HitFilm Express stands as a unique entry in the video production landscape, merging non-linear editing with professional-grade visual effects compositing in a single interface. While active development concluded in early 2025 with the sunsetting of FXhome products, this software remains a sought-after tool for creators who need advanced 3D capabilities without a subscription cost. Users on Windows 10 and Windows 11 continue to utilize its unified timeline to handle everything from basic cuts to complex sci-fi visual effects.
Key Features
- Unified 3D Compositor: Integrates a layer-based compositing environment directly into the editing workflow, allowing creators to build complex 3D scenes, muzzle flashes, or lighting effects without switching software.
- Advanced Particle Simulator: Offers a dedicated particle engine that generates realistic rain, fire, smoke, and debris, a feature rarely found in free-tier editors.
- Professional Keying Tools: Includes high-quality chroma key and spill suppression filters that enable precise green screen removal for placing actors into virtual environments.
- Behavior Effects: Provides a library of automated movement scripts that animate layers organically, reducing the need for tedious manual keyframing when creating motion graphics.
- 3D Model Import: Supports the direct import of 3D models (OBJ, LWO, 3DS) into the composite shot, enabling true 3D interactions with virtual cameras and lights.
Use Cases
Indie filmmakers and VFX artists rely on HitFilm Express to produce Hollywood-style visual effects, such as lightsabers or explosions, on a zero-budget production. It also serves YouTubers and gaming content creators who require dynamic screen overlays and motion graphics that go beyond simple jump cuts.
For those with an existing installation or offline installer, HitFilm Express delivers a depth of compositing power that few other free alternatives can match.
Version 2023.4 — July 2023
- Improved system stability on machines using Intel Iris Xe graphics, specifically addressing crashes upon exiting the application.
- Enhanced performance for Mac users, with faster plugin loading times after the initial installation.
- Optimized export speeds for projects containing text and 2D effects on Apple Silicon (M1) devices.
- Refined compatibility with third-party OFX plugins, ensuring smoother operation with Sapphire and Red Giant transitions.
- Fixed rendering issues where 3D models (GLTF) with multiple groups and different illumination models would not display correctly.
- Corrected behaviors in the Effects panel to prevent deleted effects from reappearing in the "Recents" category and to stop duplicate entries.
- Resolved an issue where project templates with a framerate of 59.94 were erroneously marked as invalid.
- Adjusted the default "Grain Frequency" setting in the Super Glow effect to 1.0 for better initial results.
