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If you’ve ever tried to edit a video – whether it’s for YouTube, TikTok, or a family archive – you’ve probably encountered one of two problems:
That’s where HitFilm Express comes in. This is a free video editor with a set of features that used to be available only in expensive platforms like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut. But there are nuances – now I’ll tell you what’s good about it, what’s not so good, and who it’s suitable for.
HitFilm Express is a free video editor with a focus on visual effects (VFX), editing, 3D composition and basic color correction. It’s made by the guys at FXhome, who have been working on this topic for a while now.
The program is compatible with Windows and macOS, and even on not the newest computers. It supports MP4, MOV, and other familiar formats. You can even edit 4K videos if you have patience and a decent video card.
No “watermarks”, no time or export restrictions. Everything you need for ordinary or even semi-professional editing is already there. There are, of course, paid addons, but they are not necessary.
If you wanted to add explosions, lightsabers or teleportation to your short movie, Express can do it. There’s a built-in engine for compositing, chromakey (green screen) and working with 3D objects.
You don’t need After Effects. Texts, titles, animations – everything can be done in HitFilm. Built-in timeline editor allows you to work with keyframes like in pro software.
If you’re just starting out, there’s built-in training and tons of free tutorials on YouTube. Even the official HitFilm channel regularly posts videos like: “How to edit videos for YouTube”, “Color correction in 10 minutes”, or “What to do if exporting doesn’t work”.
If you’re used to simple programs like iMovie or Clipchamp, you might be a little lost at first. HitFilm Express interface is more like a professional desktop than a cozy app for slicing family videos. But you get used to it.
Yes, though medium-powered computers can be used to work with Express, in case of a heavy project, one will hardly do without GPU acceleration. Therefore, do not wait to be a miracle when you have a 2015 laptop.
Sometimes export is slow. There are also instances when it is not properly applied to the filter. It is not a disaster, though, it would be preferable to test everything in case you are editing to order.
Those who want the simplest possible interface
Owners of old laptops without video card
Those who need deep color correction and work with sound on the level of DaVinci Resolve.
HitFilm Express is not a perfect video editor, but it’s a very decent one. It gives you a real lot of options with no fees, no water, and no subscription.
If you need a free video editor for youtube, want to do motion graphics, or just edit 4K without watermarks, give it a try. You lose nothing but a couple hours to figure out how it all works.
Yes, HitFilm Express is free — even if you’re editing content for YouTube, freelance work, or client videos. You don’t need to pay to use it for commercial purposes, and your exports won’t have watermarks.
HitFilm Express runs on both Windows and macOS, but it works best with a dedicated GPU and at least 8GB of RAM. You can install it on a low-end PC, but performance may drop when editing 4K video or using visual effects (VFX).
Yes, it includes a built-in chroma key editor. You can easily remove green screen backgrounds and add custom visuals using its powerful video compositing tools — great for VFX-heavy content or cinematic intros.
Absolutely. HitFilm Express is a great free video editor for beginners, especially for YouTube creators. It includes motion graphics tools, timeline editing, and tons of free tutorials to help you get started, even if you’ve never edited before.
Compared to DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro, HitFilm Express offers a more VFX-focused workflow with strong 3D editing, video compositing, and special effects support. It’s totally free, while the others require paid licenses. That said, Resolve has more advanced color grading, and Premiere integrates better with Adobe tools.
