2024 Approved FCPX Hacks and Workarounds Expert Advice for Smooth Editing

2024 Approved FCPX Hacks and Workarounds Expert Advice for Smooth Editing

Giselle Lv12

FCPX Hacks and Workarounds: Expert Advice for Smooth Editing

Troubleshooting Tips for Final Cut Pro X

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Most of the time, Final Cut Pro X works great. But, when it doesn’t, here are some things you can try to get your system back to normal in no time.

Here’s the quick list:

1 Quit and restart Final Cut Pro

Restarting Final Cut releases and refreshes memory so that if something was confusing your system, restarting Final Cut can fix it.

restart fcp

2 Check your media

check your media

Frequently, problems are caused by still images that are too big. Limit your digital photos to no more than 5,000 pixels on a side. Final Cut is a video editor, not a still image editor. Images that are too large cause problems.

Also, stock footage files are known to cause problems. Be sure to convert all stock footage to ProRes 422 before importing into Final Cut Pro X.

3 Delete render files and re-render

Open your Project in the Timeline and choose File > Delete Project Render Files. Render files can become corrupt. Trashing them forces Final Cut to create new render files which often will fix the problem.

4 Create a new library

Create a new library and a new project. Then, copy and paste sections of the old project into the new project. Test each section until you find the spot that doesn’t work. At which point, you can remove or replace the bad media.

Create a new library

5 Create a new user account

Create a new user account

Open System Preferences > Accounts and create a new User Account. This resets all preferences for both Final Cut and the operating system back to factory defaults. The only problem with doing this is that a new user account can’t access files stored in the Home directory of the old user account. For this reason, I always recommend storing all libraries on external hard drives, not the Home Directory.

6 Trash FCP X Preferences

Trash Final Cut Pro X preference files. There are at least three preference files and, if you’ve had a crash, there can be more. Here are the steps:

  • Go to the Finder.
  • Hold down on the Option key and click on the Go menu. The Library folder inside your Home Directory now shows up as a selection inside this menu. (You could also type Shift+Command+G, or select Go > Go To Folder in the Finder; then, type ~/Library/ and click Go.)
  • Open to the Library > Preferences folder.
  • Trash com.apple.FinalCut.LSSharedFileList.plist
  • Trash com.apple.FinalCut.plist
  • Trash com.apple.FinalCut.UserDestinations.plist
  • Trash any other files that start with “com.apple.finalcut”.
  • Empty the Trash.
  • Restart Final Cut Pro X.

7 Remove and reinstall Final Cut Pro

If all else fails, delete FCPX from the Applications folder and re-install it from the Mac App Store .

One of these techniques should fix your problem. If not, it’s time to contact Apple Support .

# Recommendation:

This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Most of the time, Final Cut Pro X works great. But, when it doesn’t, here are some things you can try to get your system back to normal in no time.

Here’s the quick list:

1 Quit and restart Final Cut Pro

Restarting Final Cut releases and refreshes memory so that if something was confusing your system, restarting Final Cut can fix it.

restart fcp

2 Check your media

check your media

Frequently, problems are caused by still images that are too big. Limit your digital photos to no more than 5,000 pixels on a side. Final Cut is a video editor, not a still image editor. Images that are too large cause problems.

Also, stock footage files are known to cause problems. Be sure to convert all stock footage to ProRes 422 before importing into Final Cut Pro X.

3 Delete render files and re-render

Open your Project in the Timeline and choose File > Delete Project Render Files. Render files can become corrupt. Trashing them forces Final Cut to create new render files which often will fix the problem.

4 Create a new library

Create a new library and a new project. Then, copy and paste sections of the old project into the new project. Test each section until you find the spot that doesn’t work. At which point, you can remove or replace the bad media.

Create a new library

5 Create a new user account

Create a new user account

Open System Preferences > Accounts and create a new User Account. This resets all preferences for both Final Cut and the operating system back to factory defaults. The only problem with doing this is that a new user account can’t access files stored in the Home directory of the old user account. For this reason, I always recommend storing all libraries on external hard drives, not the Home Directory.

6 Trash FCP X Preferences

Trash Final Cut Pro X preference files. There are at least three preference files and, if you’ve had a crash, there can be more. Here are the steps:

  • Go to the Finder.
  • Hold down on the Option key and click on the Go menu. The Library folder inside your Home Directory now shows up as a selection inside this menu. (You could also type Shift+Command+G, or select Go > Go To Folder in the Finder; then, type ~/Library/ and click Go.)
  • Open to the Library > Preferences folder.
  • Trash com.apple.FinalCut.LSSharedFileList.plist
  • Trash com.apple.FinalCut.plist
  • Trash com.apple.FinalCut.UserDestinations.plist
  • Trash any other files that start with “com.apple.finalcut”.
  • Empty the Trash.
  • Restart Final Cut Pro X.

7 Remove and reinstall Final Cut Pro

If all else fails, delete FCPX from the Applications folder and re-install it from the Mac App Store .

One of these techniques should fix your problem. If not, it’s time to contact Apple Support .

# Recommendation:

This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Most of the time, Final Cut Pro X works great. But, when it doesn’t, here are some things you can try to get your system back to normal in no time.

Here’s the quick list:

1 Quit and restart Final Cut Pro

Restarting Final Cut releases and refreshes memory so that if something was confusing your system, restarting Final Cut can fix it.

restart fcp

2 Check your media

check your media

Frequently, problems are caused by still images that are too big. Limit your digital photos to no more than 5,000 pixels on a side. Final Cut is a video editor, not a still image editor. Images that are too large cause problems.

Also, stock footage files are known to cause problems. Be sure to convert all stock footage to ProRes 422 before importing into Final Cut Pro X.

3 Delete render files and re-render

Open your Project in the Timeline and choose File > Delete Project Render Files. Render files can become corrupt. Trashing them forces Final Cut to create new render files which often will fix the problem.

4 Create a new library

Create a new library and a new project. Then, copy and paste sections of the old project into the new project. Test each section until you find the spot that doesn’t work. At which point, you can remove or replace the bad media.

Create a new library

5 Create a new user account

Create a new user account

Open System Preferences > Accounts and create a new User Account. This resets all preferences for both Final Cut and the operating system back to factory defaults. The only problem with doing this is that a new user account can’t access files stored in the Home directory of the old user account. For this reason, I always recommend storing all libraries on external hard drives, not the Home Directory.

6 Trash FCP X Preferences

Trash Final Cut Pro X preference files. There are at least three preference files and, if you’ve had a crash, there can be more. Here are the steps:

  • Go to the Finder.
  • Hold down on the Option key and click on the Go menu. The Library folder inside your Home Directory now shows up as a selection inside this menu. (You could also type Shift+Command+G, or select Go > Go To Folder in the Finder; then, type ~/Library/ and click Go.)
  • Open to the Library > Preferences folder.
  • Trash com.apple.FinalCut.LSSharedFileList.plist
  • Trash com.apple.FinalCut.plist
  • Trash com.apple.FinalCut.UserDestinations.plist
  • Trash any other files that start with “com.apple.finalcut”.
  • Empty the Trash.
  • Restart Final Cut Pro X.

7 Remove and reinstall Final Cut Pro

If all else fails, delete FCPX from the Applications folder and re-install it from the Mac App Store .

One of these techniques should fix your problem. If not, it’s time to contact Apple Support .

# Recommendation:

This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Most of the time, Final Cut Pro X works great. But, when it doesn’t, here are some things you can try to get your system back to normal in no time.

Here’s the quick list:

1 Quit and restart Final Cut Pro

Restarting Final Cut releases and refreshes memory so that if something was confusing your system, restarting Final Cut can fix it.

restart fcp

2 Check your media

check your media

Frequently, problems are caused by still images that are too big. Limit your digital photos to no more than 5,000 pixels on a side. Final Cut is a video editor, not a still image editor. Images that are too large cause problems.

Also, stock footage files are known to cause problems. Be sure to convert all stock footage to ProRes 422 before importing into Final Cut Pro X.

3 Delete render files and re-render

Open your Project in the Timeline and choose File > Delete Project Render Files. Render files can become corrupt. Trashing them forces Final Cut to create new render files which often will fix the problem.

4 Create a new library

Create a new library and a new project. Then, copy and paste sections of the old project into the new project. Test each section until you find the spot that doesn’t work. At which point, you can remove or replace the bad media.

Create a new library

5 Create a new user account

Create a new user account

Open System Preferences > Accounts and create a new User Account. This resets all preferences for both Final Cut and the operating system back to factory defaults. The only problem with doing this is that a new user account can’t access files stored in the Home directory of the old user account. For this reason, I always recommend storing all libraries on external hard drives, not the Home Directory.

6 Trash FCP X Preferences

Trash Final Cut Pro X preference files. There are at least three preference files and, if you’ve had a crash, there can be more. Here are the steps:

  • Go to the Finder.
  • Hold down on the Option key and click on the Go menu. The Library folder inside your Home Directory now shows up as a selection inside this menu. (You could also type Shift+Command+G, or select Go > Go To Folder in the Finder; then, type ~/Library/ and click Go.)
  • Open to the Library > Preferences folder.
  • Trash com.apple.FinalCut.LSSharedFileList.plist
  • Trash com.apple.FinalCut.plist
  • Trash com.apple.FinalCut.UserDestinations.plist
  • Trash any other files that start with “com.apple.finalcut”.
  • Empty the Trash.
  • Restart Final Cut Pro X.

7 Remove and reinstall Final Cut Pro

If all else fails, delete FCPX from the Applications folder and re-install it from the Mac App Store .

One of these techniques should fix your problem. If not, it’s time to contact Apple Support .

# Recommendation:

This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Final Cut Pro X: Freeze-Frames and Slow Motion

Final Cut Pro X: Freeze-Frames and Slow Motion

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

A very simple, yet very effective effect is changing the speed of a video clip. This could be a simple still-frame (also called “Freeze Frame”) or playing a clip in slow or fast motion.

This article shows you how to do this using Final Cut Pro X.

For more tutorials on slow-motion please refer to this article: Top 10 Slow Motion Video Editing Software.

Freeze-Frames and Slow Motion in Final Cut Pro X

1. STILL FRAMES

still frames

A still-frame freezes action. For instance, here is a clip of a hummingbird getting ready to land on a bird feeder. I want to create a freeze-frame of the bird in flight. (Um, yeah, I use “freeze-frame” and “still-frame” interchangeably.)

In Final Cut Pro X, put the playhead (or skimmer) on the frame you want to freeze and type Option+F.

freeze frames

This creates a two-second freeze-frame at the position of the playhead.

create freeze frame

Adjust the duration of the frame by trimming the edge; just like any other clip. Here, for example, I’m making the duration of the freeze-frame 11 frames shorter.

freeze frames in FCP X

In case you were wondering, this is what the freeze looks like. It freezes the flight of the hummingbird in the middle of playback, allowing us to add graphics or other text then resume the action as though nothing had happened.

Very cool, except….

Well, the good news is that this is fast and easy. The bad news is that we can’t change the location of the still frame.

So, here’s another way to do this.

Put the playhead (or skimmer, but I prefer the playhead) on the frame you want to freeze, select the clip, then type Shift+F.

Playhead

This locates the source clip in the Browser, selects both the Browser and the clip, and matches the position of the In, Out, and playhead.

match clips

Now, with the Browser selected, type Option+F. This creates a freeze-frame of the Browser clip and places it at the location of the playhead as a connected clip in the Timeline.

As a connected clip, we can move this new freeze-frame wherever we want. However, be careful in moving the clip, because, unless you mark the original frame with a marker (type “M”), there’s no easy way to match the still frame with the source frame, once the still frame is moved somewhere else.

I use both these techniques in many different projects.

2. HOLD FRAME

A Hold Frame is similar to an in-line still frame, but with more flexibility.

hold frame

Put the playhead (or skimmer) on the frame you want to hold. Then, Then, using either Modify > Retime or the “Smurf-on-a-headset” Toolbar icon, choose Hold Frame (or type: Shift+H).

hold frames in fcp x

This displays the orange Retime editor bar above the clip, with a small red portion indicating the Hold frame.

create hold frames

Change the duration of the Hold frame by dragging the small thumb at the right end of the red bar.

speed016

Add a speed ramp transition at the end of the Hold frame by clicking the downward-pointing arrow next to the word “Hold” in the Retime Editor.

speed018

To change the actual frame being held, double-click the bar icon to the LEFT of the red Hold section and choose Source Frame (Edit). This allows you to slide the Hold frame selection left or right.

NOTE: Changing the source frame is a feature that I like a LOT!

3. SLOW (or FAST) MOTION

fast/slow motion

We use slow-motion to show events that are too fast for the unaided eye to see. And fast motion to speed up very slow events. Both of these effects use what’s called a “constant speed change,” where the entire clip changes by the same amount - either faster or slower.

WE create either effect using the same tools, just different values. Here’s how.

slow motion

Select the clip who’s speed you want to change. Then, using either Modify > Retime or the “Smurf” Toolbar icon, select Slow (or Fast).

Choose one of the available speeds; in this case, 50%. (Yes, you can change this to any value you want, I’ll show you how in a minute.)

create slow/fast motion

Three things happen at once:

  • The duration of the clip changes
  • The orange Retiming bar appears over the top of the clip
  • The speed of the clip changes

speed010

To reset the speed back to normal (100%), click the downward-pointing arrow in the Retiming bar and choose Normal (100%).

There are two ways to change the speed of a clip.

speed017

The easy way is to grab the small handle at the end of the clip and drag left or right. The speed will change as you drag it.

Or, for more precision, click the downward-pointing arrow in the Retiming bar and choose Custom.

speed011

This opens a new dialog allowing a number of changes:

  • Reverse. Plays the clip in reverse.
  • Rate. Select a specific speed change as a percentage of normal speed for a clip. Less than 100% is slow-motion. More than 100% is fast-motion.
  • Duration. Select a specific duration for a clip and FCP X will calculate how fast or slow it needs to go.
  • Ripple. When checked, adjusts the duration of a clip based upon the speed. When unchecked, the clip duration remains fixed even when speed changes.

You will get the smoothest speed changes when the percentage you choose divides evenly into 200. For example, 100, 66, 50, 40, 33, 25, 20, 10 and so on.

4. EXTRA CREDIT

There is one more setting to consider when slowing a clip. (This does not apply when creating fast motion.)

speed012

Using, again, either Modify > Retime or the “Smurf” menu, select Video Quality.

  • Normal. This is the best choice for speeds of 50% or faster.
  • Frame Blending. This is the best choice for speeds of about 20% to 50%.
  • Optical Flow. This is the best choice for speeds slower than about 20%.

Frame blending puts a short dissolve between frames when running in slow motion to improve the illusion of motion. Optical Flow invents in-between frames to minimize the jerkiness of extremely slow motion.

Frame blending is relatively fast and easy. Optical Flow will look better in most cases, but takes a long time to render.


This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, a professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )


SUMMARY

Whether you want your clips to speed up, slow down or just plain stop, Final Cut Pro X makes the entire process easy.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

A very simple, yet very effective effect is changing the speed of a video clip. This could be a simple still-frame (also called “Freeze Frame”) or playing a clip in slow or fast motion.

This article shows you how to do this using Final Cut Pro X.

For more tutorials on slow-motion please refer to this article: Top 10 Slow Motion Video Editing Software.

Freeze-Frames and Slow Motion in Final Cut Pro X

1. STILL FRAMES

still frames

A still-frame freezes action. For instance, here is a clip of a hummingbird getting ready to land on a bird feeder. I want to create a freeze-frame of the bird in flight. (Um, yeah, I use “freeze-frame” and “still-frame” interchangeably.)

In Final Cut Pro X, put the playhead (or skimmer) on the frame you want to freeze and type Option+F.

freeze frames

This creates a two-second freeze-frame at the position of the playhead.

create freeze frame

Adjust the duration of the frame by trimming the edge; just like any other clip. Here, for example, I’m making the duration of the freeze-frame 11 frames shorter.

freeze frames in FCP X

In case you were wondering, this is what the freeze looks like. It freezes the flight of the hummingbird in the middle of playback, allowing us to add graphics or other text then resume the action as though nothing had happened.

Very cool, except….

Well, the good news is that this is fast and easy. The bad news is that we can’t change the location of the still frame.

So, here’s another way to do this.

Put the playhead (or skimmer, but I prefer the playhead) on the frame you want to freeze, select the clip, then type Shift+F.

Playhead

This locates the source clip in the Browser, selects both the Browser and the clip, and matches the position of the In, Out, and playhead.

match clips

Now, with the Browser selected, type Option+F. This creates a freeze-frame of the Browser clip and places it at the location of the playhead as a connected clip in the Timeline.

As a connected clip, we can move this new freeze-frame wherever we want. However, be careful in moving the clip, because, unless you mark the original frame with a marker (type “M”), there’s no easy way to match the still frame with the source frame, once the still frame is moved somewhere else.

I use both these techniques in many different projects.

2. HOLD FRAME

A Hold Frame is similar to an in-line still frame, but with more flexibility.

hold frame

Put the playhead (or skimmer) on the frame you want to hold. Then, Then, using either Modify > Retime or the “Smurf-on-a-headset” Toolbar icon, choose Hold Frame (or type: Shift+H).

hold frames in fcp x

This displays the orange Retime editor bar above the clip, with a small red portion indicating the Hold frame.

create hold frames

Change the duration of the Hold frame by dragging the small thumb at the right end of the red bar.

speed016

Add a speed ramp transition at the end of the Hold frame by clicking the downward-pointing arrow next to the word “Hold” in the Retime Editor.

speed018

To change the actual frame being held, double-click the bar icon to the LEFT of the red Hold section and choose Source Frame (Edit). This allows you to slide the Hold frame selection left or right.

NOTE: Changing the source frame is a feature that I like a LOT!

3. SLOW (or FAST) MOTION

fast/slow motion

We use slow-motion to show events that are too fast for the unaided eye to see. And fast motion to speed up very slow events. Both of these effects use what’s called a “constant speed change,” where the entire clip changes by the same amount - either faster or slower.

WE create either effect using the same tools, just different values. Here’s how.

slow motion

Select the clip who’s speed you want to change. Then, using either Modify > Retime or the “Smurf” Toolbar icon, select Slow (or Fast).

Choose one of the available speeds; in this case, 50%. (Yes, you can change this to any value you want, I’ll show you how in a minute.)

create slow/fast motion

Three things happen at once:

  • The duration of the clip changes
  • The orange Retiming bar appears over the top of the clip
  • The speed of the clip changes

speed010

To reset the speed back to normal (100%), click the downward-pointing arrow in the Retiming bar and choose Normal (100%).

There are two ways to change the speed of a clip.

speed017

The easy way is to grab the small handle at the end of the clip and drag left or right. The speed will change as you drag it.

Or, for more precision, click the downward-pointing arrow in the Retiming bar and choose Custom.

speed011

This opens a new dialog allowing a number of changes:

  • Reverse. Plays the clip in reverse.
  • Rate. Select a specific speed change as a percentage of normal speed for a clip. Less than 100% is slow-motion. More than 100% is fast-motion.
  • Duration. Select a specific duration for a clip and FCP X will calculate how fast or slow it needs to go.
  • Ripple. When checked, adjusts the duration of a clip based upon the speed. When unchecked, the clip duration remains fixed even when speed changes.

You will get the smoothest speed changes when the percentage you choose divides evenly into 200. For example, 100, 66, 50, 40, 33, 25, 20, 10 and so on.

4. EXTRA CREDIT

There is one more setting to consider when slowing a clip. (This does not apply when creating fast motion.)

speed012

Using, again, either Modify > Retime or the “Smurf” menu, select Video Quality.

  • Normal. This is the best choice for speeds of 50% or faster.
  • Frame Blending. This is the best choice for speeds of about 20% to 50%.
  • Optical Flow. This is the best choice for speeds slower than about 20%.

Frame blending puts a short dissolve between frames when running in slow motion to improve the illusion of motion. Optical Flow invents in-between frames to minimize the jerkiness of extremely slow motion.

Frame blending is relatively fast and easy. Optical Flow will look better in most cases, but takes a long time to render.


This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, a professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )


SUMMARY

Whether you want your clips to speed up, slow down or just plain stop, Final Cut Pro X makes the entire process easy.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

A very simple, yet very effective effect is changing the speed of a video clip. This could be a simple still-frame (also called “Freeze Frame”) or playing a clip in slow or fast motion.

This article shows you how to do this using Final Cut Pro X.

For more tutorials on slow-motion please refer to this article: Top 10 Slow Motion Video Editing Software.

Freeze-Frames and Slow Motion in Final Cut Pro X

1. STILL FRAMES

still frames

A still-frame freezes action. For instance, here is a clip of a hummingbird getting ready to land on a bird feeder. I want to create a freeze-frame of the bird in flight. (Um, yeah, I use “freeze-frame” and “still-frame” interchangeably.)

In Final Cut Pro X, put the playhead (or skimmer) on the frame you want to freeze and type Option+F.

freeze frames

This creates a two-second freeze-frame at the position of the playhead.

create freeze frame

Adjust the duration of the frame by trimming the edge; just like any other clip. Here, for example, I’m making the duration of the freeze-frame 11 frames shorter.

freeze frames in FCP X

In case you were wondering, this is what the freeze looks like. It freezes the flight of the hummingbird in the middle of playback, allowing us to add graphics or other text then resume the action as though nothing had happened.

Very cool, except….

Well, the good news is that this is fast and easy. The bad news is that we can’t change the location of the still frame.

So, here’s another way to do this.

Put the playhead (or skimmer, but I prefer the playhead) on the frame you want to freeze, select the clip, then type Shift+F.

Playhead

This locates the source clip in the Browser, selects both the Browser and the clip, and matches the position of the In, Out, and playhead.

match clips

Now, with the Browser selected, type Option+F. This creates a freeze-frame of the Browser clip and places it at the location of the playhead as a connected clip in the Timeline.

As a connected clip, we can move this new freeze-frame wherever we want. However, be careful in moving the clip, because, unless you mark the original frame with a marker (type “M”), there’s no easy way to match the still frame with the source frame, once the still frame is moved somewhere else.

I use both these techniques in many different projects.

2. HOLD FRAME

A Hold Frame is similar to an in-line still frame, but with more flexibility.

hold frame

Put the playhead (or skimmer) on the frame you want to hold. Then, Then, using either Modify > Retime or the “Smurf-on-a-headset” Toolbar icon, choose Hold Frame (or type: Shift+H).

hold frames in fcp x

This displays the orange Retime editor bar above the clip, with a small red portion indicating the Hold frame.

create hold frames

Change the duration of the Hold frame by dragging the small thumb at the right end of the red bar.

speed016

Add a speed ramp transition at the end of the Hold frame by clicking the downward-pointing arrow next to the word “Hold” in the Retime Editor.

speed018

To change the actual frame being held, double-click the bar icon to the LEFT of the red Hold section and choose Source Frame (Edit). This allows you to slide the Hold frame selection left or right.

NOTE: Changing the source frame is a feature that I like a LOT!

3. SLOW (or FAST) MOTION

fast/slow motion

We use slow-motion to show events that are too fast for the unaided eye to see. And fast motion to speed up very slow events. Both of these effects use what’s called a “constant speed change,” where the entire clip changes by the same amount - either faster or slower.

WE create either effect using the same tools, just different values. Here’s how.

slow motion

Select the clip who’s speed you want to change. Then, using either Modify > Retime or the “Smurf” Toolbar icon, select Slow (or Fast).

Choose one of the available speeds; in this case, 50%. (Yes, you can change this to any value you want, I’ll show you how in a minute.)

create slow/fast motion

Three things happen at once:

  • The duration of the clip changes
  • The orange Retiming bar appears over the top of the clip
  • The speed of the clip changes

speed010

To reset the speed back to normal (100%), click the downward-pointing arrow in the Retiming bar and choose Normal (100%).

There are two ways to change the speed of a clip.

speed017

The easy way is to grab the small handle at the end of the clip and drag left or right. The speed will change as you drag it.

Or, for more precision, click the downward-pointing arrow in the Retiming bar and choose Custom.

speed011

This opens a new dialog allowing a number of changes:

  • Reverse. Plays the clip in reverse.
  • Rate. Select a specific speed change as a percentage of normal speed for a clip. Less than 100% is slow-motion. More than 100% is fast-motion.
  • Duration. Select a specific duration for a clip and FCP X will calculate how fast or slow it needs to go.
  • Ripple. When checked, adjusts the duration of a clip based upon the speed. When unchecked, the clip duration remains fixed even when speed changes.

You will get the smoothest speed changes when the percentage you choose divides evenly into 200. For example, 100, 66, 50, 40, 33, 25, 20, 10 and so on.

4. EXTRA CREDIT

There is one more setting to consider when slowing a clip. (This does not apply when creating fast motion.)

speed012

Using, again, either Modify > Retime or the “Smurf” menu, select Video Quality.

  • Normal. This is the best choice for speeds of 50% or faster.
  • Frame Blending. This is the best choice for speeds of about 20% to 50%.
  • Optical Flow. This is the best choice for speeds slower than about 20%.

Frame blending puts a short dissolve between frames when running in slow motion to improve the illusion of motion. Optical Flow invents in-between frames to minimize the jerkiness of extremely slow motion.

Frame blending is relatively fast and easy. Optical Flow will look better in most cases, but takes a long time to render.


This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, a professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )


SUMMARY

Whether you want your clips to speed up, slow down or just plain stop, Final Cut Pro X makes the entire process easy.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

A very simple, yet very effective effect is changing the speed of a video clip. This could be a simple still-frame (also called “Freeze Frame”) or playing a clip in slow or fast motion.

This article shows you how to do this using Final Cut Pro X.

For more tutorials on slow-motion please refer to this article: Top 10 Slow Motion Video Editing Software.

Freeze-Frames and Slow Motion in Final Cut Pro X

1. STILL FRAMES

still frames

A still-frame freezes action. For instance, here is a clip of a hummingbird getting ready to land on a bird feeder. I want to create a freeze-frame of the bird in flight. (Um, yeah, I use “freeze-frame” and “still-frame” interchangeably.)

In Final Cut Pro X, put the playhead (or skimmer) on the frame you want to freeze and type Option+F.

freeze frames

This creates a two-second freeze-frame at the position of the playhead.

create freeze frame

Adjust the duration of the frame by trimming the edge; just like any other clip. Here, for example, I’m making the duration of the freeze-frame 11 frames shorter.

freeze frames in FCP X

In case you were wondering, this is what the freeze looks like. It freezes the flight of the hummingbird in the middle of playback, allowing us to add graphics or other text then resume the action as though nothing had happened.

Very cool, except….

Well, the good news is that this is fast and easy. The bad news is that we can’t change the location of the still frame.

So, here’s another way to do this.

Put the playhead (or skimmer, but I prefer the playhead) on the frame you want to freeze, select the clip, then type Shift+F.

Playhead

This locates the source clip in the Browser, selects both the Browser and the clip, and matches the position of the In, Out, and playhead.

match clips

Now, with the Browser selected, type Option+F. This creates a freeze-frame of the Browser clip and places it at the location of the playhead as a connected clip in the Timeline.

As a connected clip, we can move this new freeze-frame wherever we want. However, be careful in moving the clip, because, unless you mark the original frame with a marker (type “M”), there’s no easy way to match the still frame with the source frame, once the still frame is moved somewhere else.

I use both these techniques in many different projects.

2. HOLD FRAME

A Hold Frame is similar to an in-line still frame, but with more flexibility.

hold frame

Put the playhead (or skimmer) on the frame you want to hold. Then, Then, using either Modify > Retime or the “Smurf-on-a-headset” Toolbar icon, choose Hold Frame (or type: Shift+H).

hold frames in fcp x

This displays the orange Retime editor bar above the clip, with a small red portion indicating the Hold frame.

create hold frames

Change the duration of the Hold frame by dragging the small thumb at the right end of the red bar.

speed016

Add a speed ramp transition at the end of the Hold frame by clicking the downward-pointing arrow next to the word “Hold” in the Retime Editor.

speed018

To change the actual frame being held, double-click the bar icon to the LEFT of the red Hold section and choose Source Frame (Edit). This allows you to slide the Hold frame selection left or right.

NOTE: Changing the source frame is a feature that I like a LOT!

3. SLOW (or FAST) MOTION

fast/slow motion

We use slow-motion to show events that are too fast for the unaided eye to see. And fast motion to speed up very slow events. Both of these effects use what’s called a “constant speed change,” where the entire clip changes by the same amount - either faster or slower.

WE create either effect using the same tools, just different values. Here’s how.

slow motion

Select the clip who’s speed you want to change. Then, using either Modify > Retime or the “Smurf” Toolbar icon, select Slow (or Fast).

Choose one of the available speeds; in this case, 50%. (Yes, you can change this to any value you want, I’ll show you how in a minute.)

create slow/fast motion

Three things happen at once:

  • The duration of the clip changes
  • The orange Retiming bar appears over the top of the clip
  • The speed of the clip changes

speed010

To reset the speed back to normal (100%), click the downward-pointing arrow in the Retiming bar and choose Normal (100%).

There are two ways to change the speed of a clip.

speed017

The easy way is to grab the small handle at the end of the clip and drag left or right. The speed will change as you drag it.

Or, for more precision, click the downward-pointing arrow in the Retiming bar and choose Custom.

speed011

This opens a new dialog allowing a number of changes:

  • Reverse. Plays the clip in reverse.
  • Rate. Select a specific speed change as a percentage of normal speed for a clip. Less than 100% is slow-motion. More than 100% is fast-motion.
  • Duration. Select a specific duration for a clip and FCP X will calculate how fast or slow it needs to go.
  • Ripple. When checked, adjusts the duration of a clip based upon the speed. When unchecked, the clip duration remains fixed even when speed changes.

You will get the smoothest speed changes when the percentage you choose divides evenly into 200. For example, 100, 66, 50, 40, 33, 25, 20, 10 and so on.

4. EXTRA CREDIT

There is one more setting to consider when slowing a clip. (This does not apply when creating fast motion.)

speed012

Using, again, either Modify > Retime or the “Smurf” menu, select Video Quality.

  • Normal. This is the best choice for speeds of 50% or faster.
  • Frame Blending. This is the best choice for speeds of about 20% to 50%.
  • Optical Flow. This is the best choice for speeds slower than about 20%.

Frame blending puts a short dissolve between frames when running in slow motion to improve the illusion of motion. Optical Flow invents in-between frames to minimize the jerkiness of extremely slow motion.

Frame blending is relatively fast and easy. Optical Flow will look better in most cases, but takes a long time to render.


This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, a professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )


SUMMARY

Whether you want your clips to speed up, slow down or just plain stop, Final Cut Pro X makes the entire process easy.

author avatar

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango

10 Open-Source Video Editors That Rival Adobe Premiere on Linux

Undoubtedly, Adobe products are being used worldwide commercially, but for people with smaller budgets, several high-quality products are available for Linux. Different Adobe Premiere Alternatives for Linux are available, which have a relatively lower cost or are free of charge.

This article will discuss the best alternatives to Adobe Premiere for Linux, which are listed below. Before going through each of them, let’s first check if we can install Premiere Pro on Linux System.

Can I Install Premiere Pro On My Linux System?

No, Adobe Premiere Pro is not available to install on Linux systems. You have to go for its different alternatives,

  1. DaVinci Resolve
  2. OpenShot
  3. Pitivi
  4. Shotcut
  5. Avidemux
  6. Cinelerra
  7. Kdenlive
  8. Lightworks
  9. Flowblade
  10. Open Movie Editor

Best 10 Alternatives to Adobe Premiere Pro for Linux

1. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve, a tool being used as an alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro for Linux, provides features like color correction, editing, motion graphics, and audio post-production.

It is easy to learn and use, yet a handy tool for professionals. Using DaVinci Resolve, you can build your multi-user post-production studio.

DaVinci Resolve interface is divided into different pages, providing you with a dedicated workspace for a specific task. You must buy the paid version to get access to all features.

davinci resolve under expereince

Main features:

  • Multi-user collaboration
  • Color correction
  • All-in-one software for post-production

Pros

  • Multiple resolutions and formats are available.
  • Quick processing
  • Advanced audio processing

Cons

  • Some features are limited only to the paid version
  • Confusing interface
  • Requires much CPU capacity

Supported OS: Linux , Windows (version 8 and 10+), OSX (11+)

Best for:

DaVinci Resolve is best for professionals as well as for day-to-day use. It has all the basic as well as professional working programs.

Price: 295$ for DaVinci Resolve Studio

Ratings: 4.1/5

According to TrustRadius Ratings , DaVinci Resolve has almost 75% of 9-10 reviews. A total of 18 positive and two negative reviews.

Summary & user review

DaVinci Resolve is the software that can solve most of your editing-related problems. With many editing options, it is the tool for all your projects. Both free and paid versions are available. A TrustRadius Ratings and Reviews review states, “ None like it out there.”

2. OpenShot

OpenShot is an easy-to-use, simple-to-understand, and surprisingly powerful video editing tool designed to make video editing straightforward. OpenShot is an alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro for Linux, and its features make it a valuable and handy video editing software.

It is available in 70+ languages. It might be lacking some features for professional use, but it contains all the essential video editing tools for daily use.

openshot under expereince

Main features:

  • Unlimited tracks
  • 3D Animation
  • Trim and Cut
  • Title Editing
  • Different video effects

Pros

  • Completely free
  • It can be used as a video editing learning tool
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Keeps crashing
  • Time-consuming tool
  • Can’t create good quality animations

Supported OS: Linux , Windows (version 7,8 and 10+), OSX (10.15+)

Best for:

It is best for most users for day-to-day use, but it is not recommended for professional use. You should use other video editing tools for professional and advanced video editing.

Price: Free

Ratings: 4.5/5

According to G2 Ratings , OpenShot has almost 85% of 9-10 reviews. A total of 27 positive and one negative review.

Summary & user review

OpenShot video editor is a free and easy-to-use tool for beginners and primary users. With many features and editing options, such as removing the background from the video, inverting color, adjusting brightness, slowing down or speeding up, and reversing the video, it can help create a good-quality video. A review regarding OpenShot on G2 Ratings and Reviews states: “Easy to use even for beginners.”

3. Pitivi

Pitivi video editor is an alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro for Linux. It is a simple and unique video editor, that is free and comes with a lot of video editing and transforming features.

It is software designed for beginners and is suitable for creating simple and basic videos for social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok. Its easy user interface makes it a user-friendly tool.

pitivi under expereince

Main features:

  • Automatic backups
  • Enhanced audio effects
  • Framerate independent timeline
  • Background processing of video being edited
  • Animations, filters, and different transitions

Pros

  • Completely free
  • Easy to use
  • Audio can be edited precisely
  • Changes in the video can be seen in real-time
  • Automatic backup
  • Background processing of thumbnails

Cons

  • Only basic editing can be done
  • Not recommended for professional use
  • Lagging issues
  • Compatible with Linux only

Supported OS: Linux

Best for:

Best for beginners and people with primary use. Day-to-day videos for social media use can easily be edited.

Price: Free

Ratings: 4.3/5

According to Slant Ratings , Pitivi has almost 75% of 04-05 ratings. A total of 13 positive and 03 negative reviews.

Summary & user review

It is a simple, unique, and free video editor for beginners. Casual and basic editing can be done using Pitivi.

A review on Slant Ratings and reviews states ,” Free, open source, and easy to use.” and this sums it all up.

4. Shotcut

Shotcut is a free, regularly updated video editing software, with powerful features and an easy user interface. It can be used as an alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro for Linux.

It offers a simple, user-friendly UI. Shotcut, in contrast to most free video editors, provides features like chroma key and color correction. It contains all the basic and some advanced video editing options but is not recommended for professional use.

shotcut under expereince

Main features:

  • Incredibly easy keyframing
  • Editing and transitions
  • Exporting
  • Sleek, user-friendly interface

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Regular updates
  • Advanced effects
  • High-quality input/output support

Cons

  • A bit frustrating because of lag
  • No preview for effects and transitions
  • No stock music
  • Can’t upload external subtitles

Supported OS: Linux , Mac, Windows

Best for:

ShotCut is best for beginners and professionals with basic editing needs. It is your go-to editor for editing Youtube or Facebook videos.

Price: 9.79$ at Microsoft US

Ratings: 4.3/5

According to G2 Ratings , ShotCut has almost 85% of 04-05 ratings. A total of 33 positive and 04 negative reviews. A review on G2 Ratings and Reviews states,” Amazing Lightweight Free Basic Video Editor.”

Summary & user review

Shotcut can be used to produce both basic and advanced-level videos. It can be very helpful and handy for professionals in their editing.

5. Avidemux

Avidemux is a perfect tool for simple edits. With limited editing options, it is a very easy-to-use editor for beginners. You can cut, crop, copy or delete parts of your video. 2 or more video clips can also be merged by using Avidemux.

It can render and export at high speeds. Avidemux contains advanced features like a green screen, audio editing, and change speed.

avidemux under expereince

Main features:

  • Audio filters
  • Video filters and transitions
  • Advanced interlacing
  • Open source
  • Container format
  • Encoder

Pros

  • Free
  • Easy interface
  • Standard editing formats available

Cons

  • No updates
  • No customer support
  • No timeline

Supported OS: Linux

Best for:

Avidemux is best for editing, cutting, resizing, and encoding multiple video formats, including MPEG, AVI, MP4, and DVD.

Price: Free

Ratings: 4.5/5

According to G2 Ratings , Avidemux has almost 90% of 4-5 ratings. A total of 8 positive and one negative review.

Summary & user review

Avidemux is a handy video editing software for day-to-day use and it can edit your videos in no time. It is easy to use even for beginners. A review on G2 Ratings and reviews states, “ Avidemux is best for beginners.”

6. Cinelerra

Cinelerra is a free video editing tool that you can use to edit your video and make it look wonderful with different transitions, effects, and texts. Cinelerra is free and open-source software and is considered one of the most used editing softwares for Linux.

It can edit videos of any quality you want and provides you with a perfect video according to your demands. It is helpful for beginners and also handy for professionals.

cinelerra under expereince

Main features:

  • Video and audio editing
  • Different transitions and effects
  • Floating point imaging
  • Color correction
  • Video stabilization
  • Motion tracking
  • 400 plus decoders and 150 plus encoders

Pros

  • Contains all professional features
  • It has 3D editing tools
  • Real-time processing of the video
  • User friendly

Cons

  • Only available for Linux
  • Some codecs are not supported
  • Four windows might get confusing sometimes

Supported OS: Linux

Best for:

It is the best free editing tool for professional and non-professional use. With a lot of video effects and transitions, it makes your video look like a movie.

Price: Free

Ratings: 4.2/5

According to Slant Ratings , Cinelerra has almost 90% of 04-05 ratings. A total of 19 positive and 02 negative reviews.

Summary & user review

Cinelerra is a user-friendly software that has some advanced features like 3D video editing and is free of cost. A review on VideoHelp ratings and reviews states, “The GG version has many professional features. Easy to install too.”

7. Kdenlive

Kdenlive is a free and open-source video editor that can be used in place of Adobe Premiere Pro on Linux. Its best features include multi-track video editing, audio/video formatting, configurable interface and shortcuts, many effects and transitions, audio and video scopes, proxy editing, automatic backup, timeline preview, keyframeable effects, a simple interface, and much more.

Kdenlive lets you use and mix many audio and video tracks, each of which can be locked or muted as needed.

kdenlive under expereince

Main features:

  • Multi tracks editing
  • It supports almost all audio and video formats
  • Many shortcuts available
  • Titler
  • Multiple effects and transitions
  • Automatic backup
  • Timeline preview
  • Keyframing
  • Online resources available

Pros

  • Automatic backup
  • Dozens of transitions and effects
  • User-friendly interface
  • Fast and stable performance
  • Supports 420 plus formats

Cons

  • Basic editing
  • Not recommended for professional use
  • It crashes if you have a slow computer

Supported OS: Linux , Windows, Mac, FreeBSD , Ubuntu

Best for:

Kdenlive is best for casual video editing for social media platforms. Good videos with multiple effects and transitions can be created using this software.

Price: Free

Ratings: 4.1/5

According to Slant Ratings , Kdenlive has almost 70% of 04-05 ratings. A total of 228 positive and 53 negative reviews.

Summary & user review

Kdenlive is a free and open-source editing software that is free and easy to use.

A review on AlternativeTo Ratings and Reviews states, “This is so much more awesome and I worked on it for over 2 hours, and it didn’t crash or lag even once.”

8. Lightworks

Lightworks is a video editing software that is used to enhance the content of videos by both film industry experts and social media marketers. Its free version can satisfy most of its users but if you want more advanced features, you’ll need to pay for this. It is a video editing tool with multi-track editing capabilities and is also powerful, and customizable.

lightworks under expereince

Main features:

  • Drag and drop interface
  • Color correction
  • Blend modes
  • Rendering effects
  • Applying chromakeys
  • Video routing
  • Keyframing
  • Export to Youtube directly

Pros

  • Multiplatform
  • Audio/Video editing
  • Tutorials available
  • Active user forum
  • Good performance

Cons

  • Export option limited to only 720p
  • Difficult for beginners
  • You’ve to pay for advanced features

Supported OS: Linux , Mac, Windows

Best for:

Its paid version is best for professionals to create videos with multiple effects and transitions. The free version can also be used for casual video editing.

Price: Lightworks pro is available at 9.99$/month. Its free version is also available.

Ratings: 4.3/5

According to G2 Ratings , Lightworks has almost 75% of 4-5 ratings. A total of 22 positive and 05 negative reviews.

Summary & user review

It is an easy-to-use, advanced, and paid video editing software for Linux for people with a low budget. A review on G2 Ratings and Reviews states, “Good editing platform for intermediate users.”

9. Flowblade

Flowblade is a very famous, easy-to-use, simple, and fast video editor which can be used as an alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro for Linux. Flowblade is an open-source editor that offers all basic editing options.

It has constantly amazed its users with the smoothness of its playback. There is an inbuilt render UI, which makes the process of delivering your work pretty innocuous.

flowblade under expereince

Main features:

  • Editing tool (Insert, Move, Trim, Roll)
  • Audio/Video filters
  • Proxy editing
  • Audio mixer
  • Inbuilt rendering
  • Titler (Multiple text layers)

Pros

  • Powerful
  • Multifunctional
  • Open source
  • Stable

Cons

  • For Linux only
  • Lack of advanced editing features
  • Requires higher display resolutions

Supported OS: Linux

Best for:

It provides a fast, precise, and robust editing experience. It is best for normal day-to-day use.

Price: 24.99$/month; 174.99$/year

Ratings: 4.5/5

According to Slant Ratings , Flowblade has almost 90% of 04-05 ratings. A total of 61 positive and 05 negative reviews.

Summary & user review

Flowblade is advanced, paid, fast, and precise video editing software for people with a low budget. A review on Slant Ratings and Reviews states, “Power, lightweight and multifunctional.”

10. Open Movie Editor

Open Movie Editor is a free and open-source video editing application for generating basic movies. It aspires to be powerful enough for the inexperienced filmmaker while being simple to use. It can be used as an alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro for Linux.

It helps to create titles in Inkscape. The Open Movie Editor supports a variety of file formats, frame rates, frame sizes, video codecs, and video containers. The Open Movie Editor provides a range of Tools and Filters for adjusting colors and improving the appearance of your videos.

open movie editor under experience

Main features:

  • Color grading
  • Filter effects
  • Different Audio/Video formats
  • 3D video editing
  • Text overlay
  • HD resolution

Pros

  • Simple
  • Free
  • 70 plus languages
  • Export your project in 4K, 60FPS

Cons

  • Crashes very often
  • Rendering speed is slow
  • Hard to control video effects

Supported OS: Linux , OS X, Windows

Best for:

It is best for casual use and video editing with limited features. For professional work, you should opt another video editor.

Price: Free

Ratings: 4.0/5

According to Slant Ratings , Open Movie Editor has almost 60% of 04-05 ratings. A total of 25 positive and 16 negative reviews.

Summary & user review

It is a simple, free, and easy-to-use video editor that can edit and export videos in high resolutions.

A review on Slant Ratings and Reviews states,” An easy to use and powerful video editor.”

How to Choose an Alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro for Linux?

Out of these 10 software discussed above, which software you want to use is still a bit confusing. If you need basic editing software that is free and open source, you should go for Kdenlive

DaVinci Resolve provides advanced editing features such as color correction, and multi-track editing. This can be your choice if you have a good budget.

Lightworks and Flowblade are the best options if you have got a low budget and need advanced editing options. They provide a good value for money experience.

Open Movie Editor, Cinelerra, Avidemux, OpenShot, and Pitivi are free and easy-to-use software that are the best options for beginners.

Besides, if you are going to switch from Linux to Windows or MacOS. Wondershare Filmora can be your good choice to go. It owns built-in stock media and features that are not so complicated as compared to other software.

Final Words

It has been discussed in detail that there are many free as well as paid editing software that can be used for Linux. Adobe premiere pro is not available for Linux, so one must go with any of these above-mentioned editing products. Free versions are for beginners as they contain basic editing features but paid versions can fulfill the demands of professional moviemakers too.

You can download and install any software according to your demands very easily as they are available on the app store. In the absence of adobe premiere pro, these products add such effects and transitions to your videos/films that make them amazing and thrilling to watch.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Best 10 Alternatives to Adobe Premiere Pro for Linux

1. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve, a tool being used as an alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro for Linux, provides features like color correction, editing, motion graphics, and audio post-production.

It is easy to learn and use, yet a handy tool for professionals. Using DaVinci Resolve, you can build your multi-user post-production studio.

DaVinci Resolve interface is divided into different pages, providing you with a dedicated workspace for a specific task. You must buy the paid version to get access to all features.

davinci resolve under expereince

Main features:

  • Multi-user collaboration
  • Color correction
  • All-in-one software for post-production

Pros

  • Multiple resolutions and formats are available.
  • Quick processing
  • Advanced audio processing

Cons

  • Some features are limited only to the paid version
  • Confusing interface
  • Requires much CPU capacity

Supported OS: Linux , Windows (version 8 and 10+), OSX (11+)

Best for:

DaVinci Resolve is best for professionals as well as for day-to-day use. It has all the basic as well as professional working programs.

Price: 295$ for DaVinci Resolve Studio

Ratings: 4.1/5

According to TrustRadius Ratings , DaVinci Resolve has almost 75% of 9-10 reviews. A total of 18 positive and two negative reviews.

Summary & user review

DaVinci Resolve is the software that can solve most of your editing-related problems. With many editing options, it is the tool for all your projects. Both free and paid versions are available. A TrustRadius Ratings and Reviews review states, “ None like it out there.”

2. OpenShot

OpenShot is an easy-to-use, simple-to-understand, and surprisingly powerful video editing tool designed to make video editing straightforward. OpenShot is an alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro for Linux, and its features make it a valuable and handy video editing software.

It is available in 70+ languages. It might be lacking some features for professional use, but it contains all the essential video editing tools for daily use.

openshot under expereince

Main features:

  • Unlimited tracks
  • 3D Animation
  • Trim and Cut
  • Title Editing
  • Different video effects

Pros

  • Completely free
  • It can be used as a video editing learning tool
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Keeps crashing
  • Time-consuming tool
  • Can’t create good quality animations

Supported OS: Linux , Windows (version 7,8 and 10+), OSX (10.15+)

Best for:

It is best for most users for day-to-day use, but it is not recommended for professional use. You should use other video editing tools for professional and advanced video editing.

Price: Free

Ratings: 4.5/5

According to G2 Ratings , OpenShot has almost 85% of 9-10 reviews. A total of 27 positive and one negative review.

Summary & user review

OpenShot video editor is a free and easy-to-use tool for beginners and primary users. With many features and editing options, such as removing the background from the video, inverting color, adjusting brightness, slowing down or speeding up, and reversing the video, it can help create a good-quality video. A review regarding OpenShot on G2 Ratings and Reviews states: “Easy to use even for beginners.”

3. Pitivi

Pitivi video editor is an alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro for Linux. It is a simple and unique video editor, that is free and comes with a lot of video editing and transforming features.

It is software designed for beginners and is suitable for creating simple and basic videos for social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok. Its easy user interface makes it a user-friendly tool.

pitivi under expereince

Main features:

  • Automatic backups
  • Enhanced audio effects
  • Framerate independent timeline
  • Background processing of video being edited
  • Animations, filters, and different transitions

Pros

  • Completely free
  • Easy to use
  • Audio can be edited precisely
  • Changes in the video can be seen in real-time
  • Automatic backup
  • Background processing of thumbnails

Cons

  • Only basic editing can be done
  • Not recommended for professional use
  • Lagging issues
  • Compatible with Linux only

Supported OS: Linux

Best for:

Best for beginners and people with primary use. Day-to-day videos for social media use can easily be edited.

Price: Free

Ratings: 4.3/5

According to Slant Ratings , Pitivi has almost 75% of 04-05 ratings. A total of 13 positive and 03 negative reviews.

Summary & user review

It is a simple, unique, and free video editor for beginners. Casual and basic editing can be done using Pitivi.

A review on Slant Ratings and reviews states ,” Free, open source, and easy to use.” and this sums it all up.

4. Shotcut

Shotcut is a free, regularly updated video editing software, with powerful features and an easy user interface. It can be used as an alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro for Linux.

It offers a simple, user-friendly UI. Shotcut, in contrast to most free video editors, provides features like chroma key and color correction. It contains all the basic and some advanced video editing options but is not recommended for professional use.

shotcut under expereince

Main features:

  • Incredibly easy keyframing
  • Editing and transitions
  • Exporting
  • Sleek, user-friendly interface

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Regular updates
  • Advanced effects
  • High-quality input/output support

Cons

  • A bit frustrating because of lag
  • No preview for effects and transitions
  • No stock music
  • Can’t upload external subtitles

Supported OS: Linux , Mac, Windows

Best for:

ShotCut is best for beginners and professionals with basic editing needs. It is your go-to editor for editing Youtube or Facebook videos.

Price: 9.79$ at Microsoft US

Ratings: 4.3/5

According to G2 Ratings , ShotCut has almost 85% of 04-05 ratings. A total of 33 positive and 04 negative reviews. A review on G2 Ratings and Reviews states,” Amazing Lightweight Free Basic Video Editor.”

Summary & user review

Shotcut can be used to produce both basic and advanced-level videos. It can be very helpful and handy for professionals in their editing.

5. Avidemux

Avidemux is a perfect tool for simple edits. With limited editing options, it is a very easy-to-use editor for beginners. You can cut, crop, copy or delete parts of your video. 2 or more video clips can also be merged by using Avidemux.

It can render and export at high speeds. Avidemux contains advanced features like a green screen, audio editing, and change speed.

avidemux under expereince

Main features:

  • Audio filters
  • Video filters and transitions
  • Advanced interlacing
  • Open source
  • Container format
  • Encoder

Pros

  • Free
  • Easy interface
  • Standard editing formats available

Cons

  • No updates
  • No customer support
  • No timeline

Supported OS: Linux

Best for:

Avidemux is best for editing, cutting, resizing, and encoding multiple video formats, including MPEG, AVI, MP4, and DVD.

Price: Free

Ratings: 4.5/5

According to G2 Ratings , Avidemux has almost 90% of 4-5 ratings. A total of 8 positive and one negative review.

Summary & user review

Avidemux is a handy video editing software for day-to-day use and it can edit your videos in no time. It is easy to use even for beginners. A review on G2 Ratings and reviews states, “ Avidemux is best for beginners.”

6. Cinelerra

Cinelerra is a free video editing tool that you can use to edit your video and make it look wonderful with different transitions, effects, and texts. Cinelerra is free and open-source software and is considered one of the most used editing softwares for Linux.

It can edit videos of any quality you want and provides you with a perfect video according to your demands. It is helpful for beginners and also handy for professionals.

cinelerra under expereince

Main features:

  • Video and audio editing
  • Different transitions and effects
  • Floating point imaging
  • Color correction
  • Video stabilization
  • Motion tracking
  • 400 plus decoders and 150 plus encoders

Pros

  • Contains all professional features
  • It has 3D editing tools
  • Real-time processing of the video
  • User friendly

Cons

  • Only available for Linux
  • Some codecs are not supported
  • Four windows might get confusing sometimes

Supported OS: Linux

Best for:

It is the best free editing tool for professional and non-professional use. With a lot of video effects and transitions, it makes your video look like a movie.

Price: Free

Ratings: 4.2/5

According to Slant Ratings , Cinelerra has almost 90% of 04-05 ratings. A total of 19 positive and 02 negative reviews.

Summary & user review

Cinelerra is a user-friendly software that has some advanced features like 3D video editing and is free of cost. A review on VideoHelp ratings and reviews states, “The GG version has many professional features. Easy to install too.”

7. Kdenlive

Kdenlive is a free and open-source video editor that can be used in place of Adobe Premiere Pro on Linux. Its best features include multi-track video editing, audio/video formatting, configurable interface and shortcuts, many effects and transitions, audio and video scopes, proxy editing, automatic backup, timeline preview, keyframeable effects, a simple interface, and much more.

Kdenlive lets you use and mix many audio and video tracks, each of which can be locked or muted as needed.

kdenlive under expereince

Main features:

  • Multi tracks editing
  • It supports almost all audio and video formats
  • Many shortcuts available
  • Titler
  • Multiple effects and transitions
  • Automatic backup
  • Timeline preview
  • Keyframing
  • Online resources available

Pros

  • Automatic backup
  • Dozens of transitions and effects
  • User-friendly interface
  • Fast and stable performance
  • Supports 420 plus formats

Cons

  • Basic editing
  • Not recommended for professional use
  • It crashes if you have a slow computer

Supported OS: Linux , Windows, Mac, FreeBSD , Ubuntu

Best for:

Kdenlive is best for casual video editing for social media platforms. Good videos with multiple effects and transitions can be created using this software.

Price: Free

Ratings: 4.1/5

According to Slant Ratings , Kdenlive has almost 70% of 04-05 ratings. A total of 228 positive and 53 negative reviews.

Summary & user review

Kdenlive is a free and open-source editing software that is free and easy to use.

A review on AlternativeTo Ratings and Reviews states, “This is so much more awesome and I worked on it for over 2 hours, and it didn’t crash or lag even once.”

8. Lightworks

Lightworks is a video editing software that is used to enhance the content of videos by both film industry experts and social media marketers. Its free version can satisfy most of its users but if you want more advanced features, you’ll need to pay for this. It is a video editing tool with multi-track editing capabilities and is also powerful, and customizable.

lightworks under expereince

Main features:

  • Drag and drop interface
  • Color correction
  • Blend modes
  • Rendering effects
  • Applying chromakeys
  • Video routing
  • Keyframing
  • Export to Youtube directly

Pros

  • Multiplatform
  • Audio/Video editing
  • Tutorials available
  • Active user forum
  • Good performance

Cons

  • Export option limited to only 720p
  • Difficult for beginners
  • You’ve to pay for advanced features

Supported OS: Linux , Mac, Windows

Best for:

Its paid version is best for professionals to create videos with multiple effects and transitions. The free version can also be used for casual video editing.

Price: Lightworks pro is available at 9.99$/month. Its free version is also available.

Ratings: 4.3/5

According to G2 Ratings , Lightworks has almost 75% of 4-5 ratings. A total of 22 positive and 05 negative reviews.

Summary & user review

It is an easy-to-use, advanced, and paid video editing software for Linux for people with a low budget. A review on G2 Ratings and Reviews states, “Good editing platform for intermediate users.”

9. Flowblade

Flowblade is a very famous, easy-to-use, simple, and fast video editor which can be used as an alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro for Linux. Flowblade is an open-source editor that offers all basic editing options.

It has constantly amazed its users with the smoothness of its playback. There is an inbuilt render UI, which makes the process of delivering your work pretty innocuous.

flowblade under expereince

Main features:

  • Editing tool (Insert, Move, Trim, Roll)
  • Audio/Video filters
  • Proxy editing
  • Audio mixer
  • Inbuilt rendering
  • Titler (Multiple text layers)

Pros

  • Powerful
  • Multifunctional
  • Open source
  • Stable

Cons

  • For Linux only
  • Lack of advanced editing features
  • Requires higher display resolutions

Supported OS: Linux

Best for:

It provides a fast, precise, and robust editing experience. It is best for normal day-to-day use.

Price: 24.99$/month; 174.99$/year

Ratings: 4.5/5

According to Slant Ratings , Flowblade has almost 90% of 04-05 ratings. A total of 61 positive and 05 negative reviews.

Summary & user review

Flowblade is advanced, paid, fast, and precise video editing software for people with a low budget. A review on Slant Ratings and Reviews states, “Power, lightweight and multifunctional.”

10. Open Movie Editor

Open Movie Editor is a free and open-source video editing application for generating basic movies. It aspires to be powerful enough for the inexperienced filmmaker while being simple to use. It can be used as an alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro for Linux.

It helps to create titles in Inkscape. The Open Movie Editor supports a variety of file formats, frame rates, frame sizes, video codecs, and video containers. The Open Movie Editor provides a range of Tools and Filters for adjusting colors and improving the appearance of your videos.

open movie editor under experience

Main features:

  • Color grading
  • Filter effects
  • Different Audio/Video formats
  • 3D video editing
  • Text overlay
  • HD resolution

Pros

  • Simple
  • Free
  • 70 plus languages
  • Export your project in 4K, 60FPS

Cons

  • Crashes very often
  • Rendering speed is slow
  • Hard to control video effects

Supported OS: Linux , OS X, Windows

Best for:

It is best for casual use and video editing with limited features. For professional work, you should opt another video editor.

Price: Free

Ratings: 4.0/5

According to Slant Ratings , Open Movie Editor has almost 60% of 04-05 ratings. A total of 25 positive and 16 negative reviews.

Summary & user review

It is a simple, free, and easy-to-use video editor that can edit and export videos in high resolutions.

A review on Slant Ratings and Reviews states,” An easy to use and powerful video editor.”

How to Choose an Alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro for Linux?

Out of these 10 software discussed above, which software you want to use is still a bit confusing. If you need basic editing software that is free and open source, you should go for Kdenlive

DaVinci Resolve provides advanced editing features such as color correction, and multi-track editing. This can be your choice if you have a good budget.

Lightworks and Flowblade are the best options if you have got a low budget and need advanced editing options. They provide a good value for money experience.

Open Movie Editor, Cinelerra, Avidemux, OpenShot, and Pitivi are free and easy-to-use software that are the best options for beginners.

Besides, if you are going to switch from Linux to Windows or MacOS. Wondershare Filmora can be your good choice to go. It owns built-in stock media and features that are not so complicated as compared to other software.

Final Words

It has been discussed in detail that there are many free as well as paid editing software that can be used for Linux. Adobe premiere pro is not available for Linux, so one must go with any of these above-mentioned editing products. Free versions are for beginners as they contain basic editing features but paid versions can fulfill the demands of professional moviemakers too.

You can download and install any software according to your demands very easily as they are available on the app store. In the absence of adobe premiere pro, these products add such effects and transitions to your videos/films that make them amazing and thrilling to watch.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Best of the Best: Professional Animation Software for Mac and Windows

Professional Animation Software: 8 Best Creator for Mac and Windows

author avatar

Shanoon Cox

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

If you are not satisfied with some free animation options available on Windows and Mac, you may need to invest some money in a great program.

Those who want their animations to have a professional quality will need to find professional animation software. It will let you make a professional animated video to your heart’s content.

While these programs do come with an upfront cost, you are paying for the best features, troubleshooting, support, and graphical quality.

Those who create animation for business reasons will have much use for such software. Here are 8 of the best professional animation software options for Windows and Mac.

Part1: Professional Animation Software for Mac

1. Blender

The beauty of blender is that it is a free program that still gives you all the features you would expect from a professional package.

It is a free, open-source and one of the best options for 3D animating. Whether you want to model, rig, animate, simulate, map, render or motion tracking, you can do it with Blender

Features:

  • The rendering, modeling, and animation features are top of the line. They are comparable with expensive software.
  • You have the ability to create VFX, simulations, and integrate pipeline tools.
  • You can create games, edit videos, and create scripts all within the program.

2. ZBrush

Hoping to create high-class 3D objects that are going to wow your audience? If you need to create 3D objects for a business video or to promote your personal brand, ZBrush is a terrific option.

It has some of the best features for digital sculpting that you will find in any program.

Features:

  • Unlike other programs, you are not restricted by polygon distribution. Sculpt all you want!
  • Options for single user or volume licenses - useful for businesses!
  • Rated as one of the best programs for sculpting in 2018.

ZBrush

3. Maya

Maya is one of the top options for 3D animation, modeling, rendering, and simulation. It works with all modern Mac computers and will allow you to create animations, terrains, backgrounds, motion graphics, and VR content.

Features:

  • The UV editor interface is very intuitive and easy to use. It also gives you so many options through the UV Toolkit. Editing your animations has never been easier.
  • It comes with a clump modifier that lets you interactively groom your animations.
  • Features a link to Adobe After Effects so you can make adjustments on the fly.

Maya

4. Harmony

Harmony is a professional 2D subscription-based software that will allow you to create animations and backgrounds with ease.

Whether you want to animate, render, or simulate different graphics and backgrounds, you can get it all done with Harmony. It is fully compatible with Macs.

Features:

  • Three subscription options: Premium, Advanced, and Essentials.
  • Essential feature vector drawing, while the other two also include Bitmap.
  • Render quality can go from HD to 8K depending on your subscription.
  • Includes recoloring, rotoscoping, advanced vector pencil lines, multiplayer, and 3D environment support.

Harmony

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

Part2: Professional Animation Software for Windows

1. Adobe Animate CC

Want to design interactive vector animations? Whether you are hoping to use them for games, apps, or your website, you can create them using Adobe Animate CC.

With the might of Adobe, you know that you are getting a quality product that will get frequent updates and enhancements.

Features:

  • Some newer enhancements include the ability to layer depth and add camera enhancements.
  • Advanced code wizard allows you to add actions to events using the HTML5 canvas.
  • The Animation Timeline is more powerful than ever. You can also use presets for managing the speed of your animations.
  • HiDPI support.

Adobe Animate CC

2. Poser Pro

The best tool for a digital artist who wants to create 3D character animations and illustrations, the Poser Pro 11.1 is available for a one-time purchase.

It may not be necessary for beginners to spend big money on animation software.

But professionals who want the best quality characters and background will be delighted with the features on offer.

Features:

  • SuperFly delivers the power of physically based rendering to Poser. You can render light in the way that it is meant to look.
  • The Realtime Comic Book preview feature is even better on this version of the program. Now you can get full access to your animations, while you can edit them using the convenient toolbars.
  • The actor selection feature makes it so easy to go back and forth between the different characters you create.

Poser Pro

3. DigiCel FlipBook

Beginners who are struggling to understand some features of other programs will love FlipBook.

It is the simplest 2D animation software you will find online. But the best part is that despite its simplicity, it gives you the power and flexibility of other programs.

Features:

  • Drawing, scanning, importing, and painting is very easy with this program.
  • The intuitive interface means that if you want to make changes to your animations, you can do it within minutes.
  • Using it with a tablet is very helpful, as you can draw straight onto the program.
  • Add music and sync it with your animations.

FlipBook

4. iClone

Touted as the fastest 3D-animation software available, iClone will let you produce animations that have a professional quality, but you can do it in a quick time. When you have a deadline, or you need to render many images, this program is so useful.

Features:

  • Advanced tools that allow you to curve edit, incorporate PhysX simulating, and create organic morphs.
  • Delivers artistic real-time 3D visuals.
  • Unlimited plugin expansion and support.
  • On-demand community content and accessories.

iClone

Conclusion

With the above eight programs, you may many options when you make professional animated videos. You can create high-quality 3D background, terrain, objects, and characters.

And when you are finished with your animations, you may be thinking about editing the files or creating a larger story out of them.

Using Filmora will help you a lot with the editing process. It is an all-in-one video and animation file editor for both Windows and Mac computers.

Download Filmora9 Win Version Download Filmora9 Mac Version

Download Filmora9 Mac Version

author avatar

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

If you are not satisfied with some free animation options available on Windows and Mac, you may need to invest some money in a great program.

Those who want their animations to have a professional quality will need to find professional animation software. It will let you make a professional animated video to your heart’s content.

While these programs do come with an upfront cost, you are paying for the best features, troubleshooting, support, and graphical quality.

Those who create animation for business reasons will have much use for such software. Here are 8 of the best professional animation software options for Windows and Mac.

Part1: Professional Animation Software for Mac

1. Blender

The beauty of blender is that it is a free program that still gives you all the features you would expect from a professional package.

It is a free, open-source and one of the best options for 3D animating. Whether you want to model, rig, animate, simulate, map, render or motion tracking, you can do it with Blender

Features:

  • The rendering, modeling, and animation features are top of the line. They are comparable with expensive software.
  • You have the ability to create VFX, simulations, and integrate pipeline tools.
  • You can create games, edit videos, and create scripts all within the program.

2. ZBrush

Hoping to create high-class 3D objects that are going to wow your audience? If you need to create 3D objects for a business video or to promote your personal brand, ZBrush is a terrific option.

It has some of the best features for digital sculpting that you will find in any program.

Features:

  • Unlike other programs, you are not restricted by polygon distribution. Sculpt all you want!
  • Options for single user or volume licenses - useful for businesses!
  • Rated as one of the best programs for sculpting in 2018.

ZBrush

3. Maya

Maya is one of the top options for 3D animation, modeling, rendering, and simulation. It works with all modern Mac computers and will allow you to create animations, terrains, backgrounds, motion graphics, and VR content.

Features:

  • The UV editor interface is very intuitive and easy to use. It also gives you so many options through the UV Toolkit. Editing your animations has never been easier.
  • It comes with a clump modifier that lets you interactively groom your animations.
  • Features a link to Adobe After Effects so you can make adjustments on the fly.

Maya

4. Harmony

Harmony is a professional 2D subscription-based software that will allow you to create animations and backgrounds with ease.

Whether you want to animate, render, or simulate different graphics and backgrounds, you can get it all done with Harmony. It is fully compatible with Macs.

Features:

  • Three subscription options: Premium, Advanced, and Essentials.
  • Essential feature vector drawing, while the other two also include Bitmap.
  • Render quality can go from HD to 8K depending on your subscription.
  • Includes recoloring, rotoscoping, advanced vector pencil lines, multiplayer, and 3D environment support.

Harmony

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

Part2: Professional Animation Software for Windows

1. Adobe Animate CC

Want to design interactive vector animations? Whether you are hoping to use them for games, apps, or your website, you can create them using Adobe Animate CC.

With the might of Adobe, you know that you are getting a quality product that will get frequent updates and enhancements.

Features:

  • Some newer enhancements include the ability to layer depth and add camera enhancements.
  • Advanced code wizard allows you to add actions to events using the HTML5 canvas.
  • The Animation Timeline is more powerful than ever. You can also use presets for managing the speed of your animations.
  • HiDPI support.

Adobe Animate CC

2. Poser Pro

The best tool for a digital artist who wants to create 3D character animations and illustrations, the Poser Pro 11.1 is available for a one-time purchase.

It may not be necessary for beginners to spend big money on animation software.

But professionals who want the best quality characters and background will be delighted with the features on offer.

Features:

  • SuperFly delivers the power of physically based rendering to Poser. You can render light in the way that it is meant to look.
  • The Realtime Comic Book preview feature is even better on this version of the program. Now you can get full access to your animations, while you can edit them using the convenient toolbars.
  • The actor selection feature makes it so easy to go back and forth between the different characters you create.

Poser Pro

3. DigiCel FlipBook

Beginners who are struggling to understand some features of other programs will love FlipBook.

It is the simplest 2D animation software you will find online. But the best part is that despite its simplicity, it gives you the power and flexibility of other programs.

Features:

  • Drawing, scanning, importing, and painting is very easy with this program.
  • The intuitive interface means that if you want to make changes to your animations, you can do it within minutes.
  • Using it with a tablet is very helpful, as you can draw straight onto the program.
  • Add music and sync it with your animations.

FlipBook

4. iClone

Touted as the fastest 3D-animation software available, iClone will let you produce animations that have a professional quality, but you can do it in a quick time. When you have a deadline, or you need to render many images, this program is so useful.

Features:

  • Advanced tools that allow you to curve edit, incorporate PhysX simulating, and create organic morphs.
  • Delivers artistic real-time 3D visuals.
  • Unlimited plugin expansion and support.
  • On-demand community content and accessories.

iClone

Conclusion

With the above eight programs, you may many options when you make professional animated videos. You can create high-quality 3D background, terrain, objects, and characters.

And when you are finished with your animations, you may be thinking about editing the files or creating a larger story out of them.

Using Filmora will help you a lot with the editing process. It is an all-in-one video and animation file editor for both Windows and Mac computers.

Download Filmora9 Win Version Download Filmora9 Mac Version

Download Filmora9 Mac Version

author avatar

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

If you are not satisfied with some free animation options available on Windows and Mac, you may need to invest some money in a great program.

Those who want their animations to have a professional quality will need to find professional animation software. It will let you make a professional animated video to your heart’s content.

While these programs do come with an upfront cost, you are paying for the best features, troubleshooting, support, and graphical quality.

Those who create animation for business reasons will have much use for such software. Here are 8 of the best professional animation software options for Windows and Mac.

Part1: Professional Animation Software for Mac

1. Blender

The beauty of blender is that it is a free program that still gives you all the features you would expect from a professional package.

It is a free, open-source and one of the best options for 3D animating. Whether you want to model, rig, animate, simulate, map, render or motion tracking, you can do it with Blender

Features:

  • The rendering, modeling, and animation features are top of the line. They are comparable with expensive software.
  • You have the ability to create VFX, simulations, and integrate pipeline tools.
  • You can create games, edit videos, and create scripts all within the program.

2. ZBrush

Hoping to create high-class 3D objects that are going to wow your audience? If you need to create 3D objects for a business video or to promote your personal brand, ZBrush is a terrific option.

It has some of the best features for digital sculpting that you will find in any program.

Features:

  • Unlike other programs, you are not restricted by polygon distribution. Sculpt all you want!
  • Options for single user or volume licenses - useful for businesses!
  • Rated as one of the best programs for sculpting in 2018.

ZBrush

3. Maya

Maya is one of the top options for 3D animation, modeling, rendering, and simulation. It works with all modern Mac computers and will allow you to create animations, terrains, backgrounds, motion graphics, and VR content.

Features:

  • The UV editor interface is very intuitive and easy to use. It also gives you so many options through the UV Toolkit. Editing your animations has never been easier.
  • It comes with a clump modifier that lets you interactively groom your animations.
  • Features a link to Adobe After Effects so you can make adjustments on the fly.

Maya

4. Harmony

Harmony is a professional 2D subscription-based software that will allow you to create animations and backgrounds with ease.

Whether you want to animate, render, or simulate different graphics and backgrounds, you can get it all done with Harmony. It is fully compatible with Macs.

Features:

  • Three subscription options: Premium, Advanced, and Essentials.
  • Essential feature vector drawing, while the other two also include Bitmap.
  • Render quality can go from HD to 8K depending on your subscription.
  • Includes recoloring, rotoscoping, advanced vector pencil lines, multiplayer, and 3D environment support.

Harmony

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

Part2: Professional Animation Software for Windows

1. Adobe Animate CC

Want to design interactive vector animations? Whether you are hoping to use them for games, apps, or your website, you can create them using Adobe Animate CC.

With the might of Adobe, you know that you are getting a quality product that will get frequent updates and enhancements.

Features:

  • Some newer enhancements include the ability to layer depth and add camera enhancements.
  • Advanced code wizard allows you to add actions to events using the HTML5 canvas.
  • The Animation Timeline is more powerful than ever. You can also use presets for managing the speed of your animations.
  • HiDPI support.

Adobe Animate CC

2. Poser Pro

The best tool for a digital artist who wants to create 3D character animations and illustrations, the Poser Pro 11.1 is available for a one-time purchase.

It may not be necessary for beginners to spend big money on animation software.

But professionals who want the best quality characters and background will be delighted with the features on offer.

Features:

  • SuperFly delivers the power of physically based rendering to Poser. You can render light in the way that it is meant to look.
  • The Realtime Comic Book preview feature is even better on this version of the program. Now you can get full access to your animations, while you can edit them using the convenient toolbars.
  • The actor selection feature makes it so easy to go back and forth between the different characters you create.

Poser Pro

3. DigiCel FlipBook

Beginners who are struggling to understand some features of other programs will love FlipBook.

It is the simplest 2D animation software you will find online. But the best part is that despite its simplicity, it gives you the power and flexibility of other programs.

Features:

  • Drawing, scanning, importing, and painting is very easy with this program.
  • The intuitive interface means that if you want to make changes to your animations, you can do it within minutes.
  • Using it with a tablet is very helpful, as you can draw straight onto the program.
  • Add music and sync it with your animations.

FlipBook

4. iClone

Touted as the fastest 3D-animation software available, iClone will let you produce animations that have a professional quality, but you can do it in a quick time. When you have a deadline, or you need to render many images, this program is so useful.

Features:

  • Advanced tools that allow you to curve edit, incorporate PhysX simulating, and create organic morphs.
  • Delivers artistic real-time 3D visuals.
  • Unlimited plugin expansion and support.
  • On-demand community content and accessories.

iClone

Conclusion

With the above eight programs, you may many options when you make professional animated videos. You can create high-quality 3D background, terrain, objects, and characters.

And when you are finished with your animations, you may be thinking about editing the files or creating a larger story out of them.

Using Filmora will help you a lot with the editing process. It is an all-in-one video and animation file editor for both Windows and Mac computers.

Download Filmora9 Win Version Download Filmora9 Mac Version

Download Filmora9 Mac Version

author avatar

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

If you are not satisfied with some free animation options available on Windows and Mac, you may need to invest some money in a great program.

Those who want their animations to have a professional quality will need to find professional animation software. It will let you make a professional animated video to your heart’s content.

While these programs do come with an upfront cost, you are paying for the best features, troubleshooting, support, and graphical quality.

Those who create animation for business reasons will have much use for such software. Here are 8 of the best professional animation software options for Windows and Mac.

Part1: Professional Animation Software for Mac

1. Blender

The beauty of blender is that it is a free program that still gives you all the features you would expect from a professional package.

It is a free, open-source and one of the best options for 3D animating. Whether you want to model, rig, animate, simulate, map, render or motion tracking, you can do it with Blender

Features:

  • The rendering, modeling, and animation features are top of the line. They are comparable with expensive software.
  • You have the ability to create VFX, simulations, and integrate pipeline tools.
  • You can create games, edit videos, and create scripts all within the program.

2. ZBrush

Hoping to create high-class 3D objects that are going to wow your audience? If you need to create 3D objects for a business video or to promote your personal brand, ZBrush is a terrific option.

It has some of the best features for digital sculpting that you will find in any program.

Features:

  • Unlike other programs, you are not restricted by polygon distribution. Sculpt all you want!
  • Options for single user or volume licenses - useful for businesses!
  • Rated as one of the best programs for sculpting in 2018.

ZBrush

3. Maya

Maya is one of the top options for 3D animation, modeling, rendering, and simulation. It works with all modern Mac computers and will allow you to create animations, terrains, backgrounds, motion graphics, and VR content.

Features:

  • The UV editor interface is very intuitive and easy to use. It also gives you so many options through the UV Toolkit. Editing your animations has never been easier.
  • It comes with a clump modifier that lets you interactively groom your animations.
  • Features a link to Adobe After Effects so you can make adjustments on the fly.

Maya

4. Harmony

Harmony is a professional 2D subscription-based software that will allow you to create animations and backgrounds with ease.

Whether you want to animate, render, or simulate different graphics and backgrounds, you can get it all done with Harmony. It is fully compatible with Macs.

Features:

  • Three subscription options: Premium, Advanced, and Essentials.
  • Essential feature vector drawing, while the other two also include Bitmap.
  • Render quality can go from HD to 8K depending on your subscription.
  • Includes recoloring, rotoscoping, advanced vector pencil lines, multiplayer, and 3D environment support.

Harmony

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

Part2: Professional Animation Software for Windows

1. Adobe Animate CC

Want to design interactive vector animations? Whether you are hoping to use them for games, apps, or your website, you can create them using Adobe Animate CC.

With the might of Adobe, you know that you are getting a quality product that will get frequent updates and enhancements.

Features:

  • Some newer enhancements include the ability to layer depth and add camera enhancements.
  • Advanced code wizard allows you to add actions to events using the HTML5 canvas.
  • The Animation Timeline is more powerful than ever. You can also use presets for managing the speed of your animations.
  • HiDPI support.

Adobe Animate CC

2. Poser Pro

The best tool for a digital artist who wants to create 3D character animations and illustrations, the Poser Pro 11.1 is available for a one-time purchase.

It may not be necessary for beginners to spend big money on animation software.

But professionals who want the best quality characters and background will be delighted with the features on offer.

Features:

  • SuperFly delivers the power of physically based rendering to Poser. You can render light in the way that it is meant to look.
  • The Realtime Comic Book preview feature is even better on this version of the program. Now you can get full access to your animations, while you can edit them using the convenient toolbars.
  • The actor selection feature makes it so easy to go back and forth between the different characters you create.

Poser Pro

3. DigiCel FlipBook

Beginners who are struggling to understand some features of other programs will love FlipBook.

It is the simplest 2D animation software you will find online. But the best part is that despite its simplicity, it gives you the power and flexibility of other programs.

Features:

  • Drawing, scanning, importing, and painting is very easy with this program.
  • The intuitive interface means that if you want to make changes to your animations, you can do it within minutes.
  • Using it with a tablet is very helpful, as you can draw straight onto the program.
  • Add music and sync it with your animations.

FlipBook

4. iClone

Touted as the fastest 3D-animation software available, iClone will let you produce animations that have a professional quality, but you can do it in a quick time. When you have a deadline, or you need to render many images, this program is so useful.

Features:

  • Advanced tools that allow you to curve edit, incorporate PhysX simulating, and create organic morphs.
  • Delivers artistic real-time 3D visuals.
  • Unlimited plugin expansion and support.
  • On-demand community content and accessories.

iClone

Conclusion

With the above eight programs, you may many options when you make professional animated videos. You can create high-quality 3D background, terrain, objects, and characters.

And when you are finished with your animations, you may be thinking about editing the files or creating a larger story out of them.

Using Filmora will help you a lot with the editing process. It is an all-in-one video and animation file editor for both Windows and Mac computers.

Download Filmora9 Win Version Download Filmora9 Mac Version

Download Filmora9 Mac Version

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Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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Also read:

  • Title: 2024 Approved FCPX Hacks and Workarounds Expert Advice for Smooth Editing
  • Author: Giselle
  • Created at : 2024-05-19 07:47:05
  • Updated at : 2024-05-20 07:47:05
  • Link: https://ai-vdieo-software.techidaily.com/2024-approved-fcpx-hacks-and-workarounds-expert-advice-for-smooth-editing/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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2024 Approved FCPX Hacks and Workarounds Expert Advice for Smooth Editing