Best 10 Software for Editing 360 Videos
Editing 360-degree videos requires specialized tools designed to handle the unique challenges of this immersive format. From beginner-friendly software to professional-grade solutions, each program offers distinct features tailored to different user needs. In this guide, we will explore some of the most popular options for creating high-quality 360 video content.
So keep reading to pick your perfect match solution.
Please keep in mind this is not in order of preference as all editors and software have their own pros and cons.
#1 — Movavi 360 Video Editor
Movavi simplifies the complex task of editing 360-degree videos, making it accessible for users of all experience levels. Its standout features include:
- Direct upload — Quickly import footage from popular 360-degree cameras without hassle.
- 360-degree preview — A real-time viewer lets you explore videos as audiences will, ensuring every detail is perfect.
- Magic enhance tool — Automatically adjust color balance and lighting for professional-quality visuals.
- Custom effects — Experiment with filters, slow-motion effects, and a Chroma key for creative flexibility.
Movavi’s clean interface and guided tutorials make it particularly appealing for beginners, while its array of features ensures quality results without overwhelming new users. Cut your videos in seconds with a video cutter, boost the visual picture with a color-correcting tool, and upload ready-made videos with ease.
#2 — Lightworks (LWKS)
Lightworks is a powerhouse in video editing, catering to professionals who demand precision and flexibility. It supports various editing formats, including 360-degree video, and includes:
- 8K resolution support — Perfect for projects requiring the highest quality.
- Advanced effects and overlays — A comprehensive library of transitions, titles, and visual effects.
- Social media integration — Seamlessly export optimized videos directly to YouTube and other platforms.
- Customizable workflow — Tailor the interface to suit your editing style and streamline your process.
While the steep learning curve may deter beginners, Lightworks rewards dedicated users with advanced tools and unparalleled control, ideal for complex projects like cinematic productions or high-end marketing campaigns.
#3 — VSDC
This powerful free software offers basic editing features. Its well-packed feature set makes it a great entry-level tool. Key functionalities include:
- Simple editing tools — Combine, trim, and add transitions to clips with minimal effort.
- Color enhancements — Use 3D LUTs to create stylized color grades for a unique look.
- Audio management — Adjust volume, add background music, or sync audio with visuals.
The straightforward approach that VSDC offers suits users focused on small-scale projects or quick edits. While it lacks the advanced tools of other options, its accessibility and functionality make it a handy choice for basic tasks.
#4 — AVS Video Editor
AVS video editor offers a balanced mix of powerful editing features and video processing capabilities. Its specialized tools are particularly effective for 360-degree video projects:
- Lens correction — Correct fisheye distortion, which is commonly seen in 360-degree footage.
- Comprehensive color grading — Fine-tune brightness, contrast, and saturation to achieve cinematic quality.
- Hardware acceleration — Leverages your GPU to process large files efficiently, reducing lag and speeding up export times.
The blend of advanced tools and efficient processing makes AVS video editor ideal for creators working with high-resolution or resource-intensive video files.
#5 — Magix Movie Studio
Magix is a comprehensive video editing software package that offers a suite of basic editing tools. Its key features are:
- Timeline editing — Multi-track timeline editing with up to 99 tracks for video and audio.
- Library of visual effects — Over 1,500 creative effects, transitions, titles, and templates.
- AI-powered tools — Advanced features for sharpening, fog removal, and subtitle generation
Though not as feature-rich as dedicated editors, Magix Movie Studio is a practical choice for users seeking an easy-to-use solution for editing.
#6 — Insta360 Studio
Insta360 Studio is a powerful and user-friendly desktop software designed for editing 360-degree videos as well as traditional flat footage. The latest update has introduced several significant features that enhance its functionality and improve the editing experience. Here are the top features of
- Multiple clip management — Users can now combine multiple 360-degree clips into a single timeline.
- Transitions — A library of plug-and-play transitions is available to make edits more dynamic.
- Keyframe management — Adding keyframes has been simplified to a single right-click action.
- Speed editor — Users can customize the speed of clips easily, including adjusting multiple clips’ speeds simultaneously.
With its pack of its advanced features focused on creativity and efficiency,
#7 — Davinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve offers a range of advanced features tailored for immersive content creation. Here are the top features that make DaVinci Resolve a strong choice for editing 360 videos:
- Keyframe animation — Users can easily set keyframes to pan, tilt, and roll through 360-degree footage.
- Field of view adjustments — The software allows users to adjust the field of view to zoom in or out on specific areas of interest within the 360 video
- Advanced compositing — DaVinci Resolve’s Fusion provides tools for complex visual effects and compositing. Users can add 2D graphics, titles, and motion effects directly into their 360 videos
- PanoMap Node — This feature helps to level and adjust the orientation of 360 videos, ensuring that vertical elements remain straight and properly aligned.
On top of that, the software comes with robust audio editing tools, allowing users to mix and master soundtracks effectively alongside their video content.
#8 — Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a leading choice for editing 360-degree videos. The solution offers a comprehensive set of features tailored for immersive content creation. Here is what you will definitely like about Adobe Premiere Pro:
- 360 video preview — Premiere Pro allows users to view 360-degree footage in the Monitor panel, enabling real-time editing and adjustments.
- Stitching and importing — The software supports direct importing of stitched 360 footage.
- Keyframe animation — Editors can set keyframes to dynamically adjust the pan, tilt, and roll of the footage throughout the timeline.
- Specialized effects — Premiere Pro includes VR-specific effects such as VR Blur, VR Sharpen, and various transitions.
For high-res footage, Premiere Pro supports proxy workflows that allow editors to work with lower-resolution versions of their clips. This ensures smoother playback during editing without sacrificing final output quality.
#9 — Apple Final Cut Pro X
Final Cut Pro X provides a great suite of tools specifically designed for editing 360-degree videos:
- Import and edit — Final Cut Pro X allows users to import, edit, and deliver both monoscopic and stereoscopic 360-degree video.
- 360 viewer — The integrated 360 Viewer enables real-time visualization of footage in a headset view. Thus, editors can see exactly how their edits will appear in an immersive environment.
- 2D and 3D titles — Final Cut Pro X enables the addition of both 2D and 3D titles to 360-degree videos.
- HDR support — Final Cut Pro X supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) video editing so that editors can work with lifelike images that enhance the viewer’s experience.
The application includes updated audio effects plugins that allow for detailed sound design within 360 videos. It also offers sophisticated color grading tools for achieving professional-grade visuals in both standard and HDR formats.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Needs
Each of these tools excels in specific areas, be it video merging, trimming, or fixing the background. Thus, Movavi simplifies editing for beginners, while Lightworks is a go-to for professionals. VSDC and Magix are ideal for quick, straightforward edits. No matter your skill level, there’s a solution to bring your 360-degree video projects to life.
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