Video Editors for Free: HitFilm Express & DaVinci Resolve

by | Sep 27, 2021 | Educational Technology, Students as Producers, Tech Tools, Video, Video Creation, Videoconferencing

Occasionally, there is a need to edit video beyond the simple “clip” and “trim” techniques offered in Zoom, Stream, and Panopto. WWU faculty, staff, and students have access to Adobe products at educational pricing, and can purchase their own copies of the product formerly offered through Western (Screencast-O-Matic); however, free full-featured video editors that we recommend include DaVinci Resolve and HitFilm Express.

The Student Technology Center’s STC Online Workshops self-enroll Canvas site includes a number of in-depth videos on how to use both editors, including basics, workflows, transitions, effects, and more. To evaluate which tool might be better for you, see: HitFilm Express vs DaVinci Resolve: Which is Better?

For products available via WWU’s Software Services, browse the Software Catalog.

DaVinci Resolve

To get DaVinci Resolve, see the DaVinci Resolve website to download the software. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The free version should suffice, but the one-time purchase fee of the Studio version is several hundred dollars (still a bargain). This paid product has some similarities to FinalCut Pro, such as high end color correction and video effects.

HitFilm Express

To get HitFilm Express, visit FXHome’s HitFilm Express website (MacOS and Windows). The download page encourages you to pay for a low-cost basics package, but allows for a free download. This product has some similarities to Adobe Premiere.

Free/Low Cost Products