See Win 98 and Win 2000 to download software compatible with earlier versions of Windows. Mac OS X 10.5 or above; Optional USB video capture device or Webcam. Download Debut Video Recording Software. Download for Windows; Download for Mac OS X. May 28, 2020  VideoSolo Screen Recorder is a powerful desktop software to record all the computer sound, microphone sound, and image from Zoom meeting on both Windows and Mac. Same as Zoom local recorder, it can set recording area, use hotkeys to control, draw, and add all kinds of annotations.

1. Microphone Settings On Mac
2. Mac Debut Software External Microphone Download

Generally, the need of best webcam recording software arises because the webcam preinstalled in your system is not capable of performing various tasks which are needed. Apart from just capturing images and videos, it is insufficient of carrying out some high-end features and hence you need an alternate of it.

10 Best Webcam Recording Software

So, for that purpose, I am going to talk about the best video capture software that we have right now. The idea is to serve various purposes like surveillance, fun or may be some personal use. Some of them are free and some of them offers a subscription. It depends upon your need that which one you want to opt. So, choose wisely.

1. Manycam

Website:https://manycam.com/

The first option in this list of best webcam recording software is Manycam. This software is way more than just recording but offers some really exciting features which are quite easy to use as well as fun too. It is simple and great to use along with multiple platform compatibility.

The basic version of this software comes for free but there are some subscription plans too which are provided for the high-end users.

These plans are Standard for $26, Studio for $69 and $299 for Enterprise which is billed annually. Now, there are a lot of features which comes handy with these subscriptions and trust me they are everything that you want in a webcam recording software.

Some of the features of Manycam that I want to highlight are recording from multiple video sources, desktop screencasting, YouTube integration, multiple channel broadcasting, green screen, mobile applications, 3D masks and effects, draw and text feature and many more.

Manycam is not just about recording the live streaming webcam but it is also about editing it and use it for other purposes too.

Compatible with:

2. Movavi Screen Capture

Website:https://www.movavi.com/

The next one in this list of best webcam recording software is Movavi Screen Capture. Movavi offers so many other software too which can be used for webcam recording but the one which is really liked was this one.

Movavi Screen Capture is not only about recording live webcam streaming or webinars but you can also capture video and movies from the web too along with video calls as well.

Isn’t it just amazing to use such software to record all those memories which were earlier so hard to keep up with? You can download this software for free but that remains free for a specific trial period only. Afterwards, you would have to buy it for $39.95 which is a one-time fee for 1 PC.

Now, talking about some of the features offered by this recording software then they are quite amazing. Few to name are video editing, audio removal from video, remove ads, demonstrate bugs and error, various formats support and many more.

However, you should know that you cannot capture copy protected videos and audios through Movavi Screen Capture.

Compatible with:

3. Apowersoft Free Screen Recorder

Website:https://www.apowersoft.com/

Amongst various software offered by Apowersoft, Free Screen Recorder is one of them. As they say, it is a one-click recorder which is simple to operate yet very significant as a webcam recorder. Being a smart app for Windows and other platforms, it serves as a recorder which allows you to record for an unlimited time.

This is a completely free to use screen recorder and works with online mode only. So, you need a launcher if you are using this software for the first time.

The user guide requires you to just tap on the recording button and it will be done. You can use further customization and sharing options once the recording is done. This software supports various video formats which makes the use universal too.

Being an excellent solution as one of the best webcam recording software, it helps you to record webcam streaming along with self-demonstration, video chat and many more. There are so many other features too which makes the software an excellent as well as free solution for recording the streaming videos.

Compatible with:

4. Filmora Scrn

Website:https://filmora.wondershare.com/

Filmora Scrn is not exclusively a webcam recording software.

Rather, it’s a full video editing suite, an extremely easy and all-in-one tool at that.

Anyway, its webcam-features are pretty advanced.

For starters, it lets you capture both the Webcam, as well as your screen at the same time! (Gamer? Making a tutorial maybe? Perfect).

You can also connect external microphones if you believe they’re of better quality.

Then, you get to select a specific frame-rate for the video. Gaming needs higher, while just informative videos may do with a lower FPS rate, right?

It supports frames as low as 15 to as high as 120.

How about turning your system into a hidden (or non-hidden) camera?

You can set an “end time”. Filmora keeps recording till that time is reached.

Have multiple webcams? Filmora would let you select any webcam you desire for the capture.

You can also select custom areas for the recording.

It’s also the perfect video editing tool for beginners.

Apple Books offers manual control of two dark modes as well as an Auto-Night Theme option. One thing to keep in mind, if you choose the black dark mode for Apple Books during the day, it will. Jul 13, 2018  Make sure that your Mac meets the system requirements for Night Shift, then follow these steps. Choose Apple menu ( ) System Preferences, then click Displays. Click the Night Shift tab. Schedule: Create a custom Night Shift schedule or have Night Shift turn on automatically from sunset to sunrise. Manual: Control Night Shift manually. If Night Shift is off, select the checkbox to turn Night.

You can add annotations, apply green screen effects, add transitions and do a lot more.

The best part? It’s 100% free! Although sure go for the paid plans if you need more features.

Compatible with:

5. Debut Video Capture Software

Website:http://www.nchsoftware.com/

There are a lot of webcam recording aids available to figure out the best free recording software is quite tricky. But, Debut video capture software keeps you away from that trouble. Thankfully it is a free to use software with every possible feature which can be used to make your recording better.

Talking about this incredibly amazing recording software, then thankfully it comes for free but that is only when you want to access some of the basic services.

The other purchasing options include the Home Edition of this software costing $40 and Pro Edition costing $50 as a one time fee. But trust me, I think you are going to cover most of the important features under the free version only.

Debut Video Capture software, being one of the best webcam recording software offers various features. These are multiple format support, computer screen recording, video settings adjustment, time lapse, highlighting, audio /video separate recording and various others.

A great aid for the people who want to utilizes these recorded videos from different sources for something great and creative.

Compatible with:

6. SplitCam

Website:http://splitcamera.com/

An excellent and one of the best webcam recording software specially made for Windows console is Splitcam. For someone who not only wants to record the videos but also wants to improvise it with the help of effects and editing then it can proved to be just the perfect option for you.

Well, the main feature of this software is to split your cam while video streaming on various platforms at the same time.

What I really liked about this software is the fact that it supports clearest quality of chats in HD and hence preferred by a large audience. Other features of this software are 3D masks, popular services support, various resolution support, recording and sharing simultaneously, zooming and many more.

The great thing is that it incorporates new updates and features in very quick span of time. Apart from recording, audio mixing and various audio effects are the other prime features of this software which makes it a great pro at the business. And of course, the best part remains to be its free of cost functioning.

Compatible with:

7. IP Camera Viewer

Website:http://www.deskshare.com/

IP Camera Viewer is the best webcam software which is suitable for those people who wants to install video surveillance at their home or office. It works like the camera installed at any place through which you can keep an eye on the people visiting you along with recording the entire footage too.

You can connect it to your PC instantly and then watch live footage in real time. You can control four cameras as the same time view their recording simultaneously.

You would be glad to know that it is absolutely free to use along with some wonderful features offered too. Some of the features of IP Camera Viewer that you should know are multiple camera support including IP camera and webcams, digitally zooming, orientation adjustment, footage capturing, live audio recording and many more.

Being an exceptional and free tool makes IP Camera Viewer one of the best webcam recording software and also quite an advanced tool offered by Deskshare. You can check out more such products by Deskshare on their site.

Compatible with:

8. GoPlayEditor

Website:http://www.goplayeditor.com/

GpPlayEditor is one of the most advanced and best webcam recording software in this list. It is mainly used for the professional purposes only and apart from getting a recorder you also get video editor with it too.

Mainly a free to use software, it allows you to go Pro too where there are no limits on the recording and editing features, unlike the free version where you can record for 10 minutes maximum at a time.

So, the Pro version has three subscription policies. For one year it is $15.90, for 5 years it is $40.90 and for unlimited usage it is $63.90 for 1 PC. Now, talking about that how you can use GoPlayEditor for various screen recordings then the list is actually quite long.

To be brief about it, I can list out some of the coolest features of it. Some of the ultimate features of this software are recording of screen, webcam and games, support HD video quality, multi-track video editing, split and merge tools, real-time dubbing and many more.

Compatible with:

9. Free Screencast

Website:http://www.free-screencast.com/

Running since 2005, Free Screencast is an extremely innovative and creative platform which can surely help you to fulfill your objective related to recording as well as editing. As the name of this software says it all, it is an absolutely free to use software with no hidden charges or subscriptions at all.

Being a match made in heaven for the best free webcam software, Free Screencast is much more than just a screen recorder.

Although not as popular as the rest of the options I listed here but surely suitable for the people looking for a free to use webcam recorder. Some of the features associated with Free Screencast are multiple video format support, screen recording with sound, webcam and IP camera recording, tutorial making and video editing, customization of recording, task scheduling and many more.

Apart from recording and like most of the best webcam recording software here, Free Screencast allows you to share your media as well from its platform itself.

Compatible with:

10. SMRecorder

Website:http://www.video2down.com/

Amongst various products offered by Video2Down, SMRecorder is one of the best webcam recording software. Keeping in mind the requirements of the users, I have listed this amazing software here which is absolutely free to use without any upgradation or subscription charges.

A simple tool that it is, SMRecorder can be operated by even beginners in this technology. You can use SMRecorder for multiple purposes like making demos, tutorials, presentations and many more.

Despite being an absolutely free to use software, it has a lot of things to offer to its users. Some of them are synchronization of audio and video, easy to use, multiple language users interface, desktop motion recording along with webcam recording, customization, simple interface and many more.

Being extremely simple yet significant option for webcam recording tools, SMRecorder can be a wise choice to pick but only for basic uses.

Compatible with:

11. Camersoft: Webcam Capture

Website:http://www.camersoft.com/

Amongst the best recording software, the Webcam Capture by Camersoft is my last pick. This is one of the various products offered by Camersoft and surely a popular and important one too. However, it only supports Windows platform and no other ones.

Well, there is a free version available of this software but it comes with some limitation and eventually you would have to pick the pro/paid version for sure which is going to cost you $25 as a one-time fee.

Now, talking about the features of Webcam Capture then there are plenty of them. First and foremost is that it is quite simple to use. From taking snapshots to full recording, Webcam capture does it all. Other functions of this software are home and webcam surveillance, webcam monitor, full Windows support, automatic webcam connection detection and many more.

I personally think that you should definitely give a try to this last mention in the list of best webcam recording software for sure.

Compatible with:

12. Cyberlink YouCam 8

Website:https://www.cyberlink.com/products/youcam/features_en_US.html?r=1

Cyberlink is a a company which has a number of tools to capture moments and mix the real with the reel. Its Youcam 8 Webcam software is one such tool designed specifically to capture a user’s Webcam and fine-tune it to the next level.

For starters the Webcam is equipped with a ton of skin-enhancements which can be used to enhance your look in real-time, even while live. YouCam8 is also compatible with Facebook Messenger, Skype, and even Youtube Live. It also offers effects and presets which cab be used by Streamers on Twitch, OBS, and other similar gaming platforms.

It boasts of the registered TrueTheater™ technology, which enhances the sharpness, noise, contrast, lightning etc. in real-time. Like those photo filters on Instagram? Youcam offers similar filters for your webcam. Video effects can be added live and it boasts an arsenal of 200+ of them, with the ability to download more.

The images can be framed using in-built frames, interesting particles (flowing hearts, blur/distortion etc). Even includes a photo editor which features brushes, touch-detection (for lines and shapes), and presets. Videos can be trimmed as well.

It adds “Face-detection” as well which can also be used to lock the devices, also can be used in the Surveillance mode which additionally feature time-lapse videos and timed snapshots. Obviously being one of the best Webcam Recording software for Windows and Mac, it’s not free and starts at USD $49.00.

Compatible with:

13. OBS BroadCaster

Website: https://obsproject.com/

OBS is an extremely feature-rich webcam recording and video streaming software. Although note that the features may be a tad bit overwhelming for absolute first-timers. It’s free as well as Open-Source but at the same time one of the most popular recording choices out there.

It also comes in-built with an editor which allows users to customize their videos, add transition effects, add video stingers etc. The software captures not just the Webcam, but also the windows, screen, browsers etc. and hence can be used to create professional scenes for various scenarios.

A good webcam should take care of the audio, shouldn’t it? Well OBS Broadcaster is packed with noise suppression, gain, noise gate and other advanced filters to make your audio studio quality. Wish to supercharge the webcam recording software? Well it supports third-party VST plugins as well.

It’s extremely customizable and hence users can set their own hotkeys for almost everything on the software. It also supports upto 8 scenes to be viewed and switched to and fro simultaneously. Its superpower however is its ability to let users live-stream directly and professionally.

In a nutshell, it’s not the easiest or “fun” webcam recording software, but if it’s features you’re looking for it totally is one of the best picks. It’s compatible with Mac, Windows and even Linux.

Compatible with:

14. Camtasia

Website: https://www.techsmith.com/video-editor.html

Camtasia is not just a Webcam recorder, but also a full fledged screen recorder. It’s packed with professional as well as fun-features. Everything being displayed on the screen can be recorded. However it’s prime attraction for me is the easy to use video editor.

If you’re into making Tutorials, Explainer videos and other similar content, Camtasia may just be a life-saver to you. The video editor features a Drag & Drop interface, annotations, shapes, text can be added and positioned easily. Not just that, there even is an “audio editor” which lets users record as well as edit audio.

Not sure of your voice? You can select and add from tons of Royalty free music and audio effects as well. It can record both system audio, as well as audio from Microphones and/or Webcams. A number of pre-made animations and visual-effects are included as well.

Other basic effects required for Explainers and Tutorials such as Zoom in, Zoom out etc. aren’t missing either. It can easily be integrated with Powerpoint, and slides be made into Videos. One-click uploads make sharing easier.

A free trial is available. Or, you can purchase it starting from USD $290.00 (approx) for 1 license. Prices decrease as you purchase more licenses in bulk.

Compatible with:

15. ScreenFlow

Website: https://www.telestream.net/screenflow/overview.htm

We’ve included a number of best Webcam recording software which are “Windows Only“. But why should they have all the fun? So well, we brought you ScreenFlow, a Mac-only webcam recording software.

It’s an all-in-one solution for webcam recording, screen recording and even video sharing. It allows recording multiple screens at once. Its video-editor is capable of letting you edit the videos and add annotations, transitions, text animations and much more.

Making videos for speakers of a different language? You can burn your subtitles into the videos as well. No additional tools required for creating those subtitles just in case you were wondering. Why be limited to videos? ScreenFlow also allows creation of animated GIFs and PNGs.

It also offers access to over half a million clips which can be added to the videos. Though my favorite part is its ‘iOS support. It’s not just limited to a MAC, you can also record your mobile devices! A free trial is available, the purchase-price is USD $129.00.

Compatible with:

16. Bandicam

Website:https://www.bandicam.com/webcam-recorder/

I’m not sure why or how Bandicam wasn’t included in this list earlier. It’s one of the most popular webcam recording software out there hands down.

It allows recording the camera from not just webcams, but also Playstation/Xbox, phones, SmartTVs etc. It also features Hardware acceleration which improves the overall video quality and recording speed considerably.

4K ultra HD videos with resolutions as high as 3840×2160 can be recorded. Although it offers a number of other features, for e.g. overlaying your facecam or webcam (useful for streaming/ recording games) and even advanced screen recording.

Users can manually select a recording area on the screen. You can also draw on your screen at the same time as it’s being recorded. To personalize or customize a video, you can even add your own logos to it. Furthermore, effects on mouse-clicks and microphone are supported as well. The videos can also be directly uploaded to video-sharing sites such as Youtube.

1-PC license costs USD $39.00, while for 2PCs you’d have to pay USD $59.00.

Compatible with:

17. Free 2x Webcam Recorder

Website:http://www.free2x.com/webcam-recorder/

Free 2x is a non-profit, 100% free webcam software for personal use. For starters, it can record any webcam and/or digital camera. Also, what’s video without audio, isn’t that right? Well it’s capable of recording audio as well.

Infact, it not only records system audio but also from your microphone. There may be moments when you need a snapshot instead of a video. Well, Free 2x allows you to take a snapshot while you’re already recording your webcam.

Its key-mapping makes it easy to use as well. Most webcam actions can be controlled from the keyboard, no mouse-movement is required. The watermark too can be edited. Moreover, scheduling too is available for automatic recording as well as auto-stopping.

If you wish to use the application for commercial or educational purposes, it needs to be purchased. A one-time, unlimited-use license is priced at USD $99.00. It records the video in AVI, WMV and MP4 formats, while saves the screenshots as JPG or BMP. The overall user-interface is modern and pretty easy to understand.

Compatible with:

18. ClipChamp

Website:https://clipchamp.com/en/webcam-recorder/

Not exactly a software, rather an online webcam recording tool. All the more easier and simpler for you, isn’t it?

No downloads required. It’s completely browser-based.

This makes it one of the best webcam recording software for Wndows AND Mac.

Screen capture software app mac computer. There is no limit on time, and hence, you can create as long video as you want with the help of Snagit. Regarding compatibility, you should have macOS High Sierra, Sierra, or El Capitan (macOS 10.11 or later).3 Fimora Scrnis another paid software to record Mac screen without any problem. Talking about recording, you would be able to record any app window, full screen, browser window or anything else.

And well, it’s free. Sure, paid plans exist, but they’re optional.

Clipchamp is capable of detecting multiple webcams, and allows the choice of selecting one of those.

External cameras as well as Mics can be selected with just one-click as well.

The videos are 100% private. Neither the company, nor anyone else has access to them.

The videos are processed client-side.

When it comes to quality, I’d say it performs better than some other “software” on this list.

Resolutions as low as 360P, and as high as 1080P available. The choice is yours as well.

It can even be used as a screen recording tool.

Additional features such as stock photos and videos available. These can be purchased using Clipchamp’s one-off payment model.

It even allows uploading and using our own media files with the recording.

And finally, a basic video editor is available just to smooth the edges.

Compatible with:

19. Free webcam recorder

Website:http://www.freewebcamrecorder.com/

If for some weird reason the 17 options above couldn’t solve your problem, this is one last desperate attempt to do so.

As the name suggests, it’s a 100% free webcam recorder.

Supports multiple webcams, you get to manually choose the cam you wish to record from.

Also supports “Loop mode” in addition to the normal/manual recording.

The “loop mode” is basically 24X7 automated recording. Lets the webcam be used as a security feed.

The loop mode can be set to record for up to 10 hours.

Also has a “schedule” option.

This lets you specify a start and end time, based on which the recording automatically starts and stops.

Supports outputs in MP4, WMV, MOV, FLV, and AVI formats.

Granular control over the video is provided, including the frame rate, size, minimum/maximum values etc.

Audio input can either be the mic, or any other source which can be manually specified. No-audio recording (and vice-versa) too are supported.

It seems to be coded by a single developer, offers one of the simplest and easiest interfaces out there.

Compatible with:

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Conclusion

For everyone who wants to stay updated with new technology, I think this section of best webcam recording software serves well for them. There are a lot of other software available too and make sure that you are not paying too much for what you are using by comparing them to the ones l enlisted here.

From preparing video tutorials to conducting live sessions for your audience, there are a lot of things which can be made possible through these software easily. Each software follows different steps to activate it so go through the description before directly using them.

Quick Summary

Having tested a number of sub-par and budget-friendly video editors recently, I was skeptical when I first encountered VideoPad, a totally free (for non-commercial use) program. Much to my surprise, VideoPad is not only passable but is superior to some of its $50-$100 competitors. This makes VideoPad a great choice for people who aren’t looking to spend a healthy chunk of change on a video editing program. However, it’s good enough to consider using even if you aren’t on a budget.

There are two paid versions of VideoPad, “Home” and “Master” edition. Both offer new features in addition to a commercial license. The Home edition is fully-featured but is limited to two audio tracks and no external plugins, while the Master edition permits you to use any number of audio tracks and allows external plugins. These versions normally cost $60 and $90 respectively on the NCH Software website but are currently available at a 50% discount for a limited time.

• Extremely fluid, malleable, and responsive user interface.
• Very easy to find exactly what you're looking for and learn the program.
• Surprisingly usable effects and transitions.
• Quick and easy to add text, transitions, and effects to your clips.
• Available for macOS users.

• Though highly effective, the UI appears a little outdated.
• Copying and pasting results in some strange behaviors.

VideoPad

Quick Navigation

// Why Should You Trust Me?
// What Is VideoPad?
// Several Thoughts About Video Editing
// Getting Started with VideoPad
// The Reasons Behind My Ratings
// VideoPad Alternatives

Editorial Update: It seems VideoPad is no longer free. We’ll re-review this program and update this review as soon as we can.

Why Should You Trust Me?

Hi, my name is Aleco Pors. Video editing started out as a hobby for me and has since grown into something I do professionally to complement my online writing. I taught myself how to use professional video editors such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Sony Vegas Pro (now acquired by MAGIX), and Final Cut Pro (macOS only). I also tested and reviewed a number of basic video editors catered towards amateur users including Cyberlink PowerDirector, Corel VideoStudio, Nero Video and Pinnacle Studio.

Because of my experience, I’m confident that I understand what it takes to learn a new video editing program from scratch. What’s more, I think I have a pretty good sense of whether or not a program is high-quality, and what features you should expect from such a program.

I spent several days playing around with VideoPad on my Windows PC and made a short demo video (unedited), which you can watch here, just to get a feeling for the effects and output VideoPad has to offer. My goal in writing this VideoPad review is to let you know whether or not this program is one that you will benefit from.

Disclaimer: I have not received any payment or requests from NCH Software (the maker of VideoPad) to create this review and have no reason to deliver anything but my honest opinion about the product.

VideoPad FAQs

What is VideoPad?

It is a simple video editing program developed by NCH Software, a software development company founded in 1993 in Canberra, Australia. The program is geared towards the home and professional market.

Is VideoPad safe?

Yes, it is. I tested it on my Windows 8.1-based PC. A scan of VideoPad’s content with Avast antivirus came up clean.

Is VideoPad Free?

The program is completely free for non-commercial use. If you’re interested in using VideoPad for commercial projects or would like to have a few more features, there are two paid versions of VideoPad available.

The “Masters Edition” costs $100, comes with every feature that VideoPad has to offer, and can support an unlimited number of audio tracks and external plugins. The “Home Edition” costs $60 and is also fully featured, but restricts you to two audio tracks and does not support external plugins. You can purchase both editions, or download the program for free.

Is VideoPad for Mac?

It is! VideoPad is one of the few video editors that work on both Windows and macOS. JP test-drove the Mac version on his MacBook Pro and discovered the app is fully compatible with the latest macOS version.

Main interface of VideoPad 5.2.1 on JP’s MacBook, with macOS 10.13 High Sierra.

Several Thoughts About Video Editing

Video editors are complex and multifaceted pieces of software. Development teams have to worry about designing features in a way which is both effective and intuitive: the UI, the effects and transitions, the recording features, the rendering process, the color and audio editing tools, and more. These features tend to fall into one of two categories, “essential” or “non-essential”, meaning that the feature is either necessary for creating professional quality videos or is simply nice to have.

The most common mistake I’ve noticed in my reviews for SoftwareHow is that developers tend to put a little too much effort into the “non-essential” features, the bells and whistles which make excellent bullet points on marketing pages but do very little to improve the actual quality of the videos the program is capable of producing. Frivolous features often come with a cost. It feels as though NCH Software, the creators of VideoPad, were aware of this common pitfall and did everything in their power to avoid it.

VideoPad is the most straightforward video editor that I’ve ever used. All of the most basic, essential features of the program are highly effective and generally work exactly as you’d expect them to. The UI feels clean and intuitive because the features you use the most are the easiest to find. The most critical tools you need for creating quality movies do their job admirably while providing a headache-free user-experience, which is especially impressive when you consider that the program is completely free for non-commercial use!

The only true criticism I have regarding VideoPad is that it’s so straightforward. Though this is certainly the program’s greatest strength, it also manages to be its greatest weakness due to the program’s stunning simplicity. The UI is highly effective, but it appears as though there was very little time spent on making it look nice. All of the basic tools are functional and fluid, but more than a few of the advanced features which you might hope to find aren’t present in the program. That said, NCH Software and VideoPad deserve a great deal of credit for focusing on the essential features first.

Getting Started with VideoPad

Please note: I tested VideoPad for Windows (version 5.2) on my PC and the screenshots below are all taken based on that version. If you’re using the program on a Mac machine, the interface will look slightly different.

The UI

VideoPad follows some familiar, modern paradigms in its UI while adding a few of its own unique and welcome twists. The UI designers did a fantastic job at identifying the features of a video editor that people use most, such as making splits in the timeline, and making those features easily accessible. Moving the timeline cursor to a new location within the timeline automatically brings up a small box next to your mouse which allows you to clip at that location. The dropdown menus which appear after right-clicking on an element seem to contain more useful options within them than I found in competing programs. It feels as though a good deal more thought was put into organizing the UI of VideoPad than was put into other programs.

As a general rule of thumb, adding new elements or accessing new features brings up a pop-up window. This design choice works better in VideoPad than in other programs due to its amazing fluidity. I found that these pop-up windows did a great job of presenting all the options and functions you need without overwhelming the user with choices.

The pop-up window for editing text is simple, ugly, and highly effective.

The only true downside to the UI is that it isn’t much to look at. It looks outdated. However, the ugliness of the UI has no bearing on the effectiveness of the program itself.

The Effects and Transitions

As a free piece of software, I was wholly expecting the effects and transitions to be fairly low-quality. Much to my surprise, the effects and transitions in VideoPad are roughly on par with the ones I’ve seen from other video editors in the $40-$80 range. Though you probably won’t be blown away by any of them, most of the effects are usable in a pinch and some of them look quite nice.

There are a healthy number of usable effects in VideoPad.

The transitions are of similar quality to the effects, which is to say that they’re much better than I would have expected from a free program but not one of VideoPad’s biggest strengths. I expect that the average user will be able to get plenty of mileage out of the transitions in VideoPad.

Recording Tools

The recording tools in VideoPad worked as well as you could expect. They automatically detected my laptop’s built-in camera and microphone, were simple to navigate through, and seamlessly integrated into the rest of the video editor, allowing you to add your home recordings into your projects with ease.

Rendering

The rendering process in VideoPad is just as straightforward:

The program presents you with just as many rendering options as the average user would ever need, and the rendering process itself is neither slow nor fast. The thing that makes exporting in VideoPad great is the long list of easily accessible output formats. VideoPad makes it very easy to upload your videos directly to the internet or burn them to a disk.

Suite

To be honest, I didn’t try out the video and audio editing tools present within the Suite tab very much. It is my understanding that these tools, which are accessible through the VideoPad UI, are just completely different programs. All of them are free for non-commercial use without a license.

The Reasons Behind My Ratings

Effectiveness: 4.5/5

VideoPad does everything you need it do with none of the bells and whistles. The most important video editing tools are the program’s greatest strengths.

Price: 5/5

It’s hard to get better than free! Completely free for non-commercial use, VideoPad is the most cost-effective video editor on the market. It’s not super expensive for commercial use either – the paid versions normally cost $60 and $100 dollars but are currently on sale for just $30 and $50 dollars. If you end up enjoying the program, consider purchasing a license to help support the developers.

Ease of Use: 5/5

I can’t recall a single instance in my testing of VideoPad where I struggled to find a feature or tool in the program’s UI. Everything works exactly how you’d expect and you’re liable to find it where you’d expect to as well. The program also operates on a relatively low amount of resources, providing a smooth and fluid user experience throughout.

Support: 5/5

NCH Software provides a tremendous amount of written documentation on their website, along with a useful assortment of video tutorials to help get you started with the program. If you’re ever facing down a particularly tricky problem, you can also submit a written support ticket or take to the VideoPad official forums.

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If You Want The Most Bang for Your Buck:

If budget is your primary concern when it comes to finding your next video editor, then you can’t beat free! Normally I would recommend Nero Video to my budget-conscious readers (you can read my review of Nero Video), but I honestly feel as though VideoPad and Nero Video are comparable enough that you should just go with the free program unless you need to create videos for commercial use.

If You Want to Make High-quality Movies:

VEGAS Movie Studio is a top-notch product which borrows a lot from one the best video editors on the market, Sony Vegas Pro. Vegas Movie Studio has an incredibly user-friendly UI while offering high-quality effects and a number of useful features. If video editing turns out to be more than a passing interest for you, the experience you gain with Vegas Movie Studio sets you up to learn the professional-level version of the program with ease. You can read my VEGAS Movie Studio review here.

If You Want The Cleanest and Easiest Program:

Nearly all of the video editors in the 50-100 dollar range are easy to use, but none are easier than Cyberlink PowerDirector. The creators of PowerDirector spent a great deal of time and effort to create a simple and pleasant user experience for users at all levels of experience. You can read my PowerDirector review here.

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