IMovie is Apple's flagship video editing software and has built a reputation for being a free and spontaneous video editing software. It is used by a wide range of users, from editing for just basic needs to professional video editing. It comes packed with powerful features, an intuitive UI and is overall easy to use. Top 8 iMovie Alternatives for Windows 1. Adobe Premiere Rush. Adobe Premiere Rush is a worthy Windows iMovie alternative that provides you with more. Adobe Premiere Pro.
Summary: Although iMovie is an incredible video editing software, it can be overkill for it's inaccessible to Windows OS (the most popular operating systems worldwide). Shown below you have a list of the 10 best alternative iMovie for Windows we've chosen in this post. Let's check it!
Can You Get iMovie on a Windows Computer?
Unfortunately, you cannot download Apple iMovie for Windows Computers. As iMovie is only available for the Apple ecosystem (macOS & iOS), therefore, there's no official version of iMovie for Windows 10/8/7/vista.
What's unclear is whether Apple would introduce iMovie for Windows users in the future. And my guess is that Apple wants you to either go all-in on Apple devices, or risk missing out on some of the key benefits.
What is Comparable to iMovie for Windows
As iMovie continues adding features that competitors have, such as 4K video editing, cinematic video filters, Hollywood-style movie trailer templates, etc., more people might be drew to the iMovie's side. However, its inaccessibility stops Windows users fancying as previously described.
If you want to find an iMovie alternative for Windows that's just as powerful as the highly reputable iMovie, take a look at our top picks of iMovie equivalent for Windows for you, including Windows Movie Maker, Lightworks, Shotcut, VDSC, Openshot, Olive, Davinci Resolve, YouTube Video Editor, Kapwing, Clipchamp.
1. Windows Movie Maker
Windows Movie Maker, a part of Windows Essentials software suite, is a free and popular video editing software made by Microsoft. It's believed that it is one of the best alternatives of iMovie for Windows.
While Microsoft Windows has officially ceased support for Windows Movie Maker on January 10, 2017, and moved its features to Windows 10 Photos app. But it does not mean it won't work. You still can get it on other sources and use it flawlessly and seamlessly on Windows 10.
Key Features
- Basic editing features are available, such as trimming, cutting, rotating, splitting, altering aspect ratio, etc.
- You can add music, titles, transitions, voice-over and other effects to your footage.
- Share to social workflow can be performed within the software.
- 100% free and no watermark.
iMovie for Windows Tutorial | How to Use Windows Movie Maker
Step 1: Download and install Windows Movie Maker
Download and install Windows Essentials 2012 suite on your Windows 10/8/7 at the beginning. If you already have one, launch it following this path: C:/Program Files (x86)/Windows Live/Photo Gallery/MovieMaker.
Note: the free download of Windows Movie Maker offered above is 100% virus-free.
Step 2: Add video/images/audio files
Windows Movie Maker is able to make slideshows or video montages by joining videos/images, and add background music/modify music track.
Step 3: Edit your story
You are allowed to make some simple edits like trimming, splitting, rotating, etc., mixing audio, adding credits/text/transitions as iMovie does. For example, you can Add Credits at the end of the footage in this way.
- Click on the Credits button located in the Home tab. And it will automatically appear at the end of your footage.
- Select the credits and click Format at the top bar, and you can adjust font, background color, duration, effects, etc. here.
- Input text in the field.
Step 4: Save videos
To export video in Movie Maker, Click on Save movie on the home page and select an output setting for your video. You can directly share your video to social as a matter of course.
2. Shotcut
Discussing the best iMovie alternative for windows for those new to video editing, you should not miss Shotcut. It's a free-to-use and open source project, so you can obtain it at no cost. Beyond that, Shotcut has stable upgrades, a forum community, and numerous video editing features as iMovie.
Key Features
- A wide range of import/export options provided: MOV, M4V, 4K, ProRes, DNxHD, HDR, high frame rate and more.
- A rich feature-set that contains stabilization, lens correction, picture in picture, blurring filter, etc.
- Constant maintenance to fix glitches or add new features. More so, you can check its forum community where you can get technical support from other fans like the iMovie community.
Imovie Alternative Windows Free
iMovie for Windows Tutorial | How to Use Shotcut
Step 1: Freely obtain and install Shotcut
It is important to obtain Shotcut from its official site, which can protect from some of the viruses that might damage your computer.
Step 2: Customize your layout
Setting an interface that you are familiar with can speed up your workflow.
Step 3: Start working with your files
Import material from your hard drive or external drive/device. Now, you can start creating your stories using the editing tools. For instance, you can combine different shots in the timeline and add transitions between clips.
Step 4: Export your projects
Choose an output preset that automatically sets up video settings. When rendering is done, you can save it or share it on social as you wish.
3. VDSC
Another variant of iMovie for Windows – VSDC free video editor. Speaking of VSDC, that app has a lot of features too, applying slow-motion and free frame, saving project file format as well as the ability to enable masking tool making it worth recommending.
Key Features
- Timeline-based video editing.
- Exported files will not be watermarked.
- Beyond basic editing features, there are a variety of useful tools offered, such as video transcoder, DVD burner, screen recorder, etc.
iMovie for Windows Tutorial | How to Use VDSC
Step 1: Create a new project
Like iMovie, you can either start editing from scratch or start with a template in VSDC project manager.
Step 2: Edit files in the timeline
VSDC is non-linear video editing software, you can edit and create your works in the timeline. The biggest difference of VSDC is the UI design that it switches to a new tab when applying effects or transitions to the clips rather than editing all the things on the same timeline area.
Step 3: Export your works
Once editing is done, go for the Export project button on top and render your work to the video settings you need.
4. OpenShot
For beginners and starters, you can try OpenShot Video Editor either, which is also a free and open-source iMovie for Windows 10/8/7 without watermarks.
Key Features
- Powered by the FFmpeg library, OpenShot can import and export most of the popular file formats.
- Desktop integration. That being said, you can drag and drop files to the timeline directly from the desktop and file explorer.
- Powered by Blender, 3D animated titles are accessible now.
- Do simple edits using trimming, scaling, cutting, compositing, time-mapping, audio mixing, etc.
iMovie for Windows Tutorial | How to Use OpenShot
Step 1: Download OpenShot
Download this iMovie alternative for Windows to your PC and launch it. No worry, it doesn't ask for high hardware specifications.
Step 2: Load files and edit
Imovie Editing Software Windows
To add files to OpenShot, you can either click on the plus icon at the top ribbon or directly drag and drop files to the Project Files or the timeline.
Step 3: Export your videos
Click on the red dot at the top and set up the video settings you need. Note that a part of formats can enable hardware encoding which can reduce loads on the CPU.
5. Olive
An iMovie for Windows worth looking at is Olive. It is a newly released, open-source video editing program but still at the very early stage of development. While it can compete with some of the professional video editing software. If you are weighing what app you can use, you can take it for a spin.
Key Features
- Its default transition is similar to the iMovie auto-content that automatically adds transitions between clips.
- There are keyframes that help you control color, rotating, scaling and other motions or visual effects.
- Powered by Blender, 3D animated titles are accessible now.
- You can save your work in progress using the Olive Project format.
iMovie for Windows Tutorial | How to Use Olive
Step 1: Make a new project and sequence
The first time you launch Olive, you should start with building a new project and a sequence that goes with your media files by clicking the plus button at the upper left corner.
Step 2: Add media files and edit clips
To add media files to the project, right-click on the project manager on the left and select Import to add files from any folder. By the way, Olive also still drag-and-drop.
And then you can start editing clips using cutting, splitting, inserting, etc., add transitions, visual effects, recording narration and others.
Step 3: Rendering and exporting
Before exporting your project, give it a check if there are things that you need to touch up. Hold down Ctrl and H keys on the keyboard to start rendering and exporting. At last, configure the video settings, like container format, codecs, quality, etc., that you need.
6. Davinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a complete post-production system developed by Blackmagic Design. It's a great iMovie alternative for Windows and it goes beyond simple editing. DaVinci Resolve is free, but you can obtain a free license by ordering a Blackmagic pocket camera, which gives you a lot of extras.
Key Features
- Modern UI design and leading editing modes, such as Cut page and node editor.
- Live Save and Project Backups. The ability to automatically back up your projects.
- Packs with video editing, sound designing, color grading, etc.
iMovie for Windows Tutorial | How to Use Davinci Resolve
Step 1: Register and download at first
Navigate to the Blackmagic Design website and freely obtain the DaVinci Resolve package by registering your details.
Step 2: Start editing projects
You can import your files in the Media page, make some edits on the Cut page or Edit page, add visual effects in the Fusion page, make color correction & adjustments in the Color page, render & export your project on the Deliver page.
7. Lightworks
iMovie's features are OK for most beginners but might not satisfactory to experts who would cut Hollywood blockbusters. If you are on the hunt for an iMovie alternative for Windows packed with more advanced editing features, you can turn to the free version of Lightworks.
Key Features
- A great number of container formats and codecs natively supported, such as MXF, MOV, MP4, M2T, AVI, ProRes, Avid DNxHD, RED R3D, H.264 and more.
- It allows you to customize the keyboard shortcuts that match other NLE systems to speed up your workflow.
- Multicam helps you edit content used multiple cameras and has clips synced with matching timecode.
- Huge collection of plugins to extend.
iMovie for Windows Tutorial | How to Use Lightworks
Step 1: Get Lightworks on your PC
Navigate to the website of Lightworks and download the free version of Lightworks for Windows.
Step 2: Register a new account for the free of use
Lightworks asks you to register an account and log in for using its free version.
When Lightworks opening, the project browser is on, storing all your project if you have. And you can click one of them for continuous editing.
Of course, you can build a new project by selecting Create a new project on top.
Step 3: Import materials and make edits
Now you should import the file you will use to make edits. You can import videos, images and audio files by either browsing media libraries or dragging and dropping files from any folder directly inside Lightworks.
And then drag the files you need to the timeline and start working with them. You are allowed to cut, split, speed up, slow down the clips, add visual effects, text, transitions, mix audio or others.
Step 4: Export files
To export your work, right-click the viewer and select Export. And the sequence will be rendered automatically. Note that the free version of Lightworks only renders MP4 files up to 720p.
8. YouTube Video Editor
Bearing some resemblance to iMovie, YouTube Video Editor is an ideal iMovie alternative that helps you make quick edits for your content through the browser. It's completely free to use and does not do watermarking.
Key Features
- Remove content from video using splitting and trimming.
- Add royalty music to your video from the YouTube music library.
- You can custom blurring faces or areas in the video.
- End screen. It's a special feature only available in this online editor.
iMovie Online Tutorial | How to use YouTube Video Editor
Step 1: Log in to your YouTube Studio
Sign in to your YouTube Studio via a browser. Select Videos on the sidebar and choose a video you would edit. Click Editor on the left to enable YouTube Video Editor.
Step 2: Make edits in the timeline
Modify your video by using trimming, splitting, burring, and adding a song or end screen.
Step 3: Save changes
You don't need to export the video. Click on the Save button at the upper right, the video will be rendered and renewed in a while.
9. Kapwing
Kapwing is a highly capable, free browser-based video editor. All the standard features you'd expect from iMovie are present and included. While some tools work in different ways to iMovie.
Key Features
- It can read and use images or videos from an URL.
- A fresh and simple operation philosophy.
- Editing tools like joining, cropping, resizing, adding captions, songs, etc.
iMovie Online Tutorial | How to Use Kapwing
Step 1: Sign in to Kapwing
You don't have to install any kind of program on your computer. You just open a new tab in your browser and log in to Kapwing or create a new account at first.
Step 2: Start a new project or go on editing
You can either start a new project from scratch or use a template offered. You can go on editing in progress works as well.
Step 3: Edit and export
If you are new to video editing, using a template can easily make your video engaging. After that, you can either share your content on social media or save it on your PC with no watermark.
10. Clipchamp
Clipchamp is a web-based iMovie alternative that can solve the problem of having to download and install programs onto your computer. Although being a browser-based non-linear video editor, it can handle loads of your workflow.
Key Features
- Split, cut, trim, rotate, flip, crop, speed up/slow down your clips with ease.
- Freely obtain materials like videos, songs, GIFs from Clipchamp's Stock.
- Videos will be automatically stored in the cloud.
- Tons of popular templates are free to use.
iMovie Online Tutorial | How to Use Clipchamp
Step 1: Log in to Clipchamp
Open the website of Clipchamp through a browser and log in with your account.
Step 2: Create a project
You can either go for making a video from scratch or take a titled template for your reference.
Step 3: Do some edits and share
When it comes to editing in Chipchamp, you can perform any edits that work on iMovie, like adding animated text, music, brands, etc., changing video's color, aspect ratio and many more. When everything is good to go, click on the Export button at the upper right, and then you can download or share to social as you like.
The Wrap
Here are some last-ditch insights for you. If you need an iMovie alternative designed for beginners, go with Windows Movie Maker, Shotcut, VSDC free video editor or Openshot. If your machine is too spotty to run video editing software, YouTube Video Editor, Kapwing, or Clipchamp is a good choice. If you have a high-end machine and need more powerful features, you can go out with DaVinci Resolve, Olive, or Lightworks.
Can I get iMovie on a Windows computer? How to draw on macbook.
Many users are looking for ways to download iMovie for Windows computer but find it in no ways. iMovie helps users create amazing video projects easily and efficiently with the clean and simple window but only on Mac and iOS (iPhone/iPad) devices. There is no iMovie for Windows version.
So, as a Windows user, what can I use instead of iMovie?
There are plenty of choices for you! In this post, I picked one of the best iMovie replacement for Windows for your reference. You can download this iMovie alternative for Windows PC now and try it by yourself.
Best iMovie Alternative for Windows - Filmora Video Editor
Filmora Video Editor for Windows (or Filmora Video Editor for Mac) is one of the best iMovie alternative for Windows PC in the market in 2021. This program provides the best tools and techniques to perform the video editing like a pro. With a friendly interface, Filmora enables you to easily create 4k videos, edit audio/photo, apply effects and share your new movie on YouTube, Vimeo, DVD, TV, iPhone, iPad, iPod, and more!
Key Features of Filmora Video Editor:
- Supports almost any video, audio and image format, both for import and export.
- Easy-to-use: all the tools are well-organized and displayed in the window for you to use.
- Contains all the basic editing features for you to edit your video: crop, trim, rotate, combine, split, add text/background music, etc.
- Advanced tools like keyframing, green screen, split screen, PIP, motion tracking, slow motion, color correction, video reverser, video stabilization, etc.
- More than 500 effects, including transitions, text, overlays, elements, filters, mosaic, face changer, etc.
- Supports recording computer screen, voice-over, and webcam.
How to Edit and Save Videos using iMovie Alternative - Filmora Video Editor
Step 1. Import Video files
Launch Filmora Video Editor on your PC then click on 'Import' button to open file explorer window, choose your target video file and click 'Open' button on the bottom right corner of the latter window.
Step 2. Edit Video Files
Prior to editing, drag these video files from the User's Album and drop on the video track in the timeline.
To rotate or flip a video clip, double tap the video in the timeline where an editing panel will appear in place of your User's Album. On the top of this panel, click on the four buttons to either rotate or flip your video while checking each action outcome in the preview window. When you have attained your need to click 'Return' button.
Right-click on the video and select 'Edit' button, and you see options like; rotate, contrast, saturation, brightness and speed.
To crop your video clip right to click and choose crop and zoom, a pop-up window will be displayed where you will stretch and drag the rectangle on the preview window to have your desired frame area.
You can continue to perform more edits like split screen, adding overlays, adjusting video speed with more others depending on your need.
Step 3. Export edited video file
When you have finished editing your video, click on 'Export' button located at the top left of the main window where an export window will be displayed. On this panel, the select output format of your choice, give it a name and browse down to designate an appropriate save location. Finalize by clicking on 'Export' at the bottom left of this latter panel and the conversion process will automatically commence.
After completion click on the fine target and locate your file from the location you had earlier chosen. Alternatively, you can directly upload to YouTube, share among your friends through Facebook, and send to your device among other options.
Why Choose Filmora as Your iMovie for Windows
1. Simple Interface
Like iMovie, Filmora Video Editor has an intuitive and user-friendly interface. Even if you are a newbie in video editing, you can handle it with Filmora within minutes. Otherwise, you can find a lot of stunning video tutorials on the internet to help you get some inspiration.
2. Basic & Advanced Editing Tools
All the functions you can find in iMovie are also available in Filmora, like splitting/cutting/trimming/joining clips, adding text or background music, inserting transitions, green screen, etc. Moreover, Filmora also provides features not included in iMovie, like key frames, motion tracking, color matching, etc. Compared to iMovie, Filmora gives you more possibilities to create cool videos.
3. Rich Resources for Videos
If you are a newbie to video editing, one of the main things you should take into account is whether there are lots of resources to use or not while choosing a video editing tool. While iMovie offers several transitions or text effects, Filmora has 100+ audio resources, 250+ titles, 200+ transitions, 150+ filters, 90 overlays, and 250+ elements. What's more, there is also a great site for Filmora users to gather resources for video.
4. Supported Formats
Well, you know if the video editing tool doesn't support your footage, you have to use another tool to change the video format first before the editing begins. Filmora is designed to support multiple videos that come from digital cameras, webcam, smartphones, tablets, etc. For example, iMovie doesn't support WMV, while Filmora Video Editor can. Besides allowing you to import almost any video, audio and image format to edit, Filmora also helps you optimize the video format while exporting the videos according to the usage. For example, when you want to export the video to iPhone, then just select iPhone in the Export window, then you can get a good video for playing on iPhone.
For more details, you can read this post to check out the similarity and differences of iMovie and Filmora. Or you can click the button below to download Filmora, and try it!
