This Christmas release is focused on the interface enhancements – both in terms of design and user-friendliness. Feature-wise, the long-awaited LUT tool has become the key update of the new version, set to expand VSDC color correction capabilities.

Let’s have a look at all these updates in more detail.

New year, new look

We’ve had enough of ‘VSDC interface is somewhat outdated’ opinions. It’s high time we made changes.

Starting this version, the app will welcome you in a stylish black outfit with white buttons – the new default look of the editor. Meanwhile, those on the light side of force are not forlorn either, as there’s an option to switch the color theme to white. But as tired office workers say, one screenshot is worth a thousand words, so here is how VSDC looks in its new style.

Yet more convenience on the timeline

Now you can minimize the timeline and even detach it from the scene. It might come in especially handy when working with two monitors. From now on, busy video makers and designers will be able to preview the scene on one screen while processing the video on the other. Here is a short demo:

New opportunities for professional color grading

Look Up Tables (widely known as LUTs) are technically just a table of numbers that transform colors of an image. But when it comes to video editing, they become one of those magic tools to make your poorly colored video shot look like a major motion picture.

Last but not the least

• The video preview window has been reworked and enhanced according to the feedback collected.
• The ability to import 120 fps footage has been added (Ho, ho, ho GoPro users!)
• Automatic alignment while dragging objects on the scene has been implemented

For any questions or recommendations, do not hesitate to drop a line to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To download the new version of VSDC Free Video Editor, please proceed to www.videosoftdev.com/free-video-editor

October 30, 2018

In June VSDC team participated in CeBIT 2018, the largest international IT expo, where Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) were among the most discussed and fastest-growing trends. To follow the latest tendencies and demands, the new VSDC updates are focused on 360°/3D footage support. As usual, that is the main but not the only enhancement we look forward to sharing with you.

360°/3D Video Editor

If you are into shooting panoramic videos either with a specialized action camera or a top-notch smartphone, VSDC Free Video Editor will be able to process this footage with maximum ease possible. Enabling the corresponding option (‘360 to 2D’) in ‘Video effects’ allows you to select a required type of the 360° video as well as a viewing angle convenient for the preview.

The needs of stereoscopy fans have been met too. 3D video can be previewed and edited in a hassle-free manner, selecting the ‘3D to 2D’ option. The settings in this case provide you a possibility to choose a certain visible image you need to work with at the moment.

New templates and presets

The previous release saw a new custom template system that aims at giving more flexibility and choice at work. With this version launched, there is a new template category available – transition effect presets.

Not everyone likes creating their own unique masterpieces and some of you might be looking for quick solutions here and now. We’re happy and excited to invite you to the recently launched VSDC store. Currently it offers a series of ready-made background templates for Halloween, Christmas and other special occasions. We sure have plans to expand this range of creative presets on a regular basis.

Last but not the least

As always, the new update has a range of minor improvements that do not fall into any specific category. Starting this release, you will also be able to:

• give a try to a new format of the timeline settings and its scale saving modes;
• enjoy new group operations and Audio Spectrum parameters;
• save a scene together with its output resources.

For any questions or recommendations, do not hesitate to drop a line to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To download the new version of VSDC Free Video Editor, please proceed to www.videosoftdev.com/free-video-editor

The world of video production is moving fast. Just a couple of years ago we were excited about having a GoPro and the perspectives of shooting in 4K. Today, on Amazon, you’ll find a dozen of cameras capable of shooting 360° videos and available at any budget – from less than $100 to over $1000.

But what about 360 video editors? How is video editing software market catching up with the camera manufacturers? Apparently, quite well. Along with expensive software developers like Adobe, freeware providers have recently joined the 360°-degree club too. So, even if you broke your piggy bank to purchase that cutting-edge camera, it doesn’t mean you’ll have to break another one for purchasing a program to edit what you’ve shot. You can edit spherical videos at zero cost.

In this post, we’ll review VSDC, free 360° video editing software for Windows, and share a few tips on how to make the most out of it taking 360° video specs into consideration.

Download VSDC – Free Video Editing Software for Windows

But first, how is a 360° video editor different from regular one?

The answer is – barely.

Don’t let the terminology intimidate you. The difference between editing a regularly-angled video and the one shot in 360° degrees, is that you first need to “flatten” the latter to achieve a convenient user-friendly view if you’re planning to cut out a fragment or add text. This process is called rendering, and different tools render 360° videos in a slightly different manner. For instance, here is how a 360° video looks in VSDC after you import it and flatten to a 120-degree panorama angle that is much easier to work with.

How to open a 360° video for editing?

Launch VSDC and import your 360° video file – it will be automatically placed on the timeline. After that, go to the Video Effects tab in the top menu, choose 360 and 3D and click on the 360 to 2D option.

Depending on the camera type, your video will either look like a panorama or a divided screen. In the case of the latter, you’ll need to change the type of 360 video. To do that, go to the Properties window on the right and choose between Equirectangular format and Equi-Angular Cubemap. After you get the right view, choose a 90-degree angle or a panoramic 120-degree angle. You can also move around the sphere – both horizontally and vertically. In the same Properties window, choose X angle or Y angle and either change the values using arrows or manually drag the cursor on the timeline. Below is a video instruction on how to perform everything we’ve just talked about.

Moving the sphere, you get full control of the picture and can always check what’s seen from other angles to cut out the unnecessary fragments.

Cutting and merging a 360° video in VSDC

Cutting an unnecessary fragment out of a spherical footage is not different from cutting a regular video. Once you’ve imported the 360 video to VSDC and rendered it to 2D, scroll through the timeline and use the Cutting and Splitting menu at the top to get rid of the bad shots. Note that when you remove a fragment of a video, that time period is removed from your entire spherical footage. Merging files and adding transitions is just as simple. 

Important: when you finish the editing process, you’ll need to remove the “360 to 2D” effect before saving your file. Otherwise, the video will be saved as flat 2D footage. To remove the “360 to 2D” effect, simply click on it on the timeline and hit Delete.

Adding titles and images in a 360° video editor

When you add objects – titles or images – to a 360° video, keep in mind you’re not placing them on a flat surface, but on a spherical one. In other words, the edges of the added object will be slightly curved to fit the shape of the video. Use the X-angle and the Y-angle properties to find the area you want to work with and then go to the Add object tab in the top menu. If you want to add a title, choose “Text” and use the built-in text editor to adjust the style of your title.

As a rule of thumb, you want to place titles at a natural eye level or slightly above it to make sure they get seen. Another recommendation provided by Jamie Stark at Stanford Journalism is keeping the font below 35 pt. so that it would look big enough for comfortable reading but not too big to avoid excessive curving.

Adding images works the same way. Go to “Add object” tab and choose Image, then import a file from your PC.

Important: if you want a title or an image to be attached to a specific area on the 360 video, you need to add it before rendering it to 2D. After adding a text object, you need to export the video “as is” and then open it in VSDC once again if you need to make further edits.

If you add a title after the rendering process, the title will stay exactly where you place it in the frame and will be seen in the same spot even when the viewer “looks around” just like in the illustration above.

Exporting a 360° video after editing

Once you’re finished editing the video, go to Export project tab in the top menu and choose the option that fits your goals. For the highest quality, use Web export profile and MP4 format. Then go to the bottom menu and open 360 video settings tab. YouTube, Facebook and some other 360 video players require each spherical video file to contain metadata that enables 360° playback. That’s why the “Embed 360 video information into file” box must be checked and the 360 video type chosen correctly. Otherwise video players will not be able to recognize your file as a 360° video and may display it as flat 2D footage.

Keep in mind, that 360° videos are typically much larger than regular videos but trying to reduce the size by lowering the quality is never a good idea. So keep this parameter as high as possible. We talk about how important resolution is a couple of paragraphs later.

If you’re planning to upload the video to Facebook or YouTube, choose For YouTube or For Facebook export profiles. They are pre-configured to match these social networks video upload requirements, so we always recommend using them when applicable. For Facebook, 720p will be the maximum resolution acceptable, however for YouTube, you can always set a higher resolution if your original video quality allows that. To change video resolution, open a drop-down Profile menu and choose between 4K, 2K, and 1080p.

Tips for working with 360° video

Although we’ve mentioned that using a 360° video editor is not too different from editing regular footage, there are some general tips you should be aware of before you get to the post-production process.

Use additional equipment when recording
360° cameras have plenty of unbeatable advantage, but you’ll also need to learn a couple of tricks to operate them. One is remembering that literally everything around your device is being recorded. When you have a regular camera with a limited viewpoint, you are in control of what will be in the footage. With a spherical camera, it’s not just unexpected passersby, but your face and even your fingers are being recorded pretty close if you’re holding it in your hand. To avoid that, you might want to use a monopod or a tripod if you want the camera to be shooting independently.

Don’t get too close to the objects you’re shooting

Another important rule is keeping at least a couple of foot distance between the camera and the object you’re recording. Being too close will create the unnecessary fisheye effect and stretch the image. Besides, you should place the camera at the same spot where you imagine a viewer’s eye level would be if they were present to witness the events you recorded. Finding unusual angles might add an interesting perspective for a moment, but you should always think of those who will be watching the video and choose the most convenient viewpoint.

Keep the resolution as high as possible

Video quality is crucial when it comes to 360° videos, especially knowing that some viewers may actually watch your movie with a headset expecting a great experience. You should also remember that YouTube and Facebook 360° video players are known to compress quality drastically. That’s why when shooting, you want to set the highest resolution possible and when you export it from the video editor, you want to keep it the same.

If you choose VSDC as your 360° video editor, remember that it allows you to keep the highest output quality. So, when you have a chance to shoot in 4K – do it, because after editing you’ll be able to export the video with zero quality loss.

Intro

Drones have dramatically changed the world of video production. Have you ever seen the incredible footage a drone can capture? It can be breathtaking! But filming is just the beginning. To make sure your footage looks perfect in your project, you’ll likely need to do some post-processing, and it’s important to choose the right tool that won’t reduce the quality of your videos. Not all drone video editing softwares support the format, resolution and color space of drone footage.

We’ve put together a list of 8 best drone video editing softwares that are free of watermarks, ads, or third-party apps. Our team tested them all, checking everything from smooth operation to the quality of the final exported video, and now we’re happy to share the results with you.

Key Takeaways

Here is the list of video editing software for drones we’ve reviewed below:

1. Why Drone Video Editing Matters
2. Key Considerations Before Choosing
3. VSDC Free Video Editor
4. DaVinci Resolve
5. iMovie
6. Kdenlive
7. Shotcut
8. OpenShot
9. HitFilm Express
10. Blender
11. Conclusion
12. FAQ
    • Are free video editors really good enough for my drone footage?
    • What's the catch with 'free' software?
    • Can I upgrade from the free version if I like the software?
    • I want to add cool special effects to my drone videos, which free software is best?

All of these video editing programs for drone footage allow you to perform various tasks — from simple trimming and splitting to advanced effects like picture-in-picture, VFX, and color correction. You can confidently download them and start testing. However, keep in mind that their features and system requirements may vary, so we recommend reviewing the detailed information about each program beforehand to make the right choice. In conclusion you can find a table where we have collected the pros and cons of each video editing software for drones.

Why Drone Video Editing Matters

Drone video editing is essential due to the unique characteristics of drone footage. Drones capture video in wide-angle formats and often use codecs that may not be recognized by popular platforms. Additionally, the color space of drone footage can differ from standard video, which can cause difficulties when combining it with other content.

This is why drone video editing matters: it allows you to optimize the video for the desired resolution, convert it into a compatible format, and ensure color consistency. These steps are important to ensure your video is well-presented, whether it’s for online publication or other purposes.

Key Considerations Before Choosing

When reading about any software, before downloading, consider answering a few key questions that we believe will help you determine if the software is right for your needs:

• Is my computer compatible with this software?
• Does this software support the format and codec of my drone video?
• Does the software offer the effects I need?
• Can I export the video in the same quality, format, and codec that I require?

Of course, depending on your specific tasks, these questions might change, but this is the foundation that our team recommends focusing on first.

VSDC – drone video editing software for Windows

If you're using a Windows PC, VSDC Free Video Editor is a perfect option to consider. It is the most lightweight video editor that has a wide toolset easily compared to professional-level software. In this editor you can quickly cut what you’ve recorded and choose the best takes, crop a video, zoom in, use beautiful transitions and apply color correction.

VSDC also offers dozens of quick filters, provides LUTs and a built-in text editor. You can create a slow-motion video, a text mask, and use stylish effects like Lens flare, particles, glitch, long shadow, and many more.

VSDC supports all popular formats and codecs, which is its undoubted advantage over other video editors. If you’ve ever tried editing aerial footage, you probably know that format compatibility is quite important, because there might be some difficulties otherwise. For example, you’re flying a Phantom and therefore looking for a DJI video editor. DJI drone owners know that their videos are saved in either .MOV or .MP4 depending on their settings. Some Windows-based video editors struggle to recognize .MOV files, but not VSDC.

You can even export the .H265 codec, also known as HEVC, that helps you keep the highest video quality and reduce the file size significantly making it easier to share videos via email or upload them to platforms like YouTube.

For its format compatibility, VSDC is officially recommended by the GoPro team and multiple drone owners including Quadcopter 101 (bookmark his YouTube channel to watch various drones being tested and reviewed in real-time and get some ideas of how to edit drone footage!).

If you’ve ever tried editing aerial footage, you probably know that format compatibility is crucial, and here is why. Let’s say you’re flying a Phantom and therefore looking for a DJI video editor. What DJI drone owners already know is that their videos are saved in either .MOV or .MP4 depending on the settings. And while there is barely any difference quality-wise, some Windows-based video editors struggle to recognize .MOV files. Not VSDC. This tool easily handles even the “tricky” formats, allows you to process 4K and even to export the .H265 codec. Why is it so important? Because the .H265 or HEVC codec helps you keep the highest quality of the video while minimizing the file size, so you could share your clips over email and upload them to YouTube faster without quality loss.

Pros:

• Support for a vast array of video formats;
• Non-linear video editing;
• A comprehensive range of visual and audio effects;
• A robust editing toolset in the free version;
• High-end features like chroma key, motion tracking, and video stabilization;
• Editing of immersive 3D and 360-degree videos;
• An integrated function for capturing video directly from your screen;
• Direct exporting of videos to platforms like YouTube;
• Comprehensive audio editing capabilities;
• Precise positioning and smooth animations of objects;
• Hardware acceleration.

Cons:

• Windows only

Download the latest version of VSDC

2. Davinci Resolve

Davinci Resolve is a cross-platform solution, which means it works on any OS: Mac, Windows, or Linux. On this list, Resolve is the most resource-consuming and the most advanced video editing software. So, if you’re serious about learning the art of post-production and you have a powerful enough computer (recommended RAM is 16 GB), look no further. It’s been recommended by professional videographers and the DJI community on Reddit.

The free version of Davinci Resolve boasts exclusive color correction tools and stands out with its set of filters. There are several video tracks, so it suits for non-linear video editing, plus the trimming tool is quite intuitive. Resolve virtually supports most popular video formats including Quicktime. And indeed Davinci is considered to be one of the best software for drone video editing.

Pros:

• An extensive tools for video editing, motion graphics, audio processing;
• Cloud collaboration for team projects;
• A full suite for professional color correction and grading, including curves, scopes, masks, and tracking;
• Support for numerous formats and codecs.

Cons:

• Confusing and non-intuitive user interface;
• Lack of integration with external software;
• High system requirements.

Download the Free Version of Davinci Resolve

2. iMovie

iMovie, well-regarded among Apple aficionados, is now available for free to all users, not just new Mac owners, and it also supports mobile devices. This user-friendly video editor boasts a minimalist interface suitable for beginners and intermediate users alike, offering essential features like dual video and audio tracks for creative editing, including split-screen and video-in-video effects. Its functionality extends to a variety of themes, title templates, transitions, and effects, facilitating intuitive, drag-and-drop editing. iMovie supports a wide range of video formats, ensuring high-quality output for HD and 4K content, making it an excellent starting point for those new to video editing.

Working in iMovie reminds of using a virtual canvas a lot because most actions are performed via drag-n-drop movement. Thus, you get full control of the picture – you can cut, crop, rotate, and zoom a chosen area. Plus, you can apply speed settings to get that slow-motion effect when needed or set up the length of transitions between scenes.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface;
• A range of advanced video editing features for complex projects;
• 13 distinct creative video filters;
• Direct export to multiple social media platforms.

Cons:

• Only compatible with Apple devices, restricting access for non-Apple users;
• Limited to two video tracks, potentially hindering elaborate edits;
• Lacks motion tracking and multicam features, which may affect sophisticated video production tasks.

Download iMovie from Apple Store

4. Kdenlive

Kdenlive, short for KDE Non-Linear Video Editor, is an open-source video editing software that is part of the KDE project but available for multiple operating systems, including Linux, macOS, and Windows. It is designed for both amateur and professional video editors, offering a broad range of features and a flexible, user-friendly interface

Kdenlive stands out for its robust feature set, cross-platform availability, and active development community, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a capable and cost-effective video editing solution.

Pros:

• A comprehensive list of effects and transitions;
• Non-linear editing;
• Configurable Interface;
• Support for various formats;
• Support for proxy editing;
• Regular updates from a dedicated community of developers.

Cons:

• New users might experience a learning curve.

Download the Kdenlive

5. Shortcut

Shotcut is a comprehensive open-source video editing tool available for users of Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is renowned for its extensive range of features, notably including the chroma key effect, which is ideal for those interested in green screen techniques. However, the straightforward yet minimalistic design may pose a challenge for beginners, who might struggle to navigate and utilize the full array of tools and functionalities initially.

Pros:

• Cost-free access;
• User-friendly interface;
• A broad spectrum of video, audio, and image formats;
• Customization of the editing workspace.

Cons:

• A limited variety of built-in effects and transitions;
• Some instability during intricate editing tasks or on less powerful systems;
• Lack an audio ducking feature to automatically lower background noise or music during dialogue.

Visit the official website to download the software for your OS

6. OpenShot

OpenShot makes a mark as a user-friendly video editing platform, designed with simplicity at its core to welcome newcomers. Its straightforward and customizable interface, alongside a clear menu layout, positions it as a preferred choice for those seeking an alternative to more complicated editing tools. This software goes beyond simplicity, offering a wealth of effects like greyscale, hue, and gamma adjustments for creative video embellishment. Unique features such as both 2D and 3D animations set OpenShot apart, and its flexible timeline supports endless tracks, making it easy to add titles, watermarks, or overlays. The inclusion of a preview option for transitions allows for meticulous edits, contributing to a smooth editing workflow.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface;
• Comprehensive user manual and tutorial videos;
• Broad compatibility with different formats;
• A wide array of video effects.

Cons:

• The straightforward interface may still present a steep learning curve for video editing novices;
• Some elements of OpenShot's workflow might seem intricate, possibly making the editing experience more complex for some users.

Visit the official developer’s website

7. HitFilm Express – another promising video editor for your consideration

HitFilm Express, offered free by FX Home for 64-bit Mac and Windows users, presents a unique download process requiring social media sharing and account creation with an email address. Its interface, while initially challenging, is supported by a comprehensive suite of tutorials on the developer's website. Primarily focused on effects, HitFilm Express also accommodates basic editing tasks like trimming, layer creation, adding filters, and text.

Choosing HitFilm Express for drone video editing doesn't limit you to its free features; the software allows for enhancements through the purchase of premium add-on packs directly within the interface. These packs include sought-after effects and tools such as the picture-in-picture effect, 360° editing, retro effects, and LUT color filters, enriching the editing experience.

Pros:

• Exporting in 4K resolution;
• More than 420 effects and presets;
• No watermarks;
• Editing and producing 360-degree videos.

Cons:

• Access to numerous features is limited in the free version;
• A narrow range of supported output formats;
• Demanding system requirements.

Get HitFilm from the official website

8. Blender

Blender, renowned for its comprehensive 3D animation suite, features a powerful built-in video sequence editor, making it a versatile tool for both novice and advanced video editing tasks. From fundamental operations such as cutting and splicing videos to more sophisticated functions like video masking and color grading, Blender equips users with a broad range of capabilities.

With up to 32 slots available, users can incorporate a diverse mix of video clips, images, audio tracks, scenes, masks, and effects into their projects. Blender's timeline is highly flexible, offering speed control, adjustment layers, transitions, keyframes, and a variety of filters. Whether you're looking to execute simple edits or delve into complex video production, Blender's video editing tools are designed to support a wide range of creative needs.

Pros:

• Straightforward interface;
• Realistic rendering options;
• Free of charge;
• 3D content creation.

Cons:

• Complex interface layout

Get Blender from the official website

Conclusion

Finding the perfect drone video editing software is as essential to drone videography as the drone itself. The best 8 drone video editor options we've reviewed provide diverse functionalities to elevate raw footage into compelling visual stories. Whether it's the sophisticated color grading of DaVinci Resolve or the intuitive design of iMovie for Apple users, each editor caters to different needs and skill levels. These free tools enable you to craft engaging content for audiences, free from the constraints of watermarks and hidden fees, fostering limitless creative freedom.

Among these, VSDC Free Video Editor distinguishes itself as an ideal pick, especially for those on Windows. Apart from effective drone video editing, it supports a broad spectrum of video formats, making it versatile for any drone model. Its inclusion of high-end features like chroma key, motion tracking, and a wide array of effects, often found only in paid software, positions VSDC as a premier choice. VSDC not only offers professional-grade editing capabilities but does so with a user-friendly interface, making sophisticated video editing accessible and cost-free.

FAQ

Are free video editors really good enough for my drone footage?

Yes, free video editors, particularly VSDC, can be exceptionally good for editing drone footage. They offer a broad spectrum of editing tools, effects, and support for various video formats, making them capable enough to handle the intricacies of drone video editing. The key is to choose software that matches your skill level and editing needs.

What's the catch with 'free' software?

While many free video editing software options are genuinely free, some might come with limitations. These could include watermarks on your final video, limited access to advanced features, or prompts encouraging you to upgrade to a paid version for additional functionality. It's important to review the specifics of the free version to ensure it meets your needs.

Can I upgrade from the free version if I like the software?

Yes, most free drone video editors, including VSDC, offer an upgrade path to a premium version. Upgrading usually unlocks advanced features, such as additional effects, higher video resolution support, and the removal of watermarks. This option allows you to start with the free version to learn the basics and then upgrade as your skills and demands grow.

I want to add cool special effects to my drone videos, which free software is best?

For adding cool special effects to your drone footage, VSDC is highly recommended. It stands out for its wide range of special effects, including color correction, object transformation, filters, and more. The software also supports 360-degree video editing, making it a versatile tool for creating engaging and dynamic drone videos.

Go ahead and start editing your first drone video today

You may start small – just cut and merge a couple of fragments – that’s fine. Nobody is born with professional video editing skills. Just like you’ve learned to operate your drone, you’ll master the art of montage to the required extent. And when you’re ready for the next level, check out this article about 7 video editing tricks to make your drone footage look cinematic.