Create your first video course
Best Editing Software for PC and Mac
Choosing the right video editing software can make the difference between efficient course creation and frustrating technical battles. With dozens of options available, each with different strengths, pricing models, and learning curves, the choice can feel overwhelming.
But here's the reality: the best editing software is the one you'll actually use consistently. The most feature-rich program won't help if it's too complex for your needs or too expensive for your budget.
This comprehensive guide reviews the top editing software options for course creators, comparing features, ease of use, pricing, and workflow efficiency to help you make the right choice for your specific situation.
How to Choose Video Editing Software
Essential Features for Course Content
Before diving into specific software, understand what course creators actually need:
Must-have features:
- Multi-track timeline: Layer video, audio, and graphics
- Basic color correction: Adjust exposure and white balance
- Audio editing: Noise reduction, volume adjustment, sync tools
- Text and titles: Lower thirds, captions, and graphics
- Export presets: Optimized settings for online platforms
- Screen recording integration: For software tutorials and demos
Nice-to-have features:
- Motion graphics: Animated text and graphics
- Advanced color grading: Professional color correction tools
- Multi-camera editing: Sync and switch between camera angles
- Collaboration tools: Share projects with team members
- Plugin support: Expand capabilities with third-party tools
Key Decision Factors
1. Your Technical Skill Level
Beginner: Simple interface, built-in templates, drag-and-drop functionality
Intermediate: More control, customizable workflows, moderate learning curve
Advanced: Professional features, extensive customization, steep but rewarding learning curve
2. Content Type Requirements
Screen recordings + talking head: Focus on screen capture integration and picture-in-picture
Presentation-style courses: Emphasize text tools, transitions, and graphics
Hands-on demonstrations: Multi-camera support and detailed editing control
Interview/conversation courses: Strong audio tools and multi-track editing
3. Budget and Business Model
Hobby/testing: Free or low-cost options work fine
Side business: Mid-range tools provide good value
Full-time creator: Professional tools become cost-effective
4. Operating System and Hardware
Mac users: More software options, generally better performance
PC users: Wider range of options, more budget-friendly choices
Hardware limitations: Some software requires powerful computers
Best Software for Mac Users
iMovie (Free)
Best for: Complete beginners who need basic editing
Overview
iMovie comes free with every Mac and provides a gentle introduction to video editing. Its simplified interface makes basic editing accessible to anyone, though it lacks advanced features needed for complex courses.
Strengths
- Completely free: No ongoing costs or feature limitations
- Extremely user-friendly: Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop editing
- Built-in content: Music, sound effects, and title templates included
- Seamless integration: Works perfectly with other Apple apps and services
- 4K support: Can edit high-resolution footage despite being entry-level
- Quick sharing: Direct upload to YouTube, Vimeo, and other platforms
Limitations
- Basic features only: No advanced color grading, limited audio tools
- No screen recording: Must use separate software for screen capture
- Limited customization: Templates and effects can't be heavily modified
- Mac only: Not available for PC users
- No professional workflows: Lacks multicam, advanced timeline features
Best Use Cases
- First-time course creators testing the waters
- Simple talking-head courses with minimal editing needs
- Budget-conscious creators who need basic functionality
- Quick and dirty edits for social media or preview content
Workflow Integration
Typical iMovie course creation workflow:
1. Record video with QuickTime or external camera
2. Import footage into iMovie
3. Basic cuts, transitions, and title additions
4. Simple audio adjustments
5. Export directly to course platform
Time investment: 2-3 hours to learn basics, very fast editing once comfortable
ScreenFlow ($170)
Best for: Course creators focusing on screen-based tutorials
Overview
ScreenFlow was designed specifically for educators and course creators. It combines screen recording with video editing in one seamless package, making it ideal for software tutorials, presentations, and demonstration-heavy courses.
Strengths
- Integrated screen recording: Record and edit in the same application
- Picture-in-picture optimization: Easy camera overlay on screen recordings
- Educational focus: Features designed specifically for teaching
- Annotation tools: Built-in callouts, arrows, and highlights
- High-quality output: Excellent compression for online delivery
- Template system: Reusable setups for consistent course styling
Advanced Features
- Multi-device recording: Capture iOS devices directly
- Closed caption support: Add accessible subtitles easily
- Stock media library: Built-in music and graphics
- Touch callouts: Highlight cursor clicks and keystrokes
- Zoom and pan: Smooth focus transitions during screen recording
Limitations
- Mac only: No PC version available
- Screen-recording focus: Less powerful for traditional video editing
- Learning curve: More complex than iMovie, simpler than professional tools
- One-time cost: Higher upfront investment than subscription tools
Best Use Cases
- Software tutorials and demonstrations
- Presentation-style courses with slides
- App and website walkthroughs
- Technical training and how-to content
- Courses requiring frequent screen capture
Workflow Example
Complete ScreenFlow course creation process:
1. Plan lesson content and prepare screen elements
2. Record screen and camera simultaneously in ScreenFlow
3. Edit directly in timeline with built-in tools
4. Add callouts, annotations, and transitions
5. Export with optimized settings for course platform
Learning timeline: 1-2 weeks to become proficient, very efficient for screen-based content
Final Cut Pro ($300)
Best for: Serious course creators who want professional results
Overview
Final Cut Pro represents Apple's professional video editing solution. It offers broadcast-quality tools with an interface that's more approachable than many competitors. For course creators planning to make video education their primary business, Final Cut Pro provides room to grow.
Professional Features
- Magnetic timeline: Innovative editing approach that prevents sync issues
- Advanced color grading: Professional color wheels, curves, and LUTs
- Motion graphics integration: Seamless integration with Apple Motion
- Multicam editing: Up to 64 camera angles with automatic sync
- 360-degree video support: Future-ready for VR/AR content
- Advanced audio tools: Professional mixing and effects
Course Creator Benefits
- Proxy workflows: Edit smoothly even with 4K footage on older Macs
- Compound clips: Create reusable elements like intro/outro sequences
- Role-based editing: Organize timeline by content type (dialogue, music, effects)
- Advanced text tools: Sophisticated title creation and animation
- Export flexibility: Extensive presets for different platforms and quality levels
Learning Curve and Investment
Time to proficiency: 2-3 months for advanced features, 2-3 weeks for basic competency
Hardware requirements: Works best on newer Macs with adequate RAM (16GB+)
ROI consideration: Cost-effective for creators planning multiple courses or premium content
Limitations
- Mac exclusive: No PC version available
- Professional complexity: Many features unnecessary for simple courses
- Storage requirements: Large project files and render caches
- Motion graphics learning curve: Advanced animations require separate Motion app
Best Use Cases
- High-production value courses with multiple camera angles
- Courses with complex animations and motion graphics
- Professional course creators building a substantial content library
- Multi-format content creation (courses, marketing videos, social content)
Adobe Premiere Pro ($23/month)
Best for: Course creators wanting industry-standard tools
Overview
Premiere Pro is the industry standard for professional video editing, used by Hollywood studios and independent creators alike. For course creators, it offers unmatched flexibility and integration with other creative tools.
Industry-Leading Features
- Professional editing tools: Advanced timeline, trimming, and organization
- Dynamic Link integration: Seamless workflow with After Effects, Audition, Photoshop
- Team collaboration: Cloud-based project sharing and version control
- Advanced audio: Professional mixing board and effects
- VR and immersive content: 360-degree video editing capabilities
- Regular updates: New features added monthly
Course Creation Advantages
- Screen recording integration: Works with various screen capture tools
- Template marketplace: Thousands of templates and presets available
- Multi-format timeline: Mix different resolutions and frame rates easily
- Advanced text and graphics: Professional title tools and animations
- Color matching: Automatic color correction between clips
- Audio ducking: Automatically lower music during speech
Creative Cloud Ecosystem
Complementary applications:
- After Effects: Advanced motion graphics and animations
- Audition: Professional audio editing and podcast production
- Photoshop: Graphics creation and photo editing
- Media Encoder: Background rendering and format conversion
Investment Considerations
Subscription model: $23/month for individual app, $53/month for full Creative Cloud
Learning investment: 3-6 months to master advanced features
Hardware requirements: Demands powerful computer for smooth performance
Long-term value: Excellent for creators planning extensive content creation
Best Use Cases
- Professional course creators with complex editing needs
- Multi-platform content creation (courses, marketing, social media)
- Collaboration projects with team members
- Courses requiring advanced graphics and animations
- Creators planning to scale into broader content creation
Best Software for PC Users
Camtasia ($300)
Best for: Course creators who want simplicity with professional results
Overview
Camtasia was designed specifically for educational content creators. It combines screen recording, video editing, and asset creation in one package that's both powerful and approachable.
Education-Focused Features
- Integrated screen recording: Capture and edit in one application
- Cursor effects: Highlight clicks, keystrokes, and mouse movement
- Callout tools: Built-in arrows, shapes, and annotations
- Device frames: Smartphone and tablet frames for mobile app demos
- Green screen: Easy background replacement for presenters
- Interactive elements: Add quizzes and hotspots (platform dependent)
User Experience
- Template library: Professional intro/outro templates and graphics
- Asset library: Royalty-free music, images, and icons
- Simple timeline: Linear editing that's easy to understand
- Quick sharing: Direct upload to YouTube, Vimeo, and learning platforms
- Consistent updates: Regular feature additions and improvements
Workflow Efficiency
Typical Camtasia workflow:
1. Plan lesson and prepare screen elements
2. Record screen, camera, and audio simultaneously
3. Edit in unified timeline with drag-and-drop simplicity
4. Add callouts, annotations, and branding elements
5. Export with platform-optimized presets
Learning timeline: 1-2 weeks to become productive, very intuitive interface
Limitations
- Windows and Mac only: No cloud or mobile editing options
- Limited advanced features: Not suitable for complex motion graphics
- One-time cost: Higher upfront investment than subscription tools
- Rendering speed: Can be slow with longer videos on older hardware
Best Use Cases
- Software tutorials and app demonstrations
- Business and professional training content
- Presentation-style courses with screen sharing
- Creators who want professional results without complexity
Adobe Premiere Pro (Cross-Platform)
See Mac section above for detailed review
PC-specific considerations:
- Hardware compatibility: Works with wider range of graphics cards
- Cost efficiency: Often less expensive than Mac hardware for same performance
- Customization options: More hardware upgrade paths available
DaVinci Resolve (Free/Paid)
Best for: Budget-conscious creators who want professional tools
Overview
DaVinci Resolve offers professional-grade editing, color correction, audio production, and visual effects in one application. The free version includes most features needed for course creation, making it an exceptional value.
Professional Features (Free Version)
- Advanced color grading: Industry-leading color correction tools
- Multi-user collaboration: Multiple editors can work on same project
- Audio production: Full digital audio workstation (DAW) included
- Visual effects: Fusion VFX compositor integrated
- Professional delivery: Advanced export options and quality control
Course Creator Benefits
- No watermarks: Free version doesn't limit output quality
- Regular updates: Frequent feature additions and improvements
- Learning resources: Extensive official training materials
- Professional workflow: Tools used in Hollywood productions
- Future-proof: Skills transfer to professional video work
Learning Investment
Initial learning curve: Steeper than simple tools but extensive documentation available
Time to basic proficiency: 3-4 weeks for fundamental features
Advanced mastery: 6+ months to fully utilize professional features
Community support: Large user community and forums
Hardware Requirements
Minimum specs: 8GB RAM, dedicated graphics card recommended
Optimal performance: 16GB+ RAM, modern GPU with 4GB+ VRAM
Storage: Fast SSD storage for smooth playback and rendering
Limitations
- Complexity: Can be overwhelming for simple editing needs
- Hardware demands: Requires powerful computer for smooth operation
- Learning curve: More complex than tools designed for beginners
- Interface density: Many features can feel cluttered initially
Best Use Cases
- Budget-conscious creators wanting professional tools
- Courses requiring advanced color grading or visual effects
- Creators planning to scale into professional video work
- Technical users comfortable with complex software
Cross-Platform Options
Descript (Subscription: $15-30/month)
Best for: Creators who prefer text-based editing workflows
Revolutionary Approach
Descript transforms video editing into a document-editing experience. Instead of working with timelines, you edit transcripts, and the video changes automatically.
Unique Features
- Transcription-based editing: Edit video by editing text
- Overdub technology: AI voice cloning for corrections
- Filler word removal: Automatic "um" and "uh" elimination
- Multi-track editing: Simple timeline for complex projects
- Collaboration tools: Comment and review system
- Publishing integration: Direct publishing to podcast platforms
Course Creation Workflow
- Upload video: Automatic transcription generated
- Edit transcript: Cut, copy, paste text to edit video
- Add elements: Insert images, titles, and graphics
- Refine audio: Built-in audio enhancement tools
- Export or publish: Various format options
Strengths for Course Creators
- Speed: Much faster than traditional editing for talking-head content
- Accuracy: Easy to ensure perfect cuts and remove mistakes
- Accessibility: Automatic captions and transcripts included
- Simplicity: No video editing experience required
- Collaboration: Easy review and feedback process
Limitations
- Text-dependent: Less suitable for visual-heavy content
- Limited effects: Fewer motion graphics and animation options
- Subscription only: No one-time purchase option
- Internet required: Cloud-based processing for many features
Best Use Cases
- Interview and conversation-based courses
- Podcast-style educational content
- Courses with minimal visual elements
- Creators who prioritize speed over visual complexity
CapCut (Free)
Best for: Simple courses and social media content
Overview
CapCut, developed by ByteDance (TikTok's parent company), offers a surprisingly capable free editing experience with a focus on social media and mobile-friendly content.
Key Features
- Completely free: No watermarks or feature limitations
- Cloud sync: Projects sync across devices
- Template system: Quick-start templates for various content types
- AI features: Auto-captions, background removal, and enhancement
- Music library: Royalty-free music and sound effects
- Export flexibility: Various resolutions and quality settings
Course Creator Benefits
- Zero cost: Excellent for testing course creation viability
- Ease of use: Very intuitive interface for beginners
- Quick turnaround: Fast rendering and export times
- Mobile editing: Continue editing on phone or tablet
- Regular updates: Frequent feature additions
Limitations
- Basic features: Limited compared to professional tools
- Cloud dependency: Requires internet for full functionality
- Data privacy: Concerns about ByteDance data handling
- Limited precision: Not suitable for complex editing needs
Best Use Cases
- Simple talking-head courses
- Quick social media content creation
- Budget-conscious creators starting out
- Courses targeting younger, social media-savvy audiences
Specialized Tools for Specific Needs
OBS Studio (Free)
Best for: Live streaming and real-time content creation
While primarily known for live streaming, OBS Studio also records high-quality video and can replace expensive screen recording software.
Strengths:
- Completely free and open-source
- Excellent screen recording capabilities
- Real-time effects and overlays
- Multi-source recording (screen, camera, audio)
- Plugin ecosystem for extended functionality
Best for:
- Live course delivery and interaction
- Screen recording for software tutorials
- Multi-camera setups and switching
- Creators comfortable with technical setup
Loom (Freemium)
Best for: Quick tutorial creation and team communication
Loom specializes in fast, simple screen and camera recording with built-in sharing and basic editing.
Strengths:
- Instant recording and sharing
- Automatic transcription
- Simple trimming and editing
- Team collaboration features
- Browser-based recording
Best for:
- Quick demonstration videos
- Team training and communication
- Simple tutorials and explanations
- Creators who prioritize speed over production value
Making Your Decision: A Framework
Step 1: Assess Your Current Situation
Experience level:
- Never edited video: Start with iMovie, CapCut, or Camtasia
- Some experience: Consider ScreenFlow, Descript, or entry-level professional tools
- Experienced: Jump to Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve
Content type:
- Screen tutorials: Prioritize ScreenFlow, Camtasia, or OBS Studio
- Talking head: Any tool works; focus on ease of use
- Complex demonstrations: Need professional tools with multi-camera support
- Interview/conversation: Descript excels here
Budget reality:
- $0: iMovie (Mac), DaVinci Resolve, CapCut, or OBS Studio
- Under $200: ScreenFlow, one-time software purchases
- Monthly budget: Premiere Pro, Descript, or other subscription tools
- Professional investment: Final Cut Pro, Camtasia, or comprehensive suites
Step 2: Consider Your Growth Path
Testing phase: Start with free or low-cost options
Scaling up: Choose tools that can grow with your needs
Professional level: Invest in tools that support complex workflows
Step 3: Trial and Test
Most software offers free trials:
- Download and test 2-3 options
- Edit a sample lesson with each
- Consider learning curve and workflow fit
- Make decision based on actual experience
Software Comparison Matrix
| Software | Platform | Price | Difficulty | Best For | Screen Recording |
|----------|----------|--------|------------|----------|------------------|
| iMovie | Mac | Free | Beginner | Simple courses | No |
| ScreenFlow | Mac | $170 | Intermediate | Screen tutorials | Yes |
| Final Cut Pro | Mac | $300 | Advanced | Professional content | No |
| Camtasia | Win/Mac | $300 | Beginner | Educational content | Yes |
| Premiere Pro | Win/Mac | $23/mo | Advanced | Professional projects | External |
| DaVinci Resolve | Win/Mac/Linux | Free/$300 | Advanced | Color-critical work | No |
| Descript | Web/Win/Mac | $15/mo | Beginner | Text-based editing | Yes |
| CapCut | Win/Mac/Mobile | Free | Beginner | Social content | Limited |
Getting Started: Your First 30 Days
Week 1: Research and Trial
- Download 2-3 software options based on your needs
- Watch basic tutorials for each option
- Test with sample footage or screen recordings
- Note ease of use and feature availability
Week 2: Deep Dive
- Choose your primary software
- Complete basic tutorial course or documentation
- Edit your first complete lesson
- Identify workflow pain points
Week 3: Optimization
- Create templates for consistent styling
- Set up efficient project organization
- Learn keyboard shortcuts for speed
- Refine export settings for your platform
Week 4: Production
- Edit multiple lessons using your refined workflow
- Gather feedback on output quality
- Adjust processes based on real-world use
- Plan for any upgrades or changes needed
Advanced Considerations
Hardware Requirements
Minimum specs for smooth editing:
- Processor: Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (newer generations preferred)
- RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB recommended, 32GB for 4K editing
- Storage: SSD for operating system and active projects
- Graphics: Dedicated GPU helps with rendering and effects
Software-specific requirements:
- DaVinci Resolve: Requires powerful graphics card
- Premiere Pro: Benefits from Adobe-optimized hardware
- Final Cut Pro: Optimized for Apple Silicon Macs
Collaboration and Team Workflows
For team-based course creation:
- Premiere Pro: Excellent team projects and version control
- DaVinci Resolve: Multi-user collaboration features
- Descript: Built-in review and comment system
- Cloud storage: Essential for sharing large video files
Future-Proofing Your Choice
Consider long-term needs:
- Will you create more complex content over time?
- Do you plan to expand into other types of video content?
- Will you work with team members or collaborators?
- How important is staying current with industry standards?
Key Takeaways
- Start simple: Choose software that matches your current skill level and needs
- Content drives choice: Screen tutorials need different tools than talking-head courses
- Budget wisely: Free options can be excellent; expensive doesn't always mean better
- Plan for growth: Consider where your course creation business is heading
- Trial before committing: Most software offers free trials — use them
- Workflow matters more than features: The best software is the one you'll use consistently
- Learning is an investment: Factor in time to learn new software
- Hardware compatibility: Ensure your computer can run your chosen software smoothly
Remember: The goal is creating valuable content for your students, not winning video editing awards. Choose software that helps you create consistently without getting in the way of your teaching.
What's Next?
Next up: Export Your Course Videos for Publishing
This article is part of the Ultimate Guide to Creating and Selling Online Video Courses. Explore other parts of the guide:
- How to Get Ideas for Your Video Course
- How to Validate Your Course Idea
- How to Turn Ideas Into a Lesson Plan