iMovie

iMovie is the entry point for video editing for those in the Apple ecosystem. Free, clean, integrated with iPhone and iPad, and with a gentle learning curve: it's the first editor many creators use before moving to Final Cut Pro.

iMovie is Apple's free video editing software, available for macOS and iOS, included by default on all Apple devices. On Mac the editor uses a simplified timeline where you drag clips, cut scenes, add transitions, titles and music from the included library. The basic features are very complete for a beginner: color correction, video stabilization, picture-in-picture, green screen for chroma key, voice narration. Its strength is integration with the Apple ecosystem: you can start editing a video on iPhone while traveling, continue on iPad and finish on Mac, with the library shared via iCloud. Integration with Apple Photos facilitates importing videos recorded with iPhone. The interface is intentionally simplified compared to Final Cut Pro — fewer options, less customization — but this simplicity is also its advantage for beginners. iMovie is also the springboard to Final Cut Pro: projects can be imported directly when you're ready to move to the professional editor.

For beginners, students, early-stage creators and anyone using Apple devices who wants to edit videos without learning a professional tool or spending anything.

iMovie is completely free on all Apple devices: it comes preinstalled on Mac, iPhone and iPad at no additional cost. There are no premium versions or paid features. It's available only for macOS and iOS: there is no version for Windows or Android.