Video Editing Software
Penfield Library has two Multimedia Production Rooms that you may schedule to use online.
Full free software
- VideoPad Video Editor
A video editor useful for putting together basic videos. The free version has some limits but is still very usable. This is currently the library's recommended software for doing simple video editing.
Note:
Some free versions of VideoPad restrict exports to avi format. If the software asks you to purchase, just select avi as your export format instead.
Check out the documentation below for a walkthrough of how to use various features.
VideoPad: Install and Add Media
VideoPad: Building Your Video, Animations, Transitions
VideoPad: Text, Title, and Credits
VideoPad: Saving and Transferring
- Windows 7 or newer: Windows Movie MakerWindows Movie Maker used to come pre-installed on Windows but no longer does. Microsoft has stopped supporting it and making it available. If you still have access to it, however, it is a solid basic video editing tool.
This cheat sheet will no longer be updated but will remain here for reference:
Windows Movie Maker Cheat Sheet - iMovieiMovie is free but only available on Macs. It is a good basic video editor, and is also available on the Macs in the library.
This cheat sheet will no longer be updated but will remain here for reference: iMovie Cheat Sheet
Free online tools
- Web Editor: WeVideoWevideo is a nifty web-based video editor. The free version is limited to 5 minutes of video/month and it leaves a watermark in the top right-hand corner.
Screencasting
Screencasting is taking a video of your computer screen while you work. A screenshot that moves. They are good for making "how to" videos.
- Screencast-O-MaticFree screencasting software that works from your browser. You can make an account, but you don't have to. You can make a video and publish it immediately to the web or download it and edit it further. Free accounts will include a watermark in the corner of the video.
- JingFree, downloadable software that will capture videos or screenshots. You can download images, but the videos go directly online with a link to them. Jing opens automatically when you start your computer and will appear as a yellow "sun" on your desktop. It's excellent for making "quick and dirty" tutorials.
Where to get videos
Want to take your own videos? The library has digital video cameras and a 360 degree camera available for you to borrow for free.
If you want to use videos others have created, there are free and legal ways to do it. Explore the Creative Commons resources on the Finding Media to Use page.
Releases
If you are planning to put your project up on Facebook or YouTube, it's a good idea to get your subjects/actors to sign a release. This is a good, basic one to start with.
Linkedin Learning
Need more help? Try Linkedin Learning (formerly Lynda.com)! It has videos for hundreds of applications.
