Did you film 40 minutes of the bottom of your handbag? Want to create a moving montage of your best moments? By using an editing software, you can tailor your digitised videos exactly how you would like them.

In this article, we will cover the requirements needed to edit your footage – as well as our top recommendations for editing software!

You Will Need:

A PC or Mac that can handle editing software;
Basic knowledge of computer use;
Your videotapes transferred to USB or Cloud using a film digitisation service.

Wondershare Filmora

Available on: PC, Mac, iOS and Android.

We thoroughly endorse this software – and for good reason! You’ll be hard-pressed to find an editing software as elegant, intuitive, and feature-packed as Filmora.

Filmora offers all the functionality of any high-end editing software in a simple format. Its user-friendly interface does a good job for any first-time editor. If you fancy really pushing the boat out and jazzing up your converted footage: Filmora offers various titles, visual effects, and even a library of royalty-free music to bring your home movies to life!

Unfortunately, there is a cost to Filmora with a lifetime licence priced at $69.99 (£51.14). There is a free trial if you would like to test the waters before buying – or, an annual subscription for those only wanting a short-term answer to editing their videos.

Pros

Advanced features for a professional touch
Simple interface for beginners
Royalty-free music – great for editing cine reels

Cons

Expensive for short-term editing

Official Page: https://filmora.wondershare.com/

Adobe Premiere Rush

Available on: PC, Mac, iOS and Android

Another editing software available on multiple platforms, Adobe Premiere Rush is a cheaper alternative to Filmora (at least in the short term) despite carrying the Adobe name.

Adobe Premiere Rush may lack some of the features of Filmora, but this also results in it being less complex and easier to learn quickly. One of the perks of Adobe is their interactive tutorials to help you learn the basics of their programmes.

If you’re looking for fast, effective editing software for a one-off project or short-term use, the £9.98 per month price tag is more than justified. (Just make sure to cancel your subscription when you’re done!)

Pros

Cheap alternative for short-term editing
Simple interface for basic editing
Interactive guides teach you the basics quickly

Cons

Can only pay a subscription fee
Limited editing features

Official Page:https://www.adobe.com/uk/products/premiere-rush.html

iMovie

Available on: Mac, iOS

If you own an Apple computer, chances are you already have iMovie. It comes bundled for free with new Mac purchases – and is easy to download if not installed.

Apple is renowned for its innovative, stylish and simplistic design; and this philosophy is carried over to their software. iMovie’s user interface is very easy on the eye without much of a “form over function” issue. iMovie also includes all the basic editing features, such as splicing, colour effects and even a green screen feature.

Once your masterpiece is ready to be enjoyed you can easily share your masterpiece on social media with iMovie’s seamless social media integration feature.

Pros

Stylish and simple to use
Already installed on many Macs
Easy to share videos on social media

Cons

Only available for Apple users
Basic editing software

Official Page: https://www.apple.com/uk/imovie/

Avidemux

Available on: Windows and Mac

If you’re looking for free and easy software to do simple edits on your footage, Avidemux could be for you. This software is completely free and offers a few basic features: cutting and connecting different clips, adding subtitles, and cropping/resizing your footage.

Avidemux is a great option if you want to cut together some chosen clips from your footage. It may not be the most flashy (or even the most functional) but it performs the basics well. What’s not to love?