Switching from one operating system to another can be quite a challenge. Between dealing with compatibility issues and finding suitable alternatives for your go-to tools, your entire video editing workflow can be disrupted. Getting used to a new system takes time and effort and may often come with a steep learning curve.
If only there was a way to bypass this issue and keep doing what you love – which, if you’re reading this, most likely is editing videos – on Windows, Mac, and any other operating system. Oh wait, there is… it’s an online video editor. By editing your videos online using a browser video editor, you can forget about pesky compatibility issues, burdensome installations, and system-specific limitations and simply focus on your work.
Now, if you’re wondering how to find the best video editor, you might want to keep reading.
Define your own needs and expectations
At the risk of sounding cliche, I will say this: you can’t find something if you don’t know what you’re looking for. In this case, you can’t expect to magically find the best video editor for you if you don’t have a clear idea of what your needs, expectations, and nice-to-haves are.
So, start by asking the right questions:
- Are you a complete beginner, an experienced videographer, or somewhere in the middle?
Based on your experience level, you might want to gravitate towards a highly intuitive or feature-heavy tool. Ideally, your video editor of choice should be a mix of two – both feature-rich and easy to navigate, with a short learning curve.
- Are you comfortable investing in a video editing tool, or would you rather opt for a free option?
Depending on your budget, you can either choose a video editor for Windows or Mac that’s free to use but offers a limited set of features or commit to a subscription fee or one-time payment that unlocks the full suite of tools and capabilities.
- What type of videos do you usually edit: vlogs, tutorials, social media videos, or even full-length films or documentaries?
Based on your particular use case, you should choose a tool that simplifies your workflow. For example, if you’re creating content for TikTok or Instagram, look for an editor that offers pre-made templates tailored for social media. If you’re producing tutorial videos, consider tools with built-in animation features.
Answering these questions should get you started on your mission to find the best editor for your needs.
Make a list of must-have features for your video editor
Once you have a better idea of what your particular needs are, it’s time to explore what video editors for Windows and Mac can bring to the table.
Below, you’ll find a detailed list of both basic and advanced features. Have a look and start prioritizing which ones matter most to your workflow.
Intuitive interface
Whether you’ve been editing videos for 5 months or 5 years, chances are you don’t want to bother with a clunky, unintuitive interface. Choosing an easy video editor doesn’t mean settling for something basic – it means working with a tool that effortlessly guides you through your editing process, whether you’re creating a 30-second TikTok or a 2-hour documentary.
Cross-system compatibility
If you’re looking for an editor to use on your Windows or Mac device – or better yet, both – your best bet is to choose a tool that is compatible with multiple operating systems. An even smarter solution is to opt for an online video editor like Flixier that can be accessed through your browser and sidestep the compatibility issue altogether.
Powerful editing tools
Of course, one of the many considerations when it comes to choosing a good video editor is the range of features it offers. Before diving into more advanced features, it’s important to make sure your tool covers all the essential editing tasks, like cutting, trimming, color collection, transitions, etc.
Advanced features
Once the basics are covered, you can start thinking about the advanced features – or the “nice-to-haves”. These may look different based on the tool you choose, but typically include: motion tracking, chroma key, audio layering, and in some cases, AI-powered, time-saving features like auto-generated subtitles, text-to-speech conversion, audio translation, and more.
Cloud integration
If your top priority is to find a tool that is fast and widely compatible, then an online video editor with cloud integration might be the answer for you. Browser-based editors such as Flixier do all their rendering in the cloud, giving you all the flexibility you need to work from any device, automatically save your progress, and edit the most complex videos in under 5 minutes without worrying about any technical constraints.
Export options
When it comes to exporting, your video editor of choice should offer various format options and enable you to export your projects in the highest quality possible. Some editors, such as Flixier, further simplify the process by allowing you to publish your videos directly to social media or streaming platforms with just one extra click.
Edit your videos on Windows, Mac, and beyond!
Whether you’re looking for a video editor for Mac or for Windows, chances are you will be spoiled for choice. Take your time exploring the options, prioritizing your specific needs, and finding the right tool that matches your workflow.
In a world filled with tight deadlines, choose a video editor that can handle both simple and complex projects with ease and speed while still being accessible on any operating system. This way, you make sure nothing gets in the way of your creativity.
