Mac vs PC for Video Editing: Which is best for you?! PC vs Mac It's a debate that never ends, and there's some fierce opposition on both the Windows and MacOS sides! Inevitably, doing a comparison video like this will stoke the flames and draw the hateful wrath of impassioned ‘fanboys' on both sides of the fence – but we. Verdict: Openshot is an open source Mac video editing software. It may remind iMovie with its easy to use drag-and-drop interface. However, Openshot contains more features than iMovie, including an unlimited number of layers and sound mixing. This free video editor for Mac offers a good balance between advanced features and a simple interface.
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We designed OpenShot Video Editor to be an easy to use, quick to learn, and surprisingly powerful video editor. Take a quick look at some of our most popular features and capabilities.
Cross-Platform
OpenShot is a cross-platform video editor, with support for Linux, Mac, and Windows. Get started and download our installer today.
Trim & Slice
Quickly trim down your videos, and find those perfect moments. OpenShot has many easy ways to cut your video.
Animation & Keyframes
Using our powerful animation framework, you can fade, slide, bounce, and animate anything in your video project.
Unlimited Tracks
Add as many layers as you need for watermarks, background videos, audio tracks, and more.
Video Effects
Using our video effects engine, remove the background from your video, invert the colors, adjust brightness, and more.
Audio Waveforms
Visualize your audio files as waveforms, and even output the waveforms as part of your video.
Title Editor
Adding titles to your video has never been easier. Use one of our templates, or make your own.
3D Animations
Render beautiful 3D animated titles and effects, such as snow, lens flares, or flying text.
Slow Motion & Time Effects
Control the power of time, reversing, slowing down, and speeding up video. Use a preset or animate the playback speed and direction.
Edit Video
Drag and drop video, audio, or images from your file manager into OpenShot. It's that easy to get started video editing.
70+ Languages
OpenShot is available in many different languages, and can be translated online with LaunchPad.
Simple User Interface
We have designed OpenShot to be the easiest and friendliest video editing software ever! Give it a try and see for yourself.
It's no secret that Macs are known to be the best computers for video editing. From their inception, Macs have been positioned as the machine of choice for creatives — but what about today? With so many options available, it can be hard to tell which system and software is best for your needs.
Professionals using tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for Mac might require a different system to someone making casual YouTube videos. Either way, a quick exploration of what specifications and software fit you just right can go a long way.
Why Mac Video Editing Is So Popular
Originally, Apple was recognized for building better tools for creative work than Microsoft due to a collaboration with Adobe (known for its design software suite), followed by a clever strategy of distributing Macs into design schools and making creative workflows very user-friendly overall.
Apple also leveraged its exclusive partnerships with market-leading software, such as Final Cut Pro for Mac, so that it wasn't available on PC. Being first to this market spelled the beginning of a long-lasting loyalty among creatives and design-savvy users who were educated on Macs exclusively.
Additionally, the physical design of Macs was a breath of fresh air compared to the more cold and clinical PCs at the time, further lending to Apple's brand position amongst creatives.
Eventually, PCs reached a similar level of hardware and software support that could suit any creative work, but by then Apple was already firmly positioned as one of the best computers for video editing, graphic design, sound engineering, and more.
Specs that matter when video editing on Mac
Video editing on Mac is a hardware-intensive exercise that relies heavily on processing power. From rendering 4K videos to making thousands of edits across feature-length material, having a quick machine can make all the difference. Unfortunately, making sense of Apple video editing specifications can be difficult at best.
For example, the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is at the heart of any machine, and once upon a time it was the most important component when video editing for Mac. However, in recent years the support of Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) rendering has offloaded a lot of the CPU's work. That said, CPU power is still important when it comes to the general speed of basic operations, so here's a quick rundown on what to look for:
The CPU should at least be a medium to high-end quad-core unit (not a dual core), ideally manufactured in the last five years. For 4K and 8K video editing on Mac, you may want to look at eight, twelve, or more CPU cores.
Your GPU is arguably the most important component. The first thing to look for is a dedicated GPU unit, not integrated with your CPU. Secondly, you'll want to ensure you have a minimum of 2 GB of VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) which can render multiple effects at once without having to process them in sequence. Advanced users will want 8 GB of VRAM with a high-end GPU made in the past three years.
System RAM (Random Access Memory) is an important measure of how many assets and processes can be stored in extremely fast memory (think tip of the tongue). When video editing for Mac, you'll want a minimum of 8 GB and work your way up to 16 GB or 32 GB from there.
Similarly, you'll benefit greatly from having an SSD hard drive rather than an older HDD. The SSD format can load saved projects and large video files much faster, and is well worth the small investment on top.
Finally, you'll want to ensure you have a suitable display to accurately edit your videos. Look for an IPS (in-plane switching) panel rather than TN (twisted nematic), with a decent size of 27' for desktops or 15' for laptops. Aim for a screen resolution of 1920x1080 (but ideally 4096x2160), with a brightness level of 1000 cd/m2.
What is the best Mac for video editing?
By now you have a basic understanding of which specifications matter, but what's the best computer for video editing? Unlike PCs, Macs come in fewer variations, so selecting the right one for you comes down to your expected usage.
When it comes to advanced, larger projects, you'll want to opt for one of the best computers for video editing — iMac Pro. It combines up to 18 CPU cores with a dedicated GPU boasting 16 GB of VRAM, plus a 5K display showing unparalleled color and brightness accuracy. Expect to pay top-dollar for this option, best suited for creative professionals.
Leaning towards value-for-money? Try Mac Mini — a small machine that sits nicely between the processing power of a laptop and desktop. The Mac Mini can handle basic and intermediate video editing with its latest-generation Intel CPU, combining four or six cores and an integrated GPU.
For many modern video editors, portability matters. The MacBook Pro is one of the most powerful laptops available for Apple video editing, with the top model offering a dedicated GPU that rivals the powerful desktops of yesteryear. SSD hard drives keep things moving quickly, while the four to eight core CPU units silently get to work in the background.
No matter which option you select, any 2019 or newer Mac is more than capable of video editing. However, the best computer for video editing can set you back financially, and there's still costly software to consider. Similar to not absolutely needing the best Mac for video editing, you might not need the best when it comes to Mac video editing software as well.
What Is The Best Mac For Video Editing
Top alternatives to Mac video editing software
Think twice before investing in the most expensive video editing software for Mac. Despite the perception that Adobe suite is a must-have, there are some amazing alternatives out there that work well without breaking the bank.
CameraBag Pro is a lightweight video editing tool for Mac, once claiming the second spot for the Apple Mac App of the Year. It nicely fills the gap between a simple photo editor and complex video editor, resulting in slick software that perfectly meets the needs of most at-home users.
Mac Software For Video Editing
The app's clean user interface makes it a breeze to use, and the one-click filters can have your work looking pixel-perfect without getting lost in the details. For those of you looking for more advanced editing tools and settings, CameraBag Pro has you covered with dedicated color, tone, and gamma curves.
Capto is another cost-effective tool for your Apple video editing suite, allowing for a quick and easy way to capture screen recordings on your Mac. Capto is perfect for those who are creating tutorial videos or anything requiring on-screen annotations.
The app's built-in editing interface can finish the job without having to move to another tool, saving you time and money on complementary software. Basic and intermediate users will appreciate the simplicity of Capto's tools, strategically implemented to prevent bombarding you with complex workflows.
For perfecting specific projects, try GlueMotion — a drag-and-drop tool which turns your images into time-lapse videos in just a few clicks. Open office download for mac os x 10.4 11. It works well with almost any photo format and even has a batch editor for images to make sure things are looking good before committing to a time-lapse.
GlueMotion's built-in deflickering engine ensures a smooth transition across the whole video, while taking advantage of macOS developer tools to promote quick rendering across a variety of professional formats. Loyal Apple users will enjoy the macOS inspired design which feels right at home.
We designed OpenShot Video Editor to be an easy to use, quick to learn, and surprisingly powerful video editor. Take a quick look at some of our most popular features and capabilities.
Cross-Platform
OpenShot is a cross-platform video editor, with support for Linux, Mac, and Windows. Get started and download our installer today.
Trim & Slice
Quickly trim down your videos, and find those perfect moments. OpenShot has many easy ways to cut your video.
Animation & Keyframes
Using our powerful animation framework, you can fade, slide, bounce, and animate anything in your video project.
Unlimited Tracks
Add as many layers as you need for watermarks, background videos, audio tracks, and more.
Video Effects
Using our video effects engine, remove the background from your video, invert the colors, adjust brightness, and more.
Audio Waveforms
Visualize your audio files as waveforms, and even output the waveforms as part of your video.
Title Editor
Adding titles to your video has never been easier. Use one of our templates, or make your own.
3D Animations
Render beautiful 3D animated titles and effects, such as snow, lens flares, or flying text.
Slow Motion & Time Effects
Control the power of time, reversing, slowing down, and speeding up video. Use a preset or animate the playback speed and direction.
Edit Video
Drag and drop video, audio, or images from your file manager into OpenShot. It's that easy to get started video editing.
70+ Languages
OpenShot is available in many different languages, and can be translated online with LaunchPad.
Simple User Interface
We have designed OpenShot to be the easiest and friendliest video editing software ever! Give it a try and see for yourself.
It's no secret that Macs are known to be the best computers for video editing. From their inception, Macs have been positioned as the machine of choice for creatives — but what about today? With so many options available, it can be hard to tell which system and software is best for your needs.
Professionals using tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for Mac might require a different system to someone making casual YouTube videos. Either way, a quick exploration of what specifications and software fit you just right can go a long way.
Why Mac Video Editing Is So Popular
Originally, Apple was recognized for building better tools for creative work than Microsoft due to a collaboration with Adobe (known for its design software suite), followed by a clever strategy of distributing Macs into design schools and making creative workflows very user-friendly overall.
Apple also leveraged its exclusive partnerships with market-leading software, such as Final Cut Pro for Mac, so that it wasn't available on PC. Being first to this market spelled the beginning of a long-lasting loyalty among creatives and design-savvy users who were educated on Macs exclusively.
Additionally, the physical design of Macs was a breath of fresh air compared to the more cold and clinical PCs at the time, further lending to Apple's brand position amongst creatives.
Eventually, PCs reached a similar level of hardware and software support that could suit any creative work, but by then Apple was already firmly positioned as one of the best computers for video editing, graphic design, sound engineering, and more.
Specs that matter when video editing on Mac
Video editing on Mac is a hardware-intensive exercise that relies heavily on processing power. From rendering 4K videos to making thousands of edits across feature-length material, having a quick machine can make all the difference. Unfortunately, making sense of Apple video editing specifications can be difficult at best.
For example, the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is at the heart of any machine, and once upon a time it was the most important component when video editing for Mac. However, in recent years the support of Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) rendering has offloaded a lot of the CPU's work. That said, CPU power is still important when it comes to the general speed of basic operations, so here's a quick rundown on what to look for:
The CPU should at least be a medium to high-end quad-core unit (not a dual core), ideally manufactured in the last five years. For 4K and 8K video editing on Mac, you may want to look at eight, twelve, or more CPU cores.
Your GPU is arguably the most important component. The first thing to look for is a dedicated GPU unit, not integrated with your CPU. Secondly, you'll want to ensure you have a minimum of 2 GB of VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) which can render multiple effects at once without having to process them in sequence. Advanced users will want 8 GB of VRAM with a high-end GPU made in the past three years.
System RAM (Random Access Memory) is an important measure of how many assets and processes can be stored in extremely fast memory (think tip of the tongue). When video editing for Mac, you'll want a minimum of 8 GB and work your way up to 16 GB or 32 GB from there.
Similarly, you'll benefit greatly from having an SSD hard drive rather than an older HDD. The SSD format can load saved projects and large video files much faster, and is well worth the small investment on top.
Finally, you'll want to ensure you have a suitable display to accurately edit your videos. Look for an IPS (in-plane switching) panel rather than TN (twisted nematic), with a decent size of 27' for desktops or 15' for laptops. Aim for a screen resolution of 1920x1080 (but ideally 4096x2160), with a brightness level of 1000 cd/m2.
What is the best Mac for video editing?
By now you have a basic understanding of which specifications matter, but what's the best computer for video editing? Unlike PCs, Macs come in fewer variations, so selecting the right one for you comes down to your expected usage.
When it comes to advanced, larger projects, you'll want to opt for one of the best computers for video editing — iMac Pro. It combines up to 18 CPU cores with a dedicated GPU boasting 16 GB of VRAM, plus a 5K display showing unparalleled color and brightness accuracy. Expect to pay top-dollar for this option, best suited for creative professionals.
Leaning towards value-for-money? Try Mac Mini — a small machine that sits nicely between the processing power of a laptop and desktop. The Mac Mini can handle basic and intermediate video editing with its latest-generation Intel CPU, combining four or six cores and an integrated GPU.
For many modern video editors, portability matters. The MacBook Pro is one of the most powerful laptops available for Apple video editing, with the top model offering a dedicated GPU that rivals the powerful desktops of yesteryear. SSD hard drives keep things moving quickly, while the four to eight core CPU units silently get to work in the background.
No matter which option you select, any 2019 or newer Mac is more than capable of video editing. However, the best computer for video editing can set you back financially, and there's still costly software to consider. Similar to not absolutely needing the best Mac for video editing, you might not need the best when it comes to Mac video editing software as well.
What Is The Best Mac For Video Editing
Top alternatives to Mac video editing software
Think twice before investing in the most expensive video editing software for Mac. Despite the perception that Adobe suite is a must-have, there are some amazing alternatives out there that work well without breaking the bank.
CameraBag Pro is a lightweight video editing tool for Mac, once claiming the second spot for the Apple Mac App of the Year. It nicely fills the gap between a simple photo editor and complex video editor, resulting in slick software that perfectly meets the needs of most at-home users.
Mac Software For Video Editing
The app's clean user interface makes it a breeze to use, and the one-click filters can have your work looking pixel-perfect without getting lost in the details. For those of you looking for more advanced editing tools and settings, CameraBag Pro has you covered with dedicated color, tone, and gamma curves.
Capto is another cost-effective tool for your Apple video editing suite, allowing for a quick and easy way to capture screen recordings on your Mac. Capto is perfect for those who are creating tutorial videos or anything requiring on-screen annotations.
The app's built-in editing interface can finish the job without having to move to another tool, saving you time and money on complementary software. Basic and intermediate users will appreciate the simplicity of Capto's tools, strategically implemented to prevent bombarding you with complex workflows.
For perfecting specific projects, try GlueMotion — a drag-and-drop tool which turns your images into time-lapse videos in just a few clicks. Open office download for mac os x 10.4 11. It works well with almost any photo format and even has a batch editor for images to make sure things are looking good before committing to a time-lapse.
GlueMotion's built-in deflickering engine ensures a smooth transition across the whole video, while taking advantage of macOS developer tools to promote quick rendering across a variety of professional formats. Loyal Apple users will enjoy the macOS inspired design which feels right at home.
Final Cut Pro
The best part about CameraBag Pro, Capto, and GlueMotion is that they are all available for a free seven-day trial on Setapp — a Mac subscription service that grants you access to over 160 indispensable apps. You can reap the rewards almost instantly by heading over to Setapp's website and signing up. No matter which Mac setup you have or what skill level you are, Setapp is a must-have addition to any video editing software for Mac.
Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.
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