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It's Time To Compare Video Editing Software

This is the place to compare video editing software. It is your gateway into the specifications and details of The Guides highest rated video software programs.

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Is your daughter's special day quickly approaching? Do you want to capture all the action from your son's big football game? Are you the one in charge of taping your parents 50th anniversary party?

If you answered yes to any of these questions (or you just aren't sure which software to purchase for your home movie) you need the information on this page.

The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry...

BUT

The best laid plans of video enthusiast produce some nice videos!

You are almost at the end of your journey. Let's finalize your search by comparing some software. Finish reading this page for some useful information, utilize our comparison chart, and once you've completed your research you can get to having fun making your videos.


What To Look For When You Compare Video Editing Software


The Task At Hand

Consider the tasks you wish to perform and how much time you'd like to spend on them. Do you want to create simple or complex productions? Is this something you do do fun or is it a business? When you compare video editing software you must always keep this point in mind.

Computers

Some people forget all about their computers when they decide to purchase their video software. Pay attention to the system requirements of any software you are considering before you make a purchase. If your computer is not up to the requirements of your software editor you will end up in crash city with little to no work getting done.

Ease of Use

This is one of the most important aspects of a program especially where novices are involved. Video editing requires multiple steps so the program needs to be easy to use.

Video Capture

The most flexible video editing software allows video capture from camcorders, hard drives, and multiple memory devices.

Playback

Playback should be as smooth as possible to make editing easier. When playback is choopy or skips it makes it difficult for the user to determine if there is an issue with the video source or the program itself.

Editing Tools

The best Video editing software includes timeline and storyboard editing modes. They allow you to trim, cut, and split video clips as well. They include menus, title editors, lighting effects and other tools which assist in the creation of professional looking videos.

Effects & Transitions

Editing software usually includes includes effects to enhance the look of your video. Effects can range anywhere from simple overlays to complex cloning.

Transitions give your video a smooth "transition" from scene to scene. Some editors include a multitude of transitions effects which if used properly can surely wow your spectators.

Audio & Photo Editing

A good editing package will allow you to import your own music and edit it to fit your scenes or your entire movie. Most programs allow you to import your pictures and create slide shows, add them to you scene, or create picture-in-picture objects. If you are planning on adding audio or photos to your production keep this section in mind when you compare video editing software.

File Output Formats

Once you've completed all of your hard work you want to be able to view it and allow others to enjoy it as well. Video editing software that provides you with multiple output formats will allow you the most flexibility when it comes time to share your video. Video sharing is one of the mmost popular pastimes of the last few years so you will most likely want to insure that your software can handle this task. The most utilized formats are flash video (FLV, for YouTube), MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and MPEG-4, AVCHD, VCD, SVCD, DVD, AVI, WMV, and MOV.

Disc Creation

The best video editors give you multiple options for video sharing. They allow you to create videos on a computer, DVD or Blu Ray disc. When you compare video editing software this flexibility is a crucial factor to keep in mind.

Help Files, User Manuals, & Support

Make sure your video editing software includes in depth help documentation, tutorials, FAQs, support forums, and tech support.

Now that you know what to look for.....

View our Comparison Chart for a side by side view of some software titles and their features.


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