Lightworks

Lightworks

Price: $

Lightworks is a professional-grade video editing software that offers studio-level tools. When talking about legacy, this is literally a Hollywood video editing software. Movies like Pulp Fiction and The King's Speech were edited on this software, which is a major testimony to its capability. It is available cross-platform, including Windows.

Generous free version

Lightworks has both free and paid versions. The free plan is surprisingly sufficient, with features like real-time effects, precise timeline editing, and multicam workflows. The only downside is that the export resolution is a maximum of 720p. 

If you want higher export resolutions, you will have to upgrade the Lightworks Create or Pro, which includes up to 4K exports, social media templates, dynamic motion graphics, and so much more. The Pro is the top tier, while Create is the mid tier.

Features and functionality

Advanced timeline editing

The video editor provides a highly responsive, professional-style user interface. The timelines are neatly organized with two options to select from, fixed or flexible. In fixed, the UI is fixed, but in the flexible, you can organize the workspace as you want. You can then trim, ripple, and roll edit, drag-and-drop items, and get real-time feedback.

Multicam editing

Switching between different camera angles is seamless in this video editor. You can sync and cut multiple video tracks with ease, making it a great option for interviews, live events, or vlogs with multiple viewpoints.

Real-time effects and color correction

For color correction, Lightworks includes a solid selection of effects that can be layered and previewed in real-time. For further enhancement, it also has LUT support and detailed color grading tools—ideal for achieving cinematic visuals.

Extensive format support

Lightworks provides FFmpeg integration, which can handle nearly any video or audio format you throw at it. Whether you're working with MP4, ProRes, DNxHD, or MOV, the software won't flinch. This is one of the biggest challenges that other video editors face.

Cloud export and workflow integration

Lightworks allows users to directly upload content to YouTube or Vimeo without the need to open and manually upload on the platforms. With Create and Pro, users also get options for cloud storage, project collaboration, and more sophisticated delivery formats for broadcast use.

Worth using?

While the learning curve is arguably a bit steep, Lightworks is an exceptional editor that can go toe-to-toe with other premium editing suites. It one-ups the competitors by providing a free version that should be sufficient for beginner content creators. The free version is powerful enough for most solo creators, while the Create and Pro versions unlock all the bells and whistles serious editors need.

For aspiring filmmakers, YouTubers, and anyone serious about high-quality production, Lightworks is worth trying.

Best use case: Ideal for semi-professional editors, indie creators, and filmmakers looking for serious power without the Adobe subscription.