If you’re just getting started or only need the bare minimum to create your project, HitFilm Express is equipped with the basic tools needed to import, trim and combine video and audio clips. Some sections are so densely populated with options, though, that it’s a little challenging to work your way through the details in the drop-down menus. Unless you’re a total novice to video editing, it shouldn’t take long to find your way around the program’s basic features. HitFilm Express generally provides drag-and-drop ease of use.ĭrop-down menus and the toolbar are, for the most part, self-explanatory and logically arranged just mouse over a tool to reveal the tool’s name and keyboard shortcut. The application’s video and audio timelines are pretty standard and there are comprehensive drop-down menus for specific features and functions such as effects, transitions, exporting and more. Background color can also be customized along a sliding scale from white to black. You’ll also find other tools scattered across the UI.

You can “float” these panels or close one or more to customize your workspace. Next to the Media tab, you’ll also find menus for Effects, Controls (for tweaking a selected effect), a History list of all the edits you’ve done and a Text tab. A clean layout includes trimmer and viewing windows as well as a media bin that holds your video assets for easy access. The UI should be familiar to anyone who has worked with standard non-linear video editing programs. Depending on how you learn best (and on your editing experience), you can jump right in, look through the manual or watch one of the tutorials. There’s also an active and useful HitFilm community to explore. The manual can be accessed directly from within the program, but although the user guide is thorough and searchable, it’s probably easier to start with one of the many excellent tutorials - at least until you become familiar with where all the tools are located. Once you’ve downloaded and activated the program, you’ll see an opening page with links to a manual as well as tutorials and sample videos created with the software. As you move the donation slider to the right, you’ll see additional packs that are available. While you can purchase add-on packs at any time, you’ll save money by going the donation route at the beginning.Ībove you'll see just a small sample of what you can get with a donation. If you do make a donation, however, you’ll get certain add-on packs.

When downloading the program, there’s a slider bar to make a donation but you can move it to zero and get the software for free.

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