A consumer-level video editor called VideoPad offers the essential features that the majority of amateur filmmakers look for. It’s simple to learn and use while yet having a tonne of extra features that are available if you need them but don’t get in the way,
This multiplatform video editor offers a number of editions at different price ranges in addition to a free tier. What is there to dislike? It is for these and many other reasons why VideoPad is among the greatest free video editing apps accessible.
VideoPad review: Price and availability
NCH Software VideoPad subscription options:
- 1 month plan – $0 per month ($0 total cost)
We have previously referred to VideoPad as being free software, and NCH promotes their free version of VideoPad (opens in new tab) for personal use. Even in the free edition, some functionalities are known to time out, and users have complained over time about features not functioning despite their non-commercial use.
Although we tested the paid licenced version for this VideoPad review, we advise you to first try the free version. The Mac software will ask you to confirm this each time you run it if you want to continue using the free version, which gets tiresome.
Only two audio tracks can be supported by the $40 Home Edition, which also does not support plug-ins. The audio track restriction is lifted and plug-in extensibility for Windows is made available by upgrading to the Master’s Edition for $70.00. For a standard licence, you may either pay a one-time price or opt to subscribe for $5.50 each month.
VideoPad review: Interface and ease of use
Aspiring filmmakers of any skill level can soon become accustomed to VideoPad’s conventions thanks to its user-friendly, well-organized interface. Opening and closing windows, connecting clips, and adding transitions, text, and narration to make a captivating visual presentation are all skills that can be quickly mastered. Simply drag and drop video, audio, and still image materials into the files pane to get started putting together clips in the timeline or in storyboard mode to create your story.
The way in which the programme groups still photos and video clips into bins ensures that you don’t mix up their order on the timeline and speeds up production, especially for beginners.
There are multiple ways to do a single task because the software is menu-driven and also supports drag & drop functionality. All operations can be carried out directly within the application frame, or dockable panels on VideoPad can be opened to get a closer view of the current task. If you could genuinely change the workspace’s layout permanently, that would be nice.
VideoPad review: Video editing features
There is never too much VideoPad. While it does not offer an excessive number of options, it does provide a reasonable range of transitional effects for switching between clips and photos as well as a number of filters to give them a distinctive appearance. Video stabilisation and the ability to edit 360-degree videos are further useful capabilities.
Before applying any filter, you may quickly preview it. You can even mix many filters to create a unique effect or template that you can use again.
Users of VideoPad can add text, overlays, visual effects, and transitions to their films to enhance them. You can choose from a vast library of sound effects and atmospheric background sounds, as well as some basic audio tools.
You can alter video playing speed, add digital images to film, add subtitles, and fine-tune colour using a variety of optimization options. With its video stabilisation feature, you can lessen camera wobble, and the premium edition, although only for Windows, includes special effects plugins.
VideoPad review: Audio editing features
Although its audio facilities are limited, VideoPad does allow you to mix several audio tracks, music, singers, and narration to create a movie soundtrack. While you can fade, mix, and change the level of the audio in a video clip, if you want to do more you’ll need an outside mixer or editor. The primary menu of VideoPad includes a direct download link for NCH’s WavePad.
Direct narration recording is possible within the application, and the text to speech features, despite consistently sounding artificial, were effective. The Windows version’s voice recognition for subtitles is a brilliant idea. Sadly, the execution falls short of the potential. The automatic translation into subtitles performed poorly, even with a video that was clearly spoken in a quiet setting.
VideoPad review: Sharing features
The software is perfect for video creators that upload to YouTube or other social media because of its social sharing and publishing features; you can share videos straight to services like Dropbox, Flickr, Google Drive, and Vimeo using the app. Or, to avoid needless data exchange with the app, simply save a video to your desktop and submit it there.
VideoPad review: Constant updates
There are a lot of maintenance releases available for both the Mac and Windows versions of VideoPad because NCH Software updates it practically every day. While the Mac and PC versions of the software are generally equivalent, the PC version has some features that the Mac version does not. The greatest design change since the last time we examined the app was apparent right away: VideoPad has switched to a calming charcoal grey theme and gone over to the dark side. The non-threatening off white-lavender interface was what we truly enjoyed, and we are grateful that it is still an alternative option.
VideoPad review: Verdict
For individuals who are just starting out or don’t want a complex professional software, VideoPad is a simple-to-use video editor that’s perfect for creating training videos or home movies for social media. Its extensive video tutorial library will help beginners catch up quickly. Although VideoPad is accessible for both Windows and Mac users, the latter platform offers far more functions.
Mac users who are new to video editing should check out iMovie first. Hitfilm Express is among the 8 Best video editing apps for Android and iOS in 2022 and includes more tools and is more scalable — you can purchase extra features as needed. Additionally, you’ll gain greater capabilities if you spend money on products like CyberLink PowerDirector 18 or PowerDirector 365. However, VideoPad is still quite useful, and its cost is affordable if you like how the free version functions and want to always have access to all the features.
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