notifications. There is also community support.

The paid features include up to 64 sources, no watermarks, 250-day notifications, and you get priority support. After the 250 days is up, you may buy upgrades in order to keep the notification system going.

Pros

The free version does not expire in any way besides the notifications

You are able to use this software with a wide variety of camera brands

Updates are frequent enough to tackle most system-breaking bugs

Cons

The interface needs updating to make it more user friendly

They need to better explain the “Add Source” procedure

Troubleshooting audio problems is very difficult

2. Security Eye

best free security camera software

The reason Security Eye ranks so highly is that it is a professional piece of software that somebody decided should be free. It is not open source security camera software, but the developers have decided that it should be free. There used to be a free version where you would get 2 hours of free surveillance per day for free, but in 2019 the company removed its payment system. Will they keep it up or go back to paid subscriptions? Who knows, but you should get it while it is still free (if you can).

Security Eye Features

You can use a timer to determine when the video feed should start. You can capture images as JPEGs and then compress them. The system also allows you to receive alerts via a loudspeaker. It works with motion-detection devices too.

Pros

It comes with the Xvid MPEG-4 Codec

The full version has no nag screen or recording limit

The Security Eye interface is pretty modern for what is essentially a free piece of software

Cons

Demands 1GB of RAM and 2GB of HHD space

Requires at least an Intel Pentium 1.8 processor

The icons should be more intuitive

3. Perfect Surveillance

best free security camera software

There are three types of free security camera software for you to choose from. There is one for IP cameras, one for web cameras, and there is a piece of viewing software that people may use if they do not have something like VLC video viewer installed.

Perfect Surveillance Features

Simple icons and a clear interface is a great benefits. Determine when the cameras start monitoring and set up your own layouts to suit your viewing style.

Pros

A simple program that works in a very uncomplicated manner

Most of its icons are intuitive to where you can guess what they do

The Perfect Surveillance system has motion detection and allows you to monitor up to 64 devices

Cons

Installing seems overly long and bloated

There are not enough instructions on how to get your cameras connected

They do not explain how to capture and export screenshots

4. iVideon

best free security camera software

There are times when a piece of free software simply does its job good enough to warrant no complaints, and that is exactly what iVideon offers. There are plenty of ways it can be improved, but there is nothing about it that demands harsh criticism.

iVideon Features

One of its most advertised features is facial recognition, but it is not very accurate. It does allow for very good mobile usage. You can view live and recorded footage on your desktop or mobile device. It is also available for Mac OS X and Linux.

Pros

Online home use and access is completely full-featured and freeware

It has smart notifications and has its own desktop and mobile apps

it doesn’t take long to learn how to use the iVideon interface

Cons

Seems rather light on features

Installing and connecting cameras requires a better tutorial

Embedding live video on your website is trickier than it first seems

5. Xeoma

best free security camera software

This program has plenty of features, but most of them are locked off to free users. It takes over too long to learn how to use the system, but it may be worth it if you have many cameras. The paid version has all sorts of perks from SMS texts to system health monitoring.

Xeoma Features

The lite version is the free version. It allows you to add four cameras with up to six modules in each chain. You can test out and use the lite version as long as you like, or you can get a free trial of the larger fully-featured program.

Pros

Record and monitor from four cameras

Updates are very frequent

This software works with mostly every type of camera

Cons

Around 90% of features are locked off to free users.

Xeoma is difficult to learn and set up

Connecting many cameras is difficult because the system is difficult to learn as a whole

6. Genius Vision

best free security camera software

The Genius Vision system is a fairly advanced piece of software that is probably best used for businesses. If used at home, then there are many features that may never be used. It also works on mobile devices too.

Genius Vision Features

There are plenty of features to play with, including a massive array of settings to fit the many types of camera that this program can be used with. You can even support the company through Patreon and get more extensions on the program.

Pros

Works in-depth with many types of camera

The tools are very sophisticated and accurate

The drop-down menus are complicated while also being thoughtfully laid out

Cons

Getting paid upgrades is trickier than just buying on their website

Setting up the remote features is difficult

You have to figure out most of how to use the program based on which camera you have connected

7. Deskshare IP Camera Viewer

best free security camera software

The Deskshare IP Camera Viewer company has a great piece of security camera software that they repackage into many different names and then give away on their website. They do this because the software comes with lots of unwanted bloatware that the company is paid to promote. The sad part is that many other websites will replace this bloatware with Trojan viruses, which means it is difficult to get a clean version of this program.

Deskshare IP Camera Viewer Features

Live recording, playback, and split-screen is all available. You can use up to 4 cameras at a time, and it works with 2200 different camera models. If your hardware allows it, then you can pan, tilt and zoom your camera.

Pros

It is compatible with many types of camera brand

You can set up floating surveillance windows if you want

Adjust the properties of each camera individually

Cons

Installing is very difficult to do correctly

Comes with bloatware and/or unwanted content

The IP software has the least features of all the Deskshare camera software

8. Anycam

best free security camera software

The Anycam system is a very average piece of software, but it works with most any type of camera. The interface is basic but easy to use and easy to set up. You will discover that the free version is only limited in terms of record time, you can still use all its features.

Anycam Features

Anycam is mostly featureless. It works with motion-detection cameras. It allows for video recording and playback. Plus, you can watch a live feed. Other than that, there is very little you can do with this basic-but-effective piece of software.

Pros

The program seems to work with any type of camera

Anycam has a paid version where you only make a one-time payment and get free lifetime updates

Installing and setup is very easy

Cons

Trying to find specific events on the timeline is very fiddly

The free version only allows two cameras to be linked

The recording is very limited with the free version

9. ContaCam

best free security camera software

In the strictest terms, this piece of software is not free. The developers ask you for a donation, but there is nothing forcing you to give them one. Plus, you can try the software, and then if it turns out to be brilliant, then you can always go back and donate to them.

ContaCam Features

Despite seeming very complicated, the interface is actually very self-explanatory. At first glance, it looks overly condensed and full of features, but each explains itself very well. You can configure the cameras very precisely to the point where you can even specify within which seconds it starts and stops.

Pros

A rather advanced piece of software

The interface layout is very condensed without being confusing

You can use web servers, the Internet, or intranet to receive live feeds

Cons

The interface has no aesthetic decoration at all

ContaCam takes a long time to learn through trial and error testing

The developers say this will never work with mobile devices

10. Agent DVR

best free security camera software

The great thing about Agent DVR is that it is completely free because it is freeware. The sad part is that it was created by a developer who went on to finer things and left the program lodged on a few high-use servers. It is now being passed around freeware websites, which means it is sometimes difficult to find a clean version. Nevertheless, it is a fine piece of camera software that still works for many types of cameras.

Agent DVR Features

The Agent DVR software allows for video surveillance with a live feed, and for recording. You can use it with motion-detection software, and it still works for many different types of cameras. It uses a reliable SSL algorithm for its signal encryption, and it is very lightweight, which means it is not a big drain on your device’s CPU.

Pros

A very simple and lightweight piece of software

Works all the way back to Windows 7

It still works with motion detection systems

Cons

Agent DVR will become more obsolete as newer cameras appear over the coming years

Updates will never occur beyond Windows 10

The interface looks very dated compared to the modern camera software

Conclusion

As you can tell by this article, getting good security camera software is difficult because there is so much to choose from. Plus, installing is often an issue, as is companies trying to nag-free users into paying. There is also the issue of connecting cameras and the problem with tagged-on viruses and bloatware.

Nevertheless, there is plenty to try without having to pay, so that is a positive. What do you think?

Have any of these worked for you? Ask your friends on social media, start a discussion, and share this article to help others discover the best free security camera software.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Also read:

  • Title: Updated 2024 Approved Reshape Your Videos A Step-by-Step Guide
  • Author: Charlotte
  • Created at : 2024-04-29 06:31:05
  • Updated at : 2024-04-30 06:31:05
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