Video Editor

Download and use the free video software to create and edit videos of any complexity from a family greeting card to a company presentation. Apply vsdc free video editor for light edit hdr-video, any raw-video formats from cams - BRAW, ProRes RAW, any high resolution 4k or more due to video proxies technologies in the editor.
Cut, merge video files, apply visual and audio effects, use filtration and image correction, make slideshows and add an appropriate soundtrack. Use multi-color Chroma Key and advanced parameters settings to give your video a professional look.
All popular video and audio formats are supported.

Read more about Video Editor...

Video Converter

This program is intended for converting video files from one format to another. Nearly all popular video formats are supported (both reading and saving). In addition, the program drastically simplifies the task of converting videos for playback on specific multimedia devices, such as iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or Huawei P30 Pro. The program is extremely easy to use, has a modern interface and all necessary video processing functions.

Read more about Video Converter...

Audio Converter

The audio converter will help you convert audio files from one format to another. All key audio formats and codecs are supported. The program also allows you to manage playlists and meta tags, extract audio from video files and save these tracks on your computer in any format.

Read more about Audio Converter...

Animated Intro & Title Templates

Explore the VSDC Template Store with ready-made video templates for intros, animated titles, lower thirds, logo reveals, slideshows, glitch transitions, LUTs, and color grading presets. Drop a template into the VSDC Video Editor timeline, edit text, timing, and colors, and finish professional video projects in minutes.

Choose from 300+ exclusive packs of video transitions, LUT packs, text effects, GPS telemetry widgets, animated elements, and animated backgrounds for VSDC. All templates are fully customizable, support up to 4K resolution in 16:9, and help you build intros, wedding slideshows, travel videos, and tutorials much faster.

Store catalog

VSDC Cloud - Online video management

Keep your work safe, organized and always accessible! Back up your video projects, store media files online and access them from any device. Enjoy collaboration, share project updates and exchange files easily.

Online video editing management capabilities

Multifunctionality

Multifunctionality

A wide array of multimedia processing tools in one free video software suite.

High speed

High speed

Our programs use fast
and high-quality algorithms optimized for single and multi-core CPU’s.

Affordability

Affordability

VSDC video software is freely available for download to Windows OS-based PCs and laptops.

How to Recover Lost Files in Your VSDC Project

Quick start:

  • Open your VSDC project.
  • Confirm the missing files warning.
  • Click Search and select the folder containing your media.
  • Use Locate if you need to reconnect an individual file.
  • Check that all required files are online.

Requirements

Version: VSDC 11.2 or later

Edition: Available in the free version

Use case: Missing media after moving folders, reconnecting memory cards or external drives

You’re probably familiar with this scenario: you move or rename a folder containing images and videos, open your project in the video editor, and instead of your familiar timeline, you’re greeted with a string of warning dialogs about missing files. In the past, you had to locate each of those files manually and relink them to the project one by one. That ate up a huge amount of time, especially when you were working with lots of media.

This is especially common when editing footage from multiple camera memory cards or external drives. You might import clips directly from different memory cards, swap them during editing, or store your footage across several drives. When a card is removed, a drive is disconnected, or Windows assigns it a different drive letter, VSDC may lose access to the original media and mark the files as "Offline". Fortunately, you don't have to rebuild your timeline. Once the source files are accessible again, VSDC can help you find and relink them while preserving your edits.

In the VSDC free video editor, this issue is now a thing of the past! Version 11.2 and later include a dedicated tool that automatically finds and restores lost files.

In this article, you’ll learn how to quickly recover missing files or, if needed, remove them from your project.

Before you start, make sure you have VSDC version 11.2 or newer installed. If not, download the latest version of the editor using the link below.

Download the Free VSDC Video Editor

Two ways to search for lost files

In the missing files list window, there are two recovery options available.

The first is the Search option. When you click this button, you select a folder to scan, after which VSDC automatically analyzes the specified directory and all its subfolders, finds and relinks all project files that are detected there. This method is ideal if you remember where you moved the source files but don't know the exact location of each individual file. The algorithm restores all lost files from the selected folder in a single operation.

If some files are still not found, they will remain in the "Offline" status, and then you simply need to run the search again, specifying a different path.

Working with multiple memory cards or external drives? If your project uses footage stored across several devices, reconnect the appropriate card or drive and run Search for the folder containing your missing files. If some files remain "Offline", connect the next device and repeat the search using its location. This allows you to restore media from different storage devices without locating every file individually.

Searching a folder for missing project media in VSDC.

The second method is the Locate option. If you know exactly where a specific file is located, select it in the list and click Locate. After that the standard Windows Explorer window will open, where you can manually point to the path of that file. It is important to pay attention to the "Relink others automatically" option, which is located in the tool window.

If this option is enabled, the program will scan the folder where the selected file is located and automatically relink all other lost files from the same directory.

If you leave the option disabled, only the file you manually specified will be restored.

Locating a missing file and optionally relinking other media in the same folder.

For convenience, an error protection feature is provided: if you accidentally select a file that does not match the original, VSDC will warn you about a significant discrepancy in parameters and ask for confirmation, so you will never replace one file with another due to carelessness.

If you want to postpone the search for some files for later, simply close the window. It will reappear the next time you open the project.

Recovering files via the Resources window

When you have already closed the missing files window and are inside the project, you can also restore a file without using the separate search window.

To do this, right‑click on an offline object on the timeline and select "Find object in…", then "Resources window". The Resources window will open automatically, and the required file will be highlighted. Right‑click on it again, choose "Settings" and at the bottom of the window that opens, click the "Import" button. Specify the new location of the file on your computer. After confirmation, the file instantly switches to the "online" status and updates on the timeline. All effects, trimming and positioning settings applied to it will be preserved.

Relinking an offline file through the Resources window.

Removing lost files from the project

If some files are no longer needed, you can remove them from the project and the most convenient way to do this is also through the Resources window. Why is this necessary? If you leave lost files in the project, the program will show a warning about missing items every time you open it and prompt you to find them via the file search window.

To avoid this unnecessary pop‑up, simply locate the unwanted file in the Resources window (using the same method as described in the "Recovering files via the Resources window" section), right‑click on it and select "Delete" or press the Delete key.

Removing an unnecessary missing file from project resources.

Conclusion

We have tried to gather in this article all the main ways of working with lost files, so that you can quickly bring them back into the project or get rid of unnecessary ones. We hope that this article was useful to you and will help you avoid unnecessary complications in your work.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What if the files were not moved but renamed?

Automatic search in VSDC 11.2 searches for files by their content, not just by name. If a file was simply renamed but remains in the same folder, the program will find it when scanning the directory.

What if my camera memory card or external drive is disconnected?

First, reconnect the memory card or external drive containing your original media. If VSDC still shows the files as "Offline", the file paths may have changed, for example, because Windows assigned a different drive letter. Use Search to scan the folder containing your footage, or Locate to reconnect a specific file manually. If your project uses files from multiple cards or drives, repeat the process for each device. VSDC can relink media only when the original files or their copies are accessible.

Can I recover files that were permanently deleted?

If the file is physically deleted from the disk, VSDC cannot recover it. You will need to use third‑party data recovery software or find a backup copy of the file and replace it with that.

Do lost files take up space in the project?

No. Offline files do not take up disk space, they are merely links to media. However, they remain in the project structure, so VSDC will report them as missing.

Does this feature work in the free version of VSDC?

Yes, the smart search for lost files is available in the free version of VSDC starting from update 11.2.

How long does folder scanning take?

It depends on the number of files and the depth of folder nesting. In most cases, scanning takes from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

Can I undo the relinking if I made a mistake?

Yes, you can always mark the file as offline again through the Resources window.

More helpful resources for you

We have prepared a selection of articles about various features of VSDC free video editor for you. Here you will find answers to questions that arise for everyone involved in video editing: how to achieve smooth slow motion, how to remove camera shake, how to adjust colors to make your video look cinematic, and much more!

Please remember that you can switch the language on any page to your preferred language.

You can find even more articles on our website.

Follow us on social media Facebook, X, Reddit or Discord and visit our channel, you will find plenty of useful and interesting videos there!

We will be happy to hear your questions and suggestions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Why HDR video looks dull and how to fix it in VSDC

Published by Amy Shao on May 11, 2026

SDR vs HDR

If you shoot video on an iPhone, GoPro or a professional camera, you've likely encountered this situation: you open your footage on your computer, expecting to see the vibrant sunset you wanted to capture, but on the screen there is a dull image lacking the brightness that made you frame the shot or record the video in the first place.

Why does it happen?
Your video or photos were recorded in HDR, but when you work with this type of footage on a standard (SDR) timeline or watch it on a regular monitor, the software has to figure out how to squeeze the expanded color and brightness range into the limited SDR format. Now you can take control of this process right in VSDC! Keep reading to find out how. We'll run a quick experiment and break down exactly what each setting does.

Make sure you have version VSDC 10.1 or higher installed

In this article:

  • Display mode: auto detection, SDR, HDR
  • Color profiles: standard and enhanced
  • Brightness: adjusting nominal peak brightness
  • Tone mapping: algorithms and levels
  • Additional options for improving results
  • Wrapping up
  • Frequently asked questions about HDR

Display mode: auto detection, SDR, HDR

So, we've added an HDR video (learn how to add files to the editor here), clicked on it on the timeline and opened the properties window. Now expand the "Video object settings" section, then the "Video" parameter and find the "HDR mode" option.

There are three options here. Let's start with the simplest one: "Auto detect". You might think that after selecting this one, the editor would figure everything out on its own and give you the best result. But that's not what happens because you're still left with the same dull image. Why? VSDC automatically squeezes the expanded HDR range to fit the specs of a regular monitor. If your screen doesn't support HDR, auto mode simply cuts off all the extra information and leaves only the SDR data. Keep in mind that conversion to SDR only happens if the original file has the right metadata.

Next up, let's choose "Force SDR mode". What's changed? In this mode the editor ignores the color and brightness data your camera captured and only reads the part meant for standard (SDR) screens. In other words, VSDC treats your HDR file just like any regular video. This option works well if you're quickly putting together a rough cut.

Now let's activate "Force HDR mode". On the screen you'll see all the brightness and color that was captured in the original file. However, if you're using a standard monitor, you might run into a funny side effect: the image may look either oversaturated or way too dark. It happens because VSDC is now showing all the available data, but your screen simply doesn't know how to display it properly. To get the look right, you'll need to tweak a few additional settings.

Activating HDR Mode. How to enable HDR mode in VSDC, visual differences between SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) and HDR (High Dynamic Range) content.

Color profiles: standard and enhanced

Expand the "HDR mode" section by clicking the small triangle icon to the left of it. When you select either "Auto detect" or "Force HDR mode", additional options become available. The most important one is "Color profile".

Start with "Standard color profile". This is a universal and fairly straightforward mode. It works on any computer, but it's generally slower, and colors tend to look less natural.

Now choose "Enhanced color profile". This mode is more advanced and designed for modern PCs. It utilizes your graphics card to accurately convert HDR colors and brightness into standard SDR format. The resulting image will closely match the original.

If you select "Enhanced color profile" but your PC does not have a dedicated graphics card, the software will automatically fall back to "Standard color profile" to ensure compatibility.

HDR Color Profiles in VSDC. Standard and extended color profiles for HDR in VSDC, showing how each affects color reproduction and dynamic range.

Brightness: adjusting nominal peak brightness

When you select "Standard color profile", the "Nominal peak luminance" setting becomes available. It defines the maximum brightness level your screen is capable of displaying. The value can range from 0 to 10,000 units. By default, it is set to 100 which is considered standard for typical SDR screens. Don't forget to enable the toggle switch to apply the setting.

Let's look at the two extremes of this setting: minimum and maximum.

  • Nominal peak luminance = 1
    In this case, the video editor is forced to compress the entire brightness range of the original HDR video into a narrow spectrum from 0 (black) to 1 (maximum brightness within this artificial range). Anything in the source file that exceeds a value of 1 — which could be, for example, 99% of the brightness information — is simply clipped and replaced with the maximum allowable value of 1. As a result, all colors that were originally bright and varied blend into a single white wash.
  • Nominal peak luminance = 10,000
    Here the editor assumes your screen can display brightness up to 10,000 units even if, in reality, the physical maximum of your screen is, say, only 500. The editor distributes all colors from dark to bright white across the specified range of 0 to 10,000. However, since your actual screen cannot output brightness beyond 500 units, all information in the 500–10,000 range is effectively lost. The result is an image that looks gray and dull.

Therefore, the key in this case is to find the right balance, taking into account your screen's capabilities and the desired visual outcome.

Nominal Peak Luminance. The concept of nominal peak luminance, examples of different luminance values and how they impact the brightness and highlight details in HDR video.

Tone mapping: algorithms and levels

Now let's look at the "Tone mapping" option. This setting controls how the program compresses bright colors and light from HDR video so they display correctly on a standard screen.

VSDC offers several built-in tone mapping algorithms. The way colors and brightness are redistributed in the frame depends on which algorithm you choose. The image on screen will look different with each option — you can select the one you prefer.

If you're not satisfied with the result after choosing an algorithm, try enabling the "Level" parameter. This option is available in "Force HDR mode" and "Auto detect" HDR modes. It allows you to make the color compression stronger or weaker.

When you enable "Level", a default value is automatically set for each algorithm. The image with the parameter turned off looks the same as when it's turned on with the default value.

To adjust the image, simply move the level slider away from the default setting. Increasing the value makes the video brighter, while decreasing it makes the image duller.

Tone Mapping. Tone mapping with various example settings, showing how different tone mapping values affect the rendering of bright and dark areas in an HDR image.

Additional options for improving results

Two additional options can help you fine-tune the color more precisely.

"Signal peak override" allows you to specify the maximum brightness present in your video. Let's see how this works together with the parameter we discussed earlier:

  • Nominal peak luminance tells the program what brightness your monitor is capable of.
  • Signal peak override tells the program what brightness is present in the video itself.

For example, set "Nominal peak luminance" to 40, meaning your monitor can only display 40 nits. Set "Signal peak override" to 20,000 because the video contains extremely high brightness. The software sees that your monitor can't handle that level, so it makes the image look duller and darker to fit the screen's capabilities.

Or set "Signal peak override" to 2 if the video has very little brightness. The software knows your monitor is capable of far more, so it artificially boosts the image to make it look brighter.

Important: both parameters can be enabled or disabled as needed. If they're turned off, the software reads the values from the video file's metadata (if present).

Another option that might be useful to you is "Desaturation intensity". If the colors still look dull after all the adjustments — which often happens at low peak brightness levels — just add +10–20% saturation. The lower the value set for this parameter, the less saturated the colors will be.

Nominal Peak Luminance and Signal Peak Override. The difference between nominal peak luminance and signal peak override.

Wrapping up

Working with HDR in VSDC is easier than it seems. Once you understand the logic behind the settings, you'll never be left frustrated by dull, washed-out images — and more importantly, you'll be able to quickly restore the brightness and saturation that made your videos and photos worth capturing in the first place.

Frequently asked questions about HDR

1. Why does my HDR video look dull on my computer?
When playing HDR video on a standard (SDR) monitor, the software automatically compresses the expanded color and brightness range to fit within the narrower SDR limits. As a result, the image loses saturation.

2. Which HDR display mode should I choose?
If you want maximum brightness and vibrancy, select "Force HDR mode". For quick draft editing, "Force SDR mode" works well. "Auto detect" mode only functions when metadata is present in the file and often produces predictable results, though not always optimal.

3. What is "Enhanced color profile" and when should I use it?
"Enhanced color profile" uses your graphics card to more accurately convert HDR colors to SDR. It delivers an image that closely matches the original but requires a modern PC with hardware acceleration support.

4. How do I properly adjust peak brightness?
The "Nominal peak luminance" parameter defines the maximum brightness level your screen is capable of. Adjust this value based on your monitor's specifications and the desired visual outcome. Setting it too low will result in an overexposed image, while setting it too high will make the image look gray and dull.

5. Can I use these HDR settings for videos from a GoPro or iPhone?
Yes, VSDC supports HDR files from GoPro, iPhone and most modern cameras. All the settings described in this article work with any HDR video.

We hope you enjoyed exploring these settings with us! Don’t stop here: keep experimenting with your own projects. We’re sure you’ll achieve even better results that you’ll want to share.

If you have questions or creative ideas to share, we'd love to hear from you at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through our social networks: Facebook, X, Reddit or Discord. And remember to check out our YouTube channel for more inspiration!

Refund & Return Policy

This Refund & Return Policy explains how refunds and returns work for digital products purchased directly from videosoftdev.com, including VSDC Video Editor licenses, paid templates, LUT packs, GPS telemetry widgets, animated elements, and animated backgrounds (collectively, the “Products”).

1. Digital products and delivery

All Products offered on this website are delivered digitally. After completing your purchase, you receive an order confirmation and download information by email. Delivery is instant and performed online – no physical shipping or shipping fees apply.

2. 30-day money-back guarantee

We want you to be fully satisfied with your purchase. If you experience technical issues, the Product does not work as described, or you are otherwise not satisfied, you may request a refund within 30 days from the date of purchase.

Our team may first try to help you resolve the issue (for example, by providing troubleshooting steps, updated files, or usage guidance). If the problem cannot be resolved or you prefer not to continue, we will issue a refund in accordance with this Policy.

3. Eligibility for a refund

The following conditions generally apply to refund requests:

  • The request is submitted within 30 days of the original purchase date.
  • The purchase was made directly through videosoftdev.com or our official checkout provider.
  • The Product has not been used in a way that violates the license terms or applicable law.

We may ask you to provide additional information (such as a description of the issue, screenshots, or project details) to help us understand the problem and improve our Products.

4. Non-refundable cases

While we aim to be fair and flexible, we may decline a refund in the following situations:

  • The refund request is submitted more than 30 days after the purchase date.
  • The request concerns a feature or use case that is not included in the Product description or system requirements.
  • There is evidence of abuse of the refund policy, including repeated refund requests for different Products.
  • The purchase was made through a third-party reseller or marketplace. In that case, their own refund policy applies.

5. How to request a refund

To request a refund, please contact our support team and include the following information:

  • Your full name
  • The email address used for the purchase
  • Order number or transaction ID
  • The name of the Product you purchased
  • A brief description of the issue or reason for your request

You can reach us via the contact form on the website or by using the support email provided in your order confirmation. We review each request individually and typically respond within a reasonable time frame.

6. Refund method and timing

Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method used at the time of purchase. Processing times may vary depending on your bank, card issuer, or payment provider, but in most cases refunds are completed within several business days after approval.

We do not charge any additional fees for processing a refund. However, your bank or payment provider may apply their own fees in accordance with their terms and conditions.

7. Exchanges and replacement files

If you received a corrupted file, cannot access your download, or believe you have received the wrong Product, please contact us. In many cases we can quickly resolve the problem by providing new download links or updated files instead of a refund.

8. Changes to this policy

We may update this Refund & Return Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our Products, services, or legal requirements. The effective date of the latest version will be indicated at the top of this page. Continued use of our Products after any changes have been posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Policy.

9. Contact us

If you have any questions about this Refund & Return Policy or need assistance with your order, please contact our support team using the email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact form on videosoftdev.com.

How to Recover Lost Files in Your VSDC Project

Quick start: Recover missing project files

  1. Open your VSDC project.
  2. Confirm the missing files warning.
  3. Click Search and select the folder containing your media.
  4. Use Locate if you need to reconnect an individual file.
  5. Check that all required files are online.

Requires VSDC 11.2 or later. Available in the free version.

You’re probably familiar with this scenario: you move or rename a folder containing images and videos, open your project in the video editor, and instead of your familiar timeline, you’re greeted with a string of warning dialogs about missing files. In the past, you had to locate each of those files manually and relink them to the project one by one. That ate up a huge amount of time, especially when you were working with lots of media.

In the VSDC free video editor, this issue is now a thing of the past! Version 11.2 and later include a dedicated tool that automatically finds and restores lost files.

In this article, you’ll learn how to quickly recover missing files or, if needed, remove them from your project.

Before you start, make sure you have VSDC version 11.2 or newer installed. If not, download the latest version of the editor using the link below.

Download the Free VSDC Video Editor

Two ways to search for lost files

In the missing files list window, there are two recovery options available.

The first is the Search option. When you click this button, you select a folder to scan, after which VSDC automatically analyzes the specified directory and all its subfolders, finds and relinks all project files that are detected there. This method is ideal if you remember where you moved the source files but don't know the exact location of each individual file. The algorithm restores all lost files from the selected folder in a single operation.

If some files are still not found, they will remain in the "Offline" status, and then you simply need to run the search again, specifying a different path.

Searching a folder for missing project media in VSDC.

The second method is the Locate option. If you know exactly where a specific file is located, select it in the list and click Locate. After that the standard Windows Explorer window will open, where you can manually point to the path of that file. It is important to pay attention to the "Relink others automatically" option, which is located in the tool window.

If this option is enabled, the program will scan the folder where the selected file is located and automatically relink all other lost files from the same directory.

If you leave the option disabled, only the file you manually specified will be restored.

Locating a missing file and optionally relinking other media in the same folder.

For convenience, an error protection feature is provided: if you accidentally select a file that does not match the original, VSDC will warn you about a significant discrepancy in parameters and ask for confirmation, so you will never replace one file with another due to carelessness.

If you want to postpone the search for some files for later, simply close the window. It will reappear the next time you open the project.

Recovering files via the Resources window

When you have already closed the missing files window and are inside the project, you can also restore a file without using the separate search window.

To do this, right‑click on an offline object on the timeline and select "Find object in…", then "Resources window". The Resources window will open automatically, and the required file will be highlighted. Right‑click on it again, choose "Settings" and at the bottom of the window that opens, click the "Import" button. Specify the new location of the file on your computer. After confirmation, the file instantly switches to the "online" status and updates on the timeline. All effects, trimming and positioning settings applied to it will be preserved.

Relinking an offline file through the Resources window.

Removing lost files from the project

If some files are no longer needed, you can remove them from the project and the most convenient way to do this is also through the Resources window. Why is this necessary? If you leave lost files in the project, the program will show a warning about missing items every time you open it and prompt you to find them via the file search window.

To avoid this unnecessary pop‑up, simply locate the unwanted file in the Resources window (using the same method as described in the "Recovering files via the Resources window" section), right‑click on it and select "Delete" or press the Delete key.

Removing an unnecessary missing file from project resources.

Conclusion

We have tried to gather in this article all the main ways of working with lost files, so that you can quickly bring them back into the project or get rid of unnecessary ones. We hope that this article was useful to you and will help you avoid unnecessary complications in your work.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What if the files were not moved but renamed?

Automatic search in VSDC 11.2 searches for files by their content, not just by name. If a file was simply renamed but remains in the same folder, the program will find it when scanning the directory.

Can I recover files that were permanently deleted?

If the file is physically deleted from the disk, VSDC cannot recover it. You will need to use third‑party data recovery software or find a backup copy of the file and replace it with that.

Do lost files take up space in the project?

No. Offline files do not take up disk space, they are merely links to media. However, they remain in the project structure, so VSDC will report them as missing.

Does this feature work in the free version of VSDC?

Yes, the smart search for lost files is available in the free version of VSDC starting from update 11.2.

How long does folder scanning take?

It depends on the number of files and the depth of folder nesting. In most cases, scanning takes from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

Can I undo the relinking if I made a mistake?

Yes, you can always mark the file as offline again through the Resources window.

More helpful resources for you

We have prepared a selection of articles about various features of VSDC free video editor for you. Here you will find answers to questions that arise for everyone involved in video editing: how to achieve smooth slow motion, how to remove camera shake, how to adjust colors to make your video look cinematic, and much more!

Please remember that you can switch the language on any page to your preferred language.

You can find even more articles on our website.

Follow us on social media Facebook, X, Reddit or Discord and visit our channel, you will find plenty of useful and interesting videos there!

We will be happy to hear your questions and suggestions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How to Activate VSDC Premium Template Packs to Fix Export Issues

Solved: Learn how to properly activate your VSDC premium templates and remove export restrictions.

Understanding the Premium Template Activation Process

Have you purchased a VSDC premium pack but still can't export your project? Are you seeing the warning message again during export? This usually means the activation process wasn't fully completed.

But don't worry, things like this happen. Let's walk through the entire process step-by-step to ensure everything is set up correctly.

VSDC premium template notification screen

Initial Setup: Using Premium Templates

It all starts when you use a premium template in your project. A notification will appear, informing you that the content you used in the project requires a purchase. This happens in both the Free and Pro versions of VSDC, as these templates are a separate category created by our designers to speed up your editing.

When you see this message, you have two options: remove the premium template from your timeline or purchase the pack by clicking the "Unlock" button in the warning message that appears when you want to export your project.

VSDC purchase form and license key email

Receiving Your License Key

When making a purchase, you fill in a short form. Following a successful transaction, an email containing your license key in the format X-XXXXXX-XXXXXX-XXXXXX-XXXXXX and activation instructions is sent to the address you provided.

Therefore, at this stage, it is crucial to ensure you have access to the email address you use for the purchase.

VSDC license key activation methods

Two Methods to Activate Your Premium Pack

Let's review the two activation methods mentioned in the email and walk through the suggested steps together.

After purchasing, you must enter the received license key into the editor, as without this final step, you will still be unable to export your project using the premium template(s)!

Method 1: Activation via the Application Menu

This method provides a direct path to the software's licensing system and is the recommended approach.

  1. Open VSDC Video Editor and initiate either a new project or an existing one.
  2. Access the Activation Tab from the top menu bar.
  3. Select the Activate option from the dropdown menu. This action will launch a dialog box requesting your key.
  4. Paste or type your key carefully.
  5. Confirm the entry and restart the application for the changes to take full effect.

Method 2: Contextual Activation from the Templates Window

This method offers a convenient way to activate your pack directly from the resource you intend to use.

  1. Open VSDC Video Editor and initiate either a new project or an existing one.
  2. Find and right-click on any template that is part of the premium pack you need via the Templates window.
  3. Choose the Activate template option.
  4. A prompt will appear for you to input your license key. Paste or type your key carefully.
  5. After submitting the key fully restart VSDC to complete the activation sequence.

Verifying Successful Activation

Once you restart the software, the activation is complete. The absence of the restriction window will be the main confirmation that the license key has been successfully applied. The program will no longer display warning messages for the previously locked templates, and you will be able to export your projects without any limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I purchased a pack and entered the key, but I'm still getting the warning on export. What should I do?

This is almost always because the application wasn't fully restarted. Please close VSDC and then reopen it. The activation is only finalized after a restart. If that doesn't work, double-check that you copied and pasted the entire key correctly, without any extra spaces.

Do I need the VSDC Pro version to use premium template packs?

No. Premium template packs are a separate product and can be purchased and activated in both the Free and Pro versions of VSDC. The warning and activation process is the same for both editions.

I'm getting an "Invalid Key" error. What does this mean?

This usually means the key was entered incorrectly. Please ensure you are typing or pasting the key in the exact format: X-XXXXXX-XXXXXX-XXXXXX-XXXXXX, have not confused similar characters (e.g., the number 0 for the letter O or the number 1 for the letter l) and have not included any extra spaces at the beginning or end of the key.

Will my premium pack activation expire?

Yes, each license key is valid for one year, after that you need to renew it.

Where can I see the full catalog of available template packs and their descriptions?

You can browse the entire collection of premium template packs directly on our official website. There you'll find high-quality previews, descriptions of what's included in each pack (e.g., intro scenes, transitions, etc.) and the current pricing. You can find the catalog here: View the full catalog here.

Need Additional Help?

Couldn't find the answer you were looking for? Then please don't hesitate to contact our team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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News

VSDC 11.2: Smart search for lost files, GPS data and video sync, H.266 (VVC), accelerated proxy generation even for 4K/8K, keyframe support for shapes and brand-new designer templates

Published by Amy Shao on June 30, 2026 Meet the new major update to VSDC Free Video Editor: version 11.2! Remember how much time you used to spend hunting for lost files in your projects?...

VSDC 11.1 Adds Direct Insta360 Video Editing, GPS Overlays and Auto-Save

Published by Amy Shao on March 11, 2026 What is the best gift for a creative person? New possibilities, of course. With the VSDC 11.1 update, editing footage from Insta360 cameras becomes...

VSDC 10.2: GPS Gauges for GoPro and Other Action Cameras, Selective Export, Metadata Editing, Extended Codecs and Smarter Workflow

published Amy Shao 11/19/25 Meet the long-awaited VSDC 10.2 update: a new version packed with incredible features and significant enhancements designed to empower all of you, from hobbyists to professionals. GPS...

Major VSDC 10.1 Update: Advanced HDR, GPS Telemetry, New Effects, Great Variety of New Templates and Tools For Different Needs

published Amy Shao 6/10/25 The wait for something new and unusual is finally over! The update is here and it isn’t just another version: it’s VSDC 10.1! VSDC 10.1 Update: Advanced HDR, GPS Telemetry,...

VSDC Christmas Update 9.4: Enhanced Effect Management, 100+ Background Templates and Streamlined Editing

This holiday season embraces new beginnings with the latest update of VSDC Video Editor! We’ve listened to your feedback and decided to focus on enhancing the tools you love most—all while laying the...

How VSDC Free Became My Secret Weapon for Watermark (Free 4K Editing in 2025)

Hi, I'm Mattea Wharton, a travel videographer from Seattle. For three years I battled with video editors that slapped ugly watermarks on my videos until I found VSDC. This free no-subscription editor completely...

VSDC 9.3: 150+ Templates, Text Transformer, Sprite Auto-Detect and GUI Update

Change is all about improvement, and this process wouldn't be possible without your input. After carefully reviewing your feedback, we’ve addressed several key issues and introduced updates designed...

Best Special Effects Software

Intro In 2024 the options range for creating visual effects is incredibly diverse and it becomes more and more challenging to identify the top choices. Here you can find a guide to the top visual FX...

VSDC 9.2: AI Segmentation Models, 300+ Transitions, VSDC Cloud and New Templates Pack

Are you ready to explore new heights with the latest major VSDC update? Finally, Version 9.2 is here! Packed with groundbreaking features, including the new AI-powered Segmentation tool, this update offers...

How Black and White Movies Were Colorized

Are you a fan of classic black and white films? Ever been curious about how they would appear if they were in color? Many filmmakers have pondered the same, leading to numerous classic movies being colorized....
 

Screen Recorder Box

This program allows you to capture the video of your desktop and save it on your PC in various formats. Coupled with a video editor, the program is a great tool for creating presentations, tutorials and demo videos.

Read more about Screen Recorder...

 

Video Capture Box

The program captures video from external devices and records it to computer in a free format. You can save video from video tuners, webcams, capture cards and other gadgets.

Read more about Video Capture...

VSDC Video Editor Reviews & Ratings (Trustpilot, Capterra & Media)

VSDC Free Video Editor is rated 4.5/5 by real users on Trustpilot and Capterra. Here are a few reviews and quotes from creators and tech media.

Overall rating: 4.5/5 based on 200+ reviews on Trustpilot and 89 reviews on Capterra.

★★★★⯪

VSDC Free Video Editor is the best free video editor for Windows I’ve used, from color grading to picture-in-picture and cinematic results.

— Ejikeme Eloka Augustine

Source:Trustpilot

★★★★☆

Easy-to-use interface and quick export to social media make VSDC a versatile video editing tool for everyday projects.

— Karen C., E-Learning

Source:Capterra

★★★★☆

A feature-packed non-linear video editor for Windows that can compete with many paid video editing solutions.

— TechRadar

Source:TechRadar review

★★★★★

The free VSDC editor saved my YouTube channel – a powerful video editing software for chroma key, text effects and picture-in-picture.

— Paul Roberts

Source:Trustpilot

★★★★★

Fast and simple for YouTube videos with green screen, zoom, color tools and creative effects in one app.

— Marie R., Media Production

Source:Capterra

★★★★★

One of the best free video editor options for Windows users, ideal for GoPro, YouTube and family videos.

— VidProMom, YouTube creator

Source:Media reviews

★★★★★

I’ve been using VSDC for years; editing is easy and the final videos look great for my personal and professional projects.

— Long-time VSDC user

Source:Trustpilot

★★★★★

Great value and faster than many other free tools; I quickly create videos for YouTube, Instagram and Facebook with features my audience loves.

— Rabika B., Marketing & Advertising

Source:Capterra

★★★★★

VSDC offers many features you don’t usually find in free editors, including picture-in-picture, stabilization and modern codec support with no watermarks.

— Tech media review

Source:Media reviews