Video Editor for PC: How to Choose the Best Editing Software for Windows

Modern video editors are also easier to use, more powerful, and widely accessible than ever before. However, not all video editing software solutions are built equal, so you'll need to choose carefully to find an application that best suits your unique needs.

What is a video editor for PC?

A video editor designed for PCs comes with all the necessary tools and functionalities to edit video files and create video content of any complexity. Many Windows video editors boast impressive visual and audio effects. They offer rich functionality and yet have simple and intuitive interfaces, allowing you to create quality videos with minimum effort.

Choosing the best editing software

Today's video editing software makers offer features that were available only at the professional or "prosumer" level a few years ago. But since features are almost identical, it's essential to understand what the software maker offers with each feature and how crucial that feature is to you.

With that in mind, here are some of the most vital features to look for when choosing a video editor:

1: The User Interface

Great consumer-level video editors come with impressive features and capabilities these days. However, you need an editor with a simpler and intuitive user interface while still allowing access to advanced settings and controls. But that doesn't mean you should disregard an editor simply because the user interface looks unfamiliar. When you become more comfortable with the interface, you will begin to see the logic behind the design.

2: Input Formats

Most video editors offer compatibility with a broad range of video file formats. But since there is an astounding number of video sources and recording devices, make sure you know exactly what video file formats you'll be using to ensure the software supports them.

3: Capture – Import

Carefully check that the video editing software in question supports your device or video file import method. The most common standard definition video format is the old DV AVI, which is gradually disappearing from the market. If you have old tapes lying around that you wish to import, certain video software will easily capture data from the camcorder. Check the specifics of your device, be it a camcorder, still camera, or mobile device, to ensure it's compatible with the video editor and the video file type it generates.

4: Transitions

Most movies and TV shows have one common transition between shots – the NO TRANSITION! Avoid editors with a bunch of twisting, twirling, spinning, and flipping images between every shot. You need just basic video transitions such as:

• No transition, but just a straight cut from one shot to the next.
• A dissolve or cross-fade, allowing shots to transition smoothly.
• Fade to black. It can be a smooth fade to black to the next scene, the end of the video, or a new scene.

5: Motion Tracking and Multicam

If you're truly going professional, you need a video editor with advanced abilities. For example, Multicam editing lets you switch between different camera angles of the same scene shot through multiple video cameras. Fortunately, this feature and many other advanced effects are available in applications designed for nonprofessional enthusiasts.

On the other hand, motion tracking lets you attach an effect or object to something moving in a video. You can use it to place a blur over someone's face if you don't want to reveal their identity in your video. Once you've marked the object you wish to track, you can specify the effect, and the app handles the rest.

The bottom line

Ultimately, the video editing software you choose depends on the equipment you're using, your budget, and your level of professionalism. Fortunately, you'll be spoiled for choice with the myriad of impressive products available. To differentiate among the products, focus on the features that matter most to your unique needs instead of the essential ones. For instance, Corel VideoStudio Ultimate works so admirably and comes with powerful video editing tools. This editor lets you perform Multicam, stop motion, motion tracking, video masking, time remapping, audio ducking, and more.