If you’re new to video editing, you may have stumbled upon the expression “non-linear video editing” or “NLE” which stands for “non-linear editor”. Don’t let the terminology confuse you because NLE is what most offline video editors are.

What does a non-linear video editor mean?

A non-linear video editor is a video editor that allows for placing audio and video files on multiple tracks using any desired sequence. This means files don’t have to start strictly one after another: they can be overlapped and used simultaneously in the same scene.

Virtually all offline video editors are non-linear. Some of the most popular free ones are VSDC, iMovie, and Davinci Resolve. Some of the most popular paid ones are Adobe Premiere, Vegas Pro, and Final Cut Pro.

The best way to fully understand what non-linear video editing looks like, is by comparing it to linear video editing.

What is the difference between linear and non-linear editing?

One would say, the biggest difference between linear and non-linear editing is the number of tracks on the timeline. And they’d be right: linear video editors have just one track; non-linear video editors have multiple tracks.

The linear editing approach was originally used years ago, when making a movie involved using physical tapes. A filmmaker would have to literally cut out the unwanted pieces of the original tape, take what’s left, and put it together in a new sequence to create a story. And because you could only put pieces together one after another, this method was called linear.

Even when the industry started to evolve, and it became possible to use digital cameras, some of the first video editors used the same linear approach. Take Movie Maker. Movie Maker had just one video track and one audio track. This means you could only put pieces of video in a direct sequence and use just one soundtrack at a time.

Unlike linear video editors, non-linear editing software allows you to use multiple video tracks and audio tracks. This means files can be overlapped and overlaid. For example, you can place two videos one under another on the timeline and they will be displayed simultaneously during the playback. This is how the side-by-side and picture-in-picture effects work.

Similarly, you can use more than one audio track. For example, you may want to add background music and include voice comments at the same time. To do that, you’ll need to place two different audio files on two different audio tracks, and this is only possible to implement if you’re using an NLE.

What are the advantages of non-linear video editing?

As you’ve probably already figured, the key advantage of non-linear video editing is the freedom of the creative process. Not only can you place multiple videos and images in the scene and display them as they are, but you can also overlay those videos and images together into a new composition.

The examples of such effects are numerous. In addition to those mentioned above, here are three more you’ve probably heard of:

• Video masking
• Double exposure
• Chroma keying

What is the best non-linear editing software?

Because most modern-day video editors are non-linear, the question that really stands is which video editor is the best. The answer to this question will vary based on your skill set, experience, goals, and your computer power.

Below, we’ll review some of the most popular non-linear video editors - both free and paid - so you can see the difference for yourself.

Free non-linear video editors

1. VSDC Free Video Editor (Windows)

VSDC is a free NLE designed for those who are familiar with the basic principles of video editing and willing to move forward to more advanced techniques. It boasts lots of stunning effects, customizable blur filters, a color correction toolset, and a powerful Chroma Key. Keep in mind that VSDC only works on Windows.

If you worry about the system requirements - because most NLEs are indeed quite demanding - worry not. Compared to other video editors, VSDC is the most lightweight one. You won’t need a powerful PC to use it and will be just fine with as little as 2GB of RAM.

The Pro version of VSDC includes a few features aimed at more professional-level users. It’s available at $19.99 per year and includes video masking, motion tracking, hardware acceleration, and audio waveform. However, as a beginner, you’ll most probably find the free version of VSDC more than sufficient for your needs.

2. iMovie (Mac)

iMovie is a default non-linear video editor that comes pre-installed on Mac computers. Of all video editors in this list, iMovie seems to have the simplest, most intuitive interface, yet the least feature flexibility. In other words, you may not be able to perform advanced tricks, such as video masking or a custom animated intro, but you’ll be able to quickly enhance your footage, add music, and apply effects like picture-in-picture.

Although you can’t use iMovie on Windows, you can use it on your iPhone and iPad. This is a noteworthy feature if you have multiple Apple devices, because this means you can start cutting out the unwanted footage on the go and perform post-production later on your computer.

Overall, iMovie is a great choice if you’re a beginner or an intermediate-level user. It includes a decent color correction functionality, Chroma Key, titles, a set of basic transitions and themes for slideshows and presentations.

3. Davinci Resolve (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Davinci Resolve is a professional-grade NLE used by indie filmmakers and Hollywood producers alike. Its free version is widely popular because of its outstanding color correction abilities and an abundance of convenient shortcuts - essential for those working with large amounts of footage on a daily basis.

The main downside of Davinci Resolve is that it requires quite a lot of resources, and you won’t be able to run it on a slow PC - the program is likely to crash. Although, keep in mind that if you’re serious about your video editing hobby, eventually, you may have to upgrade your computer anyway.

If you’re surprised by such a powerful NLE being available for free, there’s an upgrade available as well. Blackmagic Design, the company developing Resolve, offers a commercial version of the program known as DaVinci Resolve Studio. The aptly-named software is designed for filmmaking studios and supports resolution higher than HD, frame rate higher than 60fps, additional OpenX plugins, motion blur, and some other pro-level tools. The Studio version is available for a one-time payment of $299.

Paid non-linear video editors

1. Adobe Premiere Pro (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Adobe Premiere Pro is considered a de-facto standard in the world of post-production. It’s been dominating the market since 1991 when it was originally launched under the name of Adobe Premiere. According to some movie makers, many of the remaining software developers are simply trying to create their own versions of Adobe and repeat their success.

Premiere Pro has everything you may ever need for post-production: powerful hardware acceleration, ProRes HDR, a large set of transitions and special effects, video noise reduction, audio mixer, and integration with various plugins including the Borix FX library. That’s not to say that the tool never crashes or has zero flaws, but the truth is, they are the pioneers of digital video editing, and it’s hard to find something that’s missing compared to its alternatives.

Of course, such a powerhouse of an editor comes with a price tag. After a 30-day free trial, you can choose to pay $31.49 for a monthly subscription or $239.88 for an annual plan. Along with the subscription, you get 100GB of cloud storage, Premiere Rush, Adobe Portfolio, Adobe Fonts, and Adobe Spark.

2. Vegas Pro (Windows)

Vegas Pro (formerly Sony Vegas) is a post-production suite for Windows. It’s also aimed at professional-grade users and packed with professional-level tools. However, the interface, as well as the logic of this software, differ from what Adobe fans are used to.

As a pro-level tool, Vegas is designed to make collaborative editing easier. One particularly useful feature available in Vegas Pro is nested timelines. It doesn’t just allow you to completely reorganize the editing workflow, but it also lets you separate pieces of your project from the main timeline, and most importantly, share those pieces with your colleagues - without having to save them as separate projects. Feature-wise, there’s no lack of tools for both beginners and advanced users. One of Vegas' key advantages is the AI algorithms used to achieve flawless motion tracking, video stabilization, and color correction.

There are two ways to purchase Vegas Pro. You can opt for a monthly subscription or make a one-time purchase directly from the developer website. The former costs between $29.99 and $39.99, depending on the billing cycle you select; the latter costs $999 and comes with a year of free updates. You can order a physical version of the software too, if you want. 

3. Final Cut Pro (Mac)

Final Cut Pro is a non-linear video editor invented by Apple, and it has been the next step for those who have outgrown iMovie. Although Adobe Premiere works on macOS too, many Mac owners prefer using Final Cut Pro because of its interface, rendering speed, and price tag.

The truth is, both NLEs provide outstanding video editing platforms and can satisfy the needs of an experienced movie editor. Yet, according to many, Final Cut Pro appears to be more friendly for a beginner but slightly less sufficient for a professional. For example, the interface of Final Cut is based on the magnetic timeline and can be easily adjusted into a single-track platform, which is usually more convenient for an average user. Another advantage of Final Cut is that it allows you for using the program while exporting a file. It’s also known for faster rendering, whereas Adobe users often complain about rendering speed and the fact that Premiere Pro locks the program during export.

If you decide to purchase Final Cut Pro, your only option is a one-time $299.99 payment. Although it sounds like a lot, Final Cut Pro will be a cheaper editor than Premiere Pro in the long run because an annual subscription for the latter is about the same amount, yet it doesn’t let you continue using the software if you stop paying.

Wrapping-up

Let’s recap everything we’ve learned. First, virtually all offline video editors are non-linear video editors. Second, non-linear video editing means you’re able to use multiple tracks and overlay files. Finally, there’s no such thing as the best non-linear video editor. Many of them are excellent, and you should choose one based on your level of experience, your budget, and your computer specs.

Of all video editing tools for Mac, iMovie is our favorite one, and we’ve recommended it many times on this blog. iMovie comes pre-installed on most Apple devices; it’s free and intuitive. It’s also a favorite video editor of many – from amateur users to professional YouTubers. There is just one little inconvenience about iMovie: it’s unavailable on Windows.

Before you ask, no, there are no plans to release iMovie for Windows, and there is no way to install iMovie on a Windows PC either. So, if this is what you were looking for, we suggest you look at 6 free video editors that make good iMovie alternatives for Windows, regardless of your PC specs.

As a main criterion during the research, we chose the following:

• The software should be 100% free, with no trial periods or watermarks after export.
• It should be a non-linear video editor that allows for blending and overlaying files easily.

Keep reading to see which video editing tools made it to our list!

1. VSDC Free Video Editor

VSDC is a free video editor the GoPro support team recommends to PC users. It is the most lightweight tool out there and it runs even on slow computers with little memory. The reason why it is widely recommended is that unlike many free video editors, VSDC allows you to easily open videos of any codec, quality, and framerate, including 120 fps footage. Once you finish editing, VSDC allows you to use video export profiles pre-configured for various devices and social media platforms. You get to keep the high quality of the video, and you don’t have to do any manual adjustments.

Feature-wise, there is a lot to unpack. You’ll be able to do basic video editing operations: cutting, cropping and rotating. You can also enhance audio, create stylish titles, and apply speed effects (slow-motion, and fast-motion that is). However, getting VSDC just for the most basic features would be a waste of its resources. Besides being one of the closest iMovie alternatives for Windows, this video editor boasts lots of modern filters and effects, such as glitch, Chroma Key, long shadow, lens glare, realistic raindrops, and more. The cherry on top is the Adjustment category of effects that offers several color correction tools: quick Instagram-style filters, LUTs, RGB and Hue&Saturation curves.

What makes VSDC stand out is how easy it is to overlay files and control their opacity. This means you can manually place any images, icons, text objects, or other videos on your footage, resize them, and either blend them together or use a picture-in-picture effect to display several images simultaneously. This is especially convenient if you create reaction videos, video tutorials, or news-style clips.

Download the latest version of VSDC

2. Olive

Olive is an open-source video editor that works on macOS, Windows, and Linux. The tool is currently in development and available in the alpha version, but it performs well and looks promising. According to the video editing community on Reddit, Olive is one of the best iMovie alternatives for Windows.

Olive is simpler than most video editors on this list in many ways: it is based on shortcuts, it has a bare minimum of effects and transitions, and overall, its interface is clean and straightforward. You can perform some of the operations right in the preview window where you can downsize, rotate, and relocate files – again, quite a convenient feature for the split-screen and picture-in-picture effects. Plus, there is a built-in voice recorder, audio noise effect, and a simple title creator.

Keep in mind that Olive is a work in progress which means more features will be introduced in the future. However, even for now, it’s a decent choice for someone who occasionally needs to quickly merge a few friends and family videos, add a soundtrack and captions.

Download Olive video editor

3. Davinci Resolve

If you’re seriously interested in post-production and your ultimate goal is to master the art of color correction, Davinci Resolve is the tool to go for. After all, it is the software used for color grading of La La Land!

Developed by the company named Blackmagic Design, Resolve is both resourceful and resource-intensive. It’s probably not a good option for total beginners and you should only consider installing if you have a powerful enough video card and hardware. However, if you do install this beast of an editor, you literally get everything and a kitchen sink for making movies.

The feature set of Resolve includes essential video editing tools, advanced color correction controls, audio mixing and visual effects. Of course, you can add titles, captions, and subtitles, too. If you’re switching from iMovie, the interface may intimidate you because of numerous tabs and screens, but with the abundance of video tutorials online, you’ll figure it out.

The downside of Davinci Resolve, apart from the fact that it only works well on high-end machines, is format compatibility. If your footage comes in AVI, for example, you might have to use a 3-rd party conversion tool before importing it to the editor.

Download Davinci Resolve

4. HitFilm Express

HitFilm Express is a godsend for the fans of special effects. In our list, it comes after Resolve because it’s also aimed at movie-maker wannabes. Technically, Express is the free edition of HitFilm video editor aimed to give you the taste of what the Pro edition offers. For those on the budget, however, the free feature set will be sufficient as well. Plus, if you want to use a particular filter or effect unavailable in the free version, you can purchase it as a separate add-on without having to upgrade to Pro.

That’s not to say HitFilm Express lacks built-in free VFX and animation. Once you put your files together on the timeline and cut out the unwanted pieces of footage, you can add stylish title transitions and spice things up by creating a so-called “Composite shot”. Within the composition menu, you get to work with lots of impressive effects such as fire, explosion, glitch, and some unique sci-fi effects like the Iron Man HUD, muzzle flash, or sky replacement. In addition, there is a convenient Chroma key tool that allows you to quickly remove a green, blue, or red background. Prices for the paid add-ons vary from $19.99 to $49.99, and you can get some really unique effects like the eyes of a white walker from the Game of Thrones.

Download HitFilm Express

5. Kdenlive

Kdenlive has been a go-to video editor for many Linux users over the past few years. However, it works on Windows too, and you may consider it an iMovie alternative. Just like VSDC, Kdenlive is lightweight and runs on low-end computers. The installation process is somewhat tricky, but the interface is straightforward. Even without having to look for video tutorials, you’ll be able to trim your footage, mute or remove audio, change speed, volume, and add standard video effects.

Kdenlive offers only two video tracks (which is sufficient for an average user) and allows you to overwrite files. What we liked about Kdenlive is a handy feature titled “Add color clip” that quickly adds a screen of any color to the timeline. You can and use that screen as a transition between video chapters, or as a background for intro and outro. Kdenlive lacks built-in title templates but if you visit Kdenlive user forums and KDE store – you’ll find plenty of animated title templates, FX, and export profile presets.

Download Kdenlive

6. Openshot

Openshot a simple video editor that won’t impress you with a fancy interface, but it should be sufficient for most basic operations. It allows you to quickly cut and merge video files using multiple tracks, add music, create template-based titles, and even play around with animation (although, you’ll have to install additional software to work with 3D animation). Filters, effects, and transitions are easily applied via drag’n’drop.

What we like the most about this tool is how intuitive it is for beginners, yet powerful for those willing to do a little tinkering. Take title and transition templates. You can apply ready-made options in a couple of clicks even if you have zero experience, and the result will be decent. But you can also play with the properties and fully customize the result to your taste. Overall, Openshot is a good choice if you’re a beginner. It comes with a minimal learning curve and even includes pop-up windows to walk you through the software the first time you launch it.

Download Openshot

What is the best iMovie alternative for Windows?

The answer to this question really depends on the one who is asking. There is no “best” solution when it comes to video editing software because what’s best is defined by your needs, your skills, and of course, the horsepower of your PC. If you’re after the most lightweight solution out there, choose VSDC. If you’re an aspiring filmmaker who wants to produce Hollywood-level videos, get yourself Davinci Resolve and look no further. If you want an open-source solution, go for Kdenlive or Olive.

Before you make the decision, feel free to consult with this table comparing iMovie alternatives for Windows.

Happy editing! Let your creativity flow.

Updating VSDC during the holiday season has become a tradition, and this year will not be an exception. We’re thrilled to introduce VSDC 6.6 packed with over a dozen new features designed to spark joy and creativity. We hope that the brand-new Chroma Key toolset, the Optical flow reframing mode, a quick-and-fun way to add masks to a face in a video, the particle effect, and the enhanced free shape feature will keep you busy for a while.

Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at these updates.

Create video postcards in no time using upgraded Chroma Key

Of all new features, Chroma Key has received the biggest overhaul. Both versions – VSDC free and VSDC Pro got updated and now there is not just one but three background remover modes to choose from:

• HSL chroma key color (Pro)
• YUV chroma key color (Free)
• By chromakey mask (Free)

Experienced video creators are familiar with the challenge of removing background colors from a video with poorly lighted areas or tiny, thin objects like strings or hair. That’s why these new modes were designed with one goal in mind: to help you cope with that task effortlessly.

If you want the fastest and most precise way to remove colors from the video – consider using the HSL color space. Instead of picking a single color that needs to be removed, it enables you to select a range of color tones located close to each other on the Hue, Saturation, and Brightness spectrum. This approach allows you to get rid of the entire video background even if there is a tone difference.

Those using the free version of VSDC, get an updated YUV mode which is now capable of removing a video background more precisely due to additional colors and the Adaptive alfa settings.

Finally, we’ve implemented a completely new approach to remove colors from a video. It is called “By chromakey mask”. This mode suggests that you upload an image to the project and use it as a “chromakey mask”: the software will compare colors in the image and in the video and remove the matching ones.

Get festive wearing animated face masks

Another new tool to make you excited is called Face landmarks. It allows you to quickly place a pre-designed mask on a face using a face detection and tracking algorithm. When you apply the Face landmarks effect, VSDC places several control points on the face – each point assigned to a particular face area: left eye, right eye, forehead, and so on. Next, based on the location of these points, VSDC places a pre-designed image that will follow face movements – just like in Instagram or Snapchat.

There are a few ready-made mask collections already available to you, but you can upload your own images and use them as a face mask as well. This is just the first version of the Face landmarks effect, and we’re determined to expand its functionality. Stay tuned!

Capture magic in slow motion with new reframing modes

The following mighty update will bring joy to the slow-motion video fans. If you’ve ever tried to achieve a perfect slow-motion effect, you probably noticed that the more you reduce the playback speed, the choppier the video gets. This is a common issue easily explained by a drastic frame reduction: the lower the speed is, the fewer frames are displayed per second and the bigger the gaps between frames are.

With the new reframing modes called Blending and Optical flow, stutter becomes an issue of the past. Both will help you quickly achieve a smooth slow-mo effect: the former – by duplicating and overlapping frames; the latter – by using AI to create the missing frames from scratch. Naturally, Optical flow is more efficient, yet it’s also more resource-demanding. You can see how it works in the video below:

Let it snow with the Particle video effect

Particles is a new eye-catching effect located in the “Nature” section of the Video effects menu. It enables you to create an illusion of falling particles, such as leaves or snowflakes. Like most VSDC effects, this one is highly customizable, which means you’ll be able to change the size of the particles, the “wind” direction, the speed they are falling at, and their location in the scene: background, foreground, or mid-distance view.

There are several templates for this effect already available, but you can also upload your own images and use them as particles.

Other important updates

There are a few more features we’d like to include in this post. Some of them might be slightly less noticeable but they are also long-awaited and exciting updates:

1. AV1 (or AOMedia Video 1) is now in the list of supported formats
2. Video transitions can now be made much smoother due to the Alpha channel
3. Whenever you change video playback speed, you’ll be able to change audio tempo as well
4. Subpixel resolution is now available in the free version of VSDC
5. Video effect rendering has been optimized to increase speed and reduce memory usage
6. You can now zoom in on a scene by holding down the Ctrl key and scrolling up on the mouse wheel

To top it off, the free shape feature got a serious upgrade, too. We couldn’t find a better way to demonstrate it than by recreating the annoying orange effect. Enjoy watching it!

Download the latest version of VSDC here and feel free to shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the VSDC team,

Ho ho ho!

Removing a green background from video footage requires chroma key software, a tool designed to isolate and eliminate a specific color. This allows for easy replacement of the background with another image or video, or even making it transparent. We've evaluated top intuitive, and beginner-friendly free chroma key software for PC, macOS, and Linux, offering hassle-free solutions for your editing needs.

Key Takeaways

For those diving into the realm of chroma keying, here's a quick rundown of our top recommendations:

1. VSDC (Windows) – recommended for PC users
2. iMovie (iOS and macOS) – recommended for Apple device users
3. Shotcut (Windows, iOS, Linux)
4. OpenShot (Windows, iOS, Linux)
5. HitFilm Express (Windows, macOS)

Below, you’ll find their brief overview, system requirements, and tutorials on how to edit in green screen, helping you get started with these programs.

What is Chroma Key?

Chroma key software, often referred to as green screen software, empowers you to alter video backgrounds seamlessly. These chroma key applications not only enable timeline editing and trimming but also allow for the addition of custom background colors. With the ability to share and organize footage, good green screen software has become indispensable for video editors.

Best Free Chroma Key Software

The quest for the perfect free greenscreen software can be overwhelming given the vast array of options. This section delves deeper into both renowned and hidden gems among free and paid chroma key software, offering insights into various green screen apps and programs.

1. VSDC Free Video Editor (Windows)

VSDC is a free video editor for Windows that brings a lot of handy add-ons on board. Its toolset includes a desktop screen recorder, a webcam video grabber, a voiceover tool, and a YouTube uploader.

Once you launch VSDC, the chroma key tool will be available in the Video effects menu. To remove a green background from your footage, follow these steps:

2. Import your video using the Import content option on the start screen
3. Got to Video effects and select Transparency >> Background remover
4. If the green background hasn’t disappeared automatically, open the Properties window on the right-hand side
5. Find the parameter named Chromakey color and click on the eyedropper. Then click anywhere on the green background to select the color that needs to be removed

If there are any green highlights left around the object, go back to the Properties window and manually change the values of the brightness and chromaticity thresholds. Check out this detailed video tutorial below to see the process for yourself:

Once you remove the background, you can replace it with another image or video. Just drag the new file to the timeline and place it one layer below the original video. The new footage will be seen through the deleted areas that used to be green. If you want, you can export your video with a transparent background, too!

VSDC system requirements: VSDC is very lightweight and runs even on low-end PCs. You’ll need to have 1Gb RAM, at least 300Mb of free disk space, Intel, AMD or compatible processor with the working frequency at 1.5 GHz or higher. It’s always recommended to have the latest Windows OS as well, however, you’ll be able to run VSDC even on Win 7 or XP

Download the latest version of VSDC

2. iMovie (iOS and macOS)

iMovie is a default video editor for iOS and Mac, and the best part about this app is that it works on both the desktop and the mobile devices by Apple.

Just like VSDC, iMovie is a non-linear video editor. This means files can be placed on different layers one under another on the timeline, so you can blend them together. Unlike VSDC though, iMovie allows you to remove both green and blue screens.

The process goes as follows:

1. Place the new background image or video on the timeline
2. Then add a green or blue screen video to the layer above it
3. Use the Video Overlay Settings button and select Green/Blue screen from the dropdown menu
4. Once you perform this action, the chroma key controls, such as Softness and Clean-up, will display on the toolbar at the top. Use them to adjust the effect and brush up any imperfections

For a detailed guide to using the iMovie chroma key feature on iPad and iPhone, check the official tutorial.

iMovie system requirements: if you’re planning to use it on an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch, you should have iOS 13.4 or later. For Mac, you’ll need macOS 10.14.6 or later, 2GB of RAM (4GB recommended), an OpenCL-capable graphics card.

Download iMovie from the App Store.

3. Shotcut (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Shotcut is an open-source video editor that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It’s a powerful software with the chroma key feature available among the list of effects. However, if you’re new to video editing, you might feel slightly overwhelmed by the layout, mainly because it’s quite minimalistic and it’s not always obvious where you can find the required features.

The great part about this program though is the selection of hotkey combinations that will help you speed up the editing process.

Below is a short guide to removing green screen in Shotcut:

1. First, upload the file that will serve as a new background. Next, import the green-screen video (use Ctrl + I to add a new video track to the timeline).
2. Make a click on the green-screen video and open the Filters menu from the toolbar at the top.
3. Use the “+” icon and search for the option titled Chroma Key: Simple
4. Most times, the effect is applied immediately. However, if it didn’t work for you or the green color has disappeared partially, use the eyedropper and/or manually adjust the parameter called Distance.

Shotcut system requirements: x86-64 Intel or AMD; at least one 2 GHz core for SD, 2 cores for HD, OpenGL 2.0, at least 4 GB RAM (8 GB for HD).

Visit the official website to download the software for your OS.

4. OpenShot (Windows, macOS, Linux)

The following chroma key software on the list is called OpenShot. Its interface is way simpler than any other solutions have, and the menu structure makes this tool a great Movie Maker alternative for beginners.

To replace a green background in OpenShot, follow these steps:

1. Drag your files (the green-screen video and the new background) to the Project Files tab.
2. Place the clips on the timeline following the same order: green-screen video on the top layer, the new background footage – below.
3. In the Effects tab, search for Chroma Key and drag the effect to the timeline over the green-screen video.

Once you apply the effect, you’ll notice a “C” icon above the green-screen video on the timeline. It stands for “Chroma Key settings”. Unlike most free chroma key software, OpenShot allows for removing any color and doesn’t limit you to green or blue. However, that adds an extra layer of work because you’ll need to manually pick the color you want to key out.

To do that, right-click on the “C” icon and open the Properties menu. Find the parameter named “Key color” and make a double-click. A color palette window will pop up, and you’ll be able to pick a color for isolation. If you notice that some areas in the video remain green, use a feature called “Fuzz” available in the Properties menu. Want to see everything for yourself? Watch the official tutorial here.

OpenShot system requirements: 64-bit OS, 4GB of RAM (16GB recommended), 500 MB of hard-disk space for installation, Multi-core processor with 64-bit support.

Visit the official developer’s website.

5. HitFilm Express (Windows and macOS)

HitFilm Express is the free version of the premium video editing software by FXhome. The developer company is focused on bringing special effects to amateur filmmakers, so naturally, the green screen and the blue screen removal tool made it to the list of key features.

Here is a quick guide to using this chroma key software:

1. Upload project files by dragging them to the Media box. Then place them on the timeline with the green or blue-screen video being on the top layer.
2. Open the Effects tab and type Green screen, then drag the Color difference key effect to the timeline over the green-screen video.
3. Make a double-click on the effect to open additional controls. Toggle the Min, Max, and Gamma settings to achieve the desired level of transparency.

HitFilm Express system requirements: this is probably the most resource-demanding tool on the list. To use it, you’ll need a 64-bit OS, 4th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors or AMD equivalent, at least 4Gb of RAM, and a minimum of 1Gb video memory. Graphic card: NVIDIA GeForce 600, AMD Radeon R5 240, or Intel HD Graphics 5000 (GT3).

Visit FXhome official website.

How to choose the best chroma key software for your computer?

It’s always a good idea to download and test a couple of solutions before making the final decision. Here are the questions that will help you make the right choice:

1. What are the software system requirements?

Here is the thing. When it comes to software, the final say belongs to your computer. And if you have a low-spec machine, perhaps, you should search among video editors for slow computers in the first place.

However, it’s not just the video editor and your computer. The size of the files you’re planning to work with matters a lot, too. This means if you’re planning to edit large or high-quality files, there is always a chance of the software freezing or crashing in the process. With that in mind, make sure to find out how to set the autosave feature (most video editors have it built-in) and how the backup works.

2. Which color is the background in your video?

Some chroma key software can help you remove video background only if it’s green. Other tools are able to key out any color. So, if you need to replace blue, red, or any other color that is different from green, make sure that the software of your choice allows that.

For instance, iMovie allows you to remove green and blue colors only. OpenShot, on the other hand, allows you to key out any color but you’ll have to pick it manually.

3. Will you need any other editing features?

So… what are your plans? Are you here to quickly do one thing and forget all about video editing, or are you on a mission to start your tiny but mighty video production studio? If it’s the latter, you might want to poke around and see other features the tool offers. You also need to check the software developer company’s social media, how-to guides, or any other platforms you’ll be able to resort to, should you have questions.

As a bare minimum, we recommend practicing some basic operations like video splitting and merging, changing the playback speed, importing or removing audio, and adding titles. Make sure these features are intuitive to you. Next, consider sifting through a list of text or video tutorials to get an idea of what else the software is capable of.

Resources for your inspiration

If you enjoy the magic that chroma key software brings, you might want to learn more about it and eventually try more complex tricks. There are plenty of resources at your disposal, both for practicing and inspiration.

We suggest checking out the following links:

Videezy and Videvo – free video stock marketplaces where you can download green screen videos at zero cost to test the new software and practice your skills.

Our green screen software guide – this article includes a few DIY ideas for shooting a green screen video at home.

Cine 24 VPX – a YouTube channel with lots of green screen video hacks and ideas you’ll definitely want to replicate.

Got any questions? Feel free to shoot us a message on Facebook.

Happy editing!