If you want to edit videos on a Mac but do not need to buy Final Cut Pro yet, free video editing software is a good place to start. The Mac ecosystem has simple editors for quick social videos, open-source tools with no watermark, and professional apps that can grow with you.
This English version is based on the Japanese article, but the screenshots and official links are adjusted for English-speaking users. The app selection still makes sense for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other English-language markets: iMovie, DaVinci Resolve, CapCut, OpenShot, Shotcut, Kdenlive, and Lightworks are all available with English information and practical Mac support.
Table of Contents
- What to know before choosing a free Mac video editor
- How to choose
- Best free video editing software for Mac
- Tips for getting started
- Summary
What to know before choosing a free Mac video editor
Mac users already have a strong free starting point: iMovie. It is easy to learn and handles basic editing, titles, transitions, green screen effects, and 4K exports well enough for many personal and social videos.
Once you need more advanced color correction, multi-track workflows, special effects, or a more professional timeline, it makes sense to compare other free or free-plan apps. If you also create music or soundtracks, you may want to pair a video editor with a separate audio workflow; for that, see Best Free DAW Software.
- Fully free and open source: OpenShot, Shotcut, and Kdenlive.
- Free plan with paid upgrades: DaVinci Resolve, CapCut, and Lightworks.
- Apple's free editor: iMovie, which is the easiest first step for many Mac users.
How to choose
Beginner-friendly vs. pro-level
If you want to make a quick family video, YouTube Short, class project, or simple social clip, start with iMovie or CapCut. If you want to learn a workflow closer to professional editing, DaVinci Resolve is the strongest free option.
Fully free vs. free plan
OpenShot, Shotcut, and Kdenlive are open-source editors with no subscription. DaVinci Resolve and Lightworks offer free versions alongside paid editions, while CapCut includes free editing features plus paid Pro assets and AI tools in some areas.
Mac App Store vs. official download
iMovie, DaVinci Resolve, and CapCut can be installed from the Mac App Store in many regions, but the official websites are still useful for checking system requirements and product details. OpenShot, Shotcut, Kdenlive, and Lightworks are usually downloaded from their official sites. Kdenlive's current macOS builds target newer macOS versions, so check the download page if you use an older Mac.
Export resolution and 4K support
For YouTube, client work, or 4K footage from an iPhone or camera, check export limits before you commit. DaVinci Resolve's free version supports Ultra HD exports, Shotcut and Kdenlive can handle 4K workflows, and iMovie is enough for many 4K home projects. Lightworks Free is more limited for export resolution, so it is better as a learning tool unless the limit fits your use case.
Best free video editing software for Mac
Here are seven Mac video editors worth trying, ordered roughly from easiest to more advanced.
iMovie
iMovie is the easiest place to start if you are new to video editing on a Mac. It is free, familiar, and designed for quick trimming, titles, transitions, music, and basic effects.
It is not built for complex professional projects, but it is excellent for family videos, school projects, simple YouTube uploads, and short clips. If you want a low-friction first editor, try iMovie before anything else.
DaVinci Resolve
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve
DaVinci Resolve is the most powerful free video editor on this list. It combines editing, color grading, visual effects, audio post-production, and delivery tools in one professional application.
The learning curve is much steeper than iMovie, but the free version is generous enough for serious YouTube, short film, and portfolio work. If you want to learn skills that transfer to professional editing, start here.
CapCut
https://www.capcut.com/tools/desktop-video-editor
CapCut is a strong choice for social video. It is especially comfortable for TikTok, Reels, Shorts, subtitles, templates, and fast edits that need to look polished without a long setup.
Some AI tools, templates, stock assets, and export-related features may require CapCut Pro depending on your region and account. Still, the free desktop app is useful if your main goal is fast social content.
OpenShot
OpenShot is a free, open-source video editor for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It is simple, approachable, and good for basic cutting, transitions, titles, and straightforward timeline editing.
It is not the most advanced editor, but it is a good option if you want something free, open source, and easier to understand than a professional tool.
Shotcut
Shotcut is another free, open-source editor with broad format support. It can feel less polished at first, but it is flexible once you learn the interface.
Shotcut is worth trying if you want a no-subscription editor, work with many file formats, or prefer a tool that is not tied to a commercial ecosystem.
Kdenlive
Kdenlive is a free and open-source editor with multi-track editing, keyframes, effects, and a more advanced workflow than OpenShot.
It is popular with Linux users, but it also has macOS builds. Check the official download page for the current macOS requirement before installing it on an older Mac.
Lightworks
Lightworks is a long-running professional video editor with a free tier. It is useful if you want to learn a more traditional editing workflow without paying immediately.
The free version has export limitations, so I would not pick it as the default choice for 4K publishing. It is better for learning, lightweight projects, or testing whether the Lightworks workflow suits you.
Tips for getting started
Start with a 30-second or one-minute project instead of a long video. Learn the basic loop first: import clips, trim, add a title, adjust audio, export, and watch the finished file.
Also decide your publishing format before editing. YouTube usually means 16:9, Shorts and Reels usually mean 9:16, and some social posts work better as square or vertical clips.
Summary
For most beginners, iMovie is the best first step. For serious editing, DaVinci Resolve is the strongest free option. For social video, CapCut is fast and practical. If you want open-source software, try OpenShot, Shotcut, or Kdenlive. If you want to explore a more traditional professional workflow, test Lightworks.
The best choice is the one that helps you finish a real video. Try one editor, complete a small project, then switch only if you hit a real limitation.
