Vegas Pro has a lot of the same advanced features as Final Cut Pro. It allows editing of videos without compromising the quality. This is what you need when editing high-quality videos. Vegas Pro offers easy editing of videos without compromising their quality. The software has a powerful feature for automatic generation of subtitles. VSDC Free Video Editor, developed by Flash-Integro, LLC., is a free and multiple media editing software that serves as a primary alternative of Final Cut Pro on Windows. You can find most features given by Final Cut Pro on this free tool, excepting a few advanced toolkits, for instance, motion tracking.
If you’re switching to Final Cut Pro after using another video editing software like iMovie, the interface can seem a little daunting. Have no fear, the basic editing techniques you’ll need for 90% of your work in Final Cut Pro can be learned in just a few minutes. And this tutorial will teach you exactly how to use Final Cut Pro, even if you’re an absolute beginner to the software.
How to Edit in Final Cut Pro X
Over the next eight steps, you’ll experience the process from opening Final Cut Pro the very first time to sharing your finished video project. If you’d like to follow along, you can download any of the free stock video we’ve used.
By the end of this tutorial, you should be able to use the techniques you’ve learned to perform basic edits in Final Cut Pro X for your own projects.
Step 1: Create a New Project & Import Media
Final Cut Pro X organizes all of its content into Libraries, Events, & Projects. A Library is the highest level and you will generally only need one of them unless you are working on a lot of unrelated projects. Inside Libraries are Events, which can contain media such as video clips, images, songs, and also Projects. A Project the container for your video, it stores all of your editing decisions as you produce your video.
The first time you open Final Cut Pro, a Library and Event should automatically be created for you, so you just need to create a Project.
- Open Final Cut Pro X. After a few seconds, the main interface should appear.
- At the top menu bar, go to File > New > Project (or Command + N) to create your new project. Type in a name for the project and select Use Automatic Settings.
- Again at the top menu bar, select File > Import > Media (or Command + I). This will bring up the Media Import window where you can select all the audio and video files you’d like to import into your project.
- Select all the media you’d like to include in your project and press Import Selected.
- Close the Media Import window.
Step 2: Add Your Trimmed Clips to the Timeline
![Is final cut pro good Is final cut pro good](https://alternative.me/media/1280/final-cut-pro-x-screenshot-efi7fpunjz1x6pu6.png)
You should see thumbnails of all the media you just imported appear in the Browser. To create your video, you’ll need to arrange and trim that media in the Timeline. The Timeline shows previews of all your footage and file names to help you stay organized.
- In the Browser you can set the In and Out points for each video clip by holding Option, clicking the thumbnail and dragging with your mouse. You should see a yellow outline appear on the clip, representing the range that will be added to your video in the Timeline.
- Drag your clips from the Browser down into the Timeline in the order you’d like to play them from left to right. You may want to start with an establishing shot to set the scene for the viewer before diving into your video’s subject matter.
- Trim each clip by moving your mouse cursor to the inside edge of its thumbnail in the timeline. You should see the Trim Tool appear in place of your cursor. You can drag forward or backward to adjust the ending of the clip. Do this on both sides of each clip you add.
- If you’d like to rearrange the order of the clips in your sequence, you can drag and drop any clip from the timeline into a different spot. Final Cut Pro X’s Magnetic Timeline will automatically insert and arrange the clips for you. Just make sure that your arrangement doesn’t move any clip on top of another one (vertically).
- Move the Playhead to the beginning of the Timeline and press Play (keyboard shortcut Space). You can see a preview of your video in the Viewer.
Step 3: Add Text & Titles
Final Cut Pro comes bundled dozens of Titles located in the Browser, where you first imported your media in step 1. You can easily add these to your production by dragging them down into the Timeline.
- Above the Browser click the Titles and Generators Sidebar icon to open it (or press Option + Command + 1).
- Choose the Title you’d like and drag it down onto the Timeline. This time, make sure to place the Title above your other video clips, because you’ll only be able to see it if it’s on top.
- Trim the beginning and endpoints of your Title the same way you did with your video clips in step 1.
- Move the Playhead so you can preview your Title on screen in the Viewer. Double-click the text and type to replace it with your own. You can also make adjustments to your Title by clicking the Title Inspector icon at the top right of the screen.
And hey, if you’re getting bored of the default titles, there’s a world of FCPX title templates ready to be explored. You can also create and refine your own unique titles for your specific project needs.
Step 4: Add Transitions
When it comes to Transitions sometimes less is more, there’s nothing wrong with a “hard cut” between two clips—so try to use transitions subtly and only where they make sense. Two great uses for transitions are showing the passage of time or moving from one scene to the next.
- Open the Transitions Browser by clicking on the icon (or press Control + Command + 5).
- Choose a Transition and drag it between any two clips to add an animated transition between them.
- You can adjust the length of a transition by draggings its edge inward or outward.
- If you’d like to customize your Transition you can open the Inspector (Command + 4) and make adjustments.
Step 5: Add Effects
Now that you’ve completed a basic arrangement in the Timeline, you can add a little production value with Final Cut Pro’s built-in Effects.
- Click the Effects Browser icon to open it (keyboard shortcut Command + 5).
- Browse through for the effect you’d like to add. You can preview effects by skimming the mouse over the thumbnail.
- Drag your Effect onto the clip you’d like to affect.
- Next to the Effects Browser icon, Choose an effect and drag it between any two clips to add an animated effect between them.
- If you’d like to customize your effect you can open the Inspector (Command + 4) and make adjustments.
Step 6: Add Music & Audio
You can add your own music by importing it the same way you added videos in step 1, but in this tutorial, you’ll be using some of Final Cut Pro’s built-in tracks. These are all royalty-free which means you won’t have to worry about licensing like you would with many songs.
- Click the Photos & Audio Sidebar icon above the Browser to open it up (or press Shift Command 1). Select Sound Effects.
- Type in Jingles to see all the songs available inFinal Cut Pro, you can press the small play button to preview them.
- When you find a song you like, drag it down to the timeline below your video clips. You’ll see the song’s waveform appear as a green audio track.
- Shorten the song so it’s the same length as your video track in the Timeline.
- Pro Tip: You can use the visual waveform of the song as a guide for cutting your video clips “to the beat.”
- If you’d like to make adjustments to your song, select the clip and open the Inspector. Here you can adjust the volume and EQ.
- Back in the Timeline, make the song fade out by pulling the Fade Handle at the end of the green audio clip.
You can also download quality royalty free music tracks from Motion Array if you’re not having luck finding the right track in FCPX.
Step 7: Color Correction
Next you’ll be white balancing your video using Final Cut Pro’s built-in Balance Color tool. This will remove any color casts and is a quick and easy way to bring out the best in your footage.
- Highlight all the video clips in the Timeline. You should see a yellow outline around them.
- Click the Enhancements icon below the Viewer to open a drop-down menu.
- Select Balance Color (Option + Command + B).
- You should notice and improvement in the colors and contrast of all your video clips.
Step 8: Share Your Movie
You’ve done it, your first FCPX video! Now that you’ve completed your project it’s time to share it with the world. Final Cut Pro has built-in exporting options for sharing directly to YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo and more… but for this tutorial, you’ll just create a high-quality Master File.
- Click anywhere in the Timeline.
- On the top menu bar select File > Share > Master File.
- Click Next, and choose a location to save your output video.
- Rendering your final video may take a few minutes. You check on the progress by clicking the Background Tasks icon at the top of the screen.
When the rendering is complete, your new video should popup in Quicktime. You can share this Master File anywhere, but it will be pretty large so you may want to compress it first. If you want to check out the other export options available, we’ve got just the tutorial for you.
Congratulations, your movie is complete. Now that you’ve learned to import clips, add them to the Timeline, add Transitions, Titles, Effects, and Music—you’ve covered most of the basics of how to use Final Cut Pro if you’re a beginner. You’re already a video editor! Just know that you might change up the sequence of steps as you develop your own rhythms and for different projects. That’s completely fine!
Of course, there’s still a lot more to learn, plus tons of great add-ons and plugins that can make Final Cut Pro even easier and more powerful. If you’d like to take a look, head on over to the Motion Array library with thousands of downloads for Final Cut Pro.
Since its release in 2011, Apple’s Final Cut Pro X has divided users’ opinions over the updates. The wholesale changes to workflow, basic editing, and early compatibility issues forced many professional editors and hobbyists alike to seek a Final Cut Pro alternative.
In the years since, however, Final Cut Pro has begun to re-establish itself, thanks to many improvements, new features, and a loyal user base of happy fans. For some, there are still issues and considerations for something different remains. Perhaps the flat purchase price of Final Cut Pro is a preventative cost barrier, or the magnetic timeline doesn’t suit preferred working styles and editing habits. Maybe you plan to move away from a Mac system and need a PC compatible program.
It could be that you simply want to try something new, to freshen-up your work in a new environment. Today, we’re going to look at 12 alternatives to Final Cut Pro, covering both free and paid-for applications.
Part 1: Overview of Final Cut Pro Alternatives
Part 2: Free Alternatives to FCPX
The following applications are Final Cut free alternatives. Versions are available for free, but can often be upgraded with more features via a fee or subscription model.
1. iMovie
iMovie is Apple’s entry-level video editing tool. It comes preinstalled on every Mac and even has a free mobile iOS version available. iMovie shares many similar attributes with FCPX, including the basic workflow, interface appearance, and editing tools. Mostly, the two programs share the same DNA, and for Mac editors who don’t require advanced controls like keyframing, multiple content channels, or multicam functionality, iMovie is a reliable option.
iMovie is free with every Mac and has an identical look and feel to FCP. It’s incredibly stable due to the Native macOS integration. On the downside, the program is limited in the number of tracks and motion graphic options, and there is no multicam editing function.
Pros:
- Free with every Mac.
- Comparable user interface and usability as FCPX.
- Native macOS integration for stability and performance.
Cons:
- Limited number of tracks.
- No multicam editing.
- Limited motion graphic options.
- No third-party plugins available.
Best for:
- Mac users who want a familiar working environment, but don’t require advanced, professional editing and compositing tools.
2. DaVinci Resolve
For a long time, DaVinci Resolve was mostly just a color grading application, with limited use for offline editors. In recent times, Blackmagic Design has sought to disrupt their post-production landscape, in much the same way they did with the camera market. As a result of that competition, DaVinci Resolve now provides full-scale end-to-end editing, that offers professional offline and online workflow features within a single application.
Pros:
- Robust, free professional video editing software available before paid upgrade.
- In-depth color correction and grading tools.
- Seamless integration with Fusion and Fairlight for compositing and audio.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for users.
- Needs a top-spec system to really get the most from it.
- No third-party plugins.
Best for:
- Editors that are looking to learn new skills or improve their all-round post-productions process, or those that want to specialize in color grading for movies and TV.
3. HitFilm Express
HitFilm Express might not be a name familiar to you, as it has only been around for seven years. Primarily, the big appeal of HitFilm Express is its wide array of 2D and 3D compositing features, including pre-installed special effects generators. For creatives and YouTubers alike, HitFilm offers some surprisingly advanced visual effects tools and functionalities. The 3D weather and object generation effects are long-standing favorites amongst an active and appreciative user base.
Pros:
- Brilliant introduction to 2D and 3D special effects.
- Windows and Mac compatible.
- Pre-installed effects to get you started with extensive tutorials on their YouTube channel.
Cons:
- Purchasing additional individual effects plugins could get expensive.
- Limited video format compatibility.
- Might become limiting and require a paid upgrade to the full version.
- No multicam function.
Best for:
- Editors that want to experiment with 2D and 3D visual effects without having to create them from scratch and online entertainers who want quality special effects quickly and easily.
4. Lightworks
Lightworks has been around since the late 1980s, and in 2017, its longevity was recognized in the form of an EMMY Award win for pioneering digital nonlinear editing. Lightworks has been used on many well-known and successful Hollywood movies, including Pulp Fiction and The Wolf of Wall Street. Lightworks is quite intuitive, and for an experienced editor, finding all your usual editing tools, such as key-frame editor or stabilization, shouldn’t be too difficult.
Pros:
- Industry-standard software.
- Includes multicam editing.
- Windows, Linux and Mac versions available.
Cons:
- More advanced export formats only available with upgrade.
- No third-party plug-in support for free version.
Best for:
- Editors that want to sample a lesser-known but widely used program at the highest end of the industry.
5. Kdenlive
Started as a project in 2002, Kdenlive is an open-source editing program for Windows and Linux. Designed for semi-professional use, the availability for anyone to modify their own version of the software might appeal to some, but that also comes with potential complications. If you’re unfamiliar with coding or manual software installations, then traditional packages may prove less hassle. Kdenlive has all of the basic editing tools you would expect from an application, but many are still in beta testing, which can cause a few crashes.
Pros:
- Stable performance for Linux users, others may find the application a little buggy.
- Customizable source codes allow you to change the applications to your needs.
Cons:
- Can be complex to install manually.
- Potentially unreliable updates.
- Limited support resources.
Best for:
- Linux users who want to be part of a broader open-source project community. Especially those who may want to develop custom versions or run a program with the potential to fully exploit their PC hardware.
6. OpenShot
OpenShot is another open-source editing platform, designed to be easy, approachable and user-friendly. The community of developers supporting the project are actively improving performance and adding new features. For a free piece of software, there is a surprising amount of functionality, including keyframing, 3D title animation, re-timing effects, and unlimited timeline tracks.
Pros:
- Available for Linux, Windows, and Mac.
- Always free to use and redevelop.
- Multiple language support and a dedicated support community.
Cons:
- User-interface is not as professional-looking.
- Limited effects, no video stabilization.
- Potentially buggy in performance.
Best for:
- Entry-level editors who want to learn the basics of video editing with free software, or editors who want to develop their own editing application.
7. Shotcut
Next up in the open-source category is Shotcut, which has the distinction of having roots in the independent video and media development community. Designed to be a straightforward editing tool, Shotcut lacks some of the pre-built templates and transition effects you may be used to in other applications. Instead, it relies on keyframing for animation and track-stacking for multicam editing, along with other workarounds.
Pros:
- Available for Linux, Windows, and Mac.
- Integration with multiple open-source initiatives
- Dedicated support and development community
Cons:
- Less intuitive than other platforms
- Lacks pre-installed templates and themes
- Users report stability issues.
Final Cut Pro Alternative
Best for:
- Methodical editors who like a hands-on approach to work, and want to strip away the flashier elements often found in other editing software.
8. Blender
As far as free, open-source software options go, Blender is unique in the market. While it offers video editing functionality with splicing, masking, color grading, and audio mixing, that’s only part of the story. The real power of Blender is a full-scale 3D modeling and animation suite. So while the editing tools might be basic, there are infinite possibilities to explore in other areas of film production. Blender is a complicated bit of kit, and even experienced animators may have trouble navigating the tools and workflow.
Pros:
- Free and open-source.
- Versions for Linux, Windows, and Mac.
- Comes as part of an extensive 3D animation creation suite.
Cons:
- Video editing is more of an add-on than full focus.
- Potentially overwhelming and intimidating primary functions.
- Lack professional features of other dedicated editing software.
Best for:
- VFX designers, artists, modelers, and animators who want to run basic video edits alongside their 3D creative endeavors.
Part 3: Paid Alternatives to FCPX
If you have a budget for buying an alternative to FCP X, there are plenty of different options for how you can spend it on a suitable replacement.
9. Premiere Pro
As an absolute industry standard, Adobe Premiere Pro has been the long-running rival for Final Cut Pro. Always keeping at the cutting edge of technology, Premiere is already the choice for professional editors across the globe. Premiere has all of the basic editing tools, advanced color grading tools, and a huge number of third party plugins to add any extras you feel the program is missing. If you find your need to use or collaborate with Adobe After Effects increasing, switching to Premiere would be a sensible option.
Pros:
- Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud Suite.
- Extensive array of third-party plugins, templates, and presets.
- Updated annually with new features.
Cons:
- Monthly subscription fee can be cost prohibitive.
- Learning curve if switching from FCPX.
Best for
- Editors who want to control every stage of post-production, or who want to collaborate with other creative professionals across a wide range of art-based projects.
Price:
- $20.99 per month (annual plan)
- $31.49 month-by-month
10. Avid Media Composer
As an industry-standard platform, Avid has been used for decades in film and television production. Such widespread professional use has often made it feel an area of editing reserved for insiders at the top of their game. The application can be difficult for new users to get to grips with, but there are some super cool tools included, such as 360 degree editing and the Negative Cut List generator, a must if you are shooting with actual film.
Pros:
- Full range of professional tools.
- Cloud-based remote projects.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for new users.
- Overly complex processes.
- Interface needs modernizing.
Best for:
- Editors who want to work on long-form content such as TV shows, movies, and documentaries. If you want Hollywood to come knocking, be prepared to know this application.
Price:
- $239.00 per year
- $34.99 per month
11. VEGAS Pro
Fewer editing programs have as dedicated a following as VEGAS Pro. Formerly released by Sony, it has since been acquired by Magix, a German developer who specializes in creative media software. The latest version of VEGAS Pro is designed to be the fastest non-linear editor available, making workflows and process quicker. The application is fine for editing your videos, but the powerful audio editing console means you don’t need to leave the program for advanced sound mix.
Pros:
- Full range of comprehensive tools and features.
- New developers keen to push the product and innovate.
Cons:
- Potentially confusing pricing and suite options.
- Takes a while to get to grips with for new users.
Best for:
- Vegas Pro is best for experienced editors who are looking to upgrade to industry spec software. Project wise, this application is best suited to long-form narrative projects over short promotional or events based videos.
Price:
- $327
12. HitFilm Pro
Free Editing Software Similar To Final Cut Pro
The paid-for expansion of HitFilm features the same interface and workflow operations as the free versions. The most significant difference is the broader selection of motion graphics and visual effects. The application does still lack some of the editing tools you might want, and it is not really suitable for longer video creation. HitFilm is fast, and cutting together a basic video is a breeze.
Pros:
- Great for adding 3D animation and visual effects.
- Supports chroma key/green screen compositing.
Cons:
- Might lack reliable, professional features.
- No native multicam support.
Best for:
HitFilm Pro is perfect for VFX enthusiasts, or people wanting to take their first steps into compositing. The platform is built with creative filmmakers in mind, rather than videographers.
Price:
- $299
13. Premiere Rush
Adobe’s pitch for the mobile editing market comes in the form of Premiere Rush, which has been designed for use on phones and tablets. There’s also a computer-based option; all versions connect to the cloud platform to make sharing projects across devices easy. While not fully-laden with features, it works as a simple to use standalone editor for social media projects and in-the-moment videos. The application limits you to three tracks: titles, video, and audio, so advanced compositions would be challenging. Check out this article for tips on how Premiere Rush can work alongside Pro.
Pros:
- Easy to use on all mobile devices.
- iOS and Android versions.
- Great companion to Premiere Pro.
Cons:
- Won’t replace a day-to-day editor for professionals.
- Limited features due to mobile emphasis.
Best for:
- Hobbyists who want to edit on-the-go and professionals who want a reliable, mobile app in a pinch.
Price:
- $9.99 per month
14. Pinnacle Studio
Software maker Corel offers a paid-for alternative to their free video editor, VideoStudio Ultimate. Complete with all the pro-level features you’d hope for, it also has an impressive library of over 2000 titles, effects, and templates. New updated and enhanced features in Pinnacle Studio Ultimate 23 also include 360 video capability, color grading keyframes, and support for exporting Alpha channels.
Pros:
- Windows and Mac versions.
- Stable and reliable.
- Huge pre-installed effects library.
Cons:
- Decent hardware specs required to make the most of it.
- Not widely used, so collaboration might be restricted.
Best for:
- Pinnacle Studio is an option for any editor at any stage, as it is intuitive and straightforward to use. It is best for free VideoStudio users who want an upgrade of features and capabilities.
Price:
- $113
15. WeVideo
WeVideo stands unique in this list of Final Cut Pro alternatives by being a 100% cloud-based platform. Accessed via a mobile app or web browser, WeVideo makes working across multiple devices easy. The emphasis is very much of quick edits for social media use, without compromising on features like chroma key and motion graphics templates. The Professional and Business subscriptions allow access to over one million pieces of stock media files—including images, video, and music—meaning you don’t even need to use your own footage to get creative in WeVideo.
Pros:
- Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, iSO, and Android.
- Cloud-based for easy sharing and collaboration.
- Access to stock library.
Cons:
- Simple editor that is deliberately lacking in advanced tools.
- Not good for long-form, intricate editing.
Best for
- Editors that are looking for an entirely cloud-based editing solution, or who want a fast and simple way to create content for social media.