Video Editor

Use free video software to create and edit videos of any complexity from a family greeting card to a company presentation. Cut, merge video files, apply visual and audio effects, use filtration and image correction, make slideshows and add an appropriate soundtrack. Use multi-color Chroma Key and advanced parameters settings to give your video a professional look. All popular video and audio formats are supported.

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Video Converter

This program is intended for converting video files from one format to another. Nearly all popular video formats are supported (both reading and saving). In addition, the program drastically simplifies the task of converting videos for playback on specific multimedia devices, such as iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or Huawei P30 Pro. The program is extremely easy to use, has a modern interface and all necessary video processing functions.

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Audio Converter

The audio converter will help you convert audio files from one format to another. All key audio formats and codecs are supported. The program also allows you to manage playlists and meta tags, extract audio from video files and save these tracks on your computer in any format.

Read more about Audio Converter...

Audio CD Grabber

This audio tool is intended for grabbing audio tracks from compact discs and saving them to the user’s computer in any format. Nearly all popular audio formats and codecs are supported. The program can also extract track details from the FreeDB server for automatic file renaming and updating meta tags.

Read more about Audio CD Grabber...

Multifunctionality

Multifunctionality

A wide array of multimedia processing tools in one free video software suite.

High speed

High speed

Our programs use fast
and high-quality algorithms optimized for single and multi-core CPU’s.

Affordability

Affordability

VSDC video software is freely available for download to Windows OS-based PCs and laptops.

How to clone yourself in a video with VSDC

Ever wanted to clone yourself in a video? In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to do it using VSDC Pro - a lightweight video editor for Windows PC.

The clone effect is quite popular among Hollywood movie makers and creative YouTubers. The key feature required for performing this trick is video masking. The problem is, most video editors with a decent masking feature will cost you an arm and a leg, while VSDC Pro is the most affordable and accessible option out there. Its entire feature set is available for just $19.99 per year, and it works even if you have 2GB of RAM on your PC.

Check out the tutorial below to see how easy it is to clone someone in a video, even if you’re not a professional editor.

Ready to replicate the effect? Before getting started, download VSDC to your PC.

 

Tips for shooting your first clone video

The idea behind cloning someone in a video is really simple. First, you make several shots of the same person in different positions using the same shooting angle. Then you overlap these shots using video masking. As a result, the person appears in multiple positions simultaneously.

For this illusion to work well, it’s crucial to record your footage using the same shooting angle. This means that the camera should remain in the same spot until you finish shooting. In fact, you can follow our example from the video above and record a video in one take so that you don’t even have to touch the camera.

It’s also necessary to keep some distance between the “clones” when they appear simultaneously in the video. Ideally, you want to find some kind of a space separator and keep it in mind while planning where each “clone” will be located. For our example, we used the door as a separator. Notice that when both clones appear in the video, they don’t cross that imaginary border - they stand either to the right or to the left.

If you follow these shooting tips, the montage will be fast and straightforward even if you’re a video editing newbie.

 

How to clone yourself in a video: step-by-step tutorial

Launch VSDC and upload your footage using the Import content button on the start screen. In our case, it’s a one-shot video, so we’ll need to cut the unwanted pieces first.

 

Step 1. Locate the footage on the timeline

The first step is to place the footage on the timeline correctly. We’ll be working with three pieces, but you may have as many as you want. The idea is simple: you need to overlay videos with clones on the timeline.

Notice that each subsequent piece of video containing another clone appearance should be placed one layer below and start before the previous one ends. To get a quick preview of what the result will look like when both clones appear in the video, use the Opacity control at the top.

 

Step 2. Separate the area with a clone

To make both clones appear in the video, you’ll need to apply an inverted mask to one of them. The easiest way to do that is to mask out the entire area with a clone in it and make it visible through another video. In our case, that’s the area to the left from the door. Remember we told you it’s convenient to have a visual separator in the video? That’s exactly where it comes in handy.

Before you start applying the mask, make a cut right where the videos first overlap because you only want to create a mask for the overlapping piece.

Make a cut where the videos first overlap

Once you cut out the required piece, make a double click on it. Select the Free shape tool from the menu on the left-hand side and outline the area to the left from the door.

 

Step 3. Apply video masking

Once you finish, paint the outlined area black and open the Blending mode menu. Select Inverted mask from the list. Then go back to the main timeline tab and for the video fragment you’ve been working on, select the option called Use layer's properties - in the Properties window on the right-hand side.

Apply the Free shape tool

Use the preview mode to see the result. Then, move on to the second piece of footage located on the same layer. Since the area hasn’t changed, just duplicate the mask you created a minute ago using Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V. Remember to paint the free shape black, apply Inverted mask to it and then select the Use layer's properties option for the masked video.

Repeat your actions as many times as needed.

 

Cloning yourself in a video is easier than it seems

We recommend starting with just two clones in a video for you to get a grasp on the masking technique. Once you understand the concept of it, you’ll be able to clone yourself in a video as many times as you want.

Bonus tip. If you are absolutely not ready to shell out $19.99 for the Pro version of VSDC, you can clone yourself in a video using the free background remover available in VSDC. Record yourself in front of a green background, then remove the background using Chroma Key, cut the footage into pieces where you’re in different locations in the scene, and overlay them. This approach will take a bit more time and effort from you, but it’s a great zero-budget option.

Ready to continue learning? Check out this free frame clone effect tutorial:

Download VSDC 8.2 now

How to place two videos side by side for free with VSDC Video Editor

Let's take one popular video effect frequently used in cinematography and music clips: placing videos side by side. As a rule, we talk about a screen divided into two even parts, where videos are played simultaneously. Usually, it's the same video played in both parts of the screen, however, you can place two different videos side by side as well. The latter is called "split screen effect" and technically it's performed the same way - we have a separate tutorial about "split screen effect" here (https://youtu.be/fS1rKoqN9-s)

Let's briefly review the idea and see how to implement it in your movie at zero cost using VSDC Video Editor.

Why would you place two videos side by side?

For many reasons! This effect has been used in movies since the middle of previous century in such classic movies as Pillow Talk (1959) and Dressed to Kill (1980). So let your imagination fly. Here is a couple of ideas to borrow. You can show something happening at the same time in different places - as it was done in "Kill Bill vol.1". You can play with "Expectations and Reality" theme, as in "500 Days of Summer". You might want to show different perspectives by placing two shootings of the same object from two angles. Or you can just combine two theme-based videos to capture the viewer's attention.

Whether it's for comparative, visual, or creative reasons, placing videos side by side is quite an easy task, even though it might look complicated. In fact, it shouldn't take you longer than several minutes. This instruction will explain how to do it in a couple of steps with VSDC Free Video Editor.

Placing two videos side by side. Tutorial

Add the first video to the timeline and drag it to fit the left part of the scene.

Add text

Halve the frame width using “Coordinates”. In this case, 1920/2=960. “Coordinates” are located in the “Properties Window” on the right of the scene.

Play with font’s setting

Stretch your video if necessary. If you are using two different videos, before starting, you might want to make sure they have equal or at least similar size and quality.

Add video object

If you want the same video to be placed twice on the screen, in the right click menu select “Duplicate”. In case, you want to use different videos, import the second video to the editor and place it exactly under the first one on the timeline.

Select Source in mode

Drag the duplicated ot the second video to the right until they are evenly spread on the working area, depending on your needs.

Add video

Your side by side video is ready now!

As mentioned above, apart from combining the same videos, you can also create a split screen video using two or four or any other even number of different footage pieces. It's a great solution for a promo clip or a comparison presentation.

Hopefully, you enjoy using VSDC Free Video Editor. Join us on Facebook and let us know how it helps you implement your ideas!

To download VSDC Free Video Editor, please, proceed here - www.videosoftdev.com/free-video-editor/download

Find more awesome tutorials on our YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/FlashIntegro/videos


You can get more information about the program on Free Video Editor description page.

How to clone yourself with VSDC Video Editor

Have you ever seen videos where the same character appears a few times in one frame simultaneously? Of course, you have. That's the famous "clone effect" widely used by Hollywood directors and some creative YouTubers. It can be achieved in most non-linear video editors that have a masking feature. The trick is, most of them may cost you an arm and a leg, while VSDC is the most affordable option you'll ever find.

In this tutorial we'll show you how to reproduce "clone effect" in VSDC. There are two ways to do it: you can use video masking feature available in VSDC PRO, or you can make use of Chroma Key. The latter option is available in the free version of VSDC Video Editor.

Method 1. Using Video Mask Tool

Here is the first tip: make sure to shoot your footage from the same place for each clone - it's very important for post-production. It’s also necessary to keep a distance between the clones when your record your actions in order avoid overlaps.

Moving on to the editing part. Add your footage to VSDC video editor. In this example, we have 3 videos for 3 clones. Once added, they must be adjusted on the timeline.

Use the eye icon to hide one of the layers from the scene, as it's shown on the screenshot below.

Click the "Hide object" button

Go to the second video and choose a rectangle style object to cover the area around the "clone".

Add a rectangle shape

In this case, we use a rectangle without borders. You can select an appropriate type of the shape on the toolbar above the scene.

Choose a rectangle without borders

Proceed to “Brush” - “Color” and click the advanced settings button to open the palette.

Select black in the palette

Choose black.

Click “Mask” and select “Inverted Mask” among composition modes on the timeline.

Select Inverted Mask

Once it's done, follow these steps:

  1. Adjust the fragment’s size right on the scene.
  2. Activate the hidden layer to make it visible again and go to the third video.
  3. Choose a rectangle to cover this image.
  4. Open “Composition Mode” on the timeline and select “Inverted Mask”.

If you see some inconsistencies, make required adjustments. For example, if it concerns light or colors, adjust these parameters. Open “Video Effects”- “Adjustments” and apply “Brightness/Contrast/Gamma”.

Apply Brightness/Contrast/Gamma

Looking at the preview, modify BCG values to achieve similarity in all the three images.

Modify BCG values

For even better results apply “Gaussian Blur” to each rectangle. Proceed to “Video Effects” - “Filters” and choose “Gaussian Blur”.

Apply Gaussian Blur

Find a fragment that you’d like to fix.

Click “Blend” to switch off mask tools to work with the area that needs blurring.

Click Blend to switch off mask tools

Select “True” in “Extend the boundaries” and increase blur levels.

Extend the boundaries of Gaussian Blur

Select ”Inverted Mask” again.

Preview the current result. Repeat the steps with blurring another rectangle, if necessary.

To make transitions between fragments smoother, select “Video Effects” - “Transparency” - “Fade In”.

Apply Fade In

Apply the same steps to the third video and enjoy the results!

Method #2. Using Chroma Key

The second method suits you if you shoot your footage using “Green screen”. In VSDC PRO you can use both background colors for Chroma Key - green and blue.

Here is a brief instruction on how to "clone" yourself on a video using Chroma Key effect.

  1. Add a new background to the editor.
  2. Add your "clone" videos shot with green background.
  3. Apply background remover effect with "Video effects” - “Transparent” - ”Background remover".
  4. Select the color on the scene using the dropper.
  5. Follow the same steps with the second and the third videos.

To download VSDC Free Video Editor, please, proceed here - http://www.videosoftdev.com/free-video-editor/download

Find more awesome tutorials on our YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/FlashIntegro/videos


You can get more information about the program on Free Video Editor' description page.

How to make your video look like a film using VSDC Free Video Editor

When you sit down to edit your video – even if it’s just a short vacation clip from your smartphone – we bet deep inside there is a spark of a real filmmaker ambition. And you probably want to make your video look like a film too! We absolutely get it. In fact, we hope nobody ever opens a video editing software thinking “Okay, let me just quickly throw together a few scenes without bothering if this whole movie will be a pleasure to watch”.

Creating cinematic look in VSDC Free Video Editor

And while we probably aren’t authorized to advice you on the directing part, we can definitely add two cents and show you how to apply a film look to a video using simple editing techniques. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to achieve this Hollywood-style look by adding black bars, using RGB filters and Gradient.

The best part, you won’t spend much time on this, and you don’t really need experience or special knowledge – we’ll walk you through every step.

Step #1: Add black bars to a video to make it look cinematic

First, let’s see how to easily create black bars – or widescreen bars, or letterbox bars – whatever you call this “frame” instantly making any video look more cinematic as it was shot for movie theaters.

How to add black bars to a video for free

Using VSDC Free Video Editor (download it here if you haven’t done it yet), add a rectangle shape to the scene. Paint it black and stretch it to the width of the scene – you can do it manually or using the Coordinates in the Properties window on the right. You can also resize your black bar adjusting its height to your needs. Finally, place the rectangle at the bottom of the scene, right mouse click on it and Duplicate. Now you have two identical black bars – on for the top and one for the bottom.

Here is a 70-second video instruction for you to illustrate everything we’ve just talked about.

Feeling a bit more artsy already?

Step #2. Make your video look like film using color enhancement techniques

Now let’s work with color enhancement using available filters.

First, add the RGB filter to the scene. To find this filter, go to “Video effects”, select “Adjustments” and click on “Red/Green/Blue”. You’ll notice a new layer on the timeline, called RGB 1. On the right, you’ll also notice the Properties window for adjusting the color brightness levels. As you click on the arrows increasing or decreasing the number, you’ll see the immediate result in the Preview window. Keep adjusting until you’re happy with the result.

How to make a video look like a film using RGB filters

After working with the RGB filter, go back to “Video effects” – “Adjustments” – “Hue/Saturation/Value” and play with the levels as well.

Step #3 Use color gradient to make your video look like film

Finally, let’s step up your editing game and work with a more advanced tool used by professionals for achieving cinematic video look. We’ll show you how to use the Gradient tool.

The same way you added the black bars earlier, add another rectangle to the scene and set it to be the same size as the input file (Properties windows, option “Set the same size as parent has”). This rectangle will cover your entire video.

Now, open the gradient settings (illustration below). To do that, in the Properties window, scroll down to the “Brush” and use the Fill background dropdown menu. In the Gradient settings, choose “Photographic Toning” template (you can choose any other template if you like it more, this is just the example used for the tutorial) and Sepia Midtones Preset (again, this one has been used for this example). Click OK.

Using color gradient to achieve film look

On the timeline, open the Blend menu and choose the blending mode called “Screen”. You’ll see that the video now has an additional layer a color gradient has been applied to. Notice that you can drag the arrow to indicate the gradient vector. If you want, you can always go back to the gradient settings and change the preset or adjust the color intensiveness to achieve the desired result.

Watch a video tutorial below if you need a more detailed illustration of everything we’ve just talked about. And feel free to message us on Facebook!

Fancy more free editing tricks to make a video look like a film and achieve cinematic effects? Check out our tutorials on creating a “Video in text” mask, applying “Blending modes”, and using the “Picture in Picture” video effect.


You can get more information about the program on Free Video Editor' description page.

 

How to change image or video color with gradient tool in VSDC

The Gradient tool allows you to make a gradual blend between various colors. Photo and video making experts and those who are tech-savvy enough can benefit from ´Gradient´ tool in VSDC Video Editor to make their own smooth video transitions, apply advanced multiple color correction and create gradient background for text and subtitles. You can choose from gradient presets or create your own.

In this instruction, you can see an example how the eye color is changed in a few steps.

At first, add an image or a video where you'd like to change colors to the editor.

If it’s necessary, apply auto cropping. The corresponding button is on upper the toolbar. This option helps you to get rid of black bars in an image or a video and makes the object fit the scene.

After that, add a shape. In this case, we use the ellipse. You can find different shapes on the left toolbar. Then place it over the required area.

After that, select a colored type without borders on the bar above the scene.

Make a double click on the ellipse layer and add one more ellipse in order to apply the gradient tool on.

Then place it over the needed area.

Select a black color and adjust its position to cover the targeted area. To change the color of the ellipse, go to the properties window and click on the color option in the object settings.

Select an inverted mask from compositing modes on the timeline.

Go to the main scene, highlight the ellipse and apply the gradient tool. Go to the object setting and in “Fill background” select “Gradient”.

Open gradient settings and select the appropriate gradient type.

Among presets and templates select the one you like most of all.

Adjust the gradient vector.

To reach the desired result, apply different blending modes.


You can get more information about the program on Free Video Editor' description page.

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Screen Recorder Box

This program allows you to capture the video of your desktop and save it on your PC in various formats. Coupled with a video editor, the program is a great tool for creating presentations, tutorials and demo videos.

Read more about Screen Recorder...

 

Video Capture Box

The program captures video from external devices and records it to computer in a free format. You can save video from video tuners, webcams, capture cards and other gadgets.

Read more about Video Capture...


Reviewed by


"VSDC Free Video Editor is a surprisingly powerful, if unconventional video editor"

- PC Advisor


"This video editor gives you tons of control and editing power"

- CNet


"The editor handles many common formats and boasts a good deal of capabilities when it comes time to alter lighting, splice video, and apply filters and transitions in post production"

- Digital Trends