Accidentally, Windows Movie Maker has been discontinued by Microsoft. It means that the software is no longer available on Microsoft Store for download and is unlikely to get updates to fix the bugs or errors on its existing version. Its discontinuation has saddened numerous users who love simple software. Do not anxious because 2019 seems to be the apt time to explore some Windows Movie Maker alternatives.
So, Movie Maker was a platform that made video editing a rapid and straightforward task. This was a go-to software to create, edit, & share your home movies via web and email. If you were ready to use the 3rd-party software, you could burn your movies into a disc. Well, For more than a decade, Movie Maker had been a cornerstone tool for amateur editors. Though, an object’s past value in our lives doesn’t automatically validate it for our future. Microsoft realized it. Looking on the brighter side, some robust contenders fill the gaps that the classic Microsoft editing software has left.
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Windows Movie Maker Alternatives- Basic Video Editing Software for PC
In the post, we will go through our top 6 alternatives that can quickly meet all your basic editing requirements without providing you with a hangover to adapt to a new-style interface. Now, This Alternative Software for windows is just as easy to use and compelling as its predecessor. Here is the list.
Avidemux
Avidemux is all that Movie Maker was, with some added export options. This platform is ideal for those persons who want a video editor for basic tasks. Its design makes it’s objective pretty clear to stay pure. Its understandable interface instead reflects the idea. Although you might struggle with its elaborate menus at the start, you’ll find the software robust and able once you get the hang of it. Its interface has multiply dockable and undockable panels. These panels consist of particular media properties, playlists, filter & encoding panels, recent files, search, and plenty more. Besides, all these tools combine to make a platform where users can get to their memorable moments with accurate framing.
The software features preset profiles. It allows it to support output devices with a lot of customizable encoding options. It includes video and sound filters, fades, and subtitles. Avidemux even supports a broad range of formatting options.
This support is extended to many devices and transport options. As per our testing, Avidemux is a great program to cut videos losslessly, which suggests you’ll trim videos without re-encoding them. However, if you would like, you’ll convert the videos to different formats. This vintage undoubtedly deserves our third sport.
Overview
- Supported Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux
- Price Free
- Pros Audio-video sync, Chroma Key
- Cons Don’t combine differently sized videos.
- Visit Avidemux
Kdenlive
Many probably get confused with its strange sounding name Kdenlive, but funnily, it’s an acronym for KDE non-linear video editor. It features the MLT framework that integrates plugin effects. These extensions offer extra features to the software and allow video & sound processing. Kdenlive supports multi-track video editing. This support is extended to a massive range of video formats, including AVI, MPEG, & QuickTime. Since it’s based on FFmpeg libraries, the software can run almost any format without reconverting or recoding. Additionally, it comes with an embedded Crawl & Roll tool for text animation.
The platform features an ample variety of tools to create, crop, and move files. It is coupled with an intuitive interface layout & configured keyboard shortcuts. While testing, we observed that the software renders relatively rapid and automatically backs up the project. Moreover, all of Kdenlive’s features make it a complete studio solution for video creation. The platform is available on Windows, Linux, and macOS. Its builder wizard compiles all the bug or error fixes and new features from the source. It allows users to test and experience new features as soon as they are released.
Overview
- Supported Platforms Windows, Linux, macOS
- Price Free
- Pros Multi-track video editing, Themable UI
- Cons No preview for transitions, No built-in feature to add text,
- Visit Kdenlive
OpenShot
OpenShot is the best open-source video editor designed to make video editing a comfortable experience for starters. The platform supports all three major operating systems; macOS, Linux, and Windows. OpenShot enables users to trim and slice their videos to perfect moments. What more impressed us was its creative ways to decorate the video files. Thus you could get to the exact seconds where your special moment lies. It is coupled with a robust animation framework that enables users to fade, bounce, slide, & animate anything of their choice or preference on a video file.
The software features excellent video effects. You can remove the background from videos with ease, adjust the brightness, invert the colors, and plenty more. It further enables users to visualize audio files as waveforms. It assists during the output, which can even be displayed as a part of your video. The platform can be used with infinite tracks. That means users can throw in as ample layers as they need for audio tracks, background videos, & watermarks. It features templates that make numerous tasks, such as adding titles, a matter of click and type. Additionally, there are beautiful 3D animation titles and effects. Plus, if the project requires, you can alter or change the playback speed of videos also.
Furthermore, during our testing, the software stayed stable, even with more massive high definition files. The other thing that sets OpenShot besides other software is its support to 70+ languages. With the assist of LaunchPad, you can translate the software to any language of your choice or preference. OpenShot is the friendliest & easiest video editing platform.
Overview
- Supported Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux
- Price Free
- Pros Open-Source, Non-linear editing
- Cons Buggy at times
- Visit OpenShot
Microsoft Photos
As well, Microsoft Photos, by no standard, is a replacement for Movie Maker. Although, its latest version has many useful features that enable people to use it for basic editing. So, Since it comes preinstalled with Windows 10, Microsoft Photos becomes a logical choice for rapid slicing and trimming. This video editing capabilities of Microsoft Photos can be easily missed as it is not a default program for video files. If you desire to use its tools, you can start by choosing media files and arranging them in a sequence. You can then perform simple edits, apply motion titles and effects, and add a soundtrack.
This platform is recommended for complete newbies who want essential tools to achieve good looking results. The platform features plenty of export options. Once you save the video, it enables you to share it through Skype, YouTube, and OneNote. As long as the simplicity and ease of operating a tool are concerned, there is no better to Windows Movie Maker alternative than Microsoft Photos.
Overview
- Supported Platforms: Free
- Price: Windows
- Pros: In-built, Filters and effects
- Cons: No multi-track timeline
- Visit: Microsoft Photos
Shotcut
Shotcut may be a cross-platform non-linear editor that supports many video and sound formats & codecs. Simply put, the platform straightens the movie-making process. The experience this software offers sets its premium tone. Despite having a robust set of tools, the platform is free with no bundled adware or hidden paywall. And while testing, we found that Shotcut can cut your footage to the specified length then convert it to a format of your decision within a couple of steps.
Adding to it, Shotcut features an honest range of filters and effects. The platform features a record option that allows you to edit and save footage right from your output devices on its interface. Furthermore, the platform supports streaming during a wide selection of formats, including HTTP, HLS, MMS, etc. Shotcut features a few smart shortcuts that make its interface stylish. The thing that impressed us the foremost was its raft of video & audio filters. These filters can be customized in all kinds of exciting ways. It does assist in simplifying advanced effects.
The vital thing that Shotcut lacks is a preview panel that could assist users in previewing filters before applying it. Although, the process to add and delete effects is so easy that you hardly miss the preview. Overall, Shotcut is a remarkable video editor. It’s definitely worth your time.
Overview
- Supported Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux
- Price Free
- Pros Do not disturb mode, Keyframe animation.
- Cons Lack of export profiles for devices
- Visit Shotcut
VideoPad
VideoPad is an introductory video editing application that allows users to create movies by combining various video clips. Its storyboard workflow will enable users to view their projects, both linearly & individually. These two modes assist users in constructing basic building blocks. The platform can handle unlimited editing tracks, which lets you create complex projects on the editor. Additionally, the editor features advanced tools, including a chroma key, closed captions, and a video stabilizer. Besides, videoPad supports 4K video footage and allows you to import, edit, & high-resolution export files.
Since it is vital for editing software, it can perform a simple set of tasks, including adjusting volume and adding effects. Still, the picture doesn’t end here. So, VideoPad, as a part of its suite of media production program, has sibling software that you can use to expand its capabilities. For instance, NHC’s Express Burn can make Blu-ray DVDs, & Prism can convert video files.
Well, Most of what VideoPad offers come for free. Although, there’s a premium version that adds some advanced features, including the support for plugins. As long as the basic editing is concerned, this free version does it all. It’s highly recommended.
Overview
- Supported Platforms: Windows, Android, macOS
- Price: Free, $39.95 for Home Edition $69.95 (Masters Edition)
- Pros: Multitrack editing,
- Cons: Lack of theme templates, themes, slideshow creator
- Visit: VideoPad
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Final Words :
The six alternatives in this post are different in many aspects. Now, They are different in terms of video editing features, interface, and overall capabilities. However, they all give a reliable and trustworthy video editing experience.
We would suggest further research on the tool before switching to it. Make you agree with our list, or do you think we’ve missed one of your most-liked essential editing platforms?
