Editing videos on Mac seemed to be a daunting task for anyone who wishes to come up with a perfect video. The common notion is that Apple products are difficult to handle regarding editing photos and videos because of restrictions. However, the facts have proved that video editing can be an easy task for Mac users when they own a handy yet professional video editing software for Mac.
Today, you're going to learn 3 different ways to edit videos on MacBook, iMac, etc. with detailed instructions. You can compare them and pick up one to make video edits on your own MacBook Air, Pro or iMac easily.
Now, let's get started...
- Part 1. How to Edit Videos with Filmora Video Editor (for Mac & Windows)
- Part 2. How to Edit A Video on Mac with iMovie (Only for Mac)
- Part 3. Editing Videos on Mac with QuickTime (Only for Mac)
Part 1. Filmora Video Editor - Best Video Editing Software for Mac
Filmora Video Editor for Mac is a great editing software that helps you come up with professional videos. You can have the luxury to use special effects, overlays, clean interface and motion graphics. You can even enjoy the freedom to use handpicked texts for more creative captions and subtitles.
Recommendation: Filmora Video Editor
- Supports almost all kinds of video formats, including MP4, AVI, MOV, AVCHD, MKV, and more.
- Best video editing software for beginner and semi-professional, that comes with powerful editing skills like trimming, splitting, rotating, editing, etc.
- Advanced video effects like green screen, PIP, audio mixer, etc. can also be found and applied to your video within few clicks.
- 500+ free special video effects to customize and create an awesome movie by yourself.
- 1000+ standalone effects downloading resources to make videos in all kinds of styles.
Step-by-Step Guide on how you can edit videos on Mac with Filmora:
Step 1: Launch the program
Install and launch Filmora Video Editor. Remember that Filmora supports almost all types of videos and audio files including those that are those compatible with Mac.
Step 2: Import videos clips
Import the raw video into the program. Filmora Video Editor is compatible with any types of video or audio file. You don't have to worry about converting the raw file before importing it to the program.
Step 3: Edit videos
Feel free to edit using effects that Filmora has allowed access for free. Motion graphics, split screen, face-off, overlays, mosaic and other features can be applied for better results. You may also add music or sound effects to enhance the visual impact of the whole production.
Of course, you can also use some advanced editing skills to perfect your video and make it more creative and unique.
Step 4: Export video
When you are done, export the video using any format you want. You can also upload directly to YouTube and other online video channels. You can also go conventional by saving the product on USB device or burning it to DVDs.
Part 2. How to Edit A Video on Mac with iMovie
iMovie is a software application under Apple Inc. specifically created for video editing on iPad, iPhone, Mac and other Apple devices.
Here are a few things you can follow on how to edit videos on Mac:
1. Launch iMovie from the iMovie icon pinned on the Dock. The icon is a modified star that resembles the symbol of Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2. Choose the file to be used as a new project. Save the file with a new name.
3. Start the editing by choosing the screen dimensions or aspect ratio, the frame rate and the theme. iMovie will automatically add titles and transitions.
If you are not familiar with iMovie commands, then do not opt for shortcuts. Read an iMovie instructional guide (e.g. How to Reverse Video in iMoive; How to Overlay Videos in iMovie) before starting with the editing，in that way you can edit your videos in a more effecient way
4. Save and export the video. iMovie may not allow you to save in other formats except those compatible with iOS.
Special Note: Find the editing toolbar which contains all functions including video and audio adjustments. Also, the camera import feature allows you to import DV clips coming from the FaceTime HD cam or a regular camcorder.
Part 3. How to Edit videos on Mac with QuickTime
QuickTime is another multiplatform tool from Apple. It can handle graphics, texts, sound, animation, video and music. QuickTime can be used on Mac and other computers that run Windows.
Below are the steps in editing videos via QuickTime:
1. Open QuickTime by clicking on your raw video file to reveal the Open With command. Choose QuickTime as the program to open the file with.
2. Click the Trim or Cut command to delete any unwanted scene. Drag the bars towards that part of the video where you want it to end.
3. Click Save to export the new video file into your disk.
Special Note: QuickTime can allow you to trim, rearrange clips, and split the video according to your preference. However, you may not be able to use any special effects on the product.
Write in the End
QuickTime and iMovie are available tools that can be directly compatible with Mac's iOS. However, if you are looking for the software that allows you to transform a raw video into a professional movie magically, then Filmora Video Editor is undoubtedly the choice.
Whichever way you choose, it is still good to know that editing videos on Mac is not a burden but a fun thing to do with these three available applications.
And if you have any suggestions or thoughts about this topic, please leave a comment to use in the below comment section.
